Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson (Preview) The Economy in the 22nd Century, Amoral Tech and Silicon Valley Micro-Culture, What Nvidia Is Getting From Groq
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Jan 9, 2026 The conversation dives into the future economic landscape of the 22nd century, pondering AI's impact on jobs and human nature. Ben critiques pessimistic views from Silicon Valley, highlighting the need for a balanced perspective on technology's neutrality. They explore Nvidia's strategic partnership with Groq and discuss the implications of streaming options for television versus music. The hosts also tackle intriguing topics like the concept of social incentives versus market demands, all while advising on suburban living choices.
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Don't Preemptively Lock In Distant Futures
- Rapid speculation about an all-capable AI is useful but often rests on arrogance about predicting the future.
- Ben Thompson urges caution before locking in major laws or taxes based on distant takeoff scenarios.
Zero Marginal Cost Breaks Current Governance
- If AI reaches zero marginal cost for all goods, existing property and governance frameworks will likely be obsolete.
- Thompson argues that imagining today's laws persisting into a post-takeoff world is inconsistent and probably wrong.
Push Back On Doom Narratives
- Question blanket doomsday framing of AI and offer alternative perspectives to avoid harmful policy panic.
- Thompson recommends pushing back on unduly pessimistic narratives and considering human nature's positive aspects.