It is not you, it is your name

In a thought-provoking article from New York Magazine by Reeves Wiedman, the curious beliefs of hedge fund titan Bill Ackman are explored, particularly his theory that individuals inherently evolve into their names. This theory is akin to the concept of nominative determinism, a hypothesis suggesting that people tend to gravitate towards areas of work that resemble their names.

Ackman illustrates his point with anecdotes, such as encountering individuals with the last name Hamburger who own McDonald’s franchises. This conversation leads to a humorous exchange where Ackman tries to link the journalist's name, initially misheard as 'Reed', to literary activities, before gesturing towards his own name suggesting "Ackman" resembles "Activist Man".

The surname Ackman, derived from the Anglo-Saxon "acmann" meaning "oak-man," traditionally would align more with a forester or carpenter, as detailed on iGENEA. This origin is humorously at odds with Ackman's actual profession, spotlighting the whimsical nature of his theory.

These beliefs among the ultra-wealthy, such as Ackman's name theory, Elon Musk's simulation hypothesis musings, and Jack Dorsey's hyperinflation warnings (as once tweeted on X.com formerly Twitter), represent a broader phenomenon of extraordinary convictions held by those at the pinnacle of success. This mindset echoes Steve Jobs’ philosophy, celebrated in an iconic Apple commercial, suggesting that only those who are "crazy enough to think they can change the world" end up doing so.

However, this view is counterbalanced by the reality of survivorship bias, where we predominantly hear success stories, neglecting the multitude whose unique beliefs led not to innovation, but to obscurity. The pursuit of groundbreaking success through unconventional beliefs is not new; historical figures like Sir Isaac Newton also harbored unorthodox beliefs, such as his intensive study of alchemy, as detailed on Wikipedia.

The investment world particularly embodies this fine line between brilliance and folly, as discussed in the insightful blog Of Dollars And Data. Here, the narrative of success is often dictated by high-risk decisions, which can lead to monumental success or staggering failure.

This duality underscores a broader truth within the narrative spun by Ackman's beliefs: great achievements are often the result of stepping beyond conventional boundaries, armed with beliefs that might seem outlandish to others. Whether these beliefs are grounded in reality or not, they embody the audacity required for exceptional success.

In conclusion, while aspiring for unprecedented success, one might need to embrace unconventional paths and beliefs. Remember, if your journey doesn't lead to success, it might not be the strategy that's flawed; it could be something as simple as your name—or so the billionaires might have you believe.