Hackers and scientists - do they have someting in common?

I have just realized: true scientists are like "hackers". Or at least thats what follows fromPaul Graham visionary video about hackers and start-ups. Check this video for your erudition, its awesome.

I could not agree more with this quote: "Most start-ups fail because they did not make something that people wanted, they made something that they THOUGH people WOULD WANT."

The only question I have is how to know a priory WHAT PEOPLE WANT? :)
As Paul states in this article about how to generate successful ideas, "The way to get startup ideas is not to try to think of startup ideas. It's to look for problems, preferably problems you have yourself. The very best startup ideas tend to have three things in common: they're something the founders themselves want, that they themselves can build, and that few others realize are worth doing."

Here is a must read from Paul Graham about why start-ups fail. I personally love this quote: "Startups are more like science, where you need to follow the trail wherever it leads."

Also check out some focused advise for start-ups.