The Arc enterpreneur podcast

Bible Verse: “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” —Luke 12:15

In the business world, the drive to grow and succeed can often go hand-in-hand with an unspoken rule: more is always better. We see this in action when a company upgrades its office, then feels compelled to enhance everything else — better furnishings, the latest technology, higher-tier services. This is known as the “Diderot Effect”. Named after the French philosopher Denis Diderot, this effect describes how acquiring one new thing can lead to a spiral of additional purchases as we seek to match or complement it. We upgrade our possessions, but our satisfaction seldom lasts; instead, we find ourselves wanting more. It’s a powerful pull that often happens subtly. A single new acquisition — a new logo, an updated software suite, a state-of-the-art conference room — can create a ripple effect, leading to more spending, more upgrades, and more layers of complexity, all of which begin to feel essential.

Jesus’s warning in Luke 12:15, however, is a powerful reminder for us to assess our motivations and define our goals with care. His words, “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions,” challenge us to look beyond acquisitions and appearances, whether personal or professional. While there is nothing inherently wrong with upgrading or investing in our business, the danger lies in allowing these actions to define our success or distract us from our true purpose.

The “Diderot Effect” might tempt us to believe that each new acquisition will finally bring us that “edge” or completion we desire. But this cycle can be endless, and it often distances us from our core mission, leading to cluttered operations, inflated budgets, and a culture that values appearances over effectiveness.

How, then, can we apply Jesus’s words to our work? Start by focusing on what truly drives your business. When making decisions, ask yourself: “Does this contribute to my mission? Does this reflect my values?” By realigning our choices with God’s purpose, we guard against the pull of unnecessary consumption.

Let this verse serve as a checkpoint against the tide of the “Diderot Effect”, helping us steward our resources wisely and invest in the things that truly matter. May we seek fulfillment not in the abundance of what we acquire, but in the purpose and impact of what we give.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of my business have I allowed the desire for more or better to overshadow my core mission and values?

1. When faced with a decision to upgrade or acquire something new, how can I assess whether it truly aligns with my purpose, rather than just satisfying a temporary desire?

1. How can I refocus my efforts on building lasting impact and purpose over acquiring more possessions or appearances that may not add real value?

Author: Derek Stone