In a hierarchical organization, solving real problems almost always means “doing everyone else’s job,” so the author is right if your goal is to succeed inside organizations.

That said, I’d add one more point: in China, where I’m from, it is getting harder for individuals to even survive inside organizations these days, let alone succeed. In that environment, the rational strategy is often to do less, take fewer risks, and make fewer mistakes.

Hard not to miss the golden days.