Teaching entrepreneurship: the entrepreneur, figure of resilience

Entrepreneurial thinking

Why is teaching entrepreneurship at least as important as teaching financial literacy?

In the years 2000 we have seen initiatives in different countries to implement the teaching of financial literacy in schools. 

Entrepreneurship is, I believe, just as important as financial literacy. The latter is about self-discipline and planning for the future, looking ahead and having a concrete look at what's real and whether a financial situation actually is sound or not, suggesting to look at the - potentially irrational - behaviours that are at the origin of the situation. 

More than a skill, entrepreneurship is an attitude. Entrepreneurship is all about the way one looks at the world and nurtures resilience. Entrepreneurs have to be pragmatic: you can't create a product that's not needed and that people won't want. Entrepreneurs have to start from what's real, from the actual needs of potential customers. In that way it takes a certain sense of observation. One of the most important qualities they cultivate is a positive outlook on life, seeing the world as a world of opportunities, possibilities. In that respect.", entrepreneurship is the exact opposite of depression and a depressive mind. And it is therefore beneficial to teach the entrepreneurial attitude to students & children. Particularly if one thinks of the work led by psychotherapists Martin Seligman showing how US presidents were always elected because they were more optimistic than their opponent. Optimism helps to make things happen that otherwise would never happen. 

So to summarize :why should we teach entrepreneurship?

- it nurtures resilience & a resilient attitude,

- it encourages to see failures in a positive light, as lessons,

- It can help to counter depressive attitude, 

- it brings the world further, 

- it nurtures optimism,

- it nurtures an attitude, in which people take ownership and responsibility for their actions, look at reality and, based on sound judgement & appreciation, take corrective measures,

- finally and most importantly, it also teaches students that it's okay to fail as long as you analyze & understand what happened and take actions to change the course.