It is easy to be blinded by our passions[0]. I still believe it is possible. I'm not in it for the money. I'm not doing this because it pays well or the clout. I do it because it is a captivating problem. I do it because these questions draw me in. I am aware of many risk, many that are not even being discussed[1].

But I'll also tell you, I don't want to talk to most of my peers. I don't see that same passion. Most want to go to parties and make lots of money. Rather, I seek my peers who have similar passions. They may have different beliefs, different ideas, and we may even argue and fight. But the reason we do it is because we're trying to solve this great mystery. It is getting harder and harder to find them.

Tbh, I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with doing things for money, to do things without passion. (I don't think this excuses abuse, theft, lying, or the multitude of things I think you're thinking about. We're probably more aligned than you think. I don't think I'm your enemy here. In fact, I think we have one in common. Even if you wish to be my enemy, I do not wish to be yours) Some people are just trying to get by in this crazy world. But we're not talking about that, are we.

[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44568337

[1] I even specifically use a handle to feel like I have the liberty to speak more openly about these things.