I can see how people might think the timing is clever. But in reality, the four founders are no longer full-time so they just decided to put this together. It's a good reminder of what YC has been and should always be about and what they wouldn't want us to deviate from. In general, writing this down is a good idea for any company. It helps get everyone on the same page.

Marketing for the YC application due tomorrow.

If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

The way to begin showing what you stand for is to speak it, put it forth in writing and let everyone know, then start demonstrating it via actions. The world at large will check you and call you out if you don't live up to it.

It doesn't hurt to reaffirm your principles. Could have been motivated by someone reading "Principles - Ray Dalio"

upcoming batch applications?