The part about hackers all being alike really resonates with me. I've felt this way for years, but have not heard others talk much about it. I've had the opportunity to work with young people from all over the world (many nationalities and cultures) who have very different backgrounds than I do and it's so neat to watch them write code and listen to them talk through issues. They think about problems just as I do. I sort of think there is a hacking gene and you are either born with it or not. It's really great to be part of this band of brothers and sisters.
That part made me think of Magic the Gathering. I played a lot of Magic for awhile. While traveling I'd visit random card shops, and I've played in a number of different and far flung cities. Every night, no matter the location, it's the same group of guys gathering around to play some cards. I find it quite comforting, almost magical, and archetypal.
