Peter Thiel, billionaire investor and PayPal co-founder, discusses why he believes society's progress has stagnated since the moon landing. He highlights how fear, bureaucracy, and over-specialization have led to a culture less focused on innovation. Thiel examines the consequences of digital distractions and a decline in faith and meaning in public life. He critiques the current state of universities and culture wars, providing a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges the West faces and potential paths forward.
Peter Thiel argues that societal progress has significantly stalled since the moon landing due to growing caution and fear of innovation.
The podcast highlights how cultural shifts have redirected focus from exploration and achievement to introspection and digital distractions.
Thiel points out the detrimental effects of hyper-specialization in science, which creates disconnection from societal needs and complicates real progress.
Deep dives
The Slowdown of Progress
Progress in the material world has notably slowed since the 1960s, as discussed in the episode. The conversation highlights a perceived inflection point around 1970, where the advancements that characterized prior decades, such as in various physical sciences, began to stagnate. Though there have been notable improvements in digital technologies like computers and artificial intelligence, it is argued that progress in the physical realm has diminished. This contrast raises critical questions about the nature of modern advancements and their tangible benefits to society.
Cultural Transformation and Fear
The episode discusses how cultural transformations correlate with the perceived stagnation in progress. A shift from an outward focus on exploration, as seen during the space race, to an introspective and escapist culture marked by movements such as the hippie generation has affected societal priorities. This cultural transition is linked to a burgeoning apocalyptic fear surrounding scientific advancements, leading to a more risk-averse society. As society increasingly viewed science and technology through a lens of fear, this mentality contributed to a retreat from innovation in the physical sciences.
Hyper-Specialization in Science
The podcast addresses the problem of hyper-specialization in modern science, where experts focus narrowly on their fields, creating a disconnect from broader societal needs. This trend has complicated assessments of progress, as advancements in one area, such as AI, do not necessarily translate to successes in critical areas like health care. The limitations of specialization also lead to an overwhelming quantity of research that may not yield meaningful results, which, in turn, fuels skepticism about scientific integrity. This dynamic reflects a society where consensus is difficult to achieve, further stalling meaningful innovation.
The Dark Side of Technology
A central theme discussed is the dark implications of modern technology and its dual-use potential, particularly in military applications. This includes concerns regarding advancements like autonomous drones that could carry AI, raising ethical questions about their deployment. The feeling that technology often exacerbates societal ills and poses unprecedented threats contributes to a broader climate of apprehension and distrust towards scientific progress. Such fears have influenced public discourse, resulting in caution or resistance to embracing new technologies and scientific endeavors.
Christianity and the Underpinning of Science
The episode examines the historical relationship between Christianity and the emergence of modern science, suggesting that initial scientific inquiry was largely propelled by a Christian ethos. This connection posits that beliefs about a comprehensible and intelligible universe—grounded in Christian anthropology—fueled early scientific endeavors. However, as secularization increased, individuals began to detach scientific progress from its theological origins, leading to an intellectual environment that sometimes undermines the essential values that drove scientific inquiry. This interplay raises questions about the future of scientific progression in a post-religious society that may lack foundational beliefs necessary to sustain rigorous exploration.
Billionaire investor and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel sits down with Jordan Peterson for a powerful conversation about why real progress has stalled. Thiel argues that the last truly groundbreaking achievement may have been landing on the moon—and since then, we've slowed down. He explains how fear, red tape, and over-specialization have made us more cautious and less ambitious.
They dig into how society has shifted away from building and inventing, toward digital distractions and endless talk. They also explore what’s been lost as faith and meaning have disappeared from public life. From broken universities to status-driven culture wars, this is a deep and thought-provoking look at the challenges facing the West—and what we might do to turn things around.
Peter Thiel is a German-born entrepreneur, venture capitalist, activist, and billionaire who emigrated to the U.S. as a child, eventually settling in California after years of moving between countries. A Stanford Law graduate, he began his career as a clerk and derivatives trader before founding Thiel Capital with $1 million from friends and family. Despite early setbacks, he co-founded Confinity, which became PayPal, launching a streak of ventures including Palantir, Clarium Capital, and early investment in Facebook. Thiel is an openly gay supporter of the Republican party, advocating for both equal rights and certain conservative policies, making his political stance admirably nuanced.
This episode was filmed on March 31st, 2025.
| Links |
For Peter Thiel:
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Read “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” https://a.co/d/fAfeXm8
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