We've greatly exaggerated the risk of sinking, without celebrating the value of swimming.
Following instructions is overrated.
All Marketers are liars tell stories.
The secret of getting on the shortlist is doing your best work fearlessly for a long time before you get on the list.
You are not your resume, you are your work.
Go ahead and make something for the elites. Not the elites of class or wealth, but the elites of curiosity, passion and taste. Every great thing ever created was created by and for this group.