Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Judging Sam: Going Infinite – Jacob Weisberg interviews Michael Lewis

35 snips
Oct 2, 2023
Michael Lewis shares his firsthand experience covering Sam Bankman-Fried, once celebrated as a crypto genius, now facing serious legal troubles. He reflects on the rapid rise and catastrophic fall of FTX, revealing insights into the motivations behind Bankman-Fried's actions. The discussion navigates the ethical dilemmas and personal challenges within the chaotic world of cryptocurrency. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities and psychological factors influencing this high-profile case.
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ANECDOTE

Accidental Encounter

  • Michael Lewis was asked by a friend to assess Sam Bankman-Fried's character before a $300 million investment.
  • This led to unprecedented access and observation of SBF's rise and fall, forming the basis of "Going Infinite."
INSIGHT

Effective Altruism's Influence

  • Effective altruism, a movement based on Peter Singer's philosophy, aims to maximize the quality of human life years through philanthropy.
  • SBF's initial foray into crypto was driven by this philosophy, aiming to generate vast wealth to mitigate existential risks to humanity.
ANECDOTE

Unhealthy Vegan

  • Despite being vegan, SBF maintains an unhealthy diet, primarily consuming snacks.
  • This dietary preference makes a prison vending machine a suitable food source for him.
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