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A startup is the largest endeavor over which you can have definite mastery. You can have agency not just over your own life, but over a small and important part of the world. It begins by rejecting the unjust tyranny of Chance. You are not a lottery ticket.
Peter Thiel
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the power and control individuals can exert over their own entrepreneurial ventures, discouraging reliance on luck.

Peter Thiel's quote highlights the significant influence entrepreneurs can have when creating startups. It suggests that rather than leaving success to chance—akin to a lottery ticket—individuals can take charge of their destiny and actively shape their business ventures. By doing so, they not only take control of their lives but also impact the world around them in meaningful ways.

Themes

StartupSuccessAgencyControlEntrepreneurship

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech at a startup conference to inspire budding entrepreneurs.

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Every time you write an email, it is in the public domain. There are all these ways where security is not as good as people believe.
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Creating value isn't enough - you also need to capture some of the value you create.
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