Eric Ries' story is one of how he got his first break in programming and eventually became an entrepreneur, with a focus on the importance of passion and vision in starting and running a successful business. He recounts how as a teenager, he lied to a publishing house about his age and experience to get published, but ultimately succeeded due to his ingenuity and passion for programming. This experience fueled his career as an entrepreneur, where he emphasizes the need for a clear vision and passion to overcome the many challenges of starting and growing a business.