I disagree that another person's full-time commitment is the greatest validation your idea can have.
Sure, it's one data point. It's one validation. But both of you may be "delusional" in the sense of thinking you have a valuable idea when you really don't (yet). Generally speaking. This happens a lot when things change, and startups pivot, but the team remains the same.
I was curious why your post didn't include anything about reaching out to users, user testing, doing customer development, etc. I would say THAT is your starting point to see if your idea is validated for product/launch fit, and then go for product/market fit.
The greatest validation is product/market fit. You have growing number of users, traction, money flowing in... and so forth. that is the greatest validation.
You can sell yourself and your vision pretty well to someone else to become your cofounder, but I am not convinced it's the "greatest validation" your idea can have. Especially since your "idea" most likely will go through iterations and change.
I do agree, though, that having a cofounder really helps. But not for the reasons you said.
I think it was an interesting take on the marshmallow test, but these principles don't solely apply to Silicon Valley.
Incentives power everything -- good and bad. Looking at the financial crisis of 2009, rent seekers taking advantage of Medicaid, etc. You could come up with a million examples.
Thanks for the suggestion, didn't think of them. James Dyson's autobiography looks quite interesting.
Not looking for anything too specific, just companies/individuals that display innovation and creativity. Can be anyone from the past or present. No other requirements, otherwise.