I know what you mean and I understand the general sentiment but you should expect an employee's level of "passion" to match the founder's only when their level

I know what you mean and I understand the general sentiment but you should expect an employee's level of "passion" to match the founder's only when their level of equity also matches yours. You might get lucky and find a first hire who really is excited and passionate about the project, truly believes in it, and will go "above and beyond" (which, frankly, is what it sounds like you're looking for) but if that's one of your core requirements to fill the position, well, good luck. Your friend made an offer that balances his level of "passion" for your project with his passion for his own projects and it sounds like (to me, a completely outside observer, obviously) he was trying to be unselfish and attempting to help you and your startup out. Now, it's up to you, of course, to decide whether he would be beneficial to your startup -- but, to simply dismiss him altogether because he doesn't share your level of passion? Well, as I said, good luck finding someone who does.