I really have two jobs: The first job is, I have to worry about everything below the waterline; anything that can sink the ship. Beyond that…I have to focus on two to three areas that I’m deeply passionate about—that aren’t below the waterline but that I focus on because I can add unique value, I’m truly passionate about them, and they can truly transform the company if they go well…And with the others I really try to empower leaders and get involved only when there are holes below the waterline.

– Brian Chesky

I divide my officers into four groups. There are clever, diligent, stupid, and lazy officers. Usually two characteristics are combined. Some are clever and diligent – their place is the General Staff. The next lot are stupid and lazy – they make up 90 percent of every army and are suited to routine duties. Anyone who is both clever and lazy is qualified for the highest leadership duties, because he possesses the intellectual clarity and the composure necessary for difficult decisions. One must beware of anyone who is stupid and diligent – he must not be entrusted with any responsibility because he will always cause only mischief.

– General Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord

When people are asked to play a certain role for a prolonged period, they risk becoming actors who can’t break from character. Roles shut people off from their normal lives and accommodate behaviors they would generally avoid.

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As an investor, when you see a dominant market power emerge, you should start asking yourself “what will undo that market power?” And you should start investing in that.

– Fred Wilson

Entrepreneurship is the intersection of thinking big and doing small.

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Knowledge is the information that we as humans choose to replicate over time.

– Albert Wenger

History rarely yields to one person. But think and never forget what happens when it does.

– Tim Cook

The future is already here—it’s just not very evenly distributed.

– William Gibson