if you are interested in thinking the company from a 'long view', definitely check out this post: http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2011/06/08/a-brief-history-of-the-co

if you are interested in thinking the company from a 'long view', definitely check out this post: http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2011/06/08/a-brief-history-of-the-corporation-1600-to-2100/ http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2011/06/08/a-brief-history-of-the-... it was featured on HN a few months back and is definitely a wonderful (if expansive) introduction