Martyrs of Progress
Innovators often become martyrs to the progress of civilization. Society does not advance itself. Groups of people do not innovate. The only way civilization continues to evolve is by individuals that take a risk to do something different. In most cases they blow themselves up after they’ve changed the world. Icarus flew too close to the sun and melted his wings in the process. Innovators are psychologically hardened to handle pressure. They don’t avoid risks. When the fire starts to turn to embers they find another way to stir it up. You can avoid becoming a martyr by compartmentalizing risk in your life. Do you want to do big things in business? Keep your personal life in order. Don’t take unnecessary risks that could potentially land you in ruins.