Behind the Bastards Part One: How Peter Thiel Became the Gravedigger of Democracy
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Oct 29, 2024 In this fascinating discussion, Noah Schachtman, a contributing writer at Rolling Stone and Wired, delves deep into Peter Thiel's controversial life. They explore Thiel's significant influence in politics, particularly his support for Republican candidates. Schachtman unpacks Thiel's unconventional upbringing and how it shaped his libertarian ideologies. The episode is rich with insights on Thiel's formative experiences, his peculiar quirks, and the philosophical beliefs that underlie his actions, revealing a complex figure at the heart of modern democracy's struggles.
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Cleveland Childhood
- Peter Thiel's father, Klaus, worked for a consulting firm specializing in heavy industry.
- The firm's founder owned steel foundries in Cleveland, where Thiel's family moved in 1968.
Apartheid Education
- Thiel's family moved to Namibia, where he attended Pridwin, a whites-only private school.
- The school, rooted in Christian ethics, taught racial separation as necessary and good.
Uranium and Apartheid
- South Africa's reluctance to leave Namibia stemmed from the country's rich uranium deposits, crucial for their nuclear ambitions.
- Western nations, needing uranium, ignored sanctions against South Africa, prioritizing their own needs over international law.
