A Technologist's Guide to the Future | Nathan Myhrvold | Knowledge Project Podcast

Career Shift

Nathan Myhrvold's journey from physics to cooking is a testament to his diverse interests and adaptability. Initially, he worked with Stephen Hawking on quantum theories of space and time, but a project during his graduate studies led him to the tech industry, eventually landing him at Microsoft 1. While at Microsoft, Nathan pursued his passion for cooking, attending chef school and later convincing the Culinary Institute in France to accept him as a student 2. His early love for cooking began at age nine when he cooked Thanksgiving dinner, a passion that persisted alongside his scientific endeavors.

   

Insights

Reflecting on his varied career, Nathan Myhrvold shares insights into the lessons he's learned over the years. He humorously notes the futility of hindsight, wishing he had made certain financial moves like shorting Lehman Brothers in 2008 3. Despite the lack of a singular epiphany, Nathan emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and learning, stating, "I would hope so, because it would mean I hadn't grown as a person if there was nothing that I wished I knew." His reflections highlight the value of embracing life's unpredictability and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge.