Chase dreams. Take risks. Fail often. But love the whole process as it unfolds.
All forms of endeavor involve some form of risk management whether cognized or not. The prospects of a startup with the possiblity of high equity yield over a short period of time being a good investment increase with the competence of the original founders. Obviously PG was competent. The only reason you should 'fiercely disagree' is if you are not, in which case your argument only applies to yourself.
But tomorrow holds no promises. There's no promise you'll be alive tomorrow. No one can guarantee that. My objection is that it does take some blind passion to work more today for more relaxing time later, but there's no guarantee that you'll be alive.
And of course, not everyone is going to run a series of successful technology startups. Newsflash, I'm not Paul Graham! I'm sure that he's more competent than I am.
Get a little perspective.