An asset is the foundation of all economic activity. If you have assets, you can run a business and settle your debts. The ways to create assets are ‘how one works,’ ‘how to receive gifts from others,’ and ‘how to purchase assets made by others.’ There is a way to steal, but it is a crime. If you don’t initially own an asset, the simplest and almost the only way to create one is to produce something with your own labor. Whether the product is a service or a good, it must be produced unconditionally. Trading products creates added value. Thinking about trading later and making products first is the fastest and most basic way to escape poverty. Therefore, produce even the smallest things every day. Knowledge, records, art—whatever! - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
A venture company president established an environment that encouraged open dialogue to foster an honest organizational culture, yet soon after, the company’s structure fell apart. Honesty can often be painful. To minimize the hurt caused by honesty, it is crucial to consider who delivers the message. In other words, if a respected individual speaks candidly, people are likely to feel less discomfort. Organizations can falter if honesty is prioritized over a culture of respect. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”