The Iconoclast

Peter Thiel has made no secret of his feelings about economic and cultural issues. Hear him discuss his vision for the future, his bets on AI and digital currencies, his thoughts on the state of America - and why he’s staying out of the 2024 U.S. presidential election (for now). Andrew Ross Sorkin speaks with Peter Thiel.
Each June, the Aspen Ideas Festival welcomes the public to join the world’s most influential leaders-innovators in business, academia, public policy, science, and the arts-who are shaping the future. Engage in thought-provoking panels, intimate roundtables, and spontaneous conversations across our stunning 40-acre, art-filled campus in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Leave Aspen inspired to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond. #AspenIdeas
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[@nickynick1014]

andrew let the man speak my goodness bro 😂

[@marcelaramonet2302]

Andrew is there to ASK questions !!!

[@royalhealthdan]

there's a time limit

[@danecjensen]

Chapters (Powered by ChapterMe and @danecjensen) - 00:00 - Legendary Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel discusses extraordinary track record 01:30 - Zerotoone founders lead successful companies 05:05 - Power and stagnation in developed countries 06:29 - Sam Altmans OpenAI program is anchored by ideas, not people 07:41 - Sam Altmans influence on Open AI 11:31 - Investor bullish on AIs importance, wickedly difficult 1999 investments 14:21 - Multitrillion dollar monopoly for Nvidia 15:49 - Elon Musks comments on Open AIs nonprofit status 17:48 - Silicon Valleys unhinged, selfhating culture led to exodus 20:19 - Deep corruption, mismanagement, crazy leftwing ideology in California 22:34 - Silicon Valley shifting from progressive to conservative politics 26:43 - Googles monopoly under regulatory pressure 28:38 - Environmentalists trust Googles ethics 29:37 - Author I Will 33:48 - AI monopoly, competition, and value 36:07 - Bitcoins enemies Warren Buffett, Jamie Dimon, Larry Fink 38:49 - ETF advice surprised me 40:02 - Elon Musks SpaceX and Tesla investments 43:13 - Tesla shareholders overwhelmingly backed Elons compensation package 45:14 - Elon Musks Twitter Important, Hard Tradeoffs 46:57 - Investing in Trump campaign, Facebook criticism 51:54 - Former President George W Bush says hell vote for Trump 52:32 - Predicting Trumps victory over Biden Hate factories 57:01 - 2016 promises, polarization, uncertainty, democracy, rule of law 57:47 - Stagnation, polarization, Trumps tone 01:00:01 - Paulson explains why he switched support to Trump

[@1247111]

++ i checked, this is precise, much thx hermano

[@Aidan_Au]

Thank you. This comment should be pinned

[@turbanatorification]

Very rare to get a Peter Thiel interview these days, thank you for getting him on and thank you Andrew for doing a great job with the questions!

[@nadirgmira7668]

This guy is one of the most insightful guys I have listened to .Very strong intellect and very subtle

[@jimywealth4628]

good lord, social media has been the absolute worst thing for society. what world to you live in.. sad

[@gprufino]

I love listening to Peter Thiel because he's such a candid out of the box thinker that you learn a lot from him.

[@menachempike4489]

Peter thiel should be on trumps cabinet

[@yomajo]

what did you learn?

[@neojaxx]

@@yomajo Dark Enlightenment agenda maybe.

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

yup love him or hate him.. boy does he think for himself.

[@8877robert]

His Trump support is dumbfounding

[@justinirek6859]

Unbelievable that he'd mention Chomsky; unfortunately he didn't learn enough from him.

[@raufshamsuddin4063]

While I get Peter’s story on the billion dollar offer from Yahoo, I can’t help but think if the world would be a better/simpler place if FB had not grown into such a behemoth and changed the landscape of media and communication forever.

[@dfdf-rj8jr]

You wouldn't be watching this without the influence of FB, I don't think. It has its downsides but social media has still improved humanity

[@CM-wf5ww]

Lots of "all the other stuff" is because of social media and FB - and FOX. We're addicted. We're fed an algorithm of news and content creating the issues.Thiel would never be able to answer that truthfully. Not possible for him to do so.

[@sucim]

No it's upstream of that, it's the victim mentality that causes these problems and you're making a perfect example. The media made the populace acquire learned helplessness on a country scale. A side effect (unintended or probably rather subconsciously intended) is that people become dependent

[@julianjdogg]

I think most humans have a weakness for such content. Combined with a victim mentality, you will never break free

[@kreek22]

The "news" has always been propaganda, sometimes with more, sometimes with less competition. And it isn't only the media that plays the propaganda game. It is also their sources, most of all the most powerful sources.

[@Ryanlexz]

FB is not fox news and mark Zuckerberg is a very centrist democrats

[@tonyaldridge8917]

The kids screen time is truly shocking these people hate us

[@joryiansmith]

Peter is such a refreshing and reasonable voice in the American discourse. He is an exceptional role model for how to converse and contribute. 🔥

[@metamoney7657]

Peter is destroying our country for Israel

[@dalamskdnfkdmsns]

Great comment 100% agree❤

[@DavidRussellM]

The guy who plays all sides, supports a wanna be dictator, and hordes massive wealth is your role model? Wtf lol

[@dya13810]

@@DavidRussellMyou reap what you sow, you dont do anything so you wouldnt understand

[@journeytothevoid2899]

He’s slightly hyperbolic at times, engagement farming and openly/publicly insults people. I think he is a great mind though who doesn’t get that end of praise enough.

[@nephiindustries]

When I see an new KZbin vid with Peter Thiel, I click "watch."

[@deenzmartin6695]

There's no "watch" button or icon though

[@jw6487]

I click “detonate”

[@KevinTewksbury]

Yupp ❤

[@KevinTewksbury]

@@deenzmartin6695the play button 🤦 durrr durr

[@chesstictacs3107]

I don’t know if his assistant will ever read the comments to him. But I would like to send my warmest greetings to Peter from Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 I have learned a great deal from his exceptional thoughts.

[@farzana6676]

Damn...isn't Azerbaijan an Izlamist country?

[@chesstictacs3107]

@@farzana6676 😃 no. It is a secular republic with majority non practicing Muslims. But what does it have to do with me liking Peter? lol

[@farzana6676]

@chesstictacs3107 I was shocked to know that Peter Thiel is known in some obscure Islamist country. But now I've learnt that Azerbaijan is non practicing.

[@dfdf-rj8jr]

@@farzana6676 KZbin comments are always 50% wholesome, like the other guy, and 50% weird, like you

[@farzana6676]

@@dfdf-rj8jr The only time you're seeing weird is when you're looking in the mirror kiddo.

[@MB-dp1rj]

Andrew needs to "shut up" and let the guest respond in length. Loves the sound of his own prattle!!

[@danerose575]

I have a lot that has never been built near San Francisco because of these insane things. I'm leaving California because of this corruption.

[@farzana6676]

California keeps voting for the same politicians over and over 😂😂😂

[@gassman55]

I have been in the Bay Area since 2000 and though it still is one of the most beautiful areas in the country maybe the world the politics and taxes make it difficult to stay. The straw breaking the proverbial camel’s back is the “no arrest” for theft less than $999. The downtown and Embarcadero are getting a bit better but still a ghost town.

[@benez7014]

I FULLY AGREE WITH THE BITCOIN TALK

[@jiggs_1000]

Credit to Andrew on this one. Nice Qs

[@afiiiiiii]

Zirp ended, theil is back in tech fleece. That means he is working again. And he is working hard.

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

lol

[@jmp814]

The comments section here, reminds me of what they call, the Stockholm Syndrome. Poison & enslave me harder, Baby!

[@mayursiddhpara6912]

Peter has this ability to crunch the most complex predictions and questions thrown to him into relatable pieces of information backed by historical events!

[@QueenLover-j5i]

By "YouSum Live" 00:01:12 Investing in extraordinary individuals is crucial 00:01:45 Founders need tolerance for their unique visions 00:03:29 Extreme personalities can drive significant innovation 00:06:05 Stagnation in society requires new approaches 00:10:28 AI's Turing test achievement is groundbreaking 00:14:49 Nvidia currently dominates the AI hardware market 00:23:05 Silicon Valley's culture is shifting politically 00:24:14 Wokeness in tech companies has gone too far 00:25:08 Merit-based hiring is becoming a priority 00:48:01 Social media's impact on youth is concerning 00:50:01 TikTok poses potential national security risks 00:56:08 Trump's pessimistic slogan reflects societal decline 00:57:26 Polarization is a growing issue in America 01:00:43 AI may not solve the budget deficit By "YouSum Live"

[@C-mm745]

I think his brain is a storm…..like Elons👍

[@manonamission2000]

that's how they found each other... brains oscillate

[@justinirek6859]

Rainmen with no heart, humanity, or true generosity.

[@roamingly]

Bitcoin talk starts at 35:55 ...you are welcome 😊

[@bloodbathy]

oops bitcoin is not going to move up... Sad prediction. Worried why would Peter say this?

[@kyle9296]

@@bloodbathybc bitcoin wont move up at the pace hes been used to. Guys like him have the ability to invest in companies the rest of us dont. For the rest of us, bitcoin will be an excellent investment

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

time to dump all bitcoin

[@nicholas5396]

Would love to see Peter Thiel and Alex Karp debate and discuss the world and way forward.

[@gregestep5407]

I think they have similar views.

[@nicholas5396]

@@gregestep5407 they do and don't. According to Alex in multiple interviews back in college they would debate each other fiercely. Although friends they are on opposite ends of the political spectrum. What does unite them,.amongst other things I'm sure, is their united sense of freedom and privacy. Is the stated reason Peter tapped Alex for helping them start Palantir.

[@afterthesmash]

Andrew Ross Sorkin doesn't have his name in the show notes. It always bugs me when primary participants don't have their names in the show notes.

[@matthewr759]

Elon would benefit from seeing Andrews name more.

[@HelgeLampe-lh2dt]

This is too much information. What a great interview, what a great insight! Peter Thiel....eine Offenbarung.

[@dorsaesh1555]

once again .... infinity he only did HIMSELF A FAVOR THAT WAY ...NOT THE COMPANY.... NOT THE SHAR HOLDERS (NONE)

[@HueBFuture]

He is a genius. His ability to discuss things and not get flustered is impressive.

[@RR-et6zp]

what? its the bare minimum

[@HueBFuture]

@@RR-et6zp you'd be surprised at how many are not good at this.

[@carlfreer8600]

Sharpest billionaire out there. Had me when he hired Eric Weinstein as CEO 🎉❤

[@morganp7238]

Always great to hear Thiel. Pity is in this sewer.

[@humanbeing5300]

Peter Thiel is very reluctant to give his personal opinion and that is actually quite smart. He has more to lose than gain my revealing too much. Legally as an investor and also in terms of influence. I also think as most highly intelligent people understand there are multiple sides and perspectives on any issue and you simply must see any argument from all sides to fully understand it. Intelligent people are aware of how much they dont know and idiots think they know everything.

[@TrrripS]

Hello, so what does IDEAS FESTIVAL do?

[@dmonroerobison]

It's mostly BS. Occasionally someone of substance will do it to see if they can access the TED audience without the shame of going to TED.

[@ShikharSrivastava]

0:00 Introduction 1:15 Unconventional founders 4:10 Facebook Story 5:10 Tech Stagnation 6:35 Investing in the right people/ideas (Altman, Musk) 7:30 Peter's take on recent AI progress 14:30 Take on Nvidia and chip industry 15:30 Friendship with Elon

[@KevinTewksbury]

Peter Thiel’s eyes look so tired. When I see him like this I assume he’s been spending long nights trying to dominate the future. 😅

[@RukshanJ]

What's the point of asking all the controversial questions abd asking the opinion? Something that mainstream media cannot get rid of ?

[@michlnyc]

First time hearing this guy speak. Either his voice sounds like mark Zuckerberg or it’s vice versa. Weird!

[@Portugal_Pete]

Good interview. Btw, Andrew... what if I told you that there are folks out here more threatened by Biden's past PROVABLE authoritarianism... than by Trumps PROBABLE future authoritarianism.

[@patrickmccarthy5617]

His head would explode reading and hearing this question 😂😂😂

[@harbifm766766]

He a NY duew...so..go figure

[@caladr9367]

Trump’s authoritarianism is only considered probable by media. Trumps ego is such that he wants to be known as a benevolent and loved leader, not one who ruled with an iron fist.

[@jackspratt624]

Why doesn't Peter have eyebrows?

[@justinirek6859]

His genetics and heritage, but more surprising is that with his money he'd choose a shirt with a silver metal zipper!

[@Nora-ei4ph]

Stagnation leads to polarization in USA 🇺🇸

[@Nora-ei4ph]

Limitless USA Government contracts $$$$ trillions for NSA data bases and USA military forces databases contracts.

[@dbsk06]

Peter thiel def did a lot of drugs because he aged liek crazy in the last 3 years

[@w12p67]

I love that he is crazy rich, but still wears Asics.

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

steve jobs used to wear new balance. all these silicon valley folks are basically nerds and hippies. the bullying stopped so they think they are the king of the world.

[@jairunet]

Thiel is definitely one of the smartest people I known, I absolutely admire his road to where he is now and also some of his ideas, especially the ones in the book "Zero to One" but, he sounds very confused, sounds like he got betrayed in different areas of his life and now he is anxious. Nevertheless, I hope all the best to him and I also hope he can continue supporting new projects and ideas that can help with the improvement in the United States, which I do believe is not in a good shape compared with 30 years ago.

[@josemolina-narradordigital2077]

Awful guy with awful intentions and worse ideas

[@stanchik25]

The "ums" though 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@vimal-cliobconsulting]

What's wrong with that?

[@BethLeslie-w8j]

Talks over ideas exactly like what he surely must be: a creative mind always thinking.

[@janetgrahamtheberge4772]

Is Andrew wearing bowling shoes?

[@jamessylvester1785]

Andrew sorkin is the worst 🤦‍♂️

[@zeruchofficial]

What an insufferable wannabe Carnegie.

[@zwatwashdc]

The stock market was great under Trump - but everyone was better off because prices didn’t go up 40%.

[@ireneuszpyc6684]

at the end of Trump there was a pandemic, so the whole world redistributed wealth (2020-2021) & then THE WHOLE WORLD INFLATED THEIR CURRENCIES, & you blame Biden for inflation?

[@realmotivation248]

Peter is an insightful person.

[@RaymondER3]

22:30 "Do you have any Saudi Money in your fund" "Virtually none" (Does this mean none or?)

[@chesstictacs3107]

Maybe indirectly some exposure

[@farzana6676]

Virtually none probably means less than 2%. And probably indirectly.

[@getstarted7168]

Great ideas from Mr. Thiel

[@markmcsweeney8061]

This is not a great country any more.

[@numitumi8806]

I wish he’d do more such conversations. Getting to see a softer side of his personality that doesn’t come through well in his lectures even though those are brilliant.

[@joekennedy2599]

Rather more hair than I would expect

[@argentaamore]

Better English guys)

[@plica06]

I really value Peter's way of seeing the world from interesting perspectives that challenges my own opinions. I wish he would come to be interviewed more often. But *whisper* it can be hard listening to his stuttering and stammering.

[@vimal-cliobconsulting]

No he talks fine

[@brunoaziza]

I'm a fan of some of Peter Thiel's work and contributions to the tech industry BUT I didn't find him very upfront and convincing in this interview. Bummer, I was really looking forward to knowing him more.

[@visittavee7773]

He getting old like me too.

[@dot49190]

Peter Theil is a gift to America

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

another immigrant... that is why need immigrants..

[@lyndaherrera277]

He sure does sweat a lot.

[@chrish8212]

everyone who uses woke needs to give their definition, if not it comes off as glib.

[@farzana6676]

Woke = radical leftists who view everything through an oppressor/victim narrative. Basically woke = 🤡🤡🤡

[@deenzmartin6695]

Interviewer was obnoxious but Peter was super interesting and insightful as usual.

[@gptBreeze_io]

00:00 Introduction to Peter Thiel 02:00 The importance of unusual Founders 04:05 Zuckerberg's billion-dollar decision 06:15 Economic stagnation and innovation 07:55 Ideas over personality in leadership 08:04 Discussion on AI and OpenAI 11:25 Historical context of tech investments 13:30 Nvidia's dominance in AI hardware 15:20 Relationships with Sam Altman and Elon Musk 15:50 Elon Musk and Sam Altman's relationship 17:29 Thiel's departure from Silicon Valley 19:29 Political climate in San Francisco 22:15 California's economic management 23:48 Political shift in Silicon Valley 23:38 Perspectives on wokeness in the tech industry 24:50 Alex Wang's merit-based hiring model 26:46 Origins of the DEI movement 28:18 Google's wokeness and monopoly status 30:18 Reflections on monopoly and competition 31:52 Perspectives on big tech companies 34:04 AI market dynamics 36:18 Views on Bitcoin 38:50 Ideological concerns about cryptocurrencies 39:56 Future of SpaceX and personal investments 40:22 Elon Musk's entrepreneurial journey 42:48 SpaceX's business model 44:18 Tesla's compensation package discussion 45:54 Elon Musk's influence on social media 48:04 Impact of social media on youth 48:25 Critique of tech company executives 50:01 Concerns about TikTok 52:06 Thiel's political stance on Trump 54:10 Economic perspectives on recent political climate 55:55 Criticism of political slogans 56:11 Critique of national sentiment 57:03 Issues of stagnation and polarization 58:41 Thiel's personal politics 59:43 Perspectives on LGBT issues 01:00:32 Concerns about national decline summarize by www.gptbreeze.io

[@andrewkarp]

Great talk

[@ConorMcGuire-rl5rn]

Thanks for this really brilliant discussion.

[@Usernamebtc]

Look at what Peter Thiel does not what he says. I mean this in a good way. He is massively invested alongside the thesis of the book the sovereign individual. Yet he no longer speaks much about it.

[@playertwo9895]

Correct. My guess is he's waiting for some AI profits to materialize to move them back into bitcoin. That or he knows the price will continue to fall before the economics of the halving drive the price up, so he's accumulating now or soon. You don't suddenly lose interest in btc because there are ETFs and Larry Fink is in, he knows Fink just cares about profits and has no interest in even meddling with the ideology of the thing.

[@kreek22]

You are not on his level intellectually. Bitcoin obsessives are consistently either midwits or scamsters.

[@playertwo9895]

@@kreek22 Don't think any of the comments above were obsessive, more so pragmatic. Don't think anyone suggested they're smarter than him either, you're just being an ass for no reason.

[@cashkash1547]

Why does Peter need to have answers to every thing? He should stick to investing and that is it. He is completely out of his depths with political observations. Just because he is good at investing in tech companies does not entitle him to omni-wisdom!!

[@Hawking1969]

Peter Thiel is amazing

[@tommueffelmann554]

Love seeing a new Peter Thiel interview

[@williamc4221]

Where the hell are his eyebrows?

[@manonamission2000]

nervous energy thins them out... common for innovator founders, ceos

[@killersloth437]

Love to hear Peter’s thoughts on these subjects. Many cypherpunks and crypto anarchists have now moved onto memecoins, but maybe that’s outside Peter’s wheelhouse

[@tommueffelmann554]

I think AI will 10x capabilities, increasing the gap between various skills, leading to increasingly tight knit billion dollar startups

[@kreek22]

Meaningless claim. 10x what capabilities? And how far is a 10x tool from becoming an agent?

[@jimywealth4628]

no it will make ppl completely codependent

[@likemy]

timestamp with topics of discussion, please

[@Michaelfrikkie]

Digital information-based products are fundamentally distinct from material products, and current economic theory has yet to effectively integrate these two categories.

[@usazar]

Banality of Evil.

[@zwatwashdc]

Sorkin is such a toad.

[@esco466]

He's better than most of his pals at Bloomberg though

[@tominfrankfurt]

Does anyone know, which model of ASICS shoes is Peter wearing? Thx

[@goon8000]

Gt-2000 7

[@tominfrankfurt]

@@goon8000 Thanks：）

[@austinhandsinmotion]

Language separates us?? Everything is communicating!! We are not separate!!!!

[@ken-ul2jg]

Honestly it''s not really about Peter Thiel, Andrew is such an interviewer. I don't know why these organizers pair people like Brian Chesky and Sam with that guy, very dry.

[@Cosmic.cougar]

🌈🌈🌈

[@GabrielY-jw8nc]

Peter Thiel is great as always. but am i the only one annoyed by the anchor? He's so unaware of his shallowness yet so confident with meaningless interruptions. Comercial breaks would be better than wathcing him screaming for attention there like a collapsing pinocchio.

[@twelvecatsinatrenchcoat]

The audible gasp from the audience at 48:50 when Facebook's visibly sweating Angel Investor says that he'll only let his own children use their products an hour a week.

[@JulioReguero]

I wonder if Thiel still thinks that Trump will win the 2024 election now that Biden is not on the ticket.

[@camconrad]

49:03. its not anti-tech. it is anti-"their algorithm" which promotes nudity among other things

[@abigailbruner]

Peter and I think very much alike... I'd be curious to know if he sees what I see ... Maybe I've misjudged him? He's very frustrated, but then, so am I...

[@zedrockiby]

Used to be a great British KZbin channel called The Iconoclast until he was doxxed by the Guardian

[@abigailbruner]

DEI and meritocracy are both wrong... How am I ever going to make this make sense to everyone?

[@jaysphilosophy1951]

If monopolies weren't involved in hiring, than the internet would be somewhat a good thing, but the moment the internet got involved in hiring and firing (recruiting) it created monopolies..... Indeed, Ziprecruiter..etc etc. So perhaps if we went back to a pre 2008 internet.

[@jonl9192]

Cant wait for the day Andrew leaves CNBC to start his own podcast. Hes grown out of his role at CNBC hes bigger than them.

[@mikerusso7095]

His ego has grown. Yea, there aren’t nearly enough podcasts lol😂

[@jonl9192]

@@mikerusso7095 lotta shit podcasts. Only handful of ones worth watching

[@dya13810]

I think he needs the cnbc platform, solo, although i like him i feel wont be the same, kinda like Don Lemon, hard for mainstream to go solo, true soloist can make it big podcasting, (not a don lemon fan btw but anal is the same

[@terrysullivan1992]

What I heard seemed to be a lot of equivocation. Not that I think Peter is trying to conceal or misdirect, but that he just isn't sure.

[@DavidRussellM]

Very two sidsie and political from Mr.Um Uh

[@pikaso6586]

Monopolies ALWAYS get bad in the long run

[@jaysphilosophy1951]

The internet has destroyed locality and I wouldn't mind seeing it gone forever......

[@Samsonight33]

This guys IQ is off the charts. Him, Musk, Sacks, what a group. Why wont All-In get him on the pod?

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

bro you are making how to make money videos like an absolute grifter. why dont you learn something from them?

[@agent7118]

The interviewer is weak. Hopefully they do better next time.

[@bjkrup]

Andrew sounds like he’s got a little touch of the cottonmouth… guess he’s in Aspen so it makes sense! 😂

[@jaceyang3375]

I think we can differ from Peter Thiel's ideology in one way or another, but we must acknowledge his voice of reason and the depth of insight that he put on the table first.

[@jlennon4929]

What was the primary cause of the homelessness spike in San Francisco? Tech money. Who kicked out the cultural producers in San Francisco? Tech workers. Public infrastructure was not only reliable but cheap in SF prior to 2006/07. So were rents. So were bars and restaurants and concert venues. Nobody save commercial real estate landlords was complaining. There was relatively little corruption. Silicon Valley is not located and was not started in San Francisco, it's 40 miles south. If they had just stayed there, where they belong, absolutely zero of this would have happened. A little reflection, Mr Thiel.