I can't see why many comments label this as "gambling with one's future." What are his alternatives (if he chose to self-fund)? Saving up cash to use as startup

I can't see why many comments label this as "gambling with one's future." What are his alternatives (if he chose to self-fund)? Saving up cash to use as startup funding is pretty much the same thing - and as ezl stated in his post, retirement money isn't sacred. Actually, to be more specific, "401k" money isn't more sacred than "cash saved up that is liquid." Using either can affect one's retirement/future.