Q:

Low Level vs High Level Development

I really want to start working in OS development, particularly kernel development, with the Open Source Darwin Project - building my own Mac-like operating system, however I am simply not experienced enough to work in the black art of kernel development - I'm constantly deterred by comments : "your code has to be close to spectacular" , "You need to be a programming veteran to write in kernel space"
So I Have tried to find other projects. I am working at CryENGINE 3 at the moment, but I just can't get into the API's as I'm constantly wanting to start kernel development.
I have no experience in user-land programs, however I have researched and created small assembly based programs.
Note: I'm 17 years old. 
Are there any projects you can recommend me starting, so I can get some experience for user-land applications? I find it almost impossible to build something revolutionary.
I have Experience with C, C++ , C# , Java , Haskell , Ruby , Lua and ASM.
Plus: What's the chance of creating a business out of software development?

A:

Yes, you really do have to be that good to make real contributions to a serious, consumer-grade kernel.
However, that doesn't mean that you have to be that good to play around with the kernel code and learn how it works.  You can start on that at any time, and it'll be a good learning experience.  Just don't expect it to be easy to understand, especially at first.

