The Hard Thing About Hard Things

by Ben Horowitz
The Hard Thing About Hard Things cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Business and Economics
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Waterstones
Hardback • £22.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4337
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780062273215
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 2014-03-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ben Horowitz, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, offers invaluable insights into the often overlooked difficulties of running a startup. Drawing from his extensive experience, he provides practical advice on managing the toughest problems that business school doesn't cover. Horowitz's unique perspective is amplified by his passion for rap music, using lyrics to illustrate business lessons in a way that is both engaging and straightforward. /n/nThe book is filled with humor and candid reflections on Horowitz's own experiences, making it a must-read for both veteran entrepreneurs and those aspiring to start their own ventures. From firing friends to knowing when to cash in, Horowitz's advice is invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the business world.

Reviews
Russell Hobby · Russell Hobby · 2020-03-29
practical 4.25

The book is filled with valuable insights, with one concept, 'management debt', transforming the reviewer's perspective. It's a practical guide for entrepreneurs.

Russell Hobby highlights that the book is packed with insights, but one concept, 'management debt', particularly stood out and transformed his perspective. The idea is that just like financial debt, management debt accumulates and needs to be addressed. Hobby appreciates the practical advice and the author's ability to make complex concepts understandable. The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Quick quotes

    It is filled with insights, but it contains one concept that transformed my perspective. This is the idea of 'management debt'.

    In Ben's words, 'Management debt is the result of doing things to get by today that will create more problems for tomorrow.'

    The book is a practical guide that every entrepreneur should have on their shelf.

Vcent.in · 2017-11-29
empowering 4.00

The book is praised for its honesty and the author's willingness to share personal experiences. It leaves readers with a sense of empowerment and a better understanding of entrepreneurial challenges.

The reviewer notes that reading this book leaves you with a feeling of empowerment. The author's honesty about his own struggles and the challenges of entrepreneurship is highly appreciated. The book is not just about theory; it's filled with real-life experiences that make it relatable and valuable. The reviewer also mentions that it's a book that makes you feel less alone in your entrepreneurial journey.

Quick quotes

    If there's one feeling that you will be left with after reading Ben Horowitz's 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things' is that you'd be kicking yourself for not reading it sooner.

    Horowitz's willingness to share his own failures and lessons learned is what makes this book so valuable.

    It's a book that makes you feel like you're not alone in your struggles, and that's a rare and powerful thing.

Medium · Sam Harris · 2017-01-01
insightful 4.50

The book is highly recommended by entrepreneurs and provides valuable insights into the challenges of running a business. It is praised for its practical advice and honesty.

Sam Harris shares that this book has been frequently recommended to him by successful entrepreneurs, highlighting its value. The book doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties of running a business, offering practical advice and honest reflections. Harris appreciates the author's straightforward approach and the actionable insights provided. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand the realities of entrepreneurship.

Quick quotes

    The Hard Thing About Hard Things has been the most recommended book to me from numerous conversations with great entrepreneurs on my podcast.

    Horowitz gives a warts-and-all view of what it's really like to be in charge of a business.

    It's a book that every entrepreneur should read, not just for the advice, but for the comfort of knowing they're not alone in their struggles.

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