Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Being responsible means two different things:

1. Causing something.

2. Being held accountable for something, and facing its consequences (e.g. compensating for damage)

It's possible that someone can cause something while avoiding its consequences, deferring the responsibility of making up to someone else. This usually happens due to asymmetry of information or power.

That said, we cannot say definitely in this particular instance that Sundar could have foreseen the financial circumstances or economic crisis of any kind, and it's also possible that Sundar might resign or get fired in the future as a consequence. Still, one can argue that the phrase "I'm taking full responsibility of [...]" is a bit overused in general, and used in a rhetorical manner without actually meaning it.




The honest way to phrase this is "I'm the one who caused this."

"Responsibility" is ambiguous as you said, and that's exactly why he chose that word.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: