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Thursday, September 4, 2025

How 433 Investors Unlocked 400X Return Potential

Institutional investors back startups to unlock outsized returns. Regular investors have to wait. But not anymore. Thanks to regulatory updates, some companies are doing things differently.

Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 regular people invested an average of $2,730. Today? They got a 400X buyout offer from the company, as Revolut’s valuation increased 89,900% in the same timeframe.

No wonder 10K+ everyday people are taking the chance on Pacaso.

Founded by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso’s co-ownership tech reshapes the $1.3T vacation home market. They’ve earned $110M+ in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth in 2024 alone. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

The same institutional investors behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay backed Pacaso. And you can join them. But not for long. Pacaso’s investment opportunity ends September 18.

Invest While You Still Can

_{Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.}

Henry David Thoreau’s words cut through time with a challenge that feels just as urgent today as it did in the 19th century: speak your truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when the world would rather you say what’s expected.

At its heart, this quote is about the courage to live authentically.

Expanding the Meaning

When Thoreau tells us to “say what you have to say, not what you ought,” he’s urging us to abandon the false comfort of polite pretense. Too often, we censor ourselves to meet social norms, to avoid conflict, or to gain approval. But in doing so, we dilute our true voice and distance ourselves from honesty.

The second part, “Any truth is better than make-believe,” reinforces this idea. Truth may sting, challenge, or disrupt—but it is real, and it carries the power to liberate. Make-believe may feel easier in the moment, but it creates illusions that eventually crumble, often causing greater harm than the truth ever would.

When we choose truth:

• In relationships, we build trust and intimacy.

• In leadership and work, we strengthen credibility and respect.

• In personal growth, we break free from denial and step into transformation.

Speaking honestly doesn’t mean being harsh or unkind—it means aligning your words with your genuine beliefs, delivered with integrity.

Context of Origin

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) was an American philosopher, writer, and naturalist, most famous for Walden and Civil Disobedience. A central figure in the Transcendentalist movement, Thoreau believed in self-reliance, truth, and the courage to resist conformity.

This quote reflects his philosophy of rejecting societal “oughts” in favor of living and speaking authentically. Thoreau himself lived this out by retreating to Walden Pond, where he embraced simplicity, clarity, and truth as guiding principles. His reminder is as relevant today as it was then: illusions may comfort us temporarily, but only truth sustains us.

Practical Takeaway

Thoreau reminds us that the courage to speak and live truthfully is the foundation of freedom. Illusions—whether spoken to others or told to ourselves—are shackles. Truth, even when difficult, sets us free.

The question to ask yourself today is simple: Where in my life am I saying what I “ought” instead of what I truly mean?

📚 Resource List: Speaking Truth and Living Authentically

Books by Henry David Thoreau

1. Walden – Reflections on simple living, self-reliance, and authenticity.

2. Civil Disobedience – A call to live by conscience over conformity.

3. The Portable Thoreau (edited by Carl Bode) – A collection of his most influential writings.

Books on Truth, Authenticity, and Courage

4. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga – On finding freedom in rejecting societal pressures.

5. Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton – A bold guide to living truthfully in relationships.

6. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown – On vulnerability and authentic connection.

Articles & Essays

7. Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson – A timeless essay on trusting your own voice.

8. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Henry David Thoreau – An academic overview of his philosophy.

Practical Tools & Exercises

9. Journaling Prompts:

   • “What truths am I avoiding right now?”

   • “Where in my life am I saying what I ‘ought’ instead of what I feel?”

10. Mindfulness Practices: Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer to cultivate self-awareness and authenticity.

Closing Reflection

When we dare to speak truthfully, we not only free ourselves but also invite others to do the same. Authenticity is contagious—it dismantles illusions, builds trust, and creates space for real connection. Thoreau’s wisdom is a reminder that our words carry power, and when they align with our truest selves, they light the path toward a life of integrity, courage, and freedom.