The Roman God Mercury

Abstract

The emergence of new organizations, the making and losing of personal fortunes, the waxing and waning of egos and influence, and the altering landscape of competition are aspects of entrepreneurship that at the same time impress and arouse suspicion in the observer. The central character in this fascination is the entrepreneur and the central activities are creativity, change, and transformation. This article explores a story of the Roman god Mercury that suggests an archetype of entrepreneurship. This Jungian look at entrepreneurs focuses on appetite, vision, changeableness, fast action, and networks at the individual level and on economic chaos at the social level. The shadow sides of Mercury and entrepreneurship are also explored for sources of suspicion. The essay offers implications for entrepreneurs and venture stakeholders.