The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Virginia Postrel & Jim Pethokoukis: How To Get a Great Future

Dec 1, 2023

Virginia Postrel and Jim Pethokoukis discuss the future, economics, progress, and science fiction. They explore the importance of preserving the American liberal heritage and shaping a better future. They reflect on mid-century visions of the future and the need for practical problem-solving approaches. They also discuss societal fears, the connection between economic growth and individuals, and the impact of technology on relationships. The implications of OpenAI's chat GPT release and America's technological future are explored as well.

01:03:39

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Episode guests

Virginia Postrel

Jim Pethokoukis

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast explores the evolution of future expectations, from mid-century optimism to disillusionment.

The discussion delves into the tensions between preserving liberal values and embracing technological progress.

The importance of maintaining technological optimism for a better future is emphasized, highlighting the need for innovation, collaboration, and investment in research.

Deep dives

The Nostalgia of Future Visions

The podcast explores the nostalgic view of the future and how it has evolved over time. It discusses how mid-century visions of the future were influenced by the rapid advancements and technological innovation of that era. It also delves into the disillusionment that occurred when those visions didn't fully materialize. The conversation touches on the role of science fiction in shaping these future expectations and its influence on popular culture.

Introduction

5min

Preserving the American Liberal Heritage and Creating the Future

2min

The Retro Sensibility and View of the Past

18min

Perspectives on Progress and the Future

28min

The Connection Between Economic Growth and People

1min

The Importance of Researching Child Well-being, Impact of Technology, and Future Innovations

5min

Exploring the Implications of OpenAI's Chat GPT Release and America's Technological Future

3min

This is a bonus episode, hosted by Reason Features Editor Peter Suderman. A few weeks back, at our Washington, D.C. HQ, he moderated a discussion with former Reason Editor in Chief Virginia Postrel (Reason archive here)and American Enterprise Institute Fellow James Pethokoukis about the future—why it matters, why it's misunderstood, and how we might get a better one.

Both have written extensively on the topic. Postrel is the author of many books, including The Future and Its Enemies. Pethokoukis is the author of the just-released The Conservative Futurist—How to Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised.

It's a great conversation about economics, progress, science fiction—and kitchen gadgets.

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