I Wish We Were So Stupid (As Stupid as Y Combinator)
metromodemedia.com
metromodemedia.com
Also, smart does not equate to being overly cautious and paranoid, as it sounds in the way he describes his beloved Michigan. Smart, in my opinion, when referring to the startup scene, is being able to analyze the current trends, approximate which direction societal trends will move, and take calculated risks accordingly.
'Smart' will make us stagnant and if being innovative, creative, and progressive is stupid, then for once in my life, i'd rather pursue stupidity.
On another note, it's nice to see Michigan on the cutting edge and flourishing.
One of the reasons Henry Ford was willing to risk so much to start an automobile company is because Thomas Edison, who Henry idolized, encouraged him to do so. Edison told Henry something along the lines of "Do it Henry. If I was a young man I think I would start an automobile company."
I think companies like Y Combinator are serving much the same purpose, helping encouraging people to go after their dreams. Most will fail, but they have probably learned a lot more than they would have in a cube, about both software and business. Those that succeed, well, hopefully they will pass the encouragement on. I wonder who Henry Ford encouraged?