At some point, I need a title like Baron or Duke or Earl – like Baron Munchhausen.

Because when you are a Baron – you can make up stories that end up being spun into legend.

Like riding on cannonballs. Killing 50 birds with one shot and – the reason for this point – pulling oneself up by their bootstraps when stuck in a swamp or quicksand. Some rumors have it that it was his hair – but no less, this man needed no help in saving himself, conquering outrageous enemies or committing acts of heroism that are unnatural to man.

I’m not saying that there are not those who are entirely capable of building great lives with little dependence on others – but lets not lie to ourselves about it. Pulling oneself by their bootstraps is a lie. Do you want to bootstrap your company? Then you started with means and were able to grow over time based on money you generated or borrowed. Do you bootstrap your network? Someone made kind introductions on your behalf.  They expended more capital that they may have had to work very hard for, in order for you to have it a bit easier.

Micro-finance is much the same way.  It starts with community and the synergies of social capital being spun into something that is credit worthy by those with means. It doesn’t mean they started their own currency system and got it recognized internationally. Someone always invests, someone borrows, someone donates – and its all to help each other.

So let’s be careful about the Myth of the Bootstrapper. I love the Acton MBA program, Bootstrap Austin and the thinkers in Colorado that enjoy bootstrapping. I just think we have to be careful about how far we carry that torch.

(For the record, I hear Kevin Koym at TechRanch Austin, a heavy supporter of bootstrapping is working on a book about the social capital aspect. I think it will be great and can’t wait to read it!)