“I, Pencil” by Leonard E. Read

“I, Pencil” is an essay written by Leonard E. Read in 1958 that illustrates the complexity of the global market and the division of labor required to produce something as simple as a pencil. The essay is written from the perspective of a pencil describing the various processes and people involved in its creation, such as lumberjacks, chemists, and transportation workers. The point of the essay is to highlight the importance of the market economy and how it allows for the efficient division of labor and specialization, which in turn leads to greater productivity and prosperity.

This essay is useful to entrepreneurs and product managers because it highlights the interconnectedness of the global market and the importance of understanding the different processes and people involved in creating a product. It also emphasizes the importance of specialization and how it leads to greater efficiency and productivity. It can also be used as a reminder of how even a simple product like a pencil is the result of a complex network of individuals and processes, and that the market economy plays a crucial role in bringing all these elements together. This understanding can help entrepreneurs and product managers make better decisions by recognizing the importance of supply chains, distribution networks, and other factors that play a role in the production and distribution of their products. Additionally, the essay serves as a reminder that entrepreneurship and innovation are not only about creating new products, but also about understanding and leveraging the existing systems and networks that allow those products to be created and distributed.

Messages from the book

1. The complexity of global markets: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to understand that the products they create and sell are the result of a complex network of individuals and processes spanning multiple countries and industries. They should consider examples of global supply chains, such as Apple’s supply chain for iPhones, to understand how different factors such as labor, logistics, and regulations affect the production and distribution of their products.
2. The division of labor: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to recognize that different tasks and skills are required to produce a product, and that these tasks are best handled by specialists. This can be seen in the example of a car manufacturing process, where different workers specialize in tasks such as welding, painting, and assembly.
3. The importance of specialization: Product managers and entrepreneurs should focus on their core competencies and delegate other tasks to specialists. This can be seen in the example of a software company that outsources its customer support to a specialist firm, allowing them to focus on product development.
4. The efficiency of the market economy: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to understand how the market economy allows for the efficient allocation of resources and the creation of wealth. An example of this can be seen in the rise of e-commerce platforms like Amazon, which has made it easier for small businesses to reach a global market.
5. The role of innovation: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to continuously innovate and improve their products to stay competitive. An example of this can be seen in the rapid pace of innovation in the tech industry, where companies like Google and Facebook constantly update their products and services to stay ahead of the competition.
6. The importance of understanding the needs of customers: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to understand the needs and wants of their customers in order to create products that will be successful. An example of this can be seen in the success of companies like Tesla, which has created products that meet the growing demand for electric cars.
7. The importance of supply chains and distribution networks: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to understand how their products will be manufactured and distributed in order to ensure they are delivered to customers in a timely and efficient manner. An example of this can be seen in the success of companies like Amazon, which has a highly developed supply chain and distribution network.
8. The importance of regulations and government policies: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to understand how government policies and regulations can affect their business. An example of this can be seen in how trade tariffs and trade agreements affect the cost and availability of goods.
9. The role of human creativity: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to understand that human creativity is the driving force behind innovation and progress. An example of this can be seen in the success of companies like Google and Facebook, which have been able to tap into the creativity of their employees to create new products and services.
10. The importance of collaboration: Product managers and entrepreneurs need to understand the importance of collaboration in order to create successful products. An example of this can be seen in the success of companies like Apple, which collaborates with other companies and suppliers to create new products.

Leonard E. Read

Leonard E. Read was an American economist and writer who was the founder of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), a think tank that promotes classical liberal ideas. He is best known for his 1958 essay “I, Pencil,” which illustrates the complexity of the global market and the division of labor required to produce something as simple as a pencil. The essay is written from the perspective of a pencil and is used to highlight the importance of the market economy and how it allows for the efficient division of labor and specialization, which in turn leads to greater productivity and prosperity. Read was also a proponent of free-market economic principles and individual liberty.