In the network era, there are four kinds of courageous and fearless individuals. Psychologists say that "greed" and "fear" are part of human nature. Indulging in desires without restraint is called greed, while facing the future with trepidation like a mute cicada is called fear. Because of greed, people set new goals after achieving one. Because of fear, people become as cautious as walking on thin ice when faced with seemingly easy-to-obtain results.
Over the past few decades, IT tycoons have best embodied the human traits of greed and fear. Among them, many have shown a magnificent spectacle of pursuing their goals without hesitation.
1. The Fearless Unnamed
The internet age has given rise to numerous grassroots heroes. Once nameless, these now-renowned figures were much like all city dwellers whose ancestors traced back to rural roots.
A name can be a burden. The fear of losing it is a form of fear. Thus, when IT celebrities hesitate whether to lower themselves and compete for opportunities with grassroots individuals, the latter have already taken action.
Hence, the true masters of the internet are ultimately the grassroots. Some say that eventually, like traditional industries, the internet will be monopolized by powerful elites. Yes, but we're not there yet.
2. The Fearless Property-less
Risk and benefit are always related. For wealthy IT tycoons, losing what they've struggled so hard to gain is painful. In the face of this fear of loss, the greedy desire to obtain everything is often suppressed. However, for those who once had nothing, what do they have to lose?
Benefits are motivation. Losing the title of being property-less brings about unprecedented results and processes, making the internet more akin to a proletarian revolution. During this process, different interest groups begin to unite consciously. The so-called mainstream industry, consisting of those with vested interests, attempts to strengthen order. Meanwhile, countless property-less individuals strive to find opportunities, forming alliances through joint ventures, while lone fighters are easily eliminated.
Many people increasingly understand this principle. Therefore, internet entrepreneurs become the most resourceful and professional group among all entrepreneurs, emphasizing division of labor and positioning. This aligns with the rallying call: "All internet proletarians unite."
3. The Fearless Ignorant
Ignorance is relative. Experience is only correct within a specific time and space context, and knowledge, though abstracting experience, cannot escape the inherent constraints of experience.
The ignorant are not unintelligent; they simply have less experience and knowledge. But precisely because of this lack, it brings more opportunities for innovation. To those steeped in experience, innovators appear remarkably fearless.
The internet industry started through innovation and will continue to develop because of it. In this ever-changing network, no model can last forever, and no theory can be considered classic. The internet reinterprets the "American Dream" of entrepreneurship. As Li Ning's advertising slogan says, everything is possible.
4. The Fearless Morally Bankrupt
One can lack everything except conscience. In daily life, when people say, "Look at your behavior," few would feel comfortable. However, in the internet industry, there are some unconventional individuals whose secret to wealth could be described as the fearless morally bankrupt.
Some say the internet is a chaotic world, a kind of "jianghu," thus giving rise to numerous heroes and reviving heroism. This may be true, but it depends on what kind of hero.
If it's the type of hero where "one general's success comes at the cost of ten thousand bones," then it doesn't deserve respect. Neither should we respect those who shout justice slogans loudly while engaging in despicable acts behind closed doors. If such practices succeed repeatedly, it can only mock the traditional Chinese moral and value system.
I don't deny that there are plenty of current internet heroes in China who have made money this way. However, humans eventually grow old and leave this world. Carrying a bad reputation means having money but no happiness. Greedily acquiring wealth only to be despised by most people—what good is that money?