Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist
Ep 112: Peter Thiel on DOGE, Tariffs, Building Generational Companies & the Future of Civilization
Apr 17, 2025
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, discusses his extensive impact on the tech world. He shares insights into building generational companies amid systemic challenges and reveals details about some of his worst investments. Thiel delves into the financial implications of Dogecoin and critiques Trump’s trade policies. The conversation touches on Silicon Valley's cultural stagnation, the influence of AI on manufacturing, and his optimistic view of the political landscape compared to past administrations.
46:57
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Quick takeaways
- Peter Thiel emphasizes the potential to create immense value by addressing broken systems in urban infrastructure, like tunneling projects.
- The degradation of elite institutions highlights a broader cultural breakdown, leaving graduates ill-prepared for leadership and practical challenges.
Deep dives
Opportunities in Broken Systems
There is significant potential to create immense value by addressing broken systems, such as urban traffic, through innovative tunneling projects. The current inefficiencies in traditional construction methods for tunnels and subways, particularly in cities like New York, illustrate a stark contrast to more efficient practices seen abroad, like in Paris. By rethinking how tunnels are built and reducing the influence of corrupt practices linked to labor unions, substantial cost savings and improvements in urban infrastructure could be achieved. Identifying and targeting these broken systems creates opportunities for transformation without necessitating dramatic technological breakthroughs.
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