The Audio Long Read 10 years of the long read: Why Silicon Valley billionaires are prepping for the apocalypse in New Zealand (2018)
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Oct 30, 2024 Mark O'Connell, author of "Why Silicon Valley Billionaires Are Prepping for the Apocalypse in New Zealand" and "Notes from the Apocalypse," explores the bizarre trend of tech moguls like Peter Thiel buying property in New Zealand as a safe haven from global chaos. He discusses the societal fears fueling this obsession, contrasting stark visions of isolationist wealth with local Maori perspectives. O'Connell also shares his stunning impressions of New Zealand’s landscapes while critiquing the underlying dynamics of luxury and survivalism in an uncertain world.
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Origin of the Article
- Mark O’Connell discusses the genesis of his article, sparked by Peter Thiel's New Zealand property purchase.
- He mentions a planned visit to Thiel's supposed "bunker," which never actually materialized.
New Zealand as a Haven
- New Zealand is viewed as a haven from global anxieties, including climate change and political instability.
- Peter Thiel's interest in New Zealand, a prominent Silicon Valley figure, further fueled this perception.
The Sovereign Individual's Influence
- Following Trump's election, inquiries about New Zealand citizenship surged.
- The Sovereign Individual, a libertarian manifesto, influenced Thiel's interest in New Zealand, advocating for a new elite unbound by nation-states.