The Spy Who Lived it Up

Given the forum this was presented in, I couldn't help but notice the string of successful companies this guy formed.

Sure, he may have had advantages, sometimes huge, that others don't, but at the end of the day it still takes hard work to start a single successful company, let alone a number of them.

People like that are always fascinating..I'm 27 and still looking for that one idea that will push me into pursuing my own business.

Obituary from The Economist of the same person:

http://www.economist.com/node/21563687

The New York Times piece submitted here (thanks!) has more details about his life. It's interesting to compare the conclusions of the two stories of his life.

I heard about this case on NPR when a biographer of his was interviewed. The biographer cited an interesting motive for the lawsuit. This guy had made a fortune selling arms to shady governments. His bosses in the CIA liked that line of business, and wanted it for themselves...

Am I supposed to feel bad for this guy?