[prrrnd]

> Just the idea that a Danish web consultant could hack together something that became popular and which then allowed him to literally retire and become a racing driver before he hit 30 should inspire us all.

While being successful in all those aspects, DHH is still very active in the development of the framework. He is currently also the CTO at Basecamp. Not really what I would consider being retired.

[tim333]

Also he didn't get rich at least to begin with off Rails as such, which is free open source but off Basecamp which as he is fond of pointing out charges customers money in the old fashioned way. (As opposed to raising VC.)

[fergie]

I have a vague memory of reading an article by him shortly after he got the investment from Jeff Bezos when he spoke in terms of being "retired" (sadly ungoogleable now because "david heinmeyer hansson retired" just gives lots of hits for motor-racing). Of course things change, and he is definitely working now, although his working life seems to consist of very well paid, powerful, interesting and part-time positions, so I think the point stands :)