Eric Ries on Patagonia 1991: 'It is coherent inside and out. It is structurally strong.'

Eric posted a page from Patagonia's 1991 catalog on LinkedIn, setting it against the gap at most companies between a stated mission and a legal purpose of maximizing shareholder value. Patagonia is one of Incorruptible's case studies.

“In 1991, Patagonia added this blunt language to their own catalog: "Everything we make pollutes. Buy fewer items and buy things that last." That level of honesty is almost unthinkable today. So many companies are too afraid of the backlash, the social media firestorm, or being punished by investors. The employee handbook isn't what actually happens at the company. The EULA is designed as a CYA that nobody reads. Companies have a vaunted "mission statement" but their legal purpose is just "maximize shareholder value." They are lying to you. Patagonia can speak the truth because it is coherent inside and out. It is structurally strong.” — Eric Ries on LinkedIn