Taste for Makers
paulgraham.com
paulgraham.com
"The recipe for great work is: very exacting taste, plus the ability to gratify it."
I was just thinking yesterday that YC seemed almost like the Medici of Florence who were essential in appreciating and financing the Renaissance. The money provided was helpful, but the environment of bringing all the great minds together from many fields created an unstoppable momentum of achievement.
Wow. That's really a great comparison. Given Paul's experience with Florence and knowledge of history, that might have crossed his mind too.