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Most people (although probably not most people on HN) I think if they have to choose between doing incredible things or having a comfortable, stable life, they

Most people (although probably not most people on HN) I think if they have to choose between doing incredible things or having a comfortable, stable life, they would choose the stable life. I personally believe in balance myself. But then again I'm not a world-famous developer or filthy rich entrepreneur either. Though I have done some things of note. Perhaps a balanced life is one that may be happy, but not especially distinctive. Oh great now I just depressed myself...

kamaal 14y ago
I agree with you. But after coming from a poor financial background, let me tell if had settled down for a 'stable life' working 9-5 I would be no where. Opportunities in my life were as scanty as getting a bucket of ice cold water in the middle of Sahara desert. Sometimes things don't happen, you have to 'make them happen'. 9-5, stable life et al is sufficient to keep the status quo and maintain things as they are from one pay check to another. But they are not life altering.
- jakejake 14y ago
  Same here, my family was quite poor growing up although my parents were really motivated. They managed to improve our living situation and give me opportunities in school. Whatever drive I have is largely due to my parents. But, I'd say the majority of everyone I ever knew in high school are just doing the 9-5 thing raising their family and I think they wouldn't have it any other way.
  - kamaal 14y ago
    >>But, I'd say the majority of everyone I ever knew in high school are just doing the 9-5 thing raising their family and I think they wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes having it easy in life is bad for you. I can myself relate to this. I knew a lot of a my friends from pretty well off families, who had all the money in the world to get them education and buy them time to do anything they would have wanted. Instead they seem to have ended up doing to small time courses and now working in Call centers and support centers. Its because those people never feel the hunger to win, the thirst to do something big, they never feel the dire needs and desperateness to win. Too much luxury spoils a person. I see the same now as an Adult. People who get too many opportunities do well only on the shorter run. On other hand, people with fewer opportunities work more hard and are better prepared to win big on the longer run on their own merit than depend on 'luck' or wait for 'somebody else to do it for them'.

kamaal 14y ago

I agree with you. But after coming from a poor financial background, let me tell if had settled down for a 'stable life' working 9-5 I would be no where. Opportunities in my life were as scanty as getting a bucket of ice cold water in the middle of Sahara desert. Sometimes things don't happen, you have to 'make them happen'. 9-5, stable life et al is sufficient to keep the status quo and maintain things as they are from one pay check to another. But they are not life altering.

jakejake 14y ago
Same here, my family was quite poor growing up although my parents were really motivated. They managed to improve our living situation and give me opportunities in school. Whatever drive I have is largely due to my parents. But, I'd say the majority of everyone I ever knew in high school are just doing the 9-5 thing raising their family and I think they wouldn't have it any other way.
- kamaal 14y ago
  >>But, I'd say the majority of everyone I ever knew in high school are just doing the 9-5 thing raising their family and I think they wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes having it easy in life is bad for you. I can myself relate to this. I knew a lot of a my friends from pretty well off families, who had all the money in the world to get them education and buy them time to do anything they would have wanted. Instead they seem to have ended up doing to small time courses and now working in Call centers and support centers. Its because those people never feel the hunger to win, the thirst to do something big, they never feel the dire needs and desperateness to win. Too much luxury spoils a person. I see the same now as an Adult. People who get too many opportunities do well only on the shorter run. On other hand, people with fewer opportunities work more hard and are better prepared to win big on the longer run on their own merit than depend on 'luck' or wait for 'somebody else to do it for them'.