7 Surprising Ways ‘The Go-Getter’ Predicts Today’s Startup Culture

Think startup wisdom began with Silicon Valley? Think again. Peter B. Kyne’s ‘The Go-Getter’ reads like a manifesto for the modern entrepreneur, even though it was written over a century ago. Bill Peck’s relentless pursuit of the blue vase mirrors the journey of every founder who’s had to pivot, hustle, and outsmart the odds. Here are seven ways the book foreshadowed the startup culture we know today:

1. Embracing Ambiguity: Just as startups operate in chaos, Peck thrives when the rules keep changing.
2. Resourcefulness Over Resources: Peck’s willingness to use what he has, from a ring to a taxi, is startup scrappiness at its best.
3. Fail Fast, Learn Faster: Every setback is a lesson, not a defeat—echoing the iterative mindset of modern founders.
4. Building Networks: Peck isn’t afraid to ask for help or leverage connections, a key trait in successful entrepreneurship.
5. Mission-Driven Loyalty: The story’s focus on loyalty and shared purpose is the backbone of strong startup teams.
6. Celebrating the Hustle: The Blue Vase Test rewards those who go above and beyond, just like startup culture celebrates the grind.
7. Turning Adversity Into Advantage: Peck’s physical and social disadvantages become his greatest strengths—a lesson every underdog founder knows well.

For anyone launching a business or leading a team, the message is clear: don’t wait for perfect conditions. Like Peck, use what you have, adapt on the fly, and let every ‘no’ fuel your next breakthrough. ‘The Go-Getter’ is proof that the startup spirit isn’t new—it’s just finally being recognized for the superpower it is.

References: Startup culture analyses, book summaries, and innovation leadership resources. 2 4