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If you look at the careers of great entrepreneurs and you…

“If you look at the careers of great entrepreneurs and you look at the moment they took their plunge, the plunge is rarely a great financial or material risk, it’s a social risk. At the moment they started their new businesses, everyone around them said ‘you’re an idiot’.” quote by Malcolm Gladwell
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“If you look at the careers of great entrepreneurs and you look at the moment they took their plunge, the plunge is rarely a great financial or material risk, it’s a social risk. At the moment they started their new businesses, everyone around them said ‘you’re an idiot’.”

Malcolm Gladwell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Entrepreneurial leaps are often socially risky, facing ridicule before success.

In simple terms: Risk is often social, not financial.

Key Takeaway

Embrace criticism as part of growth.

Themes

entrepreneurship risk social pressure

Mood

determined optimistic

Type

motivational advice

When to use this quote

  • starting a startup
  • pitching ideas
  • changing careers
  • introducing new products

Key Concepts

social dynamics courage innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How will you handle naysayers?
  • What support can you seek?
A Different Perspective

Social risk can be amplified by cultural resistance.

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