In 1776, on the eve of American independence, a pamphlet of fewer than 20 pages began to circulate. The pamphlet, titled Common Sense, was written by Thomas Paine, who used plain and powerful language to inspire people to rise against tyranny and oppression. During the American Revolutionary War, the influence of Common Sense on the public was second only to that of the Bible.
In 1904, Entrepreneur magazine in the United States chose a passage from Common Sense as its founding statement. Over the following century, though the world changed and generations passed, the words printed on the magazine’s first page have never been altered. They are known as TheEntrepreneur’s Creed.
” I do not choose to be a common man.
It is my right to be uncommon if I can.
I seek opportunity, not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen,
humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk.
To dream and to build. To fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.
I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence.
The thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor my dignity for a handout
I will never cower before any master, nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage
to stand erect, proud and unafraid,
to think and act for myself,
to enjoy the benefit of my creations,
and to face the world boldly and say:
This, with God’s help, I have done. All this is what it means to be an Entrepreneur.”
The Enterprise Creed embodies the core spirit that CWNT follows — independence, innovation, and responsibility. CWNT is delighted to connect with everyone in anyway and to serve partners well around the world.
