To Be And To Last #14
This week we explore behind the scenes of Instagram’s 2012 acquisition, inside the mind of a modern soldier, and around one of Elon Musk’s lesser-known innovations.
What’s your one thing?
What's the one thing I could do, such that by doing it everything else would be easier or unnecessary? - Tim Ferriss
I’ve frequently found myself revisiting Tim Ferriss’ question above, and I’m fascinated by how often the truly important work is also the most outwardly boring. In that theme, I enjoyed this thread describing how Elon Musk challenged IPO norms to maximize Tesla’s raise at a crucial time in the company’s history.
“will he go into destroy mode if I say no”?
In a true behind the scenes look, recent anti-trust hearings resulted in the public release of text messages leading up to Facebook’s 2012 acquisition of Instagram. The texts between Systrom (Instagram cofounder) and Cohler (investor) show the two scrambling for a way to shut down Zuckerberg’s acquisition interest without raising his anger (aka destroy mode).
In the end of course, Facebook did acquire Instagram (paying $1B for a 13 person company), but in many ways Systrom got what he wanted (“I don't want to shutter the product ... FB does with companies”).
It’s also a great reminder to dance like nobody’s watching, but to email (or text) like it might one day be on the cover of the New York Times.
The horrors and banality of war
A veteran friend recently recommended the short graphic novel Battle Born: Lapis Lazuli. I read it over breakfast a few weeks ago, and have been digesting since. It’s an incredibly potent portrayal of the multi-dimensionality of war, and the way that good intentions can so easily have bad outcomes.
In a way it reminded me of my brief time working with service users in a free medical clinic in London: no matter how good your intentions, you will go home at the end of your shift. The people you serve will still be here, and they’ll be vulnerable to those who come after you. For an assumption-challenging view into that world, I can’t recommend This is London more highly.
To Be And To Last: Thinker Nate Desmond’s weekly roundup of long reads, contrarian thoughts, and hidden jewels that aren’t getting enough attention.
You likely joined on NateDesmond.com or BuckFiftyMBA.com.
Got thoughts? nate+newsletter@natedesmond.com.