Michael Lewis: The Role of Luck in Success

Michael Lewis, the acclaimed author of 'Liar's Poker' and 'Moneyball', delivered an inspiring speech to Princeton University graduates. He shared his personal journey and insights on success and luck, emphasizing the role of luck in his career.

Lewis studied history of art at Princeton, a field he acknowledged was not typically seen as economically valuable. His professor, William Chaylds, encouraged him to pursue writing, which sparked his passion for the craft. After graduating, Lewis found himself at Salomon Brothers, where he became an expert in derivatives. His experiences there formed the basis for his book 'Liar's Poker', which detailed the wild world of Wall Street trading.

Lewis's speech highlighted the unexpected turns his career took, from his initial job at Salomon Brothers to the writing of 'Liar's Poker'. He underscored the importance of recognizing the role of luck in success, noting that many successful people often attribute their achievements to skill and hard work alone, overlooking the significance of fortunate circumstances.