Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

A lot of the professional athletes from my school use their positions to help fund (and/or run) nonprofits across the state of California. Some of them run nonprofits that benefit refugees in Africa. Others fund medical clinics in Southeast Asia. More than a few have helped raise millions for the cancer research you love so dearly.

You know what they all have in common? Their job is to be an athlete. It says nothing about their ability to give back to society.

Indeed, I would argue that the average professional athlete gives back more to society and creates more value than a hacker who wants to give the world Yet Another Useless Social Platform/iApp/SaaS That No One Will Ever Use.

In my opinion, merely creating a startup is not something of value to society--you actually have to create something of value.




So the thinking of the average athlete is "I want to win the gold medal so that I can earn lots of money and donate it to cancer research"?

Whatever - admire all you want, I simply chose different heroes for myself. And "bread and games" is always coming to my mind during such events...




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: