106. Michael Lewis: Donald Trump, Sam Bankman-Fried, and the future of the USA
Nov 4, 2024
auto_awesome
Michael Lewis, bestselling author of "Moneyball" and "The Big Short," shares his sharp insights on the intersection of finance, politics, and society. He delves into Trump's significant but complicated impact on American governance and probes the eccentricities of Sam Bankman-Fried. The discussion also highlights how cultural roots shape identity and the role of luck and privilege in success. Lewis reflects on the shifting landscapes of Wall Street and the evolving dynamics of power in America, making this a must-listen conversation.
Michael Lewis discusses how his comfortable upbringing in New Orleans shaped his understanding of social complexities, particularly around race.
He emphasizes the often-overlooked role of luck in success, arguing that privileged individuals construct narratives neglecting their advantages.
Lewis offers a critical view of Donald Trump's election, highlighting its implications for American governance and risks of political ignorance.
Deep dives
Childhood Influences
Michael Lewis shares insights into his upbringing in New Orleans, describing it as a comfortable and untroubled environment shaped by a unique cultural narrative. Growing up in an aristocratic family, he was exposed to a storytelling culture that emphasized family ties over professional ambition. The Latin phrase from his family’s coat of arms, which encourages doing as little as possible, humorously contrasts with his later work ethic and achievements. This background fostered his understanding of the social complexities around race, reinforcing that early friendships were often formed outside the rigid societal constraints present in other parts of the United States.
Becoming a Writer
Lewis recounts his unexpected journey into the writing world, sparked by a thesis requirement during his time at Princeton University. Despite a lack of early encouragement, he discovered a passion for writing while submitting articles to various publications. His first published piece for a sex magazine highlights the unconventional nature of his start in journalism, illustrating a blend of luck and perseverance. This set the stage for his future success as he transitioned from an indifferent student to a celebrated writer, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore topics deeply.
The Role of Luck and Privilege
In discussing the theme of luck's impact on success, Lewis argues that many individuals, particularly the privileged, often overlook the role of chance in their achievements. He emphasizes that successful people frequently construct narratives that omit the luck and privileges that contributed to their circumstances. This distortion can lead to a tribal mentality where those at the bottom of the economic ladder are deemed undeserving of aid, further perpetuating inequality. By highlighting these issues, Lewis connects them to broader socio-political dynamics, suggesting that recognizing the role of luck could foster empathy and understanding across societal divides.
The Complexities of Donald Trump
Lewis offers a nuanced perspective on Donald Trump, framing his election as a reflection of deeper issues within American politics and governance. He highlights Trump's dismantling of vital transition teams as reckless, particularly for someone unfamiliar with government operations. By observing the fallout of this negligence, Lewis underscores the dangers inherent in political apathy and ignorance. He suggests that the resulting void can lead to a deterioration of crucial governmental functions, which intensifies risks that Joe Public often does not consider.
Sam Bankman-Fried: A Duality of Character
In his latest exploration of Sam Bankman-Fried, Lewis paints a portrait of a complex figure who embodies the precariousness of modern finance and technology. Though Bankman-Fried achieved remarkable success, his eventual downfall reveals the risks associated with unchecked ambition in the cryptocurrency space. Lewis’s admiration for Bankman-Fried's intellect is tempered by a recognition of the harm his actions caused, illustrating the duality of human character in contemporary capitalism. By highlighting anecdotes from Bankman-Fried's life and personality, Lewis reflects on how individual narratives intersect with broader industry practices that can lead to both innovation and disaster.
What do Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Washington DC all have in common? Why has Donald Trump made the impact he has in the US? What was Sam Bankman-Fried really like to work alongside?
Rory and Alastair are joined by the writer of Moneyball and The Big Short to answer all these questions and more.
Join us on Election Night
Get ready for in-depth, real-time analysis as we go live throughout election night on November 5th. Watch here.
TRIP Plus:
Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes.
