Business books are largely entertainment, not practical guides to strategic success. They offer simplified narratives, relatable anecdotes, and the illusion of actionable advice, but lack the nuance and context-specific insights necessary for real-world application. While enjoyable to read, they often promote generic, easily digestible concepts that are already widely understood. True strategic advantage comes from deeply understanding your specific industry, market, and company, which requires focused analysis and practical experience, not passively consuming popular business literature. Essentially, business books offer the comfort of perceived learning without the hard work of genuine strategic thinking.
The author of "Business books are entertainment, not strategic tools" posits that the overwhelming majority of business literature serves primarily as a form of escapism and amusement, rather than as a genuine source of actionable strategic insight for business practitioners. The central argument revolves around the notion that these books often peddle simplistic narratives, promising easy-to-implement solutions to complex business challenges, thus appealing to a desire for readily digestible answers and a sense of progress without requiring substantial intellectual effort. This, the author contends, stands in stark contrast to the messy, unpredictable, and context-specific realities of the business world, where genuine strategic advantage is derived from meticulous analysis, deep understanding of specific industry dynamics, and adaptive responses to constantly evolving competitive landscapes.
Furthermore, the article elaborates on the inherent limitations of generalized advice presented in business books. It argues that such advice, while perhaps offering surface-level inspiration or motivational boosts, lacks the nuanced applicability necessary to address the idiosyncratic challenges faced by individual businesses. The author suggests that the success stories recounted in these books are often oversimplified and decontextualized, failing to capture the intricate interplay of factors that contribute to real-world triumphs and thereby offering a misleading picture of the path to success. Instead of relying on these pre-packaged solutions, the author advocates for a more rigorous approach to strategy development, emphasizing the importance of deep immersion in one's own specific business environment, critical thinking, and the development of bespoke solutions tailored to the unique circumstances at hand. The consumption of business books, in the author's view, often serves as a substitute for this more demanding, yet ultimately more rewarding, process of strategic thinking, providing a veneer of intellectual engagement without the actual intellectual labor required to achieve meaningful results. Essentially, the author cautions against the allure of these books as quick fixes, portraying them as a form of intellectual comfort food that ultimately distracts from the arduous but necessary work of genuine strategic planning and execution.
Summary of Comments ( 202 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43940747
Hacker News commenters largely agreed with the article's premise that business books offer little practical value. Many argued that these books often state the obvious, repackage common sense, or offer vague, unactionable advice. Several commenters pointed out that direct experience and learning by doing were far more effective than reading generalized business principles. Some suggested that the true value of these books might lie in networking, signaling intellectual curiosity, or simply providing entertainment. A few dissenting voices argued that some business books offer valuable frameworks or introduce readers to new perspectives, but even they acknowledged that application and critical thinking are essential. A recurring theme was the importance of filtering the signal from the noise in the crowded business book market.
The Hacker News post titled "Business books are entertainment, not strategic tools" linking to an article on The Orthogonist sparked a lively discussion with a variety of perspectives on the value of business books. Several commenters agreed with the premise of the article, arguing that business books often lack actionable advice and are filled with generic platitudes, ultimately serving more as a form of entertainment or a placebo for aspiring entrepreneurs. They pointed out the repetitive nature of the content and the tendency for these books to state the obvious, offering little in the way of genuine strategic insight. Some suggested that the time spent reading such books could be better utilized in actively building a business and learning through direct experience.
A recurring theme in the comments was the idea that business books primarily cater to a desire for self-improvement and the fantasy of entrepreneurial success. The act of reading these books can provide a sense of progress and motivation, even if the content itself doesn't translate into tangible results. This "feel-good" factor was compared to other forms of entertainment, suggesting that the enjoyment derived from reading them is their primary value.
However, not all commenters dismissed the utility of business books entirely. Some argued that certain books, particularly those focused on specific skills like sales or marketing, can offer practical advice and valuable frameworks. The key, they suggested, is to be discerning in choosing which books to read and to approach them with a critical mindset, filtering out the generic advice and focusing on the actionable insights. Others pointed to the potential benefits of learning from the experiences and perspectives of successful entrepreneurs, even if the lessons are not directly applicable to every situation. Reading biographies and books that delve into the history of specific companies or industries were highlighted as potentially more valuable than generic "business advice" books.
Several commenters emphasized the importance of practical experience over theoretical knowledge gleaned from books. They argued that true learning comes from facing real-world challenges and adapting to dynamic circumstances, something that business books cannot replicate. The consensus among these commenters was that while books can supplement practical experience, they should not be considered a replacement for it.
Finally, some commenters discussed the role of luck and timing in business success, suggesting that attributing outcomes solely to the strategies outlined in business books is overly simplistic. They highlighted the importance of external factors and the inherent unpredictability of the market, arguing that no amount of reading can guarantee success.