For many months I decided that writing is running away from the work and opted to write my essay titles or
themes down then revisit them "when I had time".
Today I realised this could rob any future reader (including myself) of the emotion that goes into writing and
reading great material.
Let's try to traverse two metaphors in one piece; i'll seperate these points as the spectacle
and gladiators.
the spectacle
Let's begin by leaning into the common 'arena' trope for startups. The colosseum was the largest arena of it's time
- hosting over 50,000 people for events.
Many events were those of blood and sand. Where crowds would roar in hopes of men entering valorously and leaving as
heroes.
Though we can only speculate on what they found entertaining, we know one thing for certain.
2 would gather for combat. 50,000 would gather to watch.
There was a lot of noise, a lot of fear, a lot of focus... yet for the most part... the audience didn't impact the
fight at all.
Few cared about the outcome. Most would comment, cheer, or pass judgement. Many would speak of the spectacle to
their peers.
Alas it would remain a spectacle for them.
It just wasn't "real".
They would leave with no more than some sand in
their shoes and return to watch again another day.
This was an industry. The fighters were property. He who paid for the fight controlled the outcome.
In our new digital world we've labelled our spectators as journalists, investors, social media gurus, even customers.
Some companies still fight at the highest level in the colosseum; others in smaller
amphitheatres. For all, the dynamics have remained similar.
Founders
Gladiators only share common ground with others in the Ludus Magnus.
gladiators
As in ancient rome, we often find ourselves lending words of praise to the victors - audacious, courageous, resilient.
How often do we question if those attributes are a choice?
To the person in the audience, sure, strengthening oneself and developing these characteristics is "nice" or impressive.
Yet these traits are paramount to survival. They are the difference between life and death.
How many of these gladiators chose to fight today?
How many chose to fight at this level?
Something can be said about this parallel between founders and gladiators.
Whilst founders don't risk death, they may be more irrational - because for many, they willingly step into the arena... against all warning and rational thought.
It's easy to question if you're being driven by fear of death failure or stubbornness or sheer determination.
As with all combat, ancient or modern, fighters are expected to protect themselves at all times.
So whilst it's interesting for you and I to think about "the why". Just like those in the audience,
our observations and the traits we identify don't matter.
