I don't want to believe. I just want to make a lot of money to provide for my family. Maybe even cash in a lottery ticket on these options and punch out of this rat race.
I don't care about changing the world (and honestly, your startup isn't doing that at all). I don't want to help you create the next Hooli (because what makes you better than them?). I just want to get paid.
Yes, but the perspective you should be thinking about (and to steal from my own comment) is having employees believe that their lottery tickets have the winning numbers. You want to get paid, but how much are you willing to hedge that your options will be worth something in the future? That I think also very much falls under "belief" in the company.
It's gigs, all the way down. Take a look at the market you're in; is it relevant 10-20-30 years from now? Seriously? If not, it's a gig, and mercenary attitudes make sense. If it is relevant when you're 30 years older, then find the vision that sustains you...there are a lot of "gig takers" in this thread.
I don't care about changing the world (and honestly, your startup isn't doing that at all). I don't want to help you create the next Hooli (because what makes you better than them?). I just want to get paid.