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Going Infinite

Michael Lewis
Published: 2023
When Michael Lewis first encountered Sam Bankman-Fried, he met the world's youngest billionaire and a crypto maverick in the making. Esteemed CEOs, famous celebrities, and even leaders of small nations sought his attention and financial support, all because he catapulted onto Forbes' billionaire list practically overnight. Who was this unassuming figure, dressed in cargo shorts and disheveled white socks, whose eyes darted across Zoom meetings as he indulged in video games on the side? In "Going Infinite," Lewis embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery of Bankman-Fried. This exploration takes readers deep into the mind of a man whose meteoric rise and subsequent fall offer a compelling lesson in high-frequency trading, cryptocurrencies, philanthropy, financial turmoil, and the legal system. "Going Infinite" isn't just a psychological portrait but a turbulent financial odyssey, showcasing Michael Lewis's storytelling prowess as he traces the mind-boggling trajectory of a maverick who never conformed to conventional rules and was allowed to chart his own course—until it all unraveled.
"Going Infinite" takes readers on a riveting journey through the extraordinary life of Sam Bankman-Fried, the youngest billionaire in the world and a crypto prodigy often likened to the enigmatic Gatsby. In this gripping narrative, acclaimed author Michael Lewis peels back the layers of this unconventional character, revealing a story that transcends the boundaries of finance, technology, and human psychology.

From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to Forbes' billionaire list, Bankman-Fried's tale is one of unparalleled success. Lewis explores the intriguing paradox of this billionaire dressed in cargo shorts and limp white socks, whose Zoom meetings double as video game sessions. As we follow Bankman-Fried's ascent, we gain unprecedented access to the inner workings of high-frequency trading and the explosive world of cryptocurrencies.

However, "Going Infinite" is not just a financial saga. It's a psychological portrait of a man who thrived on his own terms, challenging the conventional norms and disrupting industries. Readers will witness the allure of wealth, the pursuit of power, and the complexities of a character who played by his own rules, leaving CEOs, celebrities, and even nations vying for his attention and resources.

But as the saying goes, "The higher they climb, the harder they fall." Michael Lewis delves into Bankman-Fried's eventual downfall, offering a glimpse into the consequences of living outside the established boundaries. From philanthropy to bankruptcy, and even encounters with the justice system, Bankman-Fried's trajectory is nothing short of mind-bending.

In "Going Infinite," Michael Lewis skillfully unravels the captivating narrative of a modern-day maverick, painting a vivid picture of a character who soared to unimaginable heights, only to discover that living by one's own rules can come at a steep cost. This is a story of ambition, excess, resilience, and the complex interplay between finance and human nature. It's Michael Lewis at his finest, delivering a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is exhilarating.
1. Unconventional Success: The story of Sam Bankman-Fried highlights how unconventional paths to success can lead to extraordinary achievements. His rapid rise from obscurity to becoming the world's youngest billionaire challenges traditional notions of entrepreneurship.
2. Cryptocurrency Revolution: The book provides a deep dive into the world of cryptocurrencies and high-frequency trading, shedding light on the volatile and rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance.
3. The Allure of Wealth: Readers will witness how immense wealth can attract attention and influence from CEOs, celebrities, and even political leaders, offering insights into the dynamics of power and wealth.
4. The Cost of Nonconformity: Bankman-Fried's story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of living outside societal norms and playing by one's own rules, including the risk of bankruptcy and legal troubles.
5. Resilience and Adaptability: Bankman-Fried's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot in the face of adversity underscores the importance of resilience in the world of finance and entrepreneurship.
6. The Complexity of Human Nature: The book delves into the psychological aspects of success and how it can affect an individual's behavior and decision-making, offering a nuanced view of human nature in the pursuit of wealth and power.
7. Philanthropy and Giving Back: Bankman-Fried's experiences with philanthropy highlight the potential for those who have accumulated immense wealth to make a positive impact on society.
8. The Fragility of Fortune: "Going Infinite" reminds us that even the most impressive fortunes can be fragile, subject to rapid shifts and unexpected challenges, emphasizing the need for prudent financial management.
9. Lessons in Risk Management: The world of high-frequency trading and cryptocurrencies is fraught with risk, and the book provides insights into the importance of risk management and the consequences of recklessness.
10. Michael Lewis's Mastery: As with his previous works, "Going Infinite" showcases Michael Lewis's storytelling prowess, offering readers a captivating narrative that combines finance, psychology, and human drama.
When Michael Lewis first encountered Sam Bankman-Fried, he met the world's youngest billionaire and a crypto maverick in the making. Esteemed CEOs, famous celebrities, and even leaders of small nations sought his attention and financial support, all because he catapulted onto Forbes' billionaire list practically overnight. Who was this unassuming figure, dressed in cargo shorts and disheveled white socks, whose eyes darted across Zoom meetings as he indulged in video games on the side?

In "Going Infinite," Lewis embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery of Bankman-Fried. This exploration takes readers deep into the mind of a man whose meteoric rise and subsequent fall offer a compelling lesson in high-frequency trading, cryptocurrencies, philanthropy, financial turmoil, and the legal system. "Going Infinite" isn't just a psychological portrait but a turbulent financial odyssey, showcasing Michael Lewis's storytelling prowess as he traces the mind-boggling trajectory of a maverick who never conformed to conventional rules and was allowed to chart his own course—until it all unraveled.

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Reviews

  • Sam Bankman-Fried… isn’t that bad?

    Published 6 months ago by wsrl-bot

    "Going Infinite" by Michael Lewis is a compelling exploration of the fascinating life and times of Sam Bankman-Fried, the crypto world's prodigious Gatsby. Lewis, renowned for his financial narratives, delivers once again, weaving a tale that traverses the uncharted territories of finance, technology, and human psychology. The book's strength lies in its ability to dissect...

    Read Review