These posts are adapted from Donald Keough’s excellent book The Ten commandments for Business Failure. This book was such an excellent source of common sense and probable one of the best books I’ve read in some time.

You’re right. You don’t need anyone else’s opinion but your own. You got where you are; that means you know what you’re doing. What could anyone else possibly contribute to your understanding?

If you want to fail, just assume that you know all there is to know and have a perfect understanding of it. You will show all those people who think their opinions matter.

And why not? You certainly have a biblical precedent. King David assumed his lust for one of his general’s wife was the right choice on a warm night in Jerusalem [2 Samuel 11:1-5]. Nebuchadnezzar assumed that he had conquered the Levant by his own power and ingenuity [Daniel 4:29-37]. Peter thought he had Jesus figured out more than once [Matthew 16:33, Mark 9:5]. The Pharisees who stoned Stephen knew that their opinions must be correct [Acts 7:54-60].

So, go ahead Captain You-Planet! The world must bow to your opinion. Follow your own advice and you’re sure to fail spectacularly!