Awesome speech by William Brody, president of Johns Hokpins University, on risk.

Bootstrappers resolve the "St. Petersburg Paradox" by continuing to play the game, long after others have given up. They're guided by their belief and inner resolve that their efforts will eventually bear fruit.

I recently read Richard Branson's autobiography, Losing My Virginity, and the ability to take risks, time and time again is one of his key defining characteristics. Indeed, Branson makes a habit out of putting himself in risky situations, even beyond business. His attempts at various ballooning records is just one of many examples cited in the book.