Move Slow and Fix Things | Matthias Endler

In a world that often glorifies speed, efficiency, and disruption, Matthias Endler’s perspective in “Move Slow and Fix Things” offers a refreshing counter-narrative. It challenges the prevailing mindset that equates success with rapid growth and quick profits. Instead, Endler advocates for a more thoughtful approach—one that emphasizes sustainability, quality, and long-term viability.

The Challenges of Running a Small Business

One of the most resonant comments on Endler’s piece highlights the stark realities faced by small business owners. Running a small business is undoubtedly hard, especially when financial pressures mount and the competition is fierce. Many entrepreneurs find themselves in a precarious position, trying to balance quality and sustainability with the need to survive in a free market.

The comment captures a common struggle: when competitors can leverage venture capital (VC) funding to sell products at a loss, the traditional business model can feel like an uphill battle. While a small business may thrive on principles of sustainability and quality, the harsh truth is that these values can sometimes lead to short-term financial insecurity. Entrepreneurs might find themselves living on a diet of ramen noodles while they wait for their principles to pay off in the long run.

The Allure of Venture Capital

The second comment emphasizes the advantages that VC funding can provide. With access to significant financial resources, entrepreneurs can afford to pay themselves a reasonable salary earlier in their ventures. This financial cushion allows them to delegate tasks that they may not enjoy, freeing up time to focus on what they love most about their business.

However, this path is not without its own set of challenges. The pressure to deliver rapid returns to investors can lead to a culture of short-term thinking, where maintaining core values and ensuring long-term sustainability may take a backseat. The realities of VC funding can create a stressful environment, filled with new risks that many small business owners are unprepared to face.

A Call for Thoughtfulness

Endler’s essay resonates with those who believe that a thoughtful approach to business is not only preferable but necessary. The comment, “Sustainability > profit,” succinctly captures a growing sentiment among consumers and entrepreneurs alike. As the world grapples with pressing issues like climate change and resource depletion, the need for businesses to adopt sustainable practices becomes increasingly urgent.

The Legacy of “Move Fast and Break Things”

Another insightful comment reflects on the previous ethos of “Move fast and break things,” a mantra popularized by Silicon Valley that encouraged rapid innovation at any cost. The commenter laments the damage that this approach can inflict, both on the business landscape and on the individuals within it. There are elements of the tech world—such as outdated programming languages like Perl—that still bear the scars of this philosophy.

Now, as we seek to rectify the mistakes of the past, Endler’s message serves as a reminder that we must prioritize fixing problems rather than merely creating new ones. The notion of moving slowly to ensure quality and sustainability can prevent the kind of collateral damage that rapid innovation often leaves in its wake.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

Matthias Endler’s “Move Slow and Fix Things” urges us to reconsider our approach to business and innovation. While the allure of quick profits and rapid growth can be tempting, the real challenge lies in building a sustainable future. Entrepreneurs must navigate the complexities of their industries with a focus on quality, ethics, and long-term viability.

As we reflect on the comments surrounding Endler’s essay, we recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each entrepreneur’s journey is unique, and the balance between sustainability and profitability can be delicate. Ultimately, the goal should be to create businesses that not only survive but thrive—nurtured by a commitment to fixing what needs to be fixed, rather than breaking things along the way.

In a world that often prioritizes speed, let’s take a collective breath and embrace the slow and steady path toward meaningful change.