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Everyone Is an Entrepreneur: Selling Economic Self-Determination in a Post-Soviet World
Westerners today grow up with abundant opportunities to determine their own values, identities, and roles in society. But for generations, millions who lived under Soviet rule in the USSR had these essential freedoms withheld, determined instead by a central authority that claimed the right to choose for them and enforce compliance. Thirty years after the Soviet Union’s decisive collapse, the old communist paradigm continues to limit those who come of age in a post-Soviet world.
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur showcases the experience of an American author acclimating to life in the developing post-Soviet economy of Armenia. Along the way, he examines how the intelligent and hardworking people he lives among are stuck in a state of transition away from all-encompassing, bureaucratic control. They struggle to adjust to the responsibilities of economic self-determination because they have never learned how to see the world through entrepreneurial eyes.
Entrepreneurship is a principled way of seeing the world, a paradigm that applies to people in all cultural and economic circumstances: Artists, office workers, doctors, teachers, farmers, and laborers alike. By adopting this universal outlook, anyone can produce more wealth, accomplish bigger goals, and take control of their life like never before.
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur showcases the experience of an American author acclimating to life in the developing post-Soviet economy of Armenia. Along the way, he examines how the intelligent and hardworking people he lives among are stuck in a state of transition away from all-encompassing, bureaucratic control. They struggle to adjust to the responsibilities of economic self-determination because they have never learned how to see the world through entrepreneurial eyes.
Entrepreneurship is a principled way of seeing the world, a paradigm that applies to people in all cultural and economic circumstances: Artists, office workers, doctors, teachers, farmers, and laborers alike. By adopting this universal outlook, anyone can produce more wealth, accomplish bigger goals, and take control of their life like never before.
319 pages, ebook
Published March 16, 2022
About the author
Gregory V. Diehl
12 books141 followersMy personal approach to fairly rating books out of five. Note that these ratings are based entirely on the standard of what the book and its creator promise it will do, not any other arbitrary standard a reader might spontaneously decide the book *should have* adhered to. Personal preferences are always subjective and arbitrary. There is no law of nature requiring any given reader to subjectively enjoy an objectively great book.
One Star: There is virtually nothing of value in the book. It utterly fails at its stated mission. There is no conceivable reason for the type of reader it is advertised to attempt to consume it.
Two Stars: The book contains some value but is so sparse or poorly organized that it's not worth the trouble of trying to filter through the whole of the book to extract it. At best, it's a smattering of decent ingredients and ideas that never quite took on an appropriate form.
Three Stars: The book has reached the equitability threshold. It is now conceivably worth the reader's time to attempt to read the book (or at least skim parts of it) in order to accomplish what its creators promise for them. Still, there is much wasted space, time, and effort in the process of value transferrence from writer to reader.
Four Stars: The book largely does what it promises, albeit in a still sub-optimal manner. The reader overall receives what the author of the book intends to send to them but can't help but notice ways the message could have accomplished its function better. Still, recommendations are in order.
Five Stars: The book is exactly what it promises to be and does what it is meant to do. Nitpicks aside, it is not realistic to envision a way it could have accomplished its stated function better. The reader got exactly what value they were supposed to get in an optimized manner. Read this book to enhance and expand the way you think about something important.
One Star: There is virtually nothing of value in the book. It utterly fails at its stated mission. There is no conceivable reason for the type of reader it is advertised to attempt to consume it.
Two Stars: The book contains some value but is so sparse or poorly organized that it's not worth the trouble of trying to filter through the whole of the book to extract it. At best, it's a smattering of decent ingredients and ideas that never quite took on an appropriate form.
Three Stars: The book has reached the equitability threshold. It is now conceivably worth the reader's time to attempt to read the book (or at least skim parts of it) in order to accomplish what its creators promise for them. Still, there is much wasted space, time, and effort in the process of value transferrence from writer to reader.
Four Stars: The book largely does what it promises, albeit in a still sub-optimal manner. The reader overall receives what the author of the book intends to send to them but can't help but notice ways the message could have accomplished its function better. Still, recommendations are in order.
Five Stars: The book is exactly what it promises to be and does what it is meant to do. Nitpicks aside, it is not realistic to envision a way it could have accomplished its stated function better. The reader got exactly what value they were supposed to get in an optimized manner. Read this book to enhance and expand the way you think about something important.
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March 24, 2022I am Armenian and I read this book with my eyes wide open as it called out many of the cultural problems I have been aware of for a long time but never knew how to put into words. There are many passages that explain the shortcomings with the way we are taught to think about ourselves and how we live our lives, and it’s written with great intellect and precision about this sensitive subject. What the author does is connect many implicitly understood limitations of the “post-soviet” or communist paradigm with principles of economic self-determination. It was fascinating for me to compare the “western” mentality to that of my fellow countrymen and beloved Armenians. We are all living in this same world but we have so many different ideas about how business and entrepreneurship work. Where do these ideas come from? Who is to say which ones are right or better? I hope this book opens more eyes, not just for Armenians or Russians or Ukranians or Georgians, but for everyone who wants to question if they are really seeing the world in the best way they can.
April 16, 2022
This was such a fantastic book that I hope gets the attention it deserves. I was first introduced to Gregory Diehl when I came across one of his previous books The Influential Authors. Much like the previous book, with this new one, Gregory offers a fresh and unique perspective on the topic. This book isn’t just about entrepreneurship, but it also provides readers with a look into what it’s like in post-Soviet countries where the citizens don’t even have a point of reference for how they can be entrepreneurial. Gregory currently resides in Armenia, so aside from his wisdom, he also provides stories about how he’s teaching people in his village about entrepreneurship and how it can better their lives.
By reading this book, Western readers will gain a newfound appreciation for the opportunities we have due to our ability to be entrepreneurial. For others around the world, they’ll learn about economics, human nature, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. But as someone who thought I wouldn’t learn much from this book because I’ve had various entrepreneurial ventures since my teen years, I was surprised at how much value I gained from this book. So, overall, I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t benefit from this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn and take a bit more control over their life.
By reading this book, Western readers will gain a newfound appreciation for the opportunities we have due to our ability to be entrepreneurial. For others around the world, they’ll learn about economics, human nature, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. But as someone who thought I wouldn’t learn much from this book because I’ve had various entrepreneurial ventures since my teen years, I was surprised at how much value I gained from this book. So, overall, I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t benefit from this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn and take a bit more control over their life.
March 14, 2022
A quite unique and necessary book about economics, entrepreneurship and life. the author has a unique perspective on how the soviet union economy enslaved and mind-controlled millions of people under it. The theme of the writing is that 'economic self determination' is the key to liberating people's minds and giving them the power to live life to the fullest. In the way they see fit. Goes way beyond the normal capitalist vs. communism debate. Everyone stands to gain from this deep unpacking of how people live and make choices.
April 27, 2022
The book serves as a primer for those who have not had adequate education on how markets function. It is best suited for those who live outside major market economies, ie those outside of Western Europe, Asia and North America.
The book is peppered with the authors experiences of living in a small village in Armenia, and his misadventures in trying to get his neighbors to operate more collaboratively to solve their own problems, as well as the problems of others.
The information presented in the book is broken down into simple terms, so that anyone without a prior background in economics could understand what he is trying to say.
The book is peppered with the authors experiences of living in a small village in Armenia, and his misadventures in trying to get his neighbors to operate more collaboratively to solve their own problems, as well as the problems of others.
The information presented in the book is broken down into simple terms, so that anyone without a prior background in economics could understand what he is trying to say.
March 16, 2022
A very complete book for changing the way you see the world. There are a lot of references to changes in world view. It's about learning to see how some principles and rules are always at play around us, like how the laws of physics are not something that happens in experiments in a laboratory. The laws of entrepreneurship or economics are everywhere too affecting everything we do. I can imagine most that young people will gain the most from this as it will shape their understanding of business and making money for life.
March 19, 2022
This is a must read book.
Few writers can illuminate a subject like Gregory V. Diehl; this book opened my mind to endless possibilities. Gregory V. Diehl’s insight into the entrepreneurial mindset can help anybody scale a business to make them more profitable. This book is not only, worth reading, but studying repeatedly. Gregory’s definitions of what an entrepreneur is, in the glossary, sums up the book nicely, that with entertaining stories and lucid examples shows endless possibilities.
Few writers can illuminate a subject like Gregory V. Diehl; this book opened my mind to endless possibilities. Gregory V. Diehl’s insight into the entrepreneurial mindset can help anybody scale a business to make them more profitable. This book is not only, worth reading, but studying repeatedly. Gregory’s definitions of what an entrepreneur is, in the glossary, sums up the book nicely, that with entertaining stories and lucid examples shows endless possibilities.
March 31, 2022
A fantastic comparison of the creative mindset of an entrepreneur and the obedient mindset of post-soviet citizens shows that creating value is human and open for everyone that is able to open himself to this opportunity.
April 8, 2022
I enjoyed this interesting, though very North American influenced look at an American entrepreneur's frustrations at dealing with the people in his Armenian village and the implications of their cultural upbringing under the old Communist regime on their ability to embrace the economics of the western, entrepreneurial economy.
This one raises a lot of unspoken questions about why any North Americans experience similar difficulties.
A worthwhile read.
This one raises a lot of unspoken questions about why any North Americans experience similar difficulties.
A worthwhile read.
August 15, 2022
This is the third book I have read by the author, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each read. With Everyone Is An Entrepreneur, I was fascinated with his stories about life in rural Armenia, and some of the ways of life that people just see as the norm there. The book goes from amusing stories to deeper points about the entrepreneurial spirit that exists everywhere, even in a former Soviet communist country where it was very much discouraged to take self-responsibility just a couple of decades ago. But overall, I felt a lot of hope for the world coming through in this book. The small influence that he had in teaching various Armenians about business was clearly changing the knowledge levels and potential of people he came across in this village. I was shocked to learn how far behind certain cultures are when it comes to a basic understanding of business and entrepreneurship, but I was also inspired by the author's optimism and perseverance when it comes to these ideas that will create better lives for people all over the world. The end of the book left me feeling hopeful that the world will someday finally move past horrible, destructive ideas like communism, and embrace entrepreneurship and freedom, which is what everyone needs to thrive.
May 11, 2022
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur is the best book I’ve read on the universal benefits of economic self-determination for societies still recovering from the horrors of communist interventionism. What’s most impressive about this book is that it’s easy to see how the basic economic lessons that the people of Armenia and other post-Soviet countries still need to learn apply just the same to people in the West who are supposed to already know better. There is so much we all can learn from applying the benefits of free enterprise in our lives better. Diehl’s book is a celebration of individual liberty and the power of the people to take control of their lives against the tyrannical rule of the State.
August 25, 2022
This book explains economics in a very interesting way. It shows that everything is much more simple and obvious than we usually think of it, but we don't see it. We have false opinions about money and the ways we can make it. I liked the part that talked about how people usually think there is just one way to make money. But why do they think that when there are many ways to spend it? That means there should also be many ways to make it.
This book opened my mind and taught me to make more reasonable choices.
This book opened my mind and taught me to make more reasonable choices.
May 17, 2022
Great read, profound and accessible at the same time. I like the writing style that flows between complex ideas and simple applications in a natural manner. The many real-life examples blend well into the narrative as well as providing insightful experiences many can relate to.
August 16, 2022
I have read two of Gregory's books before and loved them for their philosophical aspects about the topics he was writing about. However, Everyone is an Entrepreneur was just not the right book for me at this point in my life. Nothing against the book or the author himself as I know that he is striving to achieve and inspire a whole lot of people. Him, being an American, living in Armenia and seeing how people view their own lives and money itself, he tells a story of helping people in his village to overcome the Soviet mindset of how to work and live.
It was a bit hard for me to imagine what it is like where he is living but the examples he gives of Entrepreneurship could be applied in any other country around the world. The organization of the book was a bit wishy-washy however the sections of the book were initially of interest to me, it was just the context that threw me off.
I think that if you are living in a post-soviet country, this book is a very good book for you to read as it will be culturally relevant. If you are anyone else, you may glean some important information here and there especially if you have an interest in what entrepreneurship is, but you do not know much about it initially.
It was a bit hard for me to imagine what it is like where he is living but the examples he gives of Entrepreneurship could be applied in any other country around the world. The organization of the book was a bit wishy-washy however the sections of the book were initially of interest to me, it was just the context that threw me off.
I think that if you are living in a post-soviet country, this book is a very good book for you to read as it will be culturally relevant. If you are anyone else, you may glean some important information here and there especially if you have an interest in what entrepreneurship is, but you do not know much about it initially.
April 10, 2023
This book proves that you can and teaches a new lifestyle. Gregory V. Diehl is talking about the problems that exist in the post-Soviet countries, which prevent the individual from acting in society as an entrepreneur. Problems that people do not think about, living in a post-Soviet country. Many of them do not realize it, because they born and live in that society and in some cases it’s all normal for them but reading this book they will think about many problems that they have. This book is the key that will help the post-Soviet society to understand and accept all the psychological and cultural problems that prevent them from moving forward. The imprint left by the socialist system on society is a real brake on the economy, and the first condition for removing obstacles is to have an idea about it and understand them, to which this book can make an huge contribution.
January 18, 2024
It was a great book to get accustomed to the basics of entrepreneur mentality. Honestly, I was surprised by knowing that there is a society where such a basic economic mindset is constantly discouraged. As a person from the first world, the entrepreneurship he articulated throughout this book felt so natural and very basic. But his words were a bit complicated, I needed to focus to listen to his audible. This book may be more suitable to be read rather than be listened to, to understand every idea of it.
May 8, 2022
Wonderfully written. Very informational. This book is just not for former soviet nations. I believe some cultural and traditional mindsets explained in this book applies to the majority of developing and underdeveloped economies as well. There is a lot of negativity surrounding business and entrepreneurial ideas in the minds of lower middle class and poor in these nations that are explained really well, and the author tried to explain them through anecdotes of experiences he had when he lived in Armenia.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2024
This is a refreshing and insightful read that redefines entrepreneurship. Diehl skillfully shows how this mindset extends beyond business, inspiring readers to unlock their creative potential in all life areas. This resonated with me personally, being born in the states but whose parents are from the Soviet Era.
February 12, 2024
so much better than I was expecting!
I was expecting something completely different. I thought that this was going to be like all of the other entrepreneurial books I have read that give you tweet-sized bites and quotables that sound great, but otherwise don't really contain much original thought or substance. This is probably one of the most original books on business that I have read in a long time. This book doesn't just give you ra-ra nonsensical hype, it actually goes deep into the economics and science of business and entrepreneurship and explains it from the lens of a post-soviet society - which in and of itself was fascinating to read about as an American. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for something new and original in the business book genre.
I was expecting something completely different. I thought that this was going to be like all of the other entrepreneurial books I have read that give you tweet-sized bites and quotables that sound great, but otherwise don't really contain much original thought or substance. This is probably one of the most original books on business that I have read in a long time. This book doesn't just give you ra-ra nonsensical hype, it actually goes deep into the economics and science of business and entrepreneurship and explains it from the lens of a post-soviet society - which in and of itself was fascinating to read about as an American. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for something new and original in the business book genre.
July 27, 2022
I always enjoy reading books that help me know and understand cultures that differ from my own. This book does that for me, and more. This is not just another book complaining about a problem, or even solely bringing to light the true struggles of developing countries.
I truly had no idea that the mindset put into place under soviet rule was still, over 30 years later, affecting the families and youth of these developing countries. Mr. Diehl, who himself lives in one such developing country, has seen first hand the impact such oppressive thinking has made even today on the young people who have been raised by parents and grandparents who lived under soviet rule so many years ago.
Rather than just discussing the problems incurred with such closed thinking, Mr. Diehl offers practical, realistic solutions. He also includes many practical, easy to understand illustrations, demonstrating the application and the success of these solutions in order to help the reader better
understand his message. He focuses on doing the things you enjoy and have a talent for, not only to bring income to support yourself and your family, but also to enhance your life and well-being.
Though I believe the book is intended to help today’s young people find and forge new paths in the business world and the world in general, there are definitely applications in this book that can apply and help anyone change their thinking and open themselves up to different ways of thinking, setting and accomplishing goals, and ultimately using their talents and creativity to become better at what they do. I think this is a great book to read and re-read. There is a lot to learn from it.
I truly had no idea that the mindset put into place under soviet rule was still, over 30 years later, affecting the families and youth of these developing countries. Mr. Diehl, who himself lives in one such developing country, has seen first hand the impact such oppressive thinking has made even today on the young people who have been raised by parents and grandparents who lived under soviet rule so many years ago.
Rather than just discussing the problems incurred with such closed thinking, Mr. Diehl offers practical, realistic solutions. He also includes many practical, easy to understand illustrations, demonstrating the application and the success of these solutions in order to help the reader better
understand his message. He focuses on doing the things you enjoy and have a talent for, not only to bring income to support yourself and your family, but also to enhance your life and well-being.
Though I believe the book is intended to help today’s young people find and forge new paths in the business world and the world in general, there are definitely applications in this book that can apply and help anyone change their thinking and open themselves up to different ways of thinking, setting and accomplishing goals, and ultimately using their talents and creativity to become better at what they do. I think this is a great book to read and re-read. There is a lot to learn from it.
September 12, 2023
As a Mexican living in my home city, with my ancestry coming from rural Mexico, I was surprised to found frequent similarities between Armenia and my country. Several examples and stories could have come, without any doubt, from any part of my nation, or even Latin America and beyond. It was fast revealed to me the Human universality of this book and its contributions, based on an intrinsically human capability, that is, to act. This is some sort of principles-based handbook that comes of use in any context and for any person that reads it with careful attention.
One of the most important aspects covered by the author is the opposing mentalities of entrepreneurship and bureaucracy. Being diametrically faced against each other, the clash of these mindsets is revealed and tested daily, whether around the corner or across the globe. I would say that this practical and accessible analysis provides the lens necessary for discerning between the creative and destructive aspects of Human Nature represented within this mental dichotomy.
Several other concepts and principles presented in the book can be easily applied for improving one's condition in relation to the market, which include practically everyone around us. The contents of this book provide value by refining our own thought process and decision-making skills necessary for adapting and thriving in the inescapable condition of scarcity of means to satisfy our ends, as well as our inherent human interdependence.
In a few sentences, this book offers a well-balanced combination between abstract analysis and practical application of relevant concepts. This is achieved with the assistance of a careful yet accessible story-telling style that weaves together a pleasant narrative with a profound analysis on the human condition and our creative spirit.
I would recommend this book to all and any around me, specially the young, the industrious and anyone willing to handle one self in order to thrive.
One of the most important aspects covered by the author is the opposing mentalities of entrepreneurship and bureaucracy. Being diametrically faced against each other, the clash of these mindsets is revealed and tested daily, whether around the corner or across the globe. I would say that this practical and accessible analysis provides the lens necessary for discerning between the creative and destructive aspects of Human Nature represented within this mental dichotomy.
Several other concepts and principles presented in the book can be easily applied for improving one's condition in relation to the market, which include practically everyone around us. The contents of this book provide value by refining our own thought process and decision-making skills necessary for adapting and thriving in the inescapable condition of scarcity of means to satisfy our ends, as well as our inherent human interdependence.
In a few sentences, this book offers a well-balanced combination between abstract analysis and practical application of relevant concepts. This is achieved with the assistance of a careful yet accessible story-telling style that weaves together a pleasant narrative with a profound analysis on the human condition and our creative spirit.
I would recommend this book to all and any around me, specially the young, the industrious and anyone willing to handle one self in order to thrive.
July 25, 2023
Gregory Diehl takes the reader on a totally different journey and perspective of entrepreneurship. Gregory moved to Armenia and learned first hand in a third-world country what is was like to live and work in a post-Soviet country.
He clearly states that entrepreneurship "is a mindset, a revolutionary way of seeing the world that applies equally to people in all cultural and economic circumstances." This point is riveting because it allows all people to become entrepreneurs if they have the "right tools" and self-determination to succeed. We take for granted "tools" because we just go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy the tools we need for home improvement. But in Armenia, people never owned tools, they were given them by the owner for a specific job. Gregory bought all the tools he needed and hired fellow Armenians to do the work which allowed the people to understand the value of owning tools.
"Useful knowledge" according to Gregory is the greatest investment to create things that are valuable "including new things that on one yet even knows to consider valuable." This creates tremendous opportunity for the next generation of entrepreneurs throughout the world. But who is going to harness this opportunity? People like Gregory.
Overall, the book is very inspiring yet brings new challenges for people to make the right meaningful choices to create new life-changing opportunities. According to Gregory, once you understand that everyone is an entrepreneur, "anyone can produce more wealth, accomplish bigger goals, and take control of their life like never before." What an amazing concept.
He clearly states that entrepreneurship "is a mindset, a revolutionary way of seeing the world that applies equally to people in all cultural and economic circumstances." This point is riveting because it allows all people to become entrepreneurs if they have the "right tools" and self-determination to succeed. We take for granted "tools" because we just go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy the tools we need for home improvement. But in Armenia, people never owned tools, they were given them by the owner for a specific job. Gregory bought all the tools he needed and hired fellow Armenians to do the work which allowed the people to understand the value of owning tools.
"Useful knowledge" according to Gregory is the greatest investment to create things that are valuable "including new things that on one yet even knows to consider valuable." This creates tremendous opportunity for the next generation of entrepreneurs throughout the world. But who is going to harness this opportunity? People like Gregory.
Overall, the book is very inspiring yet brings new challenges for people to make the right meaningful choices to create new life-changing opportunities. According to Gregory, once you understand that everyone is an entrepreneur, "anyone can produce more wealth, accomplish bigger goals, and take control of their life like never before." What an amazing concept.
March 26, 2024
Author perfectly describes differences between systems with a lot of insights. Strongly recommend for anyone who wants to understand differences between western and post soviet countries in economic subject.
March 30, 2022
While Gregory was born in California, he has Armenian ancestry and so he decided to go back to Armenia and live. It was this move and how he worked, lived, bought things and interacted with the people that was the inspiration behind this book.
“Everyone is an entrepreneur” is a look at business economics through the comparison of life in a post-Soviet company versus the way we would think in a capitalist country. For example, when Gregory wanted work completed on his house in Armenia, the workers turned up without any tools. In the Soviet world the state provided everything including the tools to work, whereas in the capitalist world, if a plumber arrived you would expect them to have to tools for the job. He uses these comparisons during the book to frame the story, which makes it stand out to me.
The book really sucked me in, Gregory takes us through economic lesson after lesson comparing life in Armenia with life in a capitalist country. I’ve shared a number of these stories with my friends and you can see them screw their face up as they try and understand the thought process from the Soviet era. In a way, it’s like “wealth of the nations” but in a modern and more light hearted context.
“Everyone is an entrepreneur” is a look at business economics through the comparison of life in a post-Soviet company versus the way we would think in a capitalist country. For example, when Gregory wanted work completed on his house in Armenia, the workers turned up without any tools. In the Soviet world the state provided everything including the tools to work, whereas in the capitalist world, if a plumber arrived you would expect them to have to tools for the job. He uses these comparisons during the book to frame the story, which makes it stand out to me.
The book really sucked me in, Gregory takes us through economic lesson after lesson comparing life in Armenia with life in a capitalist country. I’ve shared a number of these stories with my friends and you can see them screw their face up as they try and understand the thought process from the Soviet era. In a way, it’s like “wealth of the nations” but in a modern and more light hearted context.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews