I think it's a mistake to classify people who don't do this as "cogs." As a self-employed entrepreneur myself, I actually envy happy "cogs." I think they tend to lead much more balanced lives. They have work and a life. Most entrepreneurs I know can't separate their work from their life.

If the statement, "I love my job" makes sense to you, then you should never quit your job to start your own company. It's usually a terrible financial decision and it involves a ton of instability. The main reason to do it is because you look at your life as an employee and just can't see yourself ever being happy.