What the Fuck Happened to Nerds

Over the past decade, technology industry leaders have shifted from the modest, work-focused "nerd" archetype exemplified by figures like Steve Wozniak to self-promoting egomaniacs who monetize the industry's accumulated trust for personal attention and fame. This transformation is problematic because it erodes public confidence in tech founders, who once gained credibility by appearing humble and focused on their work rather than personal celebrity. The author warns against flashy self-promotion and advocates for returning to core nerd values like curiosity, learning, and humility as a more sustainable path to long-term success.