Ten questions about entrepreneurs

I actually disagree with a couple points there.

I think it's not true that entrepreneurs are "born". I come from a culture (middle-class India) where entrepreneurship is so unthinkable, it's almost a taboo. And yet, I think I am very much passionate about being a startup founder now. Paul's essays have been a big help in making me re-think quite a few things about life. So, I'd say that people can learn to be entrepreneurs as well.

Magnet for money, attention: I don't think these are the primary qualities to focus on. They are usually a by-product of intense passion for the product and good taste / judgement.

This is a good set of questions and answers. I think that the often-made comparison between entrepreneurship and ADD is funny. There are also too many people with ADD who think they are entrepreneurs.. heh.

Remember, that a magnetic personality is really key - if you're passionate about your ideas, it's also important that you can recruit others to share your passion.

"What do you look for in entrepreneurs? First and foremost, they need to be magnets. For talent. For money. For attention. And for much more."

Would be interesting to see how YC founders compare to that standard.

Although maybe YC/PG is so much of a magnet a would-be entrepreneur wouldn't need to be once gone through YC.

Natural traits like being a magnet for money, talent and attention certainly makes one more likely to succeed as an entrepreneur. I don't have such traits. But desire, work ethic and discipline can be great substitutes - and these are traits that certainly can be learned. It just ends up taking a little longer.

"What do you look for in entrepreneurs? First and foremost, they need to be magnets. For talent. For money. For attention. And for much more."

Do you guys think that hackers actually have this "magnet" quality?

(i can hear the box) being built for entrepreneurs to be put in..

"Can entrepreneurship be taught/learned? I don't think so. It's like a personality disorder. You are born with it."

What an awesome way to put it.