I feel the takeaway is that you already, deep down, know what you need to do - so do that.

If you have a burning desire to learn how to program, be an entrepreneur, or whatever else you need to do to make your life complete, you're not going to let a little article get in your way. It is, however, sage advice if you want to become a programmer only because you see dollar signs, despite every bone in your body telling you that you have no interest in the study. That was not going to end well anyway. You cannot duplicate success by copying the actions of someone successful.

The harm in learning how to program if you are only doing it because you want to be the next Jeff Atwood is that you are completely overlooking the qualities you are sitting on, that come with a much great chance of providing your own success.

I'm not looking for Jeff Atwood or Phil Libin's approval or permission and I don't think many folks reading HN are either. :) Although perhaps I am guilty of looking for validation on some sub conscious level, but who isn't? Ultimately I was just responding to the tone of the post - he makes many perfectly legitimate points. I just think he's missing the most important general one which is that it's not a bad thing for people to learn to program and become more technically/computationally literate.

Edit- tone isn't really the right word. It's the basic idea of the post that I dislike and not for reasons related to my own learning or business. I think it reflects a view of people, learning, etc, that's inconsistent with what's possible and all the opportunities that are open to everyone right now. I understand where you're coming about the sage advice, but think that's the risk/case with anything.