This is a powerful and important essay with great scope. It will take a bit of time to think about this before discussing. (I have to let the subconscious crunch on this one.)

"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.