The Thinking Machine
Why I Chose to Read The Thinking Machine
In the fall of 2023, I made a strategic decision to invest in Nvidia. At the time, I already believed strongly in the long-term impact of artificial intelligence, and I recognized Nvidia’s unique position as a global leader in the AI revolution. While Bitcoin remains my largest holding, my wife and I own 4,000 shares of Nvidia, which makes it one of the most valuable assets we own in our stock portfolio. I limit my investments to companies in artificial intelligence and Bitcoin.
I chose to read The Thinking Machine by Stephen Witt because I wanted to learn more about the man behind Nvidia—Jensen Huang. I had been watching his interviews on CNBC and also on YouTube. Those interviews convinced me that Jensen was not only a brilliant technologist but also a visionary leader with a long-term mindset. Understanding his story, his mindset, and his strategies would give me more confidence in my investment and help me make better decisions as I continue building businesses and educational tools that incorporate artificial intelligence.
What I Learned from Reading The Thinking Machine
Stephen Witt’s book provides a compelling and detailed portrait of Jensen Huang—from his humble beginnings as an immigrant, through his formative years filled with discipline and struggle, to his transformation into a global business titan.
Below I offer some key takeaways from this biography:
- Vision and Persistence Pay Off
Jensen didn’t chase quick wins. From Nvidia’s founding in 1993, he had a long-term vision of where computing was headed. He endured years of financial risk and technical uncertainty, but he never wavered from his belief in the GPU as a transformational technology. - The Power of Strategic Patience
Nvidia didn’t become a $3 trillion company overnight. The company had to survive setbacks, market crashes, and failed product launches. But Jensen’s patience—paired with his belief in exponential technological change—kept Nvidia positioned to capitalize when AI demand exploded. - Preparation Meets Opportunity
When OpenAI released ChatGPT and the world suddenly saw the power of generative AI, Nvidia was ready. Jensen had spent years investing in AI frameworks, GPU optimization, and software ecosystems like CUDA. This reminds me of what I always teach: don’t wait until opportunity knocks. Prepare every day so that when it does, you’re positioned to win. - Authentic Leadership is Scalable
Jensen isn’t flashy. He wears his trademark leather jacket, speaks humbly, and pushes his team to stay hungry. His leadership style isn’t based on charisma—it’s based on clarity, integrity, and bold direction. That’s the kind of leadership that scales, whether you're running a classroom, a nonprofit, or a multi-billion-dollar company. - The Intersection of Hardware and Imagination
The book explains how Nvidia transformed from a gaming chip company into the foundational layer of the AI economy. The turning point came when Jensen realized that graphics chips could simulate human thought patterns—turning pixel engines into "thinking machines." That insight changed the world, and it's a powerful metaphor: sometimes, success comes from repurposing what you already have in ways others haven’t yet imagined.
How Reading The Thinking Machine Will Contribute to My Success
Reading The Thinking Machine reinforced one of the core beliefs that I’ve taught for decades: to succeed, we must think long-term, position ourselves for exponential growth, and execute with discipline—even when the world doesn’t yet see the value in our work.
Jensen Huang believed that a better computing platform could unlock a better future. That mirrors my approach to Prison Professors. I’m building programs to position people for freedom and success, even if that recognition comes years later.
This book also strengthens my commitment to AI education. Nvidia’s success proves that AI isn’t a fad. It’s infrastructure. It’s the new electricity. And if I want to help people in prison prepare for success, I need to teach them how to understand the digital economy—not just in theory, but with practical insights that can change their trajectory. This book helps me build that curriculum.
It also reminds me that the founder matters. Just as Jensen’s story inspires investor confidence, I know that when I share my own story—from prison to prosperity—it helps others believe in our mission. That’s why I document everything and encourage others to do the same on platforms like PrisonProfessorsTalent.com.
Self-Directed Question:
- What long-term trend or technology do you believe in so strongly that you’re willing to commit years of preparation before anyone else sees the value?
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