Michael Lewis: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Michael Lewis’s Profile Summary

Company	Self-employed
Position	Author and Financial Journalist
Source of wealth	Book royalties, movie adaptations, speaking engagements, journalism contributions.
Also known as	Bestselling author, financial journalist, podcast host.
Age	64
Education	Princeton University - BA in Art History, London School of Economics - MA in Economics
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Berkeley, California, USA
Family	Wife (Tabitha Soren), three children (Quinn, Walker, Dixie)
Website, Social Media	https://michaellewiswrites.com/

Michael Lewis’s biography

Michael Lewis, born on October 15, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a prolific American author and financial journalist. He graduated from Princeton University in 1982 with a degree in Art History and later earned a master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics. His career began in finance as a bond salesman at Salomon Brothers in the 1980s, an experience that shaped his first bestselling book, Liar’s Poker (1989), a seminal insider account of Wall Street during a period of excess. After leaving finance, Lewis transitioned into writing full-time, gaining fame for his ability to demystify complex subjects through engaging narratives. Some of his most famous works include Moneyball (2003), The Blind Side (2006), and The Big Short (2010), all of which have been adapted into successful films. His writing covers a broad range of topics, from financial crises to sports, and he has been a contributing editor for Vanity Fair. He currently lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife, Tabitha Soren, and their children

How did Michael Lewis make money?

Michael Lewis makes money in the following areas:

Book royalties, movie adaptations, speaking engagements, journalism contributions.
What is Michael Lewis net worth?

As of 2025, Michael Lewis’s net worth is estimated to be $20M.

What is Michael Lewis also known as?

Apart from being a bestselling author known for The Big Short and Moneyball, Michael Lewis is also recognized for his work as a financial journalist, contributing to publications like Vanity Fair. His investigative pieces have shed light on significant financial trends and economic crises. Additionally, he hosts the popular podcast Against the Rules, which explores the notion of fairness in American society through a variety of lenses

Prominent achievements of Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis has authored several bestselling books, three of which—Moneyball, The Blind Side, and The Big Short—were adapted into major films. His works have received widespread praise, including a Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His investigative journalism and contributions to Vanity Fair have further solidified his status as a leading voice in financial journalism. In addition, his podcast Against the Rules became a #1 hit on Apple Podcasts

What are Michael Lewis’s key insights?

Michael Lewis is a narrative-driven financial writer whose books—like Liar’s Poker, The Big Short, and Flash Boys—offer deep insights into the structural flaws, behavioral extremes, and systemic risks within financial markets. While not a trader or investor himself, Lewis exposes how information asymmetry, misaligned incentives, and institutional arrogance can create both opportunity and disaster.

In The Big Short, he illustrates how a few contrarian thinkers identified the housing bubble and profited from the collapse by questioning consensus and digging into data others ignored. In Flash Boys, he reveals how high-frequency trading (HFT) exploits microsecond advantages, challenging the fairness and transparency of modern markets.

Lewis’s core contribution is revealing the human and structural forces behind market behavior—fear, greed, groupthink, and the unintended consequences of innovation. His work encourages readers to think critically, follow the incentives, and understand who controls the system before placing trust in it.

Michael Lewis’s personal life

Michael Lewis has been married three times. He is currently married to Tabitha Soren, a photographer and former MTV correspondent. They have three children: Quinn, Walker, and Dixie, though Dixie tragically passed away in 2021 in a car accident

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.