I have a problem with most of the technology executives out there. They’re dorks. They’re self-involved and they’re self-important. and would have more fun talking about their Libertarian criticism of Big Government (Scott McNealy, I’m looking at you), or they’re latest weird clothing (Steve Job’s ensembles seem to get more ridiculous every year) than they would about the technology that actually made them all their millions, or in some cases billions of dollars. Yes, tech always seems to be secondary to these people’s cult of personality.

In most ways, Larry Ellison is no different. Before reading this book. I’d known about Ellison’s house in Athernon, about his relentless pursuit of company growth, and his desire for Bill Gates' throne. But beyond that, he much a mystery. After reading this book, most of the gaps were filled it. And my conclusion? It goes something like this: while Larry Ellison is just as obnoxious as all those other rich Silicon Valley weirdoes, he is the one I can relate to the most. Maybe it’s his hyperactivity, or maybe it’s his underlying need to make trouble that I find intriguing. Or maybe it' something else, something irrational. But one thing I know for sure: while maybe meeting the guy would be nice, and having a conversation with him would prove fascinating, I would in no way want to work for him. Or be his friend.

The one thing that drove me crazy about Ellison in this book was his desire to be the absolute richest, the most powerful man, not only in the world of technology, but, well, in the world. Period. To him, that meant taking out Bill Gates. What a weird obsession for someone who has accomplished so much. I have come to the conclusion that if there was any single flaw in Ellison’s character that wound up hurting both him and his company the most, it is that singular, foolish insecurity.

But then there’s Bill Gates. I have my problems with him, to be sure, but one thing I will say is that he handles his throne well. Probably better than Ellison would, were he actually to have somehow usurped him. But whatever -- for all his flaws and mistakes, Ellison seems to handle the position he landed in just fine. Even though he would hate to hear that suggestion.

« top »

{ need books? }

{ 2008 }

{ 2007 }

{ 2006 }

{ 2005 }

{ 2004 }

{ 2003 }

{ 2002 }

{ see all the books }

{ change the font }

{ search }

The Difference Between God and Larry Ellison :: by (published 1997) read: 21 January 2003 rating: [0]

The Difference Between God and Larry Ellison ::
by (published 1997)
read: 21 January 2003
rating: [0]