Key Moments
Michael Lewis on the Crafts of Writing, Friendship, and More | The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim FerrissKey Moments
Michael Lewis discusses writing craft, friendship, and finding happiness, emphasizing process and purpose.
Key Insights
Early experiences with plagiarism and teacher feedback shaped Lewis's understanding of writing and attention.
Transitioning from Salomon Brothers to writing was driven by passion and a desire for a meaningful life, not just financial gain.
Lewis finds deep personal satisfaction in the act of creation, which mitigates the impact of external validation or rejection.
He uses 'productive laziness' as a filter, allowing only the most compelling material to rise to the level of book projects.
Lewis believes in the power of 'impolite' feedback and collaborative editing to refine one's work and uncover the core of a story.
His approach to friendship is stable, and his creative process is informed by collaboration and a sense of obligation to the material.
Happiness is both a core trait and a consciously cultivated narrative, influencing his interactions and outlook.
Exercise is viewed as a 'magic pill' for both physical and mental well-being, crucial for his creative process and problem-solving.
Lewis cherishes unlikely, deeply immersive reading experiences, such as 'The Longships' and 'A Gentleman in Moscow'.
The billboard message would be 'Don't be good, be great,' reflecting his drive for excellence and continuous improvement.
EARLY LESSONS IN WRITING AND FEEDBACK
Michael Lewis recounts an early seventh-grade incident where he plagiarized a book review from the back cover, leading to a significant disciplinary action. This seemingly negative experience, however, was formative, as it was the first time his writing garnered serious attention. Later, a Princeton thesis advisor's blunt feedback—'never try to make a living at it'—didn't deter him but clarified his passion for writing. These early encounters emphasized the importance of strong feedback, even if it's harsh, in shaping one's craft and understanding of literary integrity.
THE TRANSITION FROM FINANCE TO AUTHORSHIP
Lewis describes his decision to leave a lucrative career at Salomon Brothers to pursue writing as a deliberate choice driven by curiosity and a desire for a life deeply engaged with meaningful work, rather than a purely financial pursuit. He viewed his time in finance as a temporary exploration of a system. Despite warnings about financial instability, he felt compelled to follow his passion for writing, a feeling amplified by his enjoyment of the writing process itself, which far outweighed the pursuit of money or fame.
THE POWER OF AUTHENTIC AMBITION AND SELF-SATISFACTION
Lewis distinguishes his ambition from typical Wall Street 'maximizers.' While acknowledging a competitive streak, he prioritizes the feeling of creating something truly excellent over monetary gain or fame. He finds profound self-satisfaction in the work itself, a private fulfillment that has become more internally driven over time. This internal validation is what fuels him, making the process enjoyable even amidst rejections, and guiding him to pursue projects that resonate deeply, rather than chasing external markers of success.
CRAFTING NARRATIVES THROUGH 'PRODUCTIVE LAZINESS' AND OBLIGATION
He employs 'productive laziness' as a filter, preferring to wait for material that compels him to write because he feels an obligation to tell the story. This approach ensures he only engages with projects that demand his attention, raising the bar for the material and preventing him from repeating successful formulas. This selective process allows him to take risks and explore surprising subjects, driven by a deeper sense of responsibility to the narrative itself, ensuring authenticity and intellectual rigor.
THE ROLE OF COLLABORATION AND IMPOLITE FEEDBACK
Lewis emphasizes the crucial role of friends, editors like Michael Kinsley, and even his story subjects in his creative process. He values collaborators who offer direct, often 'impolite' feedback, likening it to the principles of improv comedy where one builds upon ideas rather than dismissing them. This willingness to engage critically, without excessive politeness, helps refine his work and uncover deeper truths, transforming solitary writing projects into complex collaborations that enhance the final output.
CULTIVATING HAPPINESS AND MEANINGFUL FRIENDSHIPS
Lewis views happiness as both an inherent trait and a conscious narrative he cultivates. He actively steers conversations away from complaints, focusing instead on substantive ideas and shared adventures. His friendships are stable and long-lasting, characterized by mutual support rather than dramatic conflict, a stark contrast to the tempestuous dynamic of Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman. This focus on positive engagement and intellectual exchange defines his approach to relationships and overall well-being.
THE 'INNER GAME' AND THE DUALITY OF COACHING
Lewis explores the concept of the 'inner game' through his podcast 'Against the Rules,' particularly in an episode featuring Tim Galway. He observes that while direct, critical coaching (like that of his daughter's softball coach) can be effective, Galway's 'inner game' approach, focusing on states of mind and redirecting attention, also yields significant results. Lewis concludes that multiple forms of coaching are valuable, acknowledging that while critical feedback can drive performance, focusing on internal states can foster a different kind of growth and resilience.
EXERCISE AS A FOUNDATIONAL PRACTICE
Exercise is integral to Lewis's daily life, viewed as a 'magic pill' that enhances both physical well-being and cognitive function. He engages in a varied routine, from long bike rides and hikes to swimming and tennis, often using the time to process literary problems. This practice is not just a physical pursuit but a vital mental tool, serving as therapy and a catalyst for creative solutions, a habit shared by many of his closest friends.
IMPACTFUL BOOKS AND THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Lewis frequently gifts books that offer unique immersive experiences or profound insights, such as 'The Longships' for its historical depth and 'A Gentleman in Moscow' for its exploration of resourcefulness. He also values deeply funny memoirs and less-discussed anthropological studies like Nigel Barley's 'The Innocent Anthropologist.' These selections reflect his appreciation for surprising narratives and his core philosophy, encapsulated by his high school coach's mantra: 'Don't be good, be great,' a principle he applies to all aspects of his life and work.
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Common Questions
After Princeton, Michael Lewis struggled with rejections for about a year and a half. His breakthrough came when he won a competition at The Economist, publishing around 20 articles there, which ultimately launched his long-form narrative nonfiction career.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
A book by Michael Lewis that became a movie, focusing on Michael Oher's journey to becoming an NFL player.
A historical novel by Frans Bengtsson about Vikings, which Michael Lewis highly recommends and often gifts, praising it as a 'miracle of a book' and a pleasurable reading experience.
Another book by Michael Lewis, mentioned as one of his works.
A classic historical novel Michael Lewis plagiarized a book review from in seventh grade, leading to his first notable 'writing' feedback.
A comic memoir by Gerald Durrell that Michael Lewis has also gifted multiple times.
A magazine where Michael Lewis published anonymously under the pseudonym Diana Bleeker, getting valuable editing from Michael Kinsley.
A book by Michael Lewis about the 2008 financial crisis, which was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated movie.
A famous book by Timothy Gallwey, which applies psychological principles to improving performance by reducing self-consciousness and focusing on internal states.
Michael Lewis's book about the collaboration and platonic love affair between psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, exploring how humans make irrational judgments under uncertainty.
A comic memoir by Clive James, which Michael Lewis has gifted more than once.
A book by Michael Lewis focusing on the Oakland A's and their use of sabermetrics to find undervalued players, expanding into a universal truth about how markets value people.
Michael Lewis's first book, a best-seller about his experiences on Wall Street, which he intended as a cautionary tale but was often misinterpreted as a 'how-to' guide for making money.
A novel by Amor Towles about a Russian aristocrat confined to a hotel during the revolution, which Michael Lewis considers a perfect 'pandemic novel' for its themes of resourcefulness in confinement.
A travel book/memoir/anthropological study by Nigel Barley, which Michael Lewis found incredibly funny and helpful for 'Liar's Poker', describing an anthropologist's experience with the Dawaiyo people.
A Princeton professor and renowned nonfiction writer whom Tim Ferriss took a seminar with, known for his blunt editing style and extensive use of red ink.
Best-selling author of numerous books including 'Liar's Poker', 'Moneyball', 'The Blind Side', and 'The Big Short', and host of the podcast 'Against the Rules'.
Michael Lewis mentions him as one of the 'ingenious people' who provide feedback during his podcast's table reads.
A psychologist and Nobel laureate who collaborated with Amos Tversky on research into human judgment and decision-making, explored in Michael Lewis's book 'The Undoing Project'.
The number two person in the Oakland A's front office under Billy Beane, who explained to Michael Lewis their strategy of seeking out players undervalued due to physical appearance.
Author of the comic memoir 'Unreliable Memoirs'.
Philosopher and author of 'Confessions', a model for Michael Lewis's approach to writing Liar's Poker.
A well-known author and Lord, who was the deputy science editor of The Economist and recognized Michael Lewis's writing talent despite his lack of scientific background.
A Scandinavian historian and author of the novel 'The Longships'.
Author of 'The Innocent Anthropologist', who was a graduate student at Cambridge doing PhD in anthropology.
Author of 'The Education of Henry Adams', a model for Michael Lewis's approach to writing Liar's Poker.
Author of the comic memoir 'My Family and Other Animals'.
A senior editor at Simon & Schuster, and Chevy Chase's father, who discovered Michael Lewis's pseudonym and offered him a book deal for 'Liar's Poker'.
Former NBA player and politician, subject of a book by John McPhee that Michael Lewis admired for its portrayal of people.
Founder of Pushkin Industries and a close friend and collaborator of Michael Lewis, with whom he developed the concept for 'Against the Rules' podcast, and who offers blunt feedback.
Michael Lewis's high school baseball coach, whom he describes as one of the greatest men he's ever known, and the subject of an 'Against the Rules' podcast episode.
Princeton professor and Michael Lewis's senior thesis advisor in the Art History department, who famously advised Lewis not to try to make a living at writing.
The general manager of the Oakland A's, whose unique approach to player valuation was central to Michael Lewis's book 'Moneyball'.
A psychologist and collaborator with Daniel Kahneman whose work on human judgment and decision-making under uncertainty was the subject of Michael Lewis's book 'The Undoing Project'.
Author of the novel 'A Gentleman in Moscow'.
A doctor and friend of Tim Ferriss who introduced him to UCAN and has written about staying in ketosis while using SuperStarch.
A big wave surfer who famously told Tim Ferriss that people can find him in the Pacific Ocean, serving as an analogy for Michael Lewis's low online presence.
The pseudonym Michael Lewis used for about nine months to write articles for The New Republic while still working at Salomon Brothers.
The editor of The New Republic who profoundly influenced Michael Lewis's writing by providing blunt, merciless critiques.
Author who reportedly commented on Michael Lewis being one of the happiest people he knows.
The founding father of 'The Inner Game' concept, a former tennis pro who taught people to improve performance by focusing on states of mind rather than explicit instruction, and author of 'The Inner Game of Tennis'.
The symphony that invited Timothy Gallwey to explore how his 'Inner Game' principles could apply to musicians, leading to a remarkable demonstration with a tuba player.
A British magazine where Michael Lewis got his start in journalism by winning a competition and subsequently published around 20 articles.
Where Michael Lewis was a graduate student while freelancing and getting his start at The Economist.
The K-12 school Michael Lewis attended in New Orleans, where he was nearly expelled for plagiarism.
Michael Lewis's alma mater, where he wrote his senior thesis and had a pivotal conversation with his thesis advisor.
The university where Daniel Kahneman, as a professor, advised his graduate students to approach ideas constructively, asking 'what might it be true of?' rather than seeking flaws.
A tribe in northern Cameroon, subject of Nigel Barley's 'The Innocent Anthropologist', described as appearing boring and only interested in mating and beer, but revealed to be incredibly interesting.
The African country where the Dawaiyo people reside, featured in 'The Innocent Anthropologist'.
The island from which Michael Lewis, despite not being a strong swimmer, swam to the mainland as a challenging experience.
Where Nigel Barley was a graduate student working on his PhD in anthropology.
An investment bank where Michael Lewis worked as a bond salesperson, earning a large bonus before leaving to write 'Liar's Poker'.
The publishing house that offered Michael Lewis his first book deal for 'Liar's Poker'.
A podcast company founded by Jacob Weisberg, which produces Michael Lewis's 'Against the Rules' podcast.
An investment bank Lewis mentions as an example of firms that 'seduce' young college graduates.
A company producing products with SuperStarch, a unique carbohydrate for sustained energy release without blood sugar spikes.
An exercise bike and platform Michael Lewis uses at home as part of his regular fitness routine.
The baseball team featured in Michael Lewis's book 'Moneyball', known for using statistical analysis to find undervalued players, highlighting universal truths about market inefficiencies in valuing people.
Apple's e-book application, which can integrate with Readwise for highlights.
A note-taking app that Readwise can automatically export highlights to.
A type of hot yoga Michael Lewis practices once a week to stay flexible.
A service that allows users to save web pages for later reading, integrating with Readwise.
A read-it-later service that integrates with Readwise to pull highlights.
An app that helps users remember more of what they read by sending daily digests of highlights from Kindle, Pocket, iBooks, and Instapaper, and offers tools for organizing notes and creating flashcards.
A financial newspaper that invited Michael Lewis to write op-eds, including one that caused trouble at Salomon Brothers.
A prestigious list that 'Liar's Poker' reached, initially bringing Michael Lewis great joy, but for which his response has since become muted.
Michael Lewis's critically acclaimed podcast, returning for Season 2, which explores the changing roles of authority figures in American life, with this season focusing on coaches.
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