#818: John Arnold with Dr. Peter Attia — The Greatest Energy Trader of All Time on Lessons Learned, Walking Away from Wall Street, and Reinventing Philanthropy

In this episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, Tim Ferriss introduces Peter Attia, a friend and fellow expert in health and longevity, who interviews philanthropist John Arnold. Peter shares Arnold's journey from being a successful natural gas trader, where he made billions, to his decision to fully commit to philanthropy at a young age. Arnold's foundation, Arnold Ventures, focuses on solving difficult social problems, dedicating significant financial resources to issues such as K-12 education reform and criminal justice reform.

During the discussion, Arnold explains his view of philanthropy as distinct from charity, emphasizing the need for systematic change and addressing root causes rather than merely alleviating symptoms. He discusses the challenges of operating in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, particularly the desire to see impactful change against the backdrop of large, systemic issues like drug pricing in healthcare and the complexities of the criminal justice system. Together, they explore various approaches to making long-term investments that could yield tangible, positive changes in society.

The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding political landscapes to effectively advocate for change, and how philanthropy can help facilitate necessary policy reforms. Arnold's reflections on his experiences suggest that successful philanthropic efforts require both persistence and a strategic approach.