Red Medicine Pop Psychology for Entrepreneurs w/ Erik Baker
Mar 26, 2025
Erik Baker, a Harvard lecturer and Senior Editor of The Drift, joins to unravel the intricate relationship between entrepreneurialism and pop psychology. He discusses the historical roots of the entrepreneurial spirit, tracing its evolution from spiritualism to modern self-help. Topics like the link between anti-psychiatry movements and entrepreneurship, as well as how crises drive innovative thinking, are explored. Baker emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions in today’s economic landscape, highlighting the shift from individual success to collective welfare.
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Entrepreneurial Work Ethic Origins
- The entrepreneurial work ethic emphasizes positive thinking to overcome obstacles.
- This idea originated in faith healing, where positive thinking was used to cure illnesses.
History of Entrepreneurship
- The concept of entrepreneurship is older than its common usage suggests.
- Terms like "enterprising" and "creative leadership" described similar concepts before "entrepreneurship" became popular.
Sources of Entrepreneurial Ethic
- The entrepreneurial work ethic has two main sources: management expertise and popular psychology/self-help.
- These sources cater to different audiences, from C-suite executives to the unemployed.