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One of the most striking contrasts in contemporary culture lies between our increasing focus on self-projection and the enduring value of genuine humility. This tension becomes particularly visible in the rise of the “influencer” phenomenon—a term that merits thoughtful examination, as many who adopt this label may primarily serve as conduits for commercial messaging rather than sources of substantive influence.

A fascinating pattern has emerged among startups—particularly in financial technology and adjacent sectors—where leaders increasingly explore cultural propagation through memes as a potential growth strategy. This approach parallels the “viral” focus that characterized the early 2010s startup landscape, when numerous companies secured substantial venture funding based primarily on rapid user acquisition through novel applications. The Yo app stands as a particularly interesting historical example of this phenomenon.

In our increasingly connected world, maintaining personal privacy presents significant challenges, particularly as we carry sophisticated devices capable of extensive data collection. Fortunately, several practical approaches can help you retain greater control over your personal information. This guide offers actionable strategies for enhancing your digital privacy. A photo of my dog, who has nothing to do with digital privacy but makes this post more enjoyable

While I typically maintain caution around predictions, I believe we’re witnessing the early stages of a significant business model evolution. An emerging category of ventures—what I call “incentive-aligned businesses”—appears positioned for substantial growth and impact in coming years. The Principle of Mutual Risk and Reward # The concept of “skin in the game” describes arrangements where participants share both risk and potential returns with their counterparties. This principle already operates in certain investment contexts—angel investors provide capital to founders, accepting significant risk in exchange for equity that may grow substantially in value if the venture succeeds. This structure creates natural alignment between parties as their outcomes become interdependent.

Make something people want Y Combinator’s guiding philosophy—captured in their motto “make something people want”—has influenced countless entrepreneurs since its first appearance in Paul Graham’s blog post on startup fundamentals.