This is the statement that should be read to anyone with a cynical view of entrepreneurship as a selfish venture. It’s not for the glitz and glamour. It’s not to casually talk about equity in order to sound financially savvy. It’s the realization that working under someone, even if the work itself is truly inspiring, will never produce the challenge and reliance of self that these folks are seeking.

Most folks aren’t going out on their own for the sake of the spotlight. Rather, they simply know life can be infinitely fuller if every decision they make can either move them higher up the mountain or make them crash to the bottom. They see everyone else at Basecamp, while they’re working to reach the summit.