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Paul Graham

108quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Paul Graham is a British-American computer scientist, programmer, writer, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philosopher.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on April 4, 1964, in London, England. Still active in his professional life as of my last knowledge update.

Nationality and Profession(s)


British-American by birth, Graham is a renowned computer scientist, programmer, writer, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and philosopher. His career spans multiple fields, including academia, business, and philanthropy.

Early Life and Background


Graham's early life laid the foundation for his future accomplishments. As a child, he developed an interest in mathematics and problem-solving. He attended Cambridge University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in philosophy and later a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Major Accomplishments


Graham's work has had significant impact across various fields:

Founding Y Combinator: Graham co-founded Y Combinator in 2005, a startup accelerator that supports early-stage companies through funding and guidance.
 Authorship: He is the author of several influential essays on entrepreneurship, programming, and philosophy, including "The Blank Slate" (1994) and "Hackers and Painters: Big Ideas from the Computer Age" (2003).
Venture Capitalist: Graham has invested in numerous successful startups through Y Combinator's fund, including Dropbox, Airbnb, and Instacart.

Notable Works or Actions


Graham's work extends beyond his writing and entrepreneurial endeavors:

Startup Advice: He is known for his insightful advice on startup creation and growth, emphasizing the importance of iteration and user feedback.
Philosophical Contributions: Graham has written extensively on philosophical topics, including the concept of "creative destruction" in innovation and the limitations of artificial intelligence.
 Influence on Education: His essay "The Blank Slate" (1994) critiques traditional notions of learning and encourages a more experimental approach to education.

Impact and Legacy


Graham's contributions have influenced various fields:

Advancements in Programming: His work on Lisp programming languages has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of software development.
 Support for Entrepreneurs: Y Combinator, which Graham co-founded, has helped launch numerous successful startups, contributing to the growth of the global tech industry.
Philosophical Ideas: His essays have inspired new perspectives on innovation, education, and artificial intelligence.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Graham's enduring influence can be attributed to:

Insightful Writing: He has penned numerous influential essays that capture the essence of his experiences and ideas.
Entrepreneurial Vision: His leadership at Y Combinator has fostered a supportive environment for startups, enabling them to grow and thrive.
 Philosophical Contributions: Graham's work on topics like creative destruction and artificial intelligence has sparked meaningful discussions in various fields.

Quotes by Paul Graham

Startups often have to do dubious things.
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Startups often have to do dubious things.
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This is why so many of the best programmers are libertarians. In our world, you sink or swim, and there are no excuses. When those far removed from the creation of wealth – undergraduates, reporters, politicians – hear that the richest 5% of the people have half the total wealth, they tend to think injustice! An experienced programmer would be more likely to think is that all? The top 5% of programmers probably write 99% of the good software.
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This is why so many of the best programmers are libertarians. In our world, you sink or swim, and there are no excuses. When those far removed from the creation of wealth – undergraduates, reporters, politicians – hear that the richest 5% of the people have half the total wealth, they tend to think injustice! An experienced programmer would be more likely to think is that all? The top 5% of programmers probably write 99% of the good software.
PG
Public school teachers are in much the same position as prison wardens.
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Public school teachers are in much the same position as prison wardens.
PG
If a writer rewrites an essay, people who read the new version are unlikely to complain that their thoughts have been broken by some newly introduced incompatibility.
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If a writer rewrites an essay, people who read the new version are unlikely to complain that their thoughts have been broken by some newly introduced incompatibility.
PG
Programmers tend to be divided into tribes by the languages they use. More even than by the kinds of programs they write.
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Programmers tend to be divided into tribes by the languages they use. More even than by the kinds of programs they write.
PG
A lot of the statements that got people in trouble seem harmless now.
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A lot of the statements that got people in trouble seem harmless now.
PG
The spirit of resistance to government,” Jefferson wrote, “is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it always to be kept alive.
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The spirit of resistance to government,” Jefferson wrote, “is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it always to be kept alive.
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Before you develop a conscience, torture is amusing.
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Before you develop a conscience, torture is amusing.
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Attacking an outsider makes them all insiders.
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Attacking an outsider makes them all insiders.
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If you have to choose between two theories, prefer the one that doesn’t center on you.
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If you have to choose between two theories, prefer the one that doesn’t center on you.
PG
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