Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
By: Peter Thiel
Published: 2014
Read: 2017
Summary:
Book about the challenges of vertical progress (creating new things, going from zero to one) instead of horizontal progress (copying, going from 1 to 2, etc.).Â
Anecdotes and thoughts about what it takes to be successful in the startup world (as entrepreneur or investor), leadership, the long term impact of automation.
Worth Reading:
Known for being a contrarian, the boldness of the writing was enjoyable. Original thoughts and anecdotes made for an easy read.
Prefer listening to him talk through his ideas (podcasts, YouTube – see below).
Links:
Podcast summary:
Article summary:
YouTube:
- Peter Thiel: Different Perspectives On Innovation, Risk and Investing (2018)
- Peter Thiel: You Are Not a Lottery Ticket | Interactive 2013 | SXSW (2013)
- Peter Thiel Speaks at Brain Bar (2018)
- Peter Thiel on Trump, Gawker, and Leaving Silicon Valley (Full Interview) (2018)
Practical Takeaways:
Start small and gain a monopoly in a small market.
The optimism/pessimism and definite/indefinite matrix: can be used to reflect where we are on education, finance and politics. Broadly, it is argued that we currently live in an era of indefinite optimism.