Good videos, with context.
Jim Simons (full length interview) - Numberphile

Jim Simons (full length interview) - Numberphile

Numberphile2
11 HN recommenders · discussed 2015–2024
Open YouTube ↗

About this video

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.

Why it appears in the archive

HN recommends it as the best readily available interview with Simons, notable for his emphasis on luck and a humble approach to success.

AI-generated summary and labels from the source dataset; verify important details against the video. Source & credits.

From the Hacker News discussion

dogruck · 2017-08 · strong rec

RenTech is unparalleled and Medallion has proven itself for decades. This interview with Jim Simons is fantastic: [VIDEO]

Read original comment ↗
nikofeyn · 2019-11 · strong rec

the full length one is very good. it gives an understanding as to why simons has been so successful. [VIDEO]

Read original comment ↗
bmitc · 2024-05 · strong rec

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. [VIDEO]

Read original comment ↗
adenadel · 2015-09 · rec

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 [VIDEO]

Read original comment ↗
andrewtbham · 2015-10 · rec

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. [VIDEO]

Read original comment ↗
xviia · 2016-05 · rec

Ah, now I understand. For others: Simons Foundations --> James Simons, who is a hedge fund mananger worth ~ $14billion. Excellent interview with Numberphile here: [VIDEO]

Read original comment ↗
melling · 2019-09 · rec

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] [VIDEO] [LINK] One other thing, the Simons Foundation funds Quanta Magazine, whose articles frequently appear on HN: [LINK]

Read original comment ↗
melling · 2019-11 · rec

Article is about this book that will be released on Tuesday. [LINK] This Numberphile interview with him is interesting: [VIDEO]

Read original comment ↗