Jim Simons' 5 Principles

Jim Simon's gave an enjoyably aloof interview at the 2022 Abel lecture about how his career in mathematics transitioned into making money..."a lot of money." I've read a lot about Jim Simons but hadn't heard him discuss his 5 principles before. Here they are:

1. Be guided by beauty. Just as a great theorem can be very beautiful, a very well run company can be beautiful too.

2. Surround yourself with the smartest and best people. Then let them do their thing. If they are smarter than you all the better.

3. Don't run with the pack. If everyone is trying to solve the same problem, don't do that. Do something original.

4. Don't give up easily. Stick with it. Not forever, but really give it a chance to get where you're going.

5. Hope for good luck.

Notes & References:

[1] Jim Simons is an American mathematician and founder of Renaissance Technologies, considered to be the most successful hedge fund of all time averaging 66% annual returns.

[2] Abel Lecture (2022). A Conversation with Jim Simons. (Available here).