Episode 1: Six Levels Down

The Admirable Crichton is a comic stage play written by J.M. Barrie in 1902. It follows the story of Crichton, a butler who becomes the leader of a group of aristocrats after they are shipwrecked on a desert island. The play satirizes the British class system as Crichton's practical skills make him the natural leader, while his former masters struggle to adapt. Upon rescue, Crichton returns to his servant status, highlighting the societal norms of the time.

Liar's Poker is a non-fiction, semi-autobiographical book that details Michael Lewis's three-year tenure at Salomon Brothers, one of Wall Street's premier investment firms in the 1980s. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the culture of bond traders, highlighting the frat-boy camaraderie, killer instincts, and high-stakes games of bluffing and deception. Lewis describes the creation and use of mortgage bonds, the excessive bonuses, and the ruthless competition among traders. The narrative also touches on the author's disillusionment with the industry, leading to his resignation and transition into financial journalism.