50 pages • 1 hour read
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
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Essay Topics
Describe Thiel’s concept of a creative monopoly and outline why he thinks it’s the best business plan for a startup.
Explain why Thiel believes competition is bad for business.
What’s the difference between definite and indefinite optimism? How does this difference affect the development of technology?
Many people believe success is largely a matter of luck, while others believe it comes from dedicated effort. Argue first for those who favor luck, then argue for the effort side.
Describe three things that a startup must do correctly at the beginning in order to be successful. Why is each so important?
Define what Thiel means by a secret. Explain why such a secret is vital to a startup’s success.
Thiel believes computers don’t compete for jobs. What are his reasons?
Describe a computer’s greatest strength and describe the chief strength of the human mind. How does Thiel want businesses to make use of each of these strengths?
What’s the chief difference between company founders and the average person? How is this difference both good and bad for business?
What does Thiel mean by a singularity? Why does he believe it’s a good thing? How does he propose that a society achieve it?
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