#364: Safi Bahcall — On Thinking Big, Curing Cancer, and Transforming Industries

59 snips

Mar 15, 2019

Safi Bahcall, author of *Loonshots* and a biotechnology entrepreneur, dives into how unconventional ideas can transform industries and even cure diseases. He explores the distinction between 'loon shots'—innovative breakthroughs—and strategic shifts, using historical examples like the telephone. Bahcall emphasizes resilience in the face of failure, drawing parallels between scientific innovation and personal growth. With insights from his experiences leading a biotech company, he encourages fostering creativity and rethinking what we believe to be true.

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ANECDOTE

Meeting at Sundance

Tim Ferriss and Safi Bahcall met at a Sundance conference.
They bonded over their shared enthusiasm for Total Immersion swimming.

INSIGHT

Total Immersion as a Metaphor

Total Immersion swimming is a metaphor for life, challenging assumptions and bad habits.
Small tweaks, like in swimming or economics with Kahneman's work, create big changes.

ANECDOTE

Path to Cancer Research

Safi Bahcall's interest in cancer stems from a desire to help suffering people.
He transitioned from physics to business, then biotech, seeking more impactful work.

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