“The cornered cat is on its ninth life”
I recently read this headline in a Dutch newspaper. The article under the suggestive headline was not a story about a master con artist, finally unmasked. Nor did I hear a critical argument from an analytical journalist about an ambivalent politician. Under this headline I read how the writer of the piece predicts the end of a business dream. And what is in the newspaper is true, right?
The people in the manufacturing industry make a new product from existing materials. They are the men and women with courage. With plans and ideals, and good ideas. With conviction and perseverance. No guts, no glory, right? Ships and cardboard boxes. Clothes, shoes, superglue. Bicycles and automobiles. Although the latter industry has been all but destroyed.
I once spoke extensively with Victor Muller, and with his permission I recorded the following words. “I saw Spyker as added value for the Netherlands. A Dutch car factory. Isn't that wonderful? But the Netherlands is not at all proud of Spyker. People apparently prefer to see us go bankrupt.” Victor Muller is an entrepreneur with guts. I am proud. Such entrepreneurs have my support.