Tinder Swindler and Simon Leviev
Just watched Netflix documentary Tinder Swindler, featuring Simon Leviev, mastermind behind the dating ponzi scam. I am really astonished by this whole story, and particularly by the cunning nature of Leviev's character. Having polished his profile, he masterfully plays his victims to scam thousands and millions of dollars out of them to fuel his extravagant lifestyle, effectively perpetuating the vicious cycle. It definitely takes considerable effort and savvy to put together a scam like this, and Leviev's ability should not be under-appreciated. What's even more striking is that Leviev manages to swiftly bounce back even after he loses everything (or does he really?) - after serving several months in prison, he earns himself an early release, quickly returning to his normal lifestyle of extravagance and luxury. All of the above makes me think that Leviev is a real genius, who could have otherwise been very successful, if he were to apply his talents in better, legal ways. Another reminder of the great importance of integrity, for any capable person striving to build a sustainable success and fortune for the long term. Feel free to share your takes on this quirky movie.
The Tinder Swindler has clear goals in life (luxury), understands the psychology of his victims (who want to climb a social ladder and marry into money), and knows how to build trust so that his victims don't suspect they are victims (paying for decadent dates for weeks before asking for money).
I wouldn't say that this is a unique set of characteristics. Even if he wasn't as "flashy," Bernie Madoff did essentially the same thing by building trust through validators [he was chairman of the NASDAQ] which made investors not question his consistent returns until it was too late. Or Nikola Motors' Trevor Milton who signed deals with big companies like GM and Anheuser Busch to make it seem like his company was capable of producing zero emissions trucks even though the demonstration videos were filmed with his vehicles rolling downhill.
I don't think the Tinder Swindler was a genius in that regard, it doesn't take a great intellect to achieve what he has done. It takes cunning, a lack of empathy for others, and a lack of shame that would hinder most normal people from achieving such "success."
If he was operating above board, he would surely be an excellent salesman and could be adept at climbing the ladder in politics or in business. I would say that his talents limit himself to just maximizing his share of what the world produces, instead of contributing to the world. He can manipulate, but he does not really make anything of value himself. Still, those are enough to earn many, many people great accolades so in society, so he could surely have been considered a success.
If the HF job ever blows up, you should be a movie/ episode reviewer - you have good analysis / writing style.
Thanks! Appreciate it. Writing is underrated. There is the obvious benefit of communicating ideas to others, but also the non obvious benefit of improving your own thought process. Human brains cannot retrieve a wholly thought out argument instantly. And writing things down allows you to test, rearrange, and improve your conclusions. I always prefer writing a research note, for example, before having a verbal discussion because it allows me to vastly improve my conclusions.
Have definitely thought about YouTube as a hobby/side gig as well. There are a lot of talented people making quite profound content (obviously also a lot of trash). Would love to have some creative outlet to make your own (the monetization, if it occurs would just be a side benefit).
He's not a genius he just lacks empathy and remorse. Anyone with slightly above average intelligence can pull this shit off if they were motivated enough to and did not care about the well being of other fellow human beings. He's literally nothing special.
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