But ironically if I want to work for him, I need a college degree :)
Isn't the world hilarious :D.
Hell, I can point you one successful founder who went through a degree and even a graduate degree: Peter Thiel. Yet you say:
"Of these 10, some go study medicine/law/engineering and disappear from the pool."
Yes, the world is very complex, and you probably know less than you think you do. As do we all. The most honest among us always remember "we do not really understand."
> Of these 10, some go study medicine/law/engineering and disappear from the pool. Down to 1-2. Most of these guys fail.
Well there's your Peter Thiel.
"1000 possible billionaires are born everyday. Most die in the third world. The remainder come from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Cuts that to about 100. Of those 100, few are located in places like Silicon Valley. Now you are around 10. Of these 10, some go study medicine/law/engineering and disappear from the pool. Down to 1-2. Most of these guys fail."
That's my point.
That's key. But note that I did not exclude the possibility of a Peter Thiel - which is what you imply.
I was merely indicating that hero worship of people is rarely a good idea (for reasons previously stated) - that is all I have to say on this topic.
You and I think alike.
I was arguing that success is mostly random (skill is necessary but not sufficient) :D. I think you'll enjoy this: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4078597
I think we misunderstand each other. I am firmly in the random + skill camp (not pure skill).