Well i think that the author has seen much in life to draw such conclusions.But i completely agree to you. Being just a novice in Management field, just doin my MBA makes me feel we carry great responsibility towards our company, collegues and society as a whole. Taking challenges is one thing and facing them with diligence is a different thing. It depends on the person which way he choses.But the decision is goin to make an impact on one's future and thus society as a whole.