Years ago Paul Graham noted both DC and SF have pursuit of power as their imperatives (just different kinds of power). Both cities breed this kind of social dynamic because of that:
there is nothing more embarassing than being associated in any way with the SF social climbers that swarm that city like flies swarming diarrhea on a decomposing deer carcass

Nov 9, 2025 · 2:07 AM UTC

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Replying to @zslayback
Having spent time in both- the best test is when you first meet someone, can they go more than a minute without asking you where you work? If so, they might be alright.
Replying to @zslayback
All cities have their own status games. An interesting commonality about DC and SF is how introverted they are. NYC and LA have more social climbers who are even more brazen, but it is not as cringey. Extroverted cities don't have the moral superiority complex. x.com/RobTerrin/status/15179…
Replying to @zslayback
The videos about “humbled to raise my seed round” are ridiculous. What’s worse is they don’t realize they are like talent to Hollywood. They are largely used up and spit out by the money men.
Replying to @zslayback
They are all running around SF while the next rung up is having lunch at the Rosewood in San Hill but working for the guys attending Milken in Beverly Hills working for the allocators and sovereign wealth guys.