I think people downvote you because you attack their dream that they are "special" (snowflake syndrome, geek version) and will somehow succeed even if on averag

I think people downvote you because you attack their dream that they are "special" (snowflake syndrome, geek version) and will somehow succeed even if on average startups DO crash and burn. You don't seem to be mean, just maybe a little blunt, but it changes nothing: In my experience on HN as in anywhere in the world, people hate to be told then reminded of their failures ("I told you so!"). Because truth hurt. You are trying to give them the truth in one simple post, while YC and co are selling a dream in an expansive application process (in terms of time, effort, equity lost etc) Sorry, but you just can't compete. > The highest EV play is to first get wealthy and THEN do what you want Exactly. Shut up and work for a while, then when you take risks, do it on your own schedule and bankroll. If you are as good as you think you are, certainly profits will come raining! And you will be the only one collecting with a very large bucket. If it's just a "small" acquisition (say 6 digits, something that a fund would find a sad outcome), you will be extremely happy and be ready to try again with your new fuel and hopes- thanks again to your large bucket. Still, there is a place for things like YC: when your idea blows out of proportion and you know that it will die if it can't grow fast enough. But it's an exception, not a rule. Than again, why I am bothering, you can't tell anything to people who don't want to listen. About the "mission"? I disagree with you. Maybe that's what getting you downvoted. We all have one! Mine is to maximize my lifetime wealth while doing things that I enjoy because they match my morality. I think most people have a variant of this one - and, no lie, it is designed to keep funneling money to oneself!