The comparison to 37 signals is really jarring. Part of what makes Carmack such a classy guy is that he avoids writing self-congratulatory essays or offering seminars about how to be happy, or build amazing software. He just does it.
Sorry, I wasn't referencing the self promotion. I just like the fact that principals at both companies looked around, saw the sort of company they wanted to work at, and built that company. Lots of people seem to focus on making as much money as possible instead of making a small to medium amount of money and then focusing on being happy.
