The Evolution of Technological Progress

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Exploring the past and present advancements in personal technology, AI, and nuclear energy while discussing societal expectations of progress. The chapter reflects on the uneven distribution of future technologies like self-driving cars and supersonic planes, contrasting impressive innovations with their slow mainstream adoption.

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss tech stagnation, drawing from Peter Thiel and Tyler Cowen's theories on technological progress rates with energy consumption as a metric. They also delve into Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz's influence and potential futures amidst differing views on tech slowdown, and they touch on regulatory, cultural, and economic bottlenecks. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

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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: https://eriktorenberg.com/

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LINKS:

Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:35) What is Tech Stagnation?

(03:20) Exiting the Great Stagnation

(06:23) The Future is Already Here (But Not Evenly Distributed)

(08:19) Sponsor - Brave

(09:20) How Tech Culture Has Stagnated

(17:38) On Industrial Jargon

(22:50) The Importance of Clear Language in Tech

(24:08) Energy Consumption in Tech Progress

(27:23) The Critique of Energy Consumption as a Measure of Progress

(29:04) The Great Stagnation Debate

(31:01) Bottlenecks of Stagnation

(37:10) Y Combinator and the Software Slowdown

(47:26) The Future of Tech: Applying Software to Manufacturing

(48:54) Wrap

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.