Jim Simons (full length interview) - Numberphile
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN recommends it as the best readily available interview with Simons, notable for his emphasis on luck and a humble approach to success.
What it is
The full-length Numberphile interview with mathematician and hedge fund founder Jim Simons. He discusses his path from mathematics and codebreaking to founding Renaissance Technologies, his use of algorithms in markets, and his philanthropy.
Recommended by 11 HN commenters across 13 different months, 2015 to 2024.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec dogruck · 2017-08 · on “Renaissance’s Medallion hiked investment caps 50 percent after Trump’s election”
RenTech is unparalleled and Medallion has proven itself for decades. This interview with Jim Simons is fantastic: [this video]
Strong rec nikofeyn · 2019-11 · on “Renaissance Technologies”
the full length one is very good. it gives an understanding as to why simons has been so successful. [this video]
Strong rec bmitc · 2024-05 · on “Jim Simons has died”
While I'm not one to fawn after billionaires, I found his life story and personality really fascinating. He really seemed to maintain a humble approach, and in the Numberphile interview, which is excellent, he really emphasized the notion of luck in success. He donated a ton of money in very targeted ways that have been extremely successful. I think because of his humble approach, lack of self-promotion, etc., he's a bit unknown outside certain circles, but his impact in certain areas has been big. While I wish that our country didn't have to rely on billionaires spearheading initiatives, which often goes the wrong way, Simons was absolutely an example of one of the good ones. [this video]
Recommends adenadel · 2015-09 · on “A rare interview with the mathematician who cracked Wall Street”
If you found this interview interesting, there is a longer interview that goes into most of the same topics as well as several others here [this video]
Recommends andrewtbham · 2015-10 · on “How a reclusive computer programmer became a GOP money powerhouse”
The title makes it out like he is a reclusive lone wolf programmer. He is the CEO of renaissance technologies, a hedge fund with 275 employees. I really feel misled and like they trying to portray him as a mysterious, dangerous loner. As a computer programmer, I take offense. Here is an interview with James Simmons, the founder of Renaissance, fascinating guy. [this video]
Recommends xviia · 2016-05 · on “Mathematicians Bridge Finite-Infinite Divide”
Ah, now I understand. For others: Simons Foundations --> James Simons, who is a hedge fund mananger worth ~ $14billion. Excellent interview with Numberphile here: [this video]
Recommends melling · 2019-09 · on “Day Trading for a Living?”
For anyone interested in a great story about a world class mathematician who built a company that has used algorithms to beat the market for the last few decades, James Simons has an impressive record: [LINK] [this video] [LINK] One other thing, the Simons Foundation funds Quanta Magazine, whose articles frequently appear on HN: [LINK]
Recommends melling · 2019-11 · on “How Jim Simons Built the World’s Most Lucrative Black Box”
Article is about this book that will be released on Tuesday. [LINK] This Numberphile interview with him is interesting: [this video]