I wouldn't quite equate "be fierce" with "be an asshole". My take: PG is suggesting that smart people who are formidable and stick to their guns are more likely

I wouldn't quite equate "be fierce" with "be an asshole". My take: PG is suggesting that smart people who are formidable and stick to their guns are more likely to change the course of things. If you are overly 'kind' and allow all of your good ideas to be dismissed by others, you aren't going to be as successful. This doesn't mean you have to intentionally hurt others in the process. It could mean you take your ferocity and point it at starting your own company because you believe you have a better way and are tired of trying to convince others to your way of thinking. Edit: a word.