“ceos” vs “nerds”
Published Jul 09, 2023 by Timothy J. Baek

In today's fast-paced world, it seems that a particular group of individuals is gaining increasing influence and power: the so-called "CEOs" who have majored in business. While their rise to prominence might initially appear beneficial, I argue that these individuals are actually contributing to the ruination of our society by creating a low-trust environment and stifling human technological advancements.

One of the key reasons why it has become increasingly difficult for founders to build things that truly change the world is the influx of business majors who infiltrate various industries. These individuals often sugarcoat their projects, presenting them as groundbreaking innovations when, in reality, they lack substance and fail to deliver on their promises. This deceitful behavior leads to a pervasive sense of mistrust among investors and founders alike, hampering the collaborative efforts necessary for progress.

Moreover, the intrusion of business-minded individuals into fields beyond their expertise often results in the silencing of true innovators and experts. These self-proclaimed "CEOs" falsely believe that their business acumen grants them unparalleled knowledge and authority across all domains. This arrogance leads to the dismissal of nerds, the passionate and knowledgeable individuals who possess the necessary technical expertise and drive to propel technological advancements. Consequently, their voices are drowned out, and their invaluable insights go unheard, further impeding the potential for transformative breakthroughs.

The consequences of this low-trust society are manifold. Firstly, the increased number of "CEOs" vying for capital makes it significantly harder for genuine founders to acquire the necessary funding to pursue their visions. Investors become wary, unsure of whether they are truly backing the right people or merely falling prey to another slick presentation. As a result, they tend to opt for safer investment opportunities, parking their money in established ventures rather than taking risks on potentially game-changing ideas.

The pervasive presence of grifters among the majority of CEOs exacerbates this problem. These individuals are primarily concerned with personal gain, manipulating the system to line their pockets rather than driving meaningful progress. Their actions tarnish the reputation of all CEOs, leading to a general distrust of the entire community. This further hampers innovation by creating an environment where collaboration and risk-taking are discouraged, as potential partners and investors fear falling victim to yet another elaborate ruse.

It is crucial to note that the conclusions I draw in this essay stem from personal experiences and observations. Having witnessed countless instances of deception and the subsequent erosion of trust, it is difficult to deny the prevalence of these issues. While there certainly are CEOs who operate with integrity and genuine ambition, the unfortunate reality is that they are overshadowed by a sea of grifters who prioritize short-term gains over long-term progress.

In conclusion, the rise of business-major CEOs has led to a low-trust society, stifling human technological advancements. The infiltration of individuals from other fields, often lacking technical expertise, has resulted in the suppression of true innovators and the sugarcoating of underdeveloped ideas. This, in turn, makes it increasingly challenging for founders to acquire the necessary capital to bring their visions to life. The majority of CEOs must confront the fact that their reputations have been tarnished by the actions of grifters among their ranks. It is imperative that we reflect on these issues and consider the detrimental effects they have on society, as we strive to foster an environment that encourages genuine progress and trust.

As we ponder the consequences of this paradigm, we are left with a thought-provoking question: Can we truly progress and change the world if we continue to allow a system riddled with deceit and low trust to persist?