Katherine Boyle: How Tech Can Rebuild America
The a16z Show
The Power of Seriousness in a Cynical World
This chapter explores the significance of embracing seriousness and purpose amidst a culture filled with irony. The discussion highlights how genuine commitment to meaningful causes can foster progress and revitalizes crucial societal values.
Why does seriousness feel radical today? a16z General Partner Katherine Boyle joins The LaBossiere Podcast to explore what it means to build for the national interest—and why that starts with purpose.
Katherine, part of the American Dynamism team at a16z, shares how we got to a place where public service became uncool, how tech can help rebuild trust in government, and why suffering, friction, and responsibility are essential ingredients for growth. From the collapse of civic duty to the rise of meme-driven politics, they dig into the cultural forces shaping America—and the opportunity to reclaim a sense of mission.
They also discuss why Silicon Valley is more idea than place, what journalists and investors have in common, and why being laughed at might be the clearest sign you’re on the right path.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
4:48 The Decline in Public Service
7:47 Making Government Cool Again
10:07 Silicon Valley’s Aversion to National Security
13:15 Positive Sum vs Zero Sum Cultures
16:27 China, Authoritarianism, and Doing Hard Things
19:27 What Makes America Special?
23:03 Silicon Valley and the “Real Economy”
26:28 Investing in Mature Markets
29:08 Vanna White and The Wheel of Fortune
30:27 Journalism and Loneliness
32:52 - Time and Suffering
38:10 - Seriousness and Purpose
41:11 - Is Culture Downstream of Technology?
42:48 - Propaganda and Coolness as a Strategic Asset
44:40 - Florida, Texas, and Regulatory Arbitrage
47:51 - DC, Silicon Valley, and Florida
50:20 - What Should More People Be Thinking About
Resources:
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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