ABSTRACT
It is my belief that all humans share an inherent desire to live a more prosperous life. This phenomenon is articulated by the ethical philosophy of enlightened self-interest, which in economic terms can manifest itself as “doing well by doing good.” This concept fundamentally explains why brave entrepreneurs take risks to deliver products and services that society values. Aspen Institute CEO Walter Isaacson said, “Innovation occurs when ripe seeds fall on fertile ground.”1 These bold entrepreneurs include the young women seeking microfinance in Bangladesh. They are the traders in rural China selling whatever they can to survive. They are the kids in Kenya using their mobile phones as a bank. They are the college dropouts in Silicon Valley dreaming of building a better world. They are the real estate moguls in Manhattan wanting to build more housing.
