The piece reflects on the evolution of Y Combinator (YC) and its Request For Startups (RFS) list, contrasting its original problem-focused approach with a current trend towards consensus-driven ideas. The author recalls being inspired by the RFS in 2014, which posed ambitious questions about tackling significant issues, like creating a million jobs, and how these inquiries have shifted to more superficial prompts focused on maximizing revenue with minimal workforce. The change highlights a troubling trend where startups are encouraged to follow market fads rather than address meaningful problems. The author critiques YC's transformation from a platform that demystified the startup ecosystem to one that caters to prevailing market trends. Initially, YC offered clear guidance during a time when the tech landscape was opaque and full of uncertainty. As the tech industry became more navigable, YC's strategy shifted to accommodate greater numbers of startups, expanding its batches significantly over the years. This change diluted its original mission of fostering genuine innovation and problem-solving, leaning instead into the demands of the capital market. The notion of "hyperlegibility" is introduced to explain how easy access to information has made the tech world overly clear and predictable. The author argues that this clarity has stifled independent thought and encouraged conformity, leading to a culture where startups are shaped more by what investors want than by genuine innovation. The piece concludes by questioning how to reignite individual creativity and critical thinking in a landscape dominated by consensus-driven narratives.