Have you ever heard of the Incas, Mayas, and Aztecs, the ancient civilizations of Central and South America?
They inhabited mountainous and extremely arid regions, where survival was not easy. And yet, these civilizations developed surprising technologies and knowledge that still puzzle historians and scientists today.
But why were they able to do this? The answer lies in the scarcity of natural resources.
1. Scarcity as the Mother of Innovation
The Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations faced a hostile environment. They lived in regions where agriculture was challenging, and the lack of natural resources was a daily reality. But it was that scarcity that drove them to innovate and create ingenious solutions to survive.
2. The Knowledge of the Incas
The Incas, for example, built incredible cities in the Andes mountains. They developed terraced agricultural systems that made it possible to grow food at high altitudes. They also had advanced civil engineering knowledge, creating impressive roads and bridges across rugged terrain.
3. The Complexity of Maya Mathematics
The Mayas, known for their precise calendar and their achievements in mathematics, developed complex systems of counting and measurement. They used their mathematics to track time and astronomical events with remarkable accuracy.
4. The Aztecs and Their Agricultural Skills
The Aztecs, amid a scarcity of fertile land, created floating gardens known as "chinampas". These artificial islands were used to grow food and flowers, demonstrating their ability to overcome the lack of natural resources.
5. The Parallel with Startups
Now, bring that lesson into the world of startups. Startups that face resource challenges often become more innovative, more agile, and more efficient. The need to reinvent and find creative solutions can drive creativity and success.
6. Abundance Can Lead to Complacency
On the other hand, startups with excess resources can fall into the trap of complacency, much like tropical natives who had an abundance of natural resources and a non-challenging climate. This meant they had no need to develop advanced techniques like the peoples of the mountain ranges and deserts. Having everything at hand can cause them to settle and stop seeking innovative solutions.
7. The Companion of Failure
The lack of resource scarcity, paradoxically, can be the fourth "companion of failure" for startups. It generates complacency and accommodation, preventing the constant pursuit of innovative and effective solutions. Resource scarcity can be an opportunity for creativity to flourish, while abundance can demand a great deal of discipline and resource governance to avoid excessive accommodation and ultimately stifling the creativity that is fundamental to startups.
Article also published on LinkedIn.
