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FoundersApril 7, 2018

#23 The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story

About This Episode
What I learned from reading The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story by Michael Lewis --- He grew up poor, dropped out of high school, and made himself 3 or 4 billion dollars (0:01), New Growth Theory (8:00), "Growth is just another word for change." (11:15), "The notion of what constituted useful work had broadened." (15:00), "If everyone was patient there'd be no new companies." (18:00), Turning his life around at 38 (21:00), Jim's idea to avoid the Innovator's Dilemma (30:00), The beginning of Netscape (33:00), The fast eat the slow (38:00), The people you don't want (40:00), The difference between a pig and a chicken /"They had wanted to be chickens; Clark forced them to be pigs" (43:00), All chips on 00 / Diversification is for idiots (48:00), Moving the goalposts / "Mama, I'm going to show Plainview." (56:00) ---- Founders Notes gives you the ability to tap into the collective knowledge of history's greatest entrepreneurs on demand. Use it to supplement the decisions you make in your work. Get access to Founders Notes here. ---- “I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — Gareth Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast
Book Mentions
3 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

The New New Thing, A Silicon Valley Story cover

The book discusses Jim Clark's eccentric personality and his impact on Silicon Valley, detailing his journey from poverty to becoming a billionaire and the creator of Netscape.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
Trigger: Jim Clark's eccentricity
For: Readers interested in technology and entrepreneurship
Key quote: Oddly enough, this character was at the center of one of history's great economic booms.
The host mentions 'The New New Thing' to highlight Jim Clark's unique personality and impact on the tech industry. Michael Lewis's storytelling is praised for capturing the essence of such eccentric figures, making the book a compelling read.
ASIN: N/A
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The Engineers and the Price System cover

The book is mentioned in relation to Veblen's theories about engineers seizing power from financiers, predicting that engineers would rule the economy due to their understanding of technology.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: engineers and economic power
For: Individuals interested in economic theory and the role of technology in society.
Key quote: Back in 1921 veblen had predicted that engineers would one day rule the US economy.
The host discusses Thorstein Veblen's insights from 'The Engineers and the Price System' to illustrate the evolving dynamics of power in the economy, particularly the shift from financiers to engineers. This context is tied to the narrative of Jim Clark, highlighting how engineers are increasingly recognized for their role in wealth creation.
ASIN: N/A
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Let My People Go Surfing cover

This reference to, now he's on the path for juvenile delinquents, it's always amazing how books are the original hyperlinks and these ideas that we read in one place we keep seeing pop up in another one.

Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: entrepreneurship and age
For: aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders
Key quote: you want to understand the entrepreneur, study the juvenile delinquent, which is from Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, and in his book, Let My People Go Surfing.
The host mentions 'Let My People Go Surfing' to highlight a quote from Yvon Chouinard that connects entrepreneurship with the experiences of juvenile delinquents. This reference serves to illustrate the unconventional paths that can lead to success, as exemplified by Jim Clark's journey.
ASIN: N/A
Buy on Amazon
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