The Next Big Idea Best Of: Michael Lewis Runs Toward Pleasure
15 snips
Jun 19, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Michael Lewis, a prominent American non-fiction author known for works like Moneyball and The Big Short, shares his insights on Sam Bankman-Fried and the FTX collapse. He offers a nuanced view of Sam, challenging the idea of him as merely a villain. Lewis reflects on storytelling, blending humor with sorrow, and emphasizes how taking pleasure in life's complexities fuels his creativity. He also touches on themes of morality, public perception, and the intricate relationship between philanthropy and politics.
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Sam Bankman-Fried's Complex Character
- Michael Lewis highlights the complexity behind Sam Bankman-Fried's character, rejecting the simplistic villain narrative.
- He views Sam as a brainy man-child with risky behavior, not a malicious con artist from the start.
Sam's Social Quirks on Display
- Sam's eccentric behavior, like playing video games during a call with Anna Wintour, reflects his social incompetence.
- Michael Lewis compares Sam to Ignatius J. Reilly, highlighting Sam's unique and persistent worldview.
Humor Enhances Emotional Engagement
- Michael Lewis believes humor is crucial to engaging readers emotionally and making complex stories accessible.
- He argues that humor and seriousness coexist, and fun in storytelling does not diminish the story's truth.
