[m_myers]

I came here to say the same thing (even worded the same way in my head).

Why are people so fixated on college degrees -- even if they've already built a profitable company from scratch? Is it to prove something? If so, what?

[yason]

It used to mean something. Fifty years ago fewer people had degrees and it was likely to mean good life and secure career.

Not so much any longer but the old tricks of the trade of life from 1-2 generations back keep living on. It'll take some time to change.

[stretchwithme]

A great many people rely on social proof if there is any when deciding to trust someone rather than taking the time to find out for themselves. In fact, we all probably do that to some degree. You can't have firsthand knowledge of everything.

[mixmastamyk]

They're nice in that they force you to learn some subjects you wouldn't normally ... that and the college chicks.

Agree that the idea in that you have little worth without one is a bit absurd.

[stretchwithme]

I suspect its possible to find someone to force you to learn things you wouldn't otherwise learn for free.

[EvilRobotMonkey]

> college chicks?

Is every founder either a man or a lesbian?

[mixmastamyk]

The answer is leaning heavily toward yes.

[mannicken]

It's a status thing. Same reason why people buy expensive cars.

[dkl]

Because they are an obvious measure of worth for some people. Shallow, yes, but that's the short of it.