People I (Mostly) Admire
6. Nathan Myhrvold: “I Am Interested in Lots of Things, and That's Actually a Bad Strategy”
Oct 31, 2020
In this engaging conversation, Nathan Myhrvold, a polymath who graduated high school at 14 and co-founded Intellectual Ventures, shares his remarkable journey from physics to technology. He discusses innovative projects like the Salter Sink to combat hurricanes and new nuclear reactor designs that minimize waste. Myhrvold expresses the challenges of being a diverse thinker while also emphasizing the importance of focused innovation. He reflects on the balance needed in nurturing giftedness and the fulfilling yet frustrating path of invention.
47:30
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Quick takeaways
- Encouraging academically gifted children in their pursuits of knowledge and providing them with opportunities is crucial for their development and the advancement of society.
- Recognizing when to quit and explore new paths is essential for progress and success, even for highly accomplished individuals like Nathan Myhrvold.
Deep dives
Nathan Miervold's Diverse Expertise and Intellectual Ventures
Nathan Miervold, a polymathic inventor and former Microsoft CTO, discusses his wide range of interests and accomplishments. From his early academic achievements as a highly talented child to his extensive educational background in physics, Miervold shares insights into his encounters with renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his thoughts on the lack of progress in fundamental physics. He also addresses the challenges he faces in implementing his groundbreaking inventions, such as the Seltzer sink, which aims to defang hurricanes, and TerraPower's innovative breeder reactor design for clean energy. Lastly, Miervold touches on his passion for cooking, including his upcoming pizza cookbook and the science behind achieving the perfect pizza.
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