Hacker News Reader

This is a sob story from someone who got wealthy from building an engine to finance crime.

There are paths towards redemption - the author could begin by donating every ill-gotten cent to a worthy charity.

What's that? Crickets? Thought so.

Theres this pattern where you make your wealth off dubious means, then one day become born again and start a new life where you gain more popularity and influence by speaking out against the reason you have a megaphone at all. These people interestingly never give away that naughty wealth they now regret so much.

Meanwhile, those with the backbone not to do evil from the start get nothing at all, continuing this warped set of incentives (do evil > get rich > "I'm sowwwy" > zero accountability) for the next generation.

It's also worth noting the framing of the article: "I wasted years of my life in crypto." It's not contrition for the harms inflicted, it's pure self-pity.

Edit: This post is now second in "/best". This is the best of HN? What a depressing thought.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com