I first read this when I was 16.  It fit me then and it fits me now.

Dave

I do not choose to be a
common man.  It is my right to
be uncommon – if I can.  I seek
opportunity – not security.  I do
not wish to be a kept citizen,
humbled and dulled by having
the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated
risk, to dream and to build,
to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a
dole; I prefer the challenges of
life to the guaranteed existence,
the thrill of fulfillment to the
stale calm of Utopia.

I will not trade my freedom for
beneficence, nor my dignity for
a handout.  I will never cower
before any master, not bend to
any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect,
proud, and unafraid; to think
and act for myself, to enjoy the
benefit of my creations and to
face the world boldly and say:

This, with my family and friends, I
have done.  All this is what it means
to be an entrepreneur.