Something to think about from Tim Ferris’ blog:

“While many are wringing their hands, I recall the 1970s when we were suffering from an oil shock causing long lines at gas stations, rationing, and 55 MPH speed limits on Federal highways, a recession, very little venture capital ($50 million per year into VC firms), and, what President Jimmy Carter (wearing a sweater while addressing the Nation on TV because he had turned down the heat in the White House) called a “malaise”.

It was during those times that two kids without any real college education, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, started companies that did pretty well.”

Also of note: Google grew substantially during the 2001-2003 recession.