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Introduction: The Cautionary Tale of a Crypto Wunderkind

In the chaotic, fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, few names generated more buzz—and controversy—than Sam Bankman-Fried. At just 30, the MIT graduate and math prodigy built FTX, a crypto exchange once valued at over $32 billion, and positioned himself as the industry’s golden boy. But in an astonishing twist, his empire unraveled in mere days, becoming one of the most dramatic financial collapses of the 21st century.

In Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, legendary author Michael Lewis (Moneyball, The Big Short) delivers a front-row seat to the extraordinary ascent and stunning downfall of SBF. Lewis, who had unprecedented access to Bankman-Fried in the months leading up to FTX’s collapse, paints a riveting portrait of a man who combined genius-level intellect with radical ideals—and ultimately, catastrophic misjudgment.

This book is more than just a financial exposé. It’s a deep dive into the psychology of ambition, the ethics of effective altruism, the blurred lines between innovation and irresponsibility, and the extreme risks at the heart of modern finance. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or simply fascinated by crypto’s meteoric rise and the real-world consequences of unchecked power, Going Infinite offers a sobering, page-turning analysis.

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Top 10 Key Lessons from Going Infinite by Michael Lewis

1. Vision Without Guardrails Can Lead to Disaster

Sam Bankman-Fried had world-changing goals but lacked internal controls and regulatory respect. Innovation without accountability is a recipe for collapse.

2. Effective Altruism Isn’t a Free Pass

SBF’s belief in earning to give—accumulating wealth to maximize philanthropic impact—was used to justify extreme risk-taking. Intent doesn’t excuse execution failure.

3. Image Management Can Mask Deep Flaws

SBF cultivated a quirky, humble persona that charmed media and investors alike. But behind the curtain, poor governance and opaque finances were brewing chaos.

4. Complexity Doesn’t Equal Competence

FTX and Alameda Research operated with confusing internal structures, making it hard to identify accountability. Simplicity often signals strength, not weakness.

5. Even the Smartest Minds Can Be Dangerously Blind

Bankman-Fried was undeniably brilliant, but brilliance doesn’t prevent ethical lapses or blind spots—especially when surrounded by yes-men.

6. Speed Kills in Finance

FTX grew rapidly, raising billions and acquiring assets without building compliance infrastructure. Scaling without systems invites systemic failure.

7. Trust Is Hard to Build—and Easy to Shatter

One of the biggest lessons for investors: due diligence matters. Blind trust, even in charismatic founders, can cost billions.

8. Markets Reward Transparency, Eventually

While FTX’s opacity gave it temporary power, it also sowed the seeds of its downfall. In the long run, clarity wins in business and finance.

9. Tech Culture Can Be an Echo Chamber

SBF surrounded himself with a small, insular team that lacked dissenting voices. Diversity of thought and external scrutiny are critical safeguards.

10. Media Narratives Can’t Protect You From Reality

The media hyped SBF as a genius and savior, but reality caught up fast. Storytelling can’t save a business built on shaky foundations.

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Conclusion: The Rise Was Meteoric. The Fall Was Inevitable.

Going Infinite is not just the story of Sam Bankman-Fried—it’s a cautionary tale for an era addicted to hype, speed, and unchecked ambition. Michael Lewis brings his trademark narrative power to one of the most important business stories of the decade, reminding us that in the world of high finance and crypto, the line between visionary and villain is razor-thin.

Whether you’re a startup founder, tech enthusiast, investor, or simply someone watching the next financial frontier unfold, this book delivers crucial insights on ethics, ego, and economics in the digital age.