PG, Y Combinator is not smart enough to understand!

I was asked this question via Formspring today: "3 out of 65. 3 in your favor, 62 not. do you give up?".

There is a line in the song "As the world turns" by Tupac that goes:

"Though I walk through the valley of hell the shadow follows me. Wisdom's hard to swallow, tomorrow expect apologies. You probably panic, stranded in a search for a better plan, realism's hard to understand we stand slanted. And still stranded, merciless thieves stole the best of me, I pray to Jesus to please take the rest of me. Still, the best of us build and reach monetary gains. God blessed the hustler and cursed the first sleeper...there are some busted as bastards allergic to cash this year...fuck these punks, role with those who swim in the dirt, I hit where it hurts. I ride or die for my turf, my hearts going to stay cold and the works gonna stay on, we serve them like we supposed to...rest in peace to the fallen soldiers with all that we got."

How I understand this idea:

There are a lot of people who will tell you, you can't achieve your goals, but they still watch you. They watch you because if you do succeed, they want to be the first on the bandwagon. Never give up because pride is hard to swallow, make all those who doubt you swallow slowly and regret their mistake. At times as an entrepreneur, you might panic and think because someone like Y Combinator didn't pick you that you have to change what you do. Reality is that Y Combinator is not smart enough to understand your idea as an organization! YC has smart founders, directors and graduates. But the application process is not designed to pick the best companies, rather it rewards people who can talk about themselves the best.

In that sense, there is no mercy! Many give up, wonder what went wrong and question if it was worth it. But what makes you an entrepreneur, what makes you attractive, is how you respond to adversity. If you don't like the YC application process, figure out a better way. You have just under 7 months, to make YC anticipate and want your application. Are you still reading Hacker News, or have you made the commitment to put every ounce of energy toward your dreams?

Don't give in to those who say no! Find a way to help them understand, so they have no alternative except to say yes. If you want to be an entrepreneur you have to invest every ounce of energy you have to it. DO NOT subscribe to the idea that it's okay to fail. That doesn't mean you won't have setbacks, never be satisfied and learn from everything around you. Be different than others before you. Be respectful to those who didn't make it and reach out to the next generation.

Full disclosure: I didn't get picked by YC. I own three companies, been profitable from the beginning and have no debt or investors. YC is a luxury, very far from a necessity. Just remember one thing, do you and let the rest take care of itself!