[clevershot]

I have the feeling anything PG says these days is applauded w/o proper reflection. Maybe it’s just me, but I have the feeling most of his thoughts are quite profane

[elmar]

For me Paul Graham is a very rare breed of people that manages the delicated symbiosis between academic Vs entrepreneur - theory Vs real life - gut feeling Vs mathematical analysis.

Is overwhelming contribution to the Startup culture will only be well understood by future historical analysts.

[cncrnd]

This applies to all prominent people at any time in history.

[clevershot]

Yes. Still, it’s need to be said

[codingdave]

I think you are only half right. I don't know him, but from his online writings, he seems to be a guy who does have a clue, has been around, and has some good insights. But you are correct that he is hero-worshiped more than such things normally deserve. Like everyone else, he is a person whose reputation online might not be in sync with who he is on a personal level. But that is the nature of the internet, and not a reason to lash out at him personally.

[mehrdadn]

I haven't read anything close to 50% of his thoughts to know if most of them are quite profane, but the few other pieces I've read have indeed seemed quite insightful.

[radiorental]

Profane?

1. relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious.

2. (of a person or their behavior) not respectful of orthodox religious practice; irreverent.

3. treat (something sacred) with irreverence or disrespect.

That all said, I wouldn't go as far as to say profound. Just insightful commentary distilled from experience.

[zabzonk]

"profound", not "profane, surely?

[jwilk]

No, it's clear from the context they meant something negative.

I'd put my bets on "mundane".

[clevershot]

Yes, you’re smart and I’m German. Profane in German also means mundane. A false friend I guess

[3rdAccount]

Yea, I've read several of his essays (certainly not close to all of them) and didn't find any profane.

[clevershot]

That’s because you’re suceptible to startup folklore

[3rdAccount]

No, couldn't care less about that. I liked his essay on growing up as a nerd...those kinds of things.