If you haven’t yet seen Pixar’s new masterpiece, “Ratatouille,” run, do not walk, to your nearest theater and avail yourself of what the NYTimes’ A. O. Scott has deemed “a near flawless piece of popular art” (no joke; can’t remember the last Times review that even approached that level of praise). That being said, as fair warning the below offers something of a spoiler. If you’re so inclined, do head to your next feed, or another (inspiring) blog.
In the movie’s final moments, with a happy twist, writer/director Brad Bird offers up the following polemic (controversial for its candor), which, as one in the “judgment seat,” I found particularly relevant to the work of venture capital and entrepreneurship:
In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and [easy (sic)] to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau’s famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize that only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau’s, who is, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau’s soon, hungry for more. [source]
I’ll comment on two pull-quotes from the above, in reverse order:
“Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.” In the venture industry the concept holds especially true. Successful entrepreneurs are often the most unlikely. Their gutsy perseverance, virgin creativity, or even market timing may end up far outweighing sector relationships or startup experience as success determinants. Anyone can start a business.
and…
“…There are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new.“ Indeed. It’s been wonderful to witness such defense appear publicly on the blogs of various venture investors. It is made behind closed doors too, everyday, to panels of peers, a champion supporting an investment thesis. The “discovery and defense of the new” both lends the work its historical mystique, and seeds our returns (i.e., must be followed quickly by assisting the “offense of the new!”). It is, arguably, the lifeblood of the industry, and coincidentally a pleasure. Thanks, Pixar, for reminding us.
Image credit: Ratatouille, originally uploaded by idealterna.
This is very profound. I not only enjoyed the comment from the movie, but your insight as well! Grand lire!!
I’m so glad you pointed those similarities out (especially the last bullet point regarding “discovery and defense of the new” in your post). I remember feeling the same why when watching that scene. Great post!
Great post Matt. Your quote initially reminded me of a similar quote from Teddy Roosevelt: ““It is not the critic who counts…..” (http://thinkexist.com/quotation/it_is_not_the_critic_who_counts-not_the_man_who/12121.html) where Teddy lambastes those that do not do, but instead point out flaws of others.
As a prior entrepreneur turned investor, Teddy’s quote always concerned me when I thought about how I was no longer “doing”, but instead had taken on the role of the “critic”. Interestingly enough, I think that this quote from the movie has provided me a little bit of hope and pleasure considering the importance of the role “defense and discovery” of something new. This certainly applies to good reporters and to good investors. There may be hope for us yet. Keep up the good work.
Jen and Andrew, thanks for the kind feedback!
Nathaniel, enjoyed your quote and the comment; I’ve tended to boil down Roosevelt’s (and my own) philosophy to “take action,” which can be done either as an entrepreneur or as an investor. Would also love to get in touch as an interested party in southeastern entrepreneurial activity - send me a line if you’re so inclined.
Best,
Matt