Max Chafkin on Peter Thiel: “The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power”

In 'Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software', Charles Petzold provides a detailed and accessible explanation of how computers function. The book begins with historical technologies such as Morse code, Braille, and Boolean logic, and gradually builds up to explain vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, and modern computer architecture. Petzold uses everyday objects and familiar language systems to illustrate the development of computer technology, making the subject understandable for readers of various technical backgrounds. The book covers topics from the construction of logic gates and memory banks to operating systems and high-level languages, providing a thorough understanding of the digital revolution.

In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas. He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation. Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future.

This book provides a detailed analysis of the multicultural experiment at Stanford University in the 1980s. It explores how multiculturalism transformed the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and overall campus life, leading to what the authors argue is a stifling of intellectual freedom and a decline in academic standards. The authors use primary sources to reveal the politicization of classes, housing, and other university programs, and they argue that multiculturalism has resulted in a culture of victimization and anti-Western zealotry. The book is divided into two parts, one focusing on the new academic environment and the other on the broader social, political, and cultural implications of multiculturalism.

In 'The Master Switch,' Tim Wu explores the pattern of how new communications technologies are introduced by innovators and eventually coopted by major corporate interests, leading to centralized control and the loss of openness and freedom. The book chronicles this cycle through various mediums such as radio, telegraph, telephone, and film, and questions whether the internet will follow the same path. Wu advocates for a 'Separations Principle' to keep content, communications, and electronics industries separate to prevent monopolistic control and ensure the continued openness of the information economy.

In 'The Contrarian,' Max Chafkin provides a meticulous biography of Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley's most influential and controversial figures. The book explores Thiel's singular life and worldview, from his conservative roots at Stanford to his founding of PayPal and Palantir, and his early investments in Facebook and SpaceX. Chafkin also delves into Thiel's political activities, including his support for Donald Trump and his role in the lawsuit that destroyed the blog Gawker. The biography is both a portrait of Thiel and an examination of the broader tech industry, highlighting its explosive growth, power, and the controversies surrounding it.