Probably most ambitious people are starved for the sort of encouragement they’d get from ambitious peers, whatever their age. [...] Which means one of the best ways to help a society generally is to create events and institutions that bring ambitious people together. It’s like pulling the control rods out of a reactor: the energy they emit encourages other ambitious people, instead of being absorbed by the normal people they’re usually surrounded with.

Paul Graham makes these and other excellent points about determination and what drives people. It’s an insightful read about why some succeed and others don’t. Makes you reflect.

Disclaimer: I’ve blatantly stole the idea for this post from Jen’s excellent blog, so all kudos for digging up this gem go to her!