Riskgaming

Can we be optimistic about America’s future?

Jul 10, 2024

James Pethokoukis discusses fostering optimism in American politics, dividing views into 'up wing' and 'down wing'. They explore the impact of technology and innovation on societal progress, California's challenges, and the importance of risk-taking. The discussion also touches on the role of inventions, failure in science education, and venture capital's influence on biotechnology advancements.

41:51

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Episode guests

James Pethokoukis

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Quick takeaways

Optimism is key for America's future success, emphasizing progress through technology and problem-solving.

Dividing society into 'up-wingers' and 'down-wingers' helps shift focus from traditional political divides to views on progress and risk-taking.

Deep dives

Importance of Optimism in American Society

Optimism is highlighted as a fundamental component of what makes America special. The guest, James Petekukis, argues in his book 'The Conservative Futurist' that America needs a new optimistic frame for society, focusing on a divide between up-wing and down-wing perspectives. Up-wingers believe in harnessing technology and human intelligence for progress, while down-wingers emphasize caution and limitations.

Intro

2min

Up wing vs. Down wing and Conservative Futurists

4min

Exploring Tomorrowland and California's Challenges

22min

Reflections on the impact of inventions on the quality of life and the importance of technological progress

2min

Exploring the Role of Failure in Science and Education

2min

Venture Capital's Role in Advancing Biotechnology

10min

If we had to rebuild American politics to be more positive, could we do it? And what would a positive or even optimistic politics look like? What would be its program, and how could we all be galvanized to join in a world and at a time when it seems as though every day brings another dampener to human enthusiasm? Those are just some of the questions that James Pethokoukis approaches in his recent book, The Conservative Futurist.

James emphasizes that optimism and pessimism don’t exist on the traditional left-right axis of political analysis (named for the seating arrangement of politicians during the French Revolution). Instead, he divides the world into an “up wing” — people who believe in expanding the bounds of human ingenuity — and those who belong to a “down wing,” which might be simply summarized as degrowthers and others who see limits in all aspects of science, technology and the human condition.

James and I talk about his book, and then I quiz him on just how realistic his futurism is. Is his vision actually possible, or is it the sort of slapstick fantastical science fiction that is great as entertainment but has long since died out as a way to govern? He’s got better evidence marshaled than I expected, and you can be the judge if optimism can guide your thoughts.

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christopher Gates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠George Ko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠