The Entrepreneur's Credo

In 1986, the American Entrepreneurs Association published the Entrepreneur's Credo. It is a courageous statement about those who choose to be daring participants in free enterprise. Its words hold important meaning for entrepreneurial achievers. I can't think of a better way to end a chapter on your future than to ask you to contemplate its message. 

ENTREPRENEUR'S CREDO 

"I do not choose to be a common person. It is my right to be uncommon-if 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 to 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 my 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." 

_{Official Credo of American Entrepreneurs Association © 1986}