Content vs Code

Duke It Out

Code and media are permission-less leverage. They are the leverage behind the newly rich. You can create software and media that works for you while you sleep

Naval Ravikant

Naval famously said that the two highest leverage currencies of this generation are content and code. Consistently proven over the last two decades. One question remains:

Which is most valuable?

Code

Code is more difficult to begin. It requires advanced training and experience to even build a simple application. Not to mention constant maintenance. Either by building features to meet user’s needs or keeping on top of security vulnerabilities, upgrades and random things breaking.

The potential for code, however, is limitless. All of the world’s most valuable businesses use software heavily. Utilizing content too, but would be nothing without their code.

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Content

Although most can write. Those who write well are few. The percentage employed as professional writers is fewer. Much less than programmers. So even though the barrier to entry to becoming a writer is lower. To succeed at it might be higher. Writers are generally paid much less than the average programmer, with a higher ceiling. While the ceiling is lower for programmers the lower bound is much higher. Writing requires little maintenance. But in today’s world one needs to consistently output for a long time before they can earn a living while they sleep.

Verdict

Code has more leverage for solopreneurs in today’s world if it can be executed well. Most can generate value from content much quicker though, and if it’s successful it’s easier to keep it going.