The Myth of the “Pure Tech” Entrepreneur
In today’s startup culture, it’s easy to believe that success belongs only to coders, engineers, and those who live and breathe technology. We often hear stories of college dropouts who mastered a programming language and went on to build billion-dollar companies. While tech skills are undoubtedly important in a digital world, there’s another, less talked-about foundation that many of the most successful innovators share: a strong background in the humanities.
Entrepreneurs who understand history, philosophy, literature, ethics, and communication have a deeper lens through which to see the world. They don’t just build products—they build ideas, movements, and cultures. The ability to think critically, empathize with others, and understand the human story is just as essential as knowing how to write an algorithm.
Why Humanities Matter More Than Ever
The humanities teach us how to think, not just what to think. In an age of rapid automation and artificial intelligence, the uniquely human skills—curiosity, creativity, ethics, storytelling, and complex reasoning—are becoming even more valuable.
Entrepreneurs operate in uncertain environments. They need to make decisions that don’t always have clear answers. They must navigate human behavior, anticipate cultural shifts, and communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences. A background in the humanities prepares them to do exactly that.
For example, history helps us understand how societies evolve and how people respond to change. Philosophy teaches us to wrestle with moral gray areas. Literature builds empathy by allowing us to inhabit different perspectives. These aren’t “soft skills.” They are foundational tools for navigating the world with insight and intention.
The Intersection of Technology and Humanity
As technology continues to transform how we live, work, and communicate, the biggest questions we face are not technical—they’re ethical. Should we use AI in hiring? How do we balance data privacy with innovation? What does it mean to automate care, education, or justice?
These are not questions for engineers alone. They require leaders who can understand the consequences of their decisions beyond the bottom line. Leaders with a humanities mindset are better equipped to consider how products and policies impact people, cultures, and societies.
John Theodore Zabasky, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of WorXsiteHR Insurance Solutions, holds multiple degrees including a B.A. and M.A. in History. His academic background gave him a broader perspective on how policy, culture, and economics intersect—something that became crucial when designing his healthcare model, HealthWorX. By combining historical understanding with modern technology, Zabasky was able to create a business that’s both innovative and inclusive.
Empathy and Communication: The Entrepreneur’s Superpowers
Entrepreneurs are not just inventors—they’re storytellers. They must inspire investors, rally teams, and connect with customers. None of this is possible without strong communication skills and the ability to understand others’ needs and concerns.
A background in the humanities nurtures empathy. It encourages individuals to see the world through different lenses, whether through the eyes of a character in a novel or the struggles of a historical figure. This emotional intelligence helps entrepreneurs build products that resonate with people, brands that build trust, and teams that feel valued.
Moreover, communication is critical at every stage of business. Whether it’s writing a pitch, crafting a brand message, or managing conflict, the ability to use language effectively can be the difference between success and failure. Entrepreneurs with training in the humanities are often better equipped to tell compelling stories and build authentic relationships.
Innovation Requires Context
Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The best ideas are born from an understanding of the past and a vision for the future. Entrepreneurs who study the humanities are able to recognize patterns, draw connections across disciplines, and question assumptions—key skills in driving meaningful change.
Consider how the Renaissance—a period of profound creativity and innovation—was rooted in a revival of classical humanities. Art, science, philosophy, and politics were all deeply intertwined. Today’s entrepreneurs are no different. Those who can move fluidly between disciplines are more likely to spot unmet needs, generate fresh ideas, and adapt when the landscape changes.
John Theodore Zabasky credits much of his problem-solving approach to his academic study of history. It trained him to examine problems from multiple perspectives and to consider both short- and long-term implications. This mindset helped him challenge traditional insurance models and develop a hybrid nonprofit-business structure that now delivers over $100 million annually in healthcare services to underserved families.
Building Ethical, Sustainable Businesses
The future of entrepreneurship is not just about disruption—it’s about responsibility. As society demands more accountability from corporations, entrepreneurs must think deeply about the ethical implications of their work.
The humanities provide the moral frameworks that help guide these decisions. Courses in ethics, philosophy, and political science give future business leaders tools to think about justice, fairness, and the common good. These are critical considerations for anyone hoping to lead a company in a world that’s increasingly driven by social and environmental impact.
Too often, we’ve seen what happens when innovation outpaces ethics. From data misuse to biased algorithms, the consequences can be far-reaching. Entrepreneurs with a strong ethical foundation are more likely to anticipate these issues and build solutions that serve everyone—not just shareholders.
Zabasky’s model, which prioritizes access to healthcare for part-time and seasonal workers, is an example of what can happen when business innovation is grounded in social conscience. It’s not just about what you build—it’s about why and for whom you build it.
Preparing the Next Generation
If we want to cultivate future innovators who are prepared for the complexity of tomorrow’s world, we need to rethink how we educate entrepreneurs. STEM education is vital—but it should not come at the expense of the humanities.
Instead, we should encourage cross-disciplinary learning. Let business students take courses in ethics and literature. Let engineers explore philosophy and history. Let tech founders study sociology and art. The goal is not to dilute their technical expertise, but to enrich it with human understanding.
Educational institutions, incubators, and investors all have a role to play in promoting this shift. The most impactful startups of the future will be those that blend hard skills with human wisdom.
A Broader Vision of Success
In a world dominated by code and speed, it’s easy to underestimate the power of reflection, context, and human connection. But as the challenges we face grow more complex, the need for thoughtful, ethical, and empathetic leaders has never been greater.
Entrepreneurs don’t just need to know how to build—they need to know why, for whom, and at what cost. A foundation in the humanities helps answer those questions. It empowers them to innovate with insight, to lead with purpose, and to create businesses that don’t just succeed—but matter.
John Theodore Zabasky’s journey proves that you don’t have to choose between tech and the humanities. In fact, the future of entrepreneurship depends on leaders who can do both. Let’s make room for more of them.