“Two roads diverged in the wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference”
- From a Poem by Robert Frost.
Storyline:
Prior to Christopher Columbus’ voyage to America in 1492, the known path to India was going east via the African coastline.
Christopher Columbus decided to travel westward to reach India. The scientists, navigators and experienced travelers of the time thought that he was crazy.
So when Columbus approached the King of Portugal for venture money to sponsor a voyage to India via the western route, he received a “No, Thank You.” The King had already invested in plans to reach India through the eastern route.
Columbus received similar responses from crowns in Spain, France and England. But he did not give up - I guess some people never learn from existing data. Finally, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain did put seed money in to Columbus’ venture. The rest is history.
Reflection:
The key difference between Columbus’ voyage and other contemporary explorers of his time was that Columbus took the road less traveled. And in the process he discovered a new continent and unlimited opportunities for the people who followed.
In big and established companies, people prefer to take the road most traveled. Higher up one is in the chain, safer roads are better for the career.
The story is good for small or medium size companies but not in our company. Don't want to be an outcast.
Posted by: Andy | July 27, 2007 at 12:30 AM
Very true indeed. Inner self exploration and discovery of one's potential and greatness, serving humanity too is a road less traveled. Once one travel on, there is no look back, one will be most glad that one took the courage and initiative. It is the road to life liberation. May more be traveling on this path, as this is also the road to success, happiness, joy, well being, creativity, life abundance. Highly recommend the book by M Scott Peck, M.D. on "The Road Less Traveled". May all be blessed abundantly. Highest tribute to Anand & Luisa for leading this efforts.
Posted by: Chiew Boey, Malaysia | July 27, 2007 at 01:05 AM
The tenet of taking the road less travelled really is an important one, since in many situations we humans tend to stick to what we know (think we know). I believe this ties directly into the importance of "Blue Ocean Strategy".
That said, I'm not really sure how much Columbus should really be celebrated in this respect. I'm no expert on his life and deeds, but modern interpretation of the evidence indicates:
1)He was mostly in search of personal riches;
2) He wasn't the first to discover America (cf. Leif Erikkson);
3) He thought he had landed in the islands of the East Indies...hence the name he bestowed upon the natives, "Indians";
4) He didn't actually land in America but rather Cuba, Bahamas, and other islands in the Caribbean; Though we celebrate him as a discoverer in USA, he never actually entered the US mainland.
Therefore, I would argue that "the rest is mostly legend" (not history).
Posted by: Brian | July 30, 2007 at 02:42 AM
Road Less Travel is the way to explore life, it has greater risk and rewards but due to social and family responsibility, human tend to go for safer route. As you can see "My First Business in USA": http://joshiventures.blogspot.com/, I have chosen safer route to become entrepreneur where it is lesser risk and limited rewards.
Becoming an Entrepreneur: http://joshiventures.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rohit | August 16, 2007 at 07:06 PM