[atq2119]

The key irony is that the empowerment of ambitious individuals that he praises is only possible in an institutional framework that makes it possible. That just allows you to sell your homebrew computer, for example. And there are plenty of people who, once they have become powerful by climbing those ladders, would have no qualms about pulling them up. So pg's analysis works at an individual level, but it's not great guidance for what society should do.

[BoiledCabbage]

> The key irony is that the empowerment of ambitious individuals that he praises is only possible in an institutional framework that makes it possible.

That's the pretty consistent blindspot I've found in people who strongly promote that view - they are almost always blind to the institutions that are required to support someone "being independent".