Embracing a Techno-Optimist Future: Innovations that Improve Lives

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss Marc Andreessen’s Techno-Optimist Manifesto (a16z), the last waves of economic innovation, energy advancement, and predict the next wave of productivity gains from private and government-enabled innovation. Daffy is offering Econ 102 listeners a free $25 for the charity of their choice when they join: https://www.daffy.org/econ102

We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

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Sponsors: GIVEWELL | DAFFY | NETSUITE 

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Daffy is the most modern and accessible donor-advised fund, making it easier to put money aside for charity. You can make your tax-deductible contributions all at once or set aside a little each week or month. And you don’t just have to donate cash, you can easily contribute stocks, ETFs, or crypto. Plus, you never have to track receipts from your donations again. It’s free to get started and Econ 102 listeners get $25 towards the charity of their choice. Daffy is offering Econ 102 listeners a free $25 for the charity of their choice when they join Daffy https://www.daffy.org/econ102 

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Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co

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LINKS:

- Noah Smith, Thoughts on Techno-Optimism https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/thoughts-on-techno-optimism 

- Marc Andreessen’s Techno-Optimist Manifesto https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/

- Robert Gordon, The Rise and Fall of Economic Growth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_American_Growth#:~:text=Gordon%20considers%20that%20the%20apparent,growth%20between%201920%20and%201970.

- Miles Kimball (Econ 102’s actual Econ 102 professor) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Kimball

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X / TWITTER:

@noahpinion (Noah)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(01:25) Reaction to Marc Andreessen’s techno-optimism manifesto

(04:22) Where Noah disagrees: technology does not always empower individuals

(08:05) How to overcome the natural incentive problem of innovation

(11:55) Economist Robert Gordon and no analog to step changes in innovation

(15:50) Sponsors: Daffy | NetSuite

(21:50) Nuclear energy and other energy advancements

(29:40) GDP is utterly unprepared for changing preferences

(33:40) Productivity boom 1987-2004

(36:58) Was the smartphone actually a step change in productivity?

(39:42) Next wave of innovation

(41:50) Where Noah disagrees with Marc Andreessen

(44:15)Government vs privatized enablement of innovation

(49:50) Real sustainability is important and possible

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.