YC adds resources to people who are already making something. It may not be what they'll end up with (Segment, recently acquired, started with an entirely different idea) but they've started.
In the passage you quoted, PG is talking about an earlier stage than that. ("They're too frightened even to start.")
Re:Early Work
by lowkeynthorough on Thursday October 22, 2020 @08:34AM
(#24857304)
I think you almost hit the nail on the head.. it’s like a paraphrase of that saying about genius vs talent.. the difference between good work and great work is.. good work takes resources, but properly great work surprises us with how little it takes..
No, the biggest thing holding people back from doing great work is resources. Everything else is a distant concern.
Remember what Y Combinator does? It connects people with resources, to people who claim they'll do great work.
Good, boring, mundane redistribution of resources from old rich people to young capable people. Good, do more of that and please spare us your 'wisdom' - it leads to bullshit artists whose sole skill is 'appreciating' your 'wisdom' to insert themselves into the process and ruin the whole thing.