html

Thiel's Disillusionment with Trump and Politics

Peter Thiel, a prominent tech entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former Trump supporter, has announced he will not be giving money to any politician in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, including Donald Trump. Thiel's decision comes after years of political involvement, including a high-profile endorsement of Trump in 2016.

• Thiel's support for Trump was driven by a belief that the country needed a radical shake-up to overcome stagnation, a view shared by many Silicon Valley figures.
• However, Thiel expresses disappointment with Trump's performance and his failure to implement significant change, especially regarding the administrative state.

Thiel's Vision for a New World

Thiel's disillusionment with Trump reflects a broader disenchantment with the political process. Thiel believes that "freedom and democracy are incompatible," and he has sought to create alternative systems for societal change.

• Thiel has invested in projects like cryptocurrency to create decentralized financial systems free from government control.
• He has also backed ventures like Elon Musk's SpaceX, which he sees as an escape from the limitations of Earth-bound politics.
• Thiel's ultimate goal is to achieve immortality, a pursuit driven by his belief that death is not inevitable. He sees this as a way to transcend the limitations of traditional societal structures.

Thiel's Journey Through Politics and Tech

Thiel's political evolution has been marked by a series of shifts and reversals. He started as a libertarian, then moved away from electoral politics, became a Trump supporter, and now has withdrawn from direct political engagement.

• His involvement with the FBI, where he served as an informant, further highlights his complex relationship with the government.
• He views "the diversity myth," a term he coined, as a distraction from the real challenges facing society, such as the rise of China.
• Thiel's criticisms of the left stem from his belief that their focus on social justice issues is hindering real technological advancement.

Thiel's Philosophy of Power

Thiel's views on power, technology, and the future of civilization are rooted in his unique perspective, shaped by his experience in Silicon Valley. He believes in the power of great individuals to drive change, and he is skeptical of traditional democratic structures.

• He believes that a strong, central leader, potentially modelled after Franklin D. Roosevelt, could be the key to overcoming societal stagnation, even if it means embracing a "light form of fascism."
• Thiel's belief in the power of individual action is evident in his investment strategies, where he seeks to fund companies with the potential to make "transformational" changes.
• His investment in cryonics, though seemingly outlandish, reflects his belief that death is not a natural or inevitable outcome.

Thiel's Disdain for Charity and Conventional Philanthropy

Thiel's philosophy of power and progress extends to his views on wealth and philanthropy. He rejects the idea of giving away his fortune as an act of atonement for past misdeeds, and he is critical of traditional charitable initiatives.

• He sees the Giving Pledge, a campaign to encourage billionaires to donate a significant portion of their wealth, as a misguided attempt to appease public opinion.
• Thiel prefers to invest his wealth in projects that align with his vision of a technologically advanced future, even if those investments are not always traditional or immediately profitable.

The Legacy of Thiel

Thiel's journey illustrates the tension between Silicon Valley's ambition and its perceived influence on politics. Thiel's disillusionment with Trump and his focus on technological advancement are a reflection of the complex relationship between the world of tech and the wider political landscape.

• His views on democracy, power, and the future raise questions about the role of wealth and influence in shaping society.
• Thiel's embrace of seemingly outlandish ideas like cryonics highlights the potential for technological advancement to intersect with fundamental questions about humanity.