Entrepreneurs of Life

This curriculum explores this powerful human desire for purpose and significance. Through classic texts and rich discussion, this curriculum explores themes of identity, ambition, and legacy. A meaningful guide for those seeking to live with intention and vision.

Part one of the readings introduce the Jewish and Christian view of purpose through calling, which can provide the “ultimate why” for human motivation. This view is contrasted with its two most powerful rivals in history—the Eastern answer and the Western secularist answer. Part two examines the lives of two great heroes who demonstrate how individuals can truly make a difference and change their times. The lives of both William Wilberforce and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn are examined in this section. Part three explores some of the tests and trials of living life as an entrepreneurial calling, as a conflict-filled quest. Included are such stirring stories as Beethoven battling with deafness and Magellan succumbing to hubris after his epic round-the-world journey. Part four begins with Tolstoy’s much-loved story of “Two Old Men,” which brings us to appraise our character and priorities in life. Part five raises the issue of “finishing well” in life’s journey. For followers of the call, life is an entrepreneurial venture to the end and the challenge is plain: to finish strong and well.

Edited by Os Guinness with Ginger Koloszyc; Study Guide by Karen Lee-Thorp. NavPress 2001, ISBN 1576831639