Dr. Gregory Sadler, an academic and philosopher known for his work on stoicism, joins the discussion on Peter Thiel's transformative journey from libertarian idealist to a key player in the new right. They dissect Thiel's 2009 essay, which reveals tensions in libertarian thought and his shift towards state-corporate alliances. The conversation explores the growing anger within political discourse, the failures of symbolic politics, and the disconnects of the billionaire class, shedding light on the need for collective action to address contemporary issues.
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insights INSIGHT
Thiel's Political Shift
Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir, transitioned from libertarianism to national conservatism.
His early techno-optimism shifted towards state-corporate control, aligning with the new right.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Thiel's Support for Trump
Thiel donated $1.25 million to Trump's 2016 campaign, signifying his shift from libertarianism to national conservatism.
His company, Palantir, embodies this shift, working closely with the CIA and military on surveillance technologies.
insights INSIGHT
Critique of Thiel's Libertarianism
Thiel's essay, "The Education of a Libertarian," reflects inconsistent libertarian views and a move towards existing power structures.
His proposed escapes from politics, like seasteading, seem impractical or reflect a desire for exclusive freedoms.
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In this seminal work, Joseph A. Schumpeter analyzes the processes of capitalism, arguing that it is both innovative and unstable due to the concept of 'creative destruction', where continuous innovation disrupts established industries. The book also examines the potential replacement of capitalism by socialism and discusses the future of democracy in evolving economic structures. Schumpeter presents a balanced view of both capitalist and socialist systems through theoretical models and comparative analysis, and he predicts that capitalism might eventually give way to socialism due to internal societal and economic changes rather than external failures[1][3][4].
Red Mars
Kim Stanley Robinson
Manuel Figueroa
Democracy in America
Alexis de Tocqueville
Written after his travels in the United States, 'Democracy in America' is a comprehensive study of American society and government. Tocqueville examines the democratic revolution and its impact on American life, discussing topics such as the sovereignty of the people, the role of civil society, the dangers of the tyranny of the majority, and the influence of religion and individualism. The book is a philosophical and political analysis that aims to understand why republican representative democracy succeeded in the United States while failing in other places, and it offers insights into the future of democracy both in America and globally[2][3][4].
Anarchy, State, and Utopia
Robert Nozick
In 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia', Robert Nozick presents a rigorous argument in favor of a minimal state, limited to the narrow functions of protection against force, theft, fraud, and the enforcement of contracts. He critiques more extensive state activities as violations of individual rights and argues against more extreme views such as anarcho-capitalism. Nozick's work is influenced by John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Friedrich Hayek, and it includes a theory of rights, a critique of John Rawls' 'A Theory of Justice', and a model of utopia. The book is a foundational text of libertarian thought and has been widely acclaimed for its philosophical richness and analytical argumentation[1][2][5].
Peter Thiel began his career as a libertarian idealist, championing free markets and techno-utopian escape from politics, but his trajectory has led him into the heart of reactionary power. From PayPal to Palantir, his vision has shifted from decentralization to a fusion of state and corporate control, aligning himself with the rising forces of the new right. In this episode, we examine his 2009 essay The Education of a Libertarian, tracing the contradictions in his ideology and the deeper implications of his political influence today. Joined by Dr. Gregory Sadler, we explore Thiel’s evolution, his role in shaping contemporary conservatism, and what his vision means for the future of democracy and governance.
Acid Horizon 
