I'm slightly skeptical as to whether these are the only (big) things that made researchers at the Xerox PARC so successful. Doesn't societal, economic and poli

I'm slightly skeptical as to whether these are the only (big) things that made researchers at the Xerox PARC so successful. Doesn't societal, economic and political environment play a big role? (e.g. housing costs) On another note, I do see "funding people, not projects" to be reflected in the bend of YC. I heard multiple times they would fund the founders even if they felt meh about their project in the current shape.