[cortesoft]

This is probably smart. Running a startup is stressful enough without worrying that you are risking your friends and family's life savings.

[sanderjd]

On the other hand, this is how Warren Buffett got his start, and (from his biography Snowball) it seems to have been a strong motivator for him.

[cortesoft]

Yes, someone wins the lottery. I don't think we should use that as evidence that playing the lottery is a smart financial decision.

[sanderjd]

I agree. Just pointing out an alternative viewpoint, but I kept thinking while reading the biography that his path to the top was risky and stressful.