It’s What You Can Contribute

In 1984, Columbia University student Ben Horowitz realized he wanted to major in computer science. He was excited to share his epiphany with friends, but they mocked his choice, claiming that computer science was merely a trade and that he should study something more substantial. That experience taught Horowitz to ignore his friends and think for himself. This can be challenging, because humans instinctively want to be liked, and the easiest way to get others to like you is to echo their beliefs. But the only valuable ideas are those that nobody yet knows or believes. For example, if your business idea is to produce efficient cellphone batteries...