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 interview between Lex Fridman and Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram and VK. They discuss a wide range of topics including Durov's philosophy on freedom, discipline, and privacy, the origins and engineering of Telegram and VK, the challenges of censorship and government pressure, the nature of power and corruption, and personal reflections on life, family, and even quantum immortality.

Key takeaways

• Philosophy of Freedom and Discipline: Durov emphasizes a strong belief in personal freedom, a disciplined lifestyle (including abstaining from alcohol and limiting phone usage), and the importance of individual autonomy.
• Telegram's Mission: Telegram is presented as a platform prioritizing privacy, security, and freedom of expression, operating with a lean philosophy and navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
• Challenges of Operation: Durov shares experiences with government pressure, censorship attempts, and even alleged poisoning, highlighting the risks associated with building and maintaining a platform that challenges established powers.
• Engineering and Team Building: The conversation touches upon the technical aspects of building large-scale platforms like VK and Telegram, emphasizing the importance of a strong engineering team and innovative design.
• Financial and Future Ventures: Durov discusses his views on money, his involvement with Bitcoin, and the potential of the TON (The Open Network) project.