I got nothing against people who pursue that, I speak against myself on my first post. I also want to create something that makes a difference, I want to generate value and create something meaningful for other. But I would never replace my dream with all the other things I love in life. In the end the balance will always be negative for me.
With this said, It doesn't mean I aim low on things I want to achieve, I just thing balance is the correct path to have in life.
I've writing technical books helping to share knowledge and that's the one thing I feel the most proud about. I won't regret having brought my contribution to sharing knowledge.
I love my family, but I also love my work. I love R&D. I love trying to create something that shall help people. I'll never ever have any regret about moving to California (not there anymore) and worked there like crazy for someone else's startup.
Then "success" has never been measured only by money: there are very succesful non-profit organization out there. But people are typically working hard to make them work too.
It's not about "making an IPO" or "getting rich". It's about "making a difference".
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."