I want to be sure I understand your central objection to these books. I take it that your objection isn't that trying to succeed is bad. You also probably wouldn't say that the particular advice in these books is bad, though that's an interesting discussion if you do. I'm also guessing you don't have an objection to old books in general, or to business advice in general. Is your objection that these books give advice for preventing and resolving competitive situations, and you believe it's better to not compete in business than to compete and win? This is an opinion I've encountered in places like Metafilter. (Seen you there!)