Sadly, this type of behavior is also the hallmark of a master manipulator. Given his track record of deceit upon deceit (lied about PhD as confirmed by university, lied about supercomputer as confirmed by SGI, got caught backdating PGP key, multiple acquaintances in Australia on record about his sketchy business practices, etc. etc), I'd guess that the emotion here is significantly less than genuine.
That said, I agree that if I knew the man, or had any idea where he is then I'd feel compelled to check in on him. But it sounds like people have checked in on him and he's OK [1].
But I'm guessing it's just more showmanship and more attempts to distract from the fact that he has no proof he's who he's claiming to be.
That said, I agree that if I knew the man, or had any idea where he is then I'd feel compelled to check in on him. But it sounds like people have checked in on him and he's OK [1].
But I'm guessing it's just more showmanship and more attempts to distract from the fact that he has no proof he's who he's claiming to be.
1. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11636144