RIP Gene Wilder: 5 Lessons About Capitalism Willy Wonka Taught Us

4.) Taking Risks isn’t Wise

One of the best things about capitalism is that it comes up with the sweetest inventions and innovations we enjoy everyday. From your favorite car to the drone you’re saving up for, from the new game you’re playing constantly to the device you’re reading this article from, all are products of someone having a dream and pursuing it for a profit.

Not all inventions should be made or succeed, however. Wonka knew this, and despite his great success, he had many, many failures. One was the “3 course meal” gum eaten by gum chewing champion Violet Beauregarde when she went on the Golden Ticket tour. Unfortunately for Violet, she would rather satisfy herself than think of the future negative effects of her ego. This “too big to fail” attitude has brought down many a giant corporation who should have tweaked their products just a little more before releasing them to the public. For whatever reason, they think it just can’t happen to them and release faulty products anyway and go the way of the Whigs. Wonka understood that creating a good product takes time, patience, and can’t be rushed, which is why he never released that stick of gum.