Tech Won't Save Us The “Dark Elf” Leading Tech’s Extreme Right w/ Julia Black
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Oct 17, 2024 Julia Black, a features reporter at The Information, discusses the troubling influence of Curtis Yarvin's anti-democratic ideologies within Silicon Valley. She explores how these far-right views have permeated tech culture, reshaping libertarian ideals into authoritarian governance. The conversation dives into unexpected alliances between tech giants like Peter Thiel and traditional conservatism, revealing how extreme political beliefs are now nudging society's norms. Black highlights the ramifications for democracy and the broader implications of this ideological shift.
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Yarvin's Origins
- Curtis Yarvin, a programmer, started a blog called Unqualified Reservations after an intellectual sabbatical.
- This blog explored anti-democratic and anti-egalitarian ideas, attracting a niche following in Silicon Valley.
Thiel's Influence
- Peter Thiel's writings began reflecting Yarvin's ideas around 2009, including questioning democracy and women's suffrage.
- This overlap suggests Thiel's early adoption of Yarvin's anti-egalitarian views.
Corporate Governance
- Thiel's interest in seasteading and network states aligns with Yarvin's concept of escaping traditional governance.
- Both envision societies operating more like corporations led by powerful CEOs.