Pavel Durov: Telegram, Freedom, Censorship, Money, Power & Human Nature | Lex Fridman Podcast #482

About this video

• Video Title: Pavel Durov: Telegram, Freedom, Censorship, Money, Power & Human Nature | Lex Fridman Podcast #482
• Channel: Lex Fridman
• Speakers: Lex Fridman, Pavel Durov
• Duration: 04:34:10

Overview

This video is an in-depth interview with Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram and VK, by Lex Fridman. The conversation explores Durov's philosophy on freedom, discipline, privacy, and his experiences building and leading Telegram. They also discuss topics such as censorship, power, corruption, his personal life, and his views on technology, money, and human nature.

Key takeaways

• Philosophy of Freedom and Discipline: Durov emphasizes a strong belief in personal freedom, self-discipline, and a minimalist lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol and even his phone to maintain focus.
• Telegram's Core Principles: The discussion highlights Telegram's lean philosophy, commitment to privacy, and its complex geopolitical positioning.
• Engineering and Team Building: Durov shares insights into the origins of VK and Telegram, focusing on the importance of hiring a great team and the engineering and design principles behind Telegram.
• Censorship and Government Pressure: The interview touches upon Durov's experiences with censorship, government pressure from various countries, and his stance on encryption and open-source development.
• Personal Views and Future: Durov shares his thoughts on money, his personal life, and more abstract concepts like quantum immortality and the philosophy of Kafka.