Somehow in my teens and twenties I harbored a distinct prejudice against the kind of people who were successful in business. But in my thirties, I began to discover all the gifts methodical, focused, "slightly boring" people bring to the creation and cultivation of culture that artists, writers, and other such fascinating creatures do not. The body politic—not to mention the Body of Christ—needs us all.

re: business, literature, politics

Andy:

[P]eople in the literary, academic and media worlds rarely understand business. It is nearly impossible to think of a novel that accurately portrays business success. That’s because the virtues that writers tend to admire — those involving self-expression and self-exploration — are not the ones that lead to corporate excellence.

For the same reason, business and politics do not blend well. Business leaders tend to perform poorly in Washington, while political leaders possess precisely those talents — charisma, charm, personal skills — that are of such limited value when it comes to corporate execution.

Fortunately, America is a big place. Literary culture has thrived in Boston, New York and on campuses. Political culture has thrived in Washington. Until recently, corporate culture has been free to thrive in such unlikely places as Bentonville, Omaha and Redmond.