Examining scams / gurus / Ponzis/ fraud / etc etc has made me ridiculously cynical, I’m pretty sure it’s bad for my brain.

But I think it’s also taught me some important lessons that are counterintuitive.

ForEX: I think most ppl take it for granted that lying is a long-term bad strategy. But after watching so many liars get ahead I’m not sure that’s right... 2/

I’m starting to think the most adaptive strategy for “capitalism+wealth” is SOME Goldilocks zone of truthfulness, but also a willingness to be ruthless/lie when it outcompetes others. A popular strategy I see is to lie for short term gains BUT switch tactics after quick cash 3/

To some long-term strategy of honesty and truthfulness. You saw this at the hearings of Zuck, Benzo, Pichu, and Chef.

They all got grilled for doing dirty things in the past to get ahead / outcompete other companies, solidify monopolies, but ultimately their track record was 4

~~~roughly honest. Even Zuck talks about switching their strategies long term to be more fair. It’s almost as if he’s saying he has the luxury of being honest now, after he’s already eaten the competition.

BTW, I personally accept that I don’t have the stomach for this. 5/

I also think very few ppl who perhaps have the steel nerves to be ruthless have the intelligence to know when to go legit. Most of the ppl I cover are just liars, they aren’t ever going to change their ways, they’ve addicted to the easy money.6/