Zero to One (Part 1: Chapter 1-7) 創業也好，工作也好都要讀好幾遍的一本書

作者：Peter Thiel

1. The Challenge of the Future

In the opening chapter of "Zero to One", Peter Thiel discusses the importance of thinking for yourself and creating new things. He argues that the only way to truly achieve progress is by developing unique, innovative ideas, rather than following conventional wisdom. Thiel further emphasizes that successful entrepreneurs are those who can think differently, innovate, and create something from nothing, hence the term "Zero to One".

在《從零到一》的開篇章節中，Peter Thiel討論了自我思考和創造新事物的重要性。他認為，真正實現進步的唯一方式是發展獨特、創新的想法，而不是遵循傳統智慧。Thiel進一步強調，成功的創業家是那些能夠思考不同，創新，並從無到有創造出東西的人，因此有了“從零到一”的說法。

Innovative (創新的)

The innovative approach to business helped the company grow quickly.

創新的商業方法幫助公司快速成長。

Conventional wisdom (傳統智慧)

Sometimes, it’s necessary to challenge conventional wisdom.

有時候，挑戰傳統智慧是必要的。

Entrepreneurs (創業家)

Entrepreneurs are those who take financial risks in the hope of profit.

創業家是那些冒著財務風險希望盈利的人。

Key Points

Peter Thiel emphasizes the importance of innovative thinking for progress.
Peter Thiel強調創新思維對於進步的重要性。
Conventional wisdom should not always be followed; unique ideas are necessary for true advancement.
不應總是遵循傳統智慧；真正的進步需要獨特的想法。
Successful entrepreneurs are those who can think differently and create something from nothing.
成功的創業家是那些能夠不同寻常地思考並且能從無到有創造出東西的人。

英文檢定綜合考題

What does Peter Thiel believe is the only way to truly achieve progress?

A. By following conventional wisdom

B. By developing unique, innovative ideas

C. By copying successful entrepreneurs

D. By taking financial risks

Answer: B

解析：Thiel認為，真正實現進步的唯一方式是發展獨特、創新的想法。

What does the term "Zero to One" imply according to Thiel?

A. Starting from scratch and achieving success

B. The process of counting

C. The importance of mathematics in business

D. The steps to becoming a successful entrepreneur

Answer: A

解析：根據Thiel的說法，“從零到一”意味著從無到有，並最終達到成功。

2. Party Like It's 1999

In the second chapter of "Zero to One," Peter Thiel explores the idea of 'the mania of 1999' and how it affected the tech world. According to Thiel, the 1990s were a time of unprecedented growth in the technology industry, with the rise of the Internet leading to a surge in dot-com companies. This period, however, was also characterized by an irrational exuberance that led to the formation of a bubble in the tech industry. Thiel warns about the dangers of irrational exuberance and stresses the importance of remaining rational and grounded even in times of rapid growth.

在《Zero to One》的第二章中，Peter Thiel探討了'1999年的狂熱'以及它如何影響科技界。根據Thiel的觀點，1990年代是科技產業空前增長的時期，互聯網的興起導致了點對點公司的激增。然而，這個時期也充滿了非理性的狂熱，導致科技業形成了一個泡沫。Thiel警告說，非理性的狂熱有其危險性，並強調即使在迅速增長的時期，也要保持理性和腳踏實地。

Mania (狂熱)

The mania of 1999 led to a tech industry bubble.

1999年的狂熱導致了科技業的泡沫。

Unprecedented (空前的)

The 1990s were a time of unprecedented growth in the tech industry.

1990年代是科技產業空前增長的時期。

Irrational exuberance (非理性狂熱)

Irrational exuberance led to the formation of a bubble in the tech industry.

非理性狂熱導致科技業形成了一個泡沫。

Grounded (腳踏實地的)

It is important to remain grounded even in times of rapid growth.

即使在迅速增長的時期，也要保持腳踏實地。

Key Points

The 1990s were a period of great growth in the tech industry, fueled by the rise of the Internet.
1990年代，由於互聯網的興起，科技業經歷了一次大發展。
This growth led to a state of irrational exuberance, which culminated in the tech bubble of 1999.
這種增長導致了一種非理性狂熱的狀態，最終在1999年的科技泡沫中達到高峰。
It is important to remain rational and grounded, even during periods of rapid growth.
即使在快速成長的時期，保持理性和腳踏實地也很重要。

英文檢定綜合考題

What does the 'mania of 1999' refer to in this chapter?

A. The rapid growth of the tech industry.

B. The formation of a bubble in the tech industry.

C. The rise of the Internet.

D. The importance of remaining grounded.

Answer: B

解析：在這一章中，'1999年的狂熱'指的是科技業的泡沫形成。

3. All Happy Companies Are Different

In the third chapter of "Zero to One," Peter Thiel explores the idea that all successful companies are unique in their own ways and that their success is often derived from their differences. He states that in a world of globalization, many companies are tempted to imitate successful models instead of creating something new. However, he argues that true innovation and success come from creating something that has never been done before.

在"從零到一"的第三章中，Peter Thiel探討了所有成功公司都各有其獨特之處，並且他們的成功往往源於他們的不同。他認為，在全球化的世界中，許多公司會傾向於模仿成功的模式，而不是創造新事物。然而，他認為真正的創新和成功來自於創造從未有過的事物。

Imitate (模仿)

Many companies imitate successful models.

許多公司模仿成功的模式。

Innovation (創新)

True innovation comes from creating something that has never been done before.

真正的創新來自於創造從未有過的事物。

Thiel emphasizes that companies should aim to create monopolies, as this allows them to set their own prices and dominate the market. He believes that monopolies drive progress because they have the resources and security to innovate. In contrast, companies in a competitive market are often too focused on survival to innovate.

Thiel強調，公司應該致力於創造壟斷，因為這使他們可以設定自己的價格並主導市場。他認為，壟斷推動了進步，因為他們擁有創新所需的資源和安全。相反，競爭市場中的公司往往過於專注於生存，而無法創新。

Monopolies (壟斷)

Companies should aim to create monopolies.

公司應該致力於創造壟斷。

Dominate (主宰、支配、佔據主導地位)

In many industries, a few large companies dominate the market.

在許多產業中，少數大型公司主宰了市場。

Resources (資源)

Monopolies have the resources to innovate.

壟斷擁有創新所需的資源。

Key Points

Successful companies are unique and their success often comes from their differences.
成功的公司具有獨特性，他們的成功往往來自於他們的不同之處。
Innovation comes from creating something that has never been done before.
創新來自於創造從未有過的事物。
Companies should aim to create monopolies to drive progress.
公司應該致力於創造壟斷以推動進步。
Monopolies have the resources and security to innovate.
壟斷擁有創新所需的資源和安全。

英文檢定綜合考題

In the third chapter of "Zero to One," what does Peter Thiel believe is the key to a company's success?

A. Imitating successful models

B. Creating a monopoly

C. Competing in a global market

D. Having a diverse team

Answer: B

解析：在"從零到一"的第三章中，Peter Thiel認為公司成功的關鍵是創造壟斷。

Why does Thiel believe monopolies are important for innovation?

A. They have the resources and security to innovate.

B. They can set their own prices.

C. They can dominate the market.

D. They can imitate successful models.

Answer: A

解析：Thiel認為壟斷對創新的重要性在於，他們擁有創新所需的資源和安全。

4. The Ideology of Competition

In Chapter 4 of "Zero to One," Peter Thiel discusses the ideology of competition. He argues that competition can lead businesses and individuals to lose sight of their unique strengths and instead focus on beating others in the same field. This kind of rivalry can lead to stagnation, as companies spend more energy fighting each other than innovating. Thiel encourages businesses to strive for a monopoly, suggesting that it is more beneficial to be a unique provider of a product or service.

在《從零到一》的第四章中，Peter Thiel討論了競爭的意識形態。他認為競爭可能導致企業和個人忽視自己獨特的優勢，而專注於擊敗同一領域中的其他人。這種對抗可能導致停滯不前，因為公司花費更多的能量去對抗對方，而不是創新。Thiel鼓勵企業追求壟斷，認為成為一種產品或服務的獨特供應商更有利。

Competition (競爭)

Competition can lead to stagnation in businesses.

競爭可能導致企業停滯不前。

Lose sight of (忽視)

Businesses often lose sight of their unique strengths in the midst of competition.

在競爭中，企業常常忽視自己的獨特優勢。

Rivalry (對抗)

Rivalry can lead to stagnation, as companies spend more energy fighting each other than innovating.

對抗可能導致停滯不前，因為公司花費更多的能量去對抗對方，而不是創新。

Monopoly (壟斷)

Thiel encourages businesses to strive for monopoly.

Thiel鼓勵企業追求壟斷。

Unique provider (獨特供應商)

It is more beneficial to be a unique provider of a product or service.

成為一種產品或服務的獨特供應商更有利。

Key Points

Competition can cause businesses to lose sight of their unique strengths.
競爭可能使企業忽視自己的獨特優勢。
Businesses often focus more on beating rivals than on innovation.
企業往往更專注於擊敗對手，而非創新。
Rivalry can lead to stagnation in a company.
對抗可能導致公司的停滯不前。
Companies should strive to be a monopoly in their field.
公司應該努力在自己的領域裡實現壟斷。
Being a unique provider of a product or service is more beneficial.
成為一種產品或服務的獨特供應商更有利。

英文檢定綜合考題

According to Thiel, what is the disadvantage of competition?

A. It leads to stagnation.

B. It leads to monopoly.

C. It encourages innovation.

D. It highlights unique strengths.

Answer: A

解析：根據Thiel的說法，競爭的缺點是導致停滯不前。

What does Thiel suggest businesses to strive for?

A. Competition

B. Rivalry

C. Monopoly

D. Innovation

Answer: C

解析：Thiel建議企業追求的是壟斷。

5. Last Mover Advantage

In the chapter "Last Mover Advantage", Peter Thiel argues that startups should aim to be the last mover within their particular market, instead of the first. He states that being the first to market does not necessarily ensure success, and cites Microsoft as an example, which wasn't the first but became the most profitable. He explains that a last mover advantage implies creating a product or service so superior that no other company can offer a close substitute, thus monopolizing a market.

在「後發優勢」這一章中，Peter Thiel認為，初創公司應該致力於成為他們特定市場的最後一位行動者，而不是第一位。他認為，成為市場上的第一家並不能保證成功，並以微軟為例，微軟並非第一家，但卻成為了最賺錢的公司。他解釋，後發優勢意味著創造一種產品或服務，其優越性使得其他公司無法提供近似的替代品，從而壟斷一個市場。

Startups (初創公司)

Startups should aim to be the last mover within their particular market.

初創公司應該致力於成為他們特定市場的最後一位行動者。

Particular (特定的、特別的)

She has a particular interest in environmental issues.

她對環境議題有特別的興趣。

Necessarily (必然地、不一定)

A high price doesn’t necessarily mean better quality.

高價不一定代表品質更好。

Profitable (有利可圖的)

They turned a small business into a highly profitable company.

他們把一間小生意變成了非常有利可圖的公司。

Implies (暗示、意味著)

His silence implies that he agrees with the decision.

他的沉默意味著他同意這個決定。

Substitute (替代、取代)

You can substitute honey for sugar in this recipe.

這道食譜中你可以用蜂蜜取代砂糖。

Monopolizing (壟斷)

A last mover advantage implies monopolizing a market.

後發優勢意味著壟斷一個市場。

Key Points

Startups should aim to be the last mover within their particular market.
初創公司應該致力於成為他們特定市場的最後一位行動者。
Being the first to market does not necessarily ensure success.
成為市場上的第一家並不能保證成功。
A last mover advantage implies monopolizing a market.
後發優勢意味著壟斷一個市場。
Companies should focus on creating a product or service so superior that no other company can offer a close substitute.
公司應該專注於創造出一種產品或服務，其優越性使得其他公司無法提供近似的替代品。

英文檢定綜合考題

According to Peter Thiel, what should startups aim for?

A. To be the first mover in their market

B. To be the last mover in their market

C. To monopolize the market

D. To offer a close substitute to existing products

Answer: B

解析：根據Peter Thiel的說法，初創公司應該致力於成為他們特定市場的最後一位行動者。

What does a last mover advantage imply?

A. Being the first to market

B. Monopolizing the market

C. Offering a close substitute to existing products

D. Being the most profitable company

Answer: B

解析：後發優勢意味著壟斷一個市場。

6. You Are Not a Lottery Ticket

In chapter 6, "You Are Not a Lottery Ticket", Peter Thiel discusses the role of luck and chance in startups and innovation. According to Thiel, many people believe that success in startups is a matter of luck, like winning a lottery ticket. Thiel, however, disagrees with this perspective. He argues that although luck may play some part, the determining factors for success in any venture are largely deliberate choices and strategic planning.

在第六章「你不是彩票」中，Peter Thiel討論了運氣和機會在初創和創新中的角色。根據Thiel的說法，許多人認為初創的成功是運氣的問題，就像中彩票一樣。然而，Thiel並不同意這種觀點。他認為，雖然運氣可能起到一些作用，但任何事業成功的決定性因素大多是故意的選擇和策略規劃。

Perspective (觀點、看法)

From her perspective, the decision seemed unfair.

從她的觀點來看，這個決定似乎不公平。

Determining (決定性的)

The determining factor was his dedication.

決定性的因素是他的奉獻。

Venture (事業)

The venture was a success due to careful planning.

由於精心計劃，事業取得了成功。

Deliberate (刻意的、深思熟慮的)

His actions were not a mistake—they were deliberate.

他的行為不是失誤，而是刻意為之。

Thiel proposes the concept of "definite optimism", which involves having a clear vision of the future and working diligently to achieve this vision. This contrasts with "indefinite optimism", which relies on the belief that the future will be better but without a concrete plan on how to get there. Thiel argues that the former is the key to success and progress.

Thiel提出了「明確的樂觀主義」的概念，這涉及到對未來有清晰的視野，並努力實現這種視野。這與「不確定的樂觀主義」形成對比，後者依賴於對未來會更好的信念，但沒有具體的計劃。Thiel認為，前者是成功和進步的關鍵。

Definite optimism (明確的樂觀主義)

Definite optimism is having a clear vision of the future.

明確的樂觀主義是對未來有清晰的視野。

Contrasts (對比、形成對照)

The book contrasts modern values with traditional beliefs.

這本書將現代價值觀與傳統信仰進行對比。

Indefinite optimism (不確定的樂觀主義)

Indefinite optimism is believing the future will be better without a clear plan.

不確定的樂觀主義是相信未來會更好，但沒有具體的計劃。

Argues (主張、爭辯)

The author argues that true happiness comes from within, not external success.

作者主張真正的快樂來自內在，而非外在的成功。

Key Points

Success in startups is not completely dependent on luck.
初創的成功並非完全依賴於運氣。
Strategic planning and deliberate choices are key to a venture's success.
策略規劃和故意的選擇是事業成功的關鍵。
"Definite optimism" involves having a clear vision of the future and working hard to achieve it. 「明確的樂觀主義」涉及到對未來有清晰的視野，並努力實現它。
"Indefinite optimism" is a belief that the future will be better but without a concrete plan.
「不確定的樂觀主義」是相信未來會更好，但沒有具體的計劃。
Thiel emphasizes the role of deliberate choices in achieving success.
Thiel強調故意選擇在實現成功中的角色。

英文檢定綜合考題

What does Peter Thiel think about the role of luck in startup success?

A. Luck is the most important factor.

B. Luck plays no role at all.

C. Luck plays some role, but strategic planning and deliberate choices are more important.

D. Luck is the only factor that matters.

Answer: C

解析：Thiel認為，雖然運氣可能起到一些作用，但任何事業成功的決定性因素大多是故意的選擇和策略規劃。

7. Follow the Money

In Chapter 7, "Follow the Money," Peter Thiel discusses the power law and its influence on venture capitalism. He argues that the power law, or the principle that a small number of companies will generate most of the value in a portfolio, is a key feature of venture capital investing. He contends that venture capitalists should focus on finding and investing in these few successful companies rather than spreading their investments across a broad range of firms.

在第七章「追蹤金錢」中，Peter Thiel 討論了強者恆強與其對創投的影響。他認為強者恆強，或者說一個小部分公司將在投資組合中產生大部分價值的原則，是創投的一個關鍵特徵。他主張創投者應專注於尋找和投資這些少數成功的公司，而不是將他們的投資分散到一大批公司中。

Power law (強者恆強法則)

The power law is a key feature of venture capital investing.

強者恆強法則是創投的一個關鍵特徵。

Venture capitalists (創投者)

Venture capitalists should focus on finding and investing in successful companies.

創投者應專注於尋找和投資成功的公司。

Portfolio (投資組合)

A small number of companies will generate most of the value in a portfolio.

一個小部分公司將在投資組合中產生大部分價值。

Investing (投資)

Investing in a broad range of firms can dilute potential returns.

投資於各種類型的公司可能會稀釋潛在的回報。

Key Points

The power law is a fundamental principle of venture capitalism.
強者恆強是創投的基本原則。
A small number of companies will generate most of the value in a portfolio.
一個小部分公司將在投資組合中產生大部分價值。
Venture capitalists should focus on finding and investing in these few successful companies.
創投者應專注於尋找和投資這些少數成功的公司。
Spreading investments across a broad range of firms can dilute potential returns.
將投資分散到各種類型的公司可能會稀釋潛在的回報。

英文檢定綜合考題

What is the main argument in Chapter 7 "Follow the Money" of Peter Thiel's "Zero to One"?

A. The power law is a fundamental principle of venture capitalism.

B. All companies will generate equal value in a portfolio.

C. Venture capitalists should invest in a broad range of firms.

D. The power law doesn't exist in venture capital.

Answer: A

解析：本章主要論點是強者恆強是創投的基本原則。