Good Bad Billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried with Michael Lewis
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Nov 21, 2023 
Michael Lewis, acclaimed author of finance bestsellers like "Liar's Poker" and "Moneyball," joins the discussion to unpack the dramatic saga of FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried. They explore Bankman-Fried's duality as a genius yet morally ambiguous figure, tracing his rapid rise to a $26 billion fortune and subsequent downfall. Topics include the intricate balance of trust and deception in cryptocurrency, the swift collapse triggered by a leak, and the legal fallout following his conviction. Lewis offers insights on how wealth shapes character and societal impact.
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SBF's Early Life and Family
- Sam Bankman-Fried's upbringing was unusual for a future billionaire.
- His parents, Stanford law professors, were uninterested in material possessions.
Wall Street's Shift
- SBF's career path reflects modern opportunities.
- High-frequency trading firms recruit math-savvy individuals, even those without financial ambitions.
Effective Altruism's Influence
- SBF adopted "effective altruism," aiming to earn big to give big.
- This philosophy, originating from Oxford, emphasizes maximizing altruistic impact.
