Uncommon Knowledge Apocalypse Now? Peter Thiel on Ancient Prophecies and Modern Tech | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
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Nov 18, 2024 
Peter Thiel, a prominent tech entrepreneur and co-founder of PayPal, shares thought-provoking insights about apocalyptic thinking and its implications for modern society. He explores the unsettling link between ancient prophecies and today's technological advancements like nuclear weapons and AI. Thiel critiques academia's disconnect from existential questions and reflects on societal chaos versus order. He draws parallels between historical cycles and contemporary issues, urging a closer examination of our relationship with technology and its potential risks.
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Universities and Big Questions
- Universities struggle to address big questions due to increasing specialization.
- This specialization leads to fragmentation of knowledge and hinders comprehensive understanding.
Rationalism in Universities
- Extreme rationalism in universities prevents discussions about life, death, and the meaning of history.
- This rationalist view limits the scope of inquiry and hinders exploration of existential questions.
Girard's View on Apocalypse
- René Girard suggests apocalyptic prophecies predict human actions with powerful technologies and no limits.
- He views these prophecies as warnings about unrestrained human nature, not divine wrath.
