http://seobrien.com/ancient-startup-communities-greece-rome

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Those who cannot remember the
past are condemned to repeat it
- George Santayana

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Yet those who study history are
doomed to stand by while everyone
else repeats it

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Characteristics of Ancient Greece
- Heart of the culture of western civilization
- Established philosophy
- Governed by city-states
- Destined by Gods
- Innovation based on observation and need

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Characteristics of Ancient Rome
- Dominant force of ancient Europe
- Established stoicism
- Governed by the Republic
- Manifest destiny
- Innovation based on conquest and improvement

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Thales and Cicero
Thales
Invented an olive
press simply to
prove that
philosophy was
time well spent
Cicero
Celebrate the personal gain of others, value is not
created through their downfall

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Stoicism
Fortitude as a means
of overcoming
destructive emotions
1. Practice Misfortune
2. Train to Avoid Wrong
3. All ephemeral

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Philosophies of Silicon Valley
- Dominant force of tech innovation
- Fail and fail fast
- Create value for all
- Constantly “better”
- Innovate to distrupt and improve

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Philosophies of Austin
- Heart of American culture
- Bootstrap and be lean
- Attain your ideal lifestyle
- Celebrate success
- Innovate by way of product / market fit

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Philosophy defines culture
Product / Market Fail and Better

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Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, AND Houston

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Austin's Challenges
- Does independence not foster ethnocentrism?
- Does individualism create businesses but not cohesive
industry?
- Are we supportive but not truly collaborative?
- Does a celebration of success overlook the importance
of failure?
- Does filling needs not stifle disruptive innovation?

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Learning from Rome AND Greece
- Heart of N. America's economic future
- Independence inspires entrepreneurship
- Individualism fosters creativity
- Celebration of success drove Texas' 4 major
economies
- Product / market fit philosophy creates anew the
economy of the future

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paul@seobrien.com
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