tried to read Prince and I assume it is a translation to English from Italian or whatever.

Assuming that translation was done a while ago (100+ yrs?)... It is hard to read. I can understand it if I try. But the phrasing is not current. 100 pages will take double the time at the least.

Almost think AI needs to rephrase it into current English.

Probably has these double negatives, long sentences, etc.

all that said.. most of the clothes are not so "branded"? Who cares if a GAP or something ends up in outlet or wherever..

That's a good point. Some of the (many) B2B companies in YC also get a decent start by selling to the other YC companies.

> The existence of people who succeed in pushing for inferior solutions, and managing to leave before it becomes clear

Guess this is just random evolution at play. Some companies will pay a bigger price than others. And not everyone even recognizes it and pinpoint it like you did.

But overall influencing people is on net good skill for the individual. And what is good for the geese is good for the gander??

I personally agree with the premise to ship early, with some rough edges, etc. But teammates may not be supportive. You need the whole team to have that mindset/culture.