Maybe let’s not call it “stubborn” but robust.
Stubborn etymology
The word “stubborn” has an interesting etymology, reflecting the tenacity it describes. It originates from the Middle English word “stubborn,” which evolved from the Old English “stybb.” “Stybb” referred to something fixed or rooted, like a tree stump. This origin emphasizes a sense of immovable firmness or inflexibility. Over time, “stubborn” came to describe not just physical immobility, but also the mental and emotional steadfastness (or obstinacy) of a person’s character.
This evolution reflects a deep philosophical insight: just as a tree stump is firmly rooted in the ground, a stubborn person is deeply rooted in their beliefs or opinions, resisting change or persuasion. It’s a vivid metaphor for the human tendency to cling to ideas with a rigidity that can be both a strength and a weakness. In terms of innovation and entrepreneurship, this trait can manifest as persistence in the face of challenges, or inflexibility that hinders adaptation and growth.