Paul Graham: Why Working on Your Own Projects is Key to Great Work
garrytan · x · 2026-08-26
Paul Graham reshares his 2021 essay "A Project of One's Own," arguing that working on independent projects is crucial for developing founders and creative individuals.
- Engagement vs. Work: Working on your own project feels different from ordinary work—more like skating than walking. It's more fun and productive, keeping you in a state of excitement and engagement.
- The Struggle: The process involves worry and confusion, but solving these problems leads to a sense of being "alive" and in your natural habitat.
- Educational Gap: Society often hides the connection between childhood hobbies and adult careers. Graham emphasizes the importance of nurturing the instinct to work on one's own projects to foster future founders.
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