Entrepreneur's Creed

I do not choose to be a common person.
It is my right to be uncommon is I can.
I seek opportunity not security.
I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled
and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk to dream
and to build, to fail and succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole;
I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed
existence, the thrill of fulfillment
to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence
nor my dignity for a handout.
I will never cower before any master
nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect,proud
and unafraid, to think and act for myself,
to enjoy the benefit of my creations
and to face the world boldly and say,
This, with god's help, I have done.
All this is what it means to be an entrepreneur!


©1977 American Entrepreneur Association