This podcast episode meticulously chronicles the journey of Jim Simons from academia and code breaking to founding Renaissance Technologies, highlighting how his mathematical genius and collaborative culture fostered innovative trading strategies. It emphasizes the significance of data-driven approaches over intuition in investing, illustrating how pivotal figures and decisions at Renaissance shaped its exceptional success. Simons' filtered path through setbacks and moral complexities paints a nuanced portrait of a billionaire transitioning to philanthropy, while also addressing the ethical dimensions of wealth management, ultimately underscoring the necessity for discipline and a scientific method in investing.