My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
The difference between guards and inmates is that inmates have been caught - guards are just as bad
The Reasoning
People in positions of authority often engage in similar behaviors as those they oversee, but have better circumstances or luck in avoiding consequences
What Needs to Be True
- Authority figures face similar temptations as those they police
- Socioeconomic factors influence who gets caught/prosecuted
- Power creates opportunities for corruption
Counterargument
Law enforcement and corrections professionals are held to higher standards and generally more ethical than criminal populations
What Would Change This View
Comprehensive data showing significantly different behavioral patterns between authority figures and general population when controlling for opportunity
Implications for Builders
Don't assume moral superiority based on position
Build systems that account for human nature rather than expecting people to be different
Recognize that circumstances often determine outcomes more than character
Example Application
“When designing company policies, assume that managers will face similar ethical temptations as employees and build appropriate checks and balances.”
Related Knowledge
All-In Commitment Framework
Complete dedication to one specific goal where you eliminate all competing priorities and commit 100% of your energy and focus.
Controlled Suffering Framework
Deliberately seeking difficult physical or mental challenges to build tolerance for discomfort and develop mental strength that transfers to other areas.
Optimal performance in high-stakes competitive events
Peak physical and mental performance on event day with no regrets about preparation
Successfully transition from employee to entrepreneur/independent operator
Financial independence through your own skills and relationships rather than employer dependence
The Coward-Hero Equivalence Model
Cowards and heroes feel identical emotions in dangerous situations - the only difference is their behavioral response to
Internal Narrative Supremacy Model
The story you tell yourself about a situation matters more than the objective reality because your narrative controls yo