2 - 3 minute read
Charles Hoskinson, the founder of cryptocurrency Cardano, has called Nassim Taleb, author of “The Black Swan”, a “piece of human garbage” in a Twitter row that has caused a stir in the cryptocurrency community.
The altercation began when Taleb explained on Twitter why he had declined several requests to appear on the Lex Fridman podcast between 2019 and 2022. Taleb argued that Fridman, who holds the title of “Research Scientist” at MIT, was using the institution’s name to enhance his media image, even though it was an unpaid external position. Taleb also claimed that Fridman had invited him to the podcast by using subject lines such as “Quick Note From MIT”.
If you don't get why Nassim Taleb is an arrogant piece of human garbage, then this thread will bring you up to speed. Lex is one of the smartest, most intellectually curious, and humble people that I've ever met. Taleb wrote some books people pretend to have read at parties https://t.co/neusOzhoEA
— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) January 2, 2023
However, Hoskinson defended Fridman, saying that the author wrote books for people who “claim to read” at parties and that Fridman was “one of the smartest, most intellectually curious, and humble people” he had ever met.
The majority of cryptocurrency influencers sided with Hoskinson, stating that there was no reason to attack Fridman for simply inviting Taleb to his podcast. Fridman himself responded to Taleb’s post in the thread, thanking him for his work and wishing him a happy new year.
Hoskinson has made no further comments on the matter, and Taleb has not tweeted any further responses to Hoskinson’s initial tweet.
