I think PGs advice doesn't just apply to startups but to nearly everything in life. Learning (or as PG puts it, "Just Learn") is huge part of the equation if one wants to advance. You'll be surprise how this attitude is not very prevalent to the general population of adults.
Want to get earn more money? Just learn how.
Want that promotion? Just learn what you need to achieve.
Not an expert on a particular thing? Just learn from someone else.
In trouble and need help? Just learn where to find it.
Having said that, in my experience, I think another crucial step needs to tie in with learning is self-efficacy to make it worthwhile. Learning is one thing but if you don't have the belief to stick to it and act on it, learning will only get you so far.
This is the sort of advice that, imo, sounds great (especially to HN readers and PG fans) but isn't actually helpful or correct.
Learning is important but life isn't that simple--earning money is mostly leverage and negotiation, promotions are mostly politics, and so on. You can choose not to participate and "just learn" but you'll be at a disadvantage unless you are a truly exceptional learner.
Which is why i say self-efficacy[1] is the other important half of the learning bit. Without it, learning is only just that: learning. If you don't have the belief, motivation or even the tenacity to act and follow through on what you learned, then all you have is just knowledge in your head.
The general idea of the essay is, i think, spot on. However, like you say it's a bit idealistic. In practice the mountain of student debt facing your average college grad changes the nature of the discussion.
I think PGs advice doesn't just apply to startups but to nearly everything in life. Learning (or as PG puts it, "Just Learn") is huge part of the equation if one wants to advance. You'll be surprise how this attitude is not very prevalent to the general population of adults.
Want to get earn more money? Just learn how.
Want that promotion? Just learn what you need to achieve.
Not an expert on a particular thing? Just learn from someone else.
In trouble and need help? Just learn where to find it.
Having said that, in my experience, I think another crucial step needs to tie in with learning is self-efficacy to make it worthwhile. Learning is one thing but if you don't have the belief to stick to it and act on it, learning will only get you so far.