Attitude Quote by Sam Altman
“You also want people who are maniacally determined and that is slightly different than having a risk tolerant attitude.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Y Combinator Startup School, 2020
Maniacal determination differs from simply tolerating risk; true drive requires obsessive focus.
In simple terms: Determination is more than risk tolerance.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate obsessive focus for breakthroughs.
Themes
determination
risk tolerance
focus
entrepreneurship
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
business
motivational
When to use this quote
- startup founding
- product development
- career ambition
- investment decisions
Key Concepts
Behavioral economics
psychology
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance focus with well‑being?
- When is risk tolerance enough without obsession?
A Different Perspective
Obsessive focus can lead to burnout if unchecked.
![“[London] is sentimental and tolerant. The attitude to foreigners is like the attitude to dogs: Dogs are neither human nor British, but so long as you keep them under control, give them their exercise, feed them, pat them, you will find their wild emotions are amusing, and their characters…” quote by V. S. Pritchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/113/v-s-pritchett-13789_amusing_london-is-sentimental-and-tolerant-the-a_1997079.jpg)
