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Comment by rbrtl | Hacker News Reader

No, I think it’s fucking brilliant that the US gave them the opportunity for a better life in a safer place. I’m furious that he spent 40 years taking that, his family, and his community, for granted and then claims to have just “moved on” back in Cambodia now that it’s safe and he can make lucrative deals with China. Also, the last thing he says is: “I never back down. Never give up. Never surrender. Even in gambling. It took longer than 40 years. But I still win. At the end, I win.” Which is just about the most remorseless thing I can believe he could say.

Hopefully his faith will keep him honest now.

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I think you’re being ungenerous with the interpretation of the quote. I believe that he’s just speaking about how he’s driven, and there’s at least a recognition that this is a double-edged sword (“Even in gambling”). The article sure seems to suggest that he has come to terms with the negative impact he’s had on his family and friends and the fact that he took it all for granted.

I think this is true of driven people (and narcissists) generally, and it doesn’t make them innately bad or worthy of scorn, just as you shouldn’t get upset at a child for lacking the emotional control of an adult. He’s not really so different from other driven iconoclasts, like a Musk or Jobs. Their personal lives often have a trail of strained relationships (divorces, estranged children). This story is particularly good IMHO because his drive ultimately ruins him, but he finds some small redemption in the end.

Ah but he is different from those iconoclasts because his personal was also his business life and he drove them both into the ground at the same time.

You’re right, I am absolutely refusing to be generous with him. He had all the generosity a person could ever need and he spat in the face of all those generous people. He also said his whole family forgives him now, and he always wins, never surrenders. I don’t know much about gambling recovery, but I’m certain addicts never “win”.

All I want anyone to consider is that there are thousands of case studies out there who didn’t have to demonstrate so much dishonesty. Sure he’s got the business chops to keep making good money, doesn’t mean he deserves veneration, immortalisation, and any faith that he’s a good person.

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