Peter Thiel | Cambridge Union

Peter Thiel speaks in the Debating Chamber at 7:30pm on Wednesday 8th May 2024.
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PETER THIEL

Peter Thiel is a technology entrepreneur and investor. He co-founded PayPal and Palantir, made the first outside investment in Facebook, and has funded companies like LinkedIn and Yelp. Peter also started the Thiel Foundation, which works to advance technological progress and long-term thinking.
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[shady]

As much as I admire Peter in his ability to identify innovative ideas, I find he is often contrarian with his own ideas, which leads to a sense of dishonesty.

He talks about being a libertarian, but founded Palantir.

He talks about small government, but many of the company he has founded (Palantir and Aurel) requires a big government.

He talks about libertarianism, but in the very next sentence says he would prefer a totalitarian government over a government that is intervening in the market.

He talks about how innovation in the physical world has stagnated but 99% of his investments to this day are towards digital innovation.

He believes the reason why people aren't having babies is from his own bubble, that it's because of the stagnation, not once considering the fact that this push for innovation has reached the point where people no longer have enough time or money to themselves to have children.

[dannybrown]

You will continue to get what you tolerate.

[martinnickelberry]

Speech:
00:00:17 The Diversity Myth (1996)
00:10:15 Identity politics as distraction
00:21:10 Scientific integrity
00:29:00 Globalization
00:31:00 Religion
00:34:28 Politics

Emcee questions:
00:36:41 What is the solution to dogma instilled at university?
00:40:03 What are alternatives to university education?
00:43:00 What social responsibility do tech companies have?
00:46:05 How do you navigate between government and tech?
00:50:00 Where is the line for government overreach in tech?
00:53:53 Should we have hope for the future?
00:56:35 What do UK conservatives need to change?

Audience questions:
01:00:40 Will you support Trump if Vance is named VP?
01:04:25 Do you have concerns about the war in Israel?
01:07:20 What do you think about use of AI in IDF targeting?
01:08:37 Is population decline a risk for humanity?
01:10:10 Will AI acccelerate scientific progress?
01:17:03 What does Palantir do?
01:17:40 Which scientist do you most admire?

[PmoneyPatrick]

With all due respect sir, you’re paddling fiction. To tolerate is a form of justice, he tears down that which does not benefit him directly. People like this can never co-exist with others. It is innately in them to take everything and continue to take, they can’t help themselves. I used to look at these people and aspire to be like them. Now I feel pity for them, they can never have what I have. That is “Enough” living and let live.

[Aidan_Au]

42:37 "Everything should be about programming and deprogramming. You should learn how to program computers because that way you'll be employable, and you should be deprogrammed as humans. And if you're engaged in an activity where you're not doing one of those two, you're wasting your time."

[lb]

9:53 “Even if your evil, you’re not bad, you’re not incompetent. In a world that’s full of total incompetence - uh uh - you’re even kind of good.”

WOW……. WOW……. And he gets the audience to clap. The irony is he probably has a loss of respect for the people clapping bc they’re either incompetent bc they aren’t grasping the evil of what he’s actually saying or they have terrible values themselves in agreeing that evil isn’t bad or even good by comparison to incompetence.
This is the crux of his value system and it’s a danger to society at large. It’s why hes groomed Vance and back him with $15m. He wants to reshape the world bc he knows best. That’s what these tech ogliarths believe.

[theImpalerman]

Watch what they do, not what they say.

[deca_dent_yet_de_praved]

Peter Thiel has been a polarizing figure, often criticized for actions that many view as ethically questionable and harmful. His financial backing of Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Gawker Media, which resulted in the site's bankruptcy, is seen by many as a blatant attempt to silence journalistic criticism and retaliate against a media outlet that exposed his personal life. This act not only stifled free speech but also set a dangerous precedent for wealthy individuals using their resources to crush dissent. Thiel's support for Donald Trump and various far-right political candidates has further alienated many, as he seems to prioritize personal and financial interests over democratic values. His assertion that "freedom and democracy are incompatible" reveals a troubling disdain for the very principles that underpin democratic society, suggesting a preference for authoritarianism. Moreover, his investments in controversial projects, such as funding dubious scientific research and supporting organizations that deny established facts about climate change and evolution, reflect a willingness to undermine scientific integrity for profit or ideological gain. Thiel's actions often prioritize self-interest and power over ethical considerations, leading many to view him as a figure who embodies the darker side of Silicon Valley's influence on society.

[GeoffreyHale]

Theil: "If it's too complex to talk about then it's probably more corrupt."
Also Theil: "I won't tell you what Palantir does."

[ToastingInEpicBread]

I think Cambridge dropped the ball on this one, not just with the protestors, which on some level they cant control, but the lack of direction and moderation is a little too obvious? Unclear what Theil was even asked to speak about, with no introduction or topic, starting part way into the speech. He just rambles on - a word salad rant against anything and everything. This upload is a bit of a fail

[yasak]

The man who is actually in power of America

[jacksonfolly]

1:07:20 is where the question about lavender is, if you're here for that

[NelsThygeson]

Getting deprogrammed as humans is one of two key activities for students? Is he denying essential human dignity? What does he even mean? A glibicy (glib idiocy).

[seanchristophersapp]

Cambridge should be absolutely embarrassed and rightfully ridiculed for allowing the audio of this speech and conversation to be impeded by protesters outside. Protesting in one area and speaking in another should be independently uninhibited.

[bbsara]

progress in education and healthcare are negative. these two sectors have gotten vastly more expensive despite technology advancing. you would think the cost of education would be close to 0 with internet. also healthcare many drugs are off parent now so should be cheaper. wherever you see the inflation happening you know grift is afoot or going backwards in innovation

[andrewphoenix]

You want to limit governments that are accountable, but how do we limit corporations who arent accountable. Which is the greater risk!?

[sedadogan]

Is there a big protest outside while he's speaking? I hear a background noise....

[aldenpadilla]

Lmao at 1:07:20 his brain stopped working after hearing the war crimes of Israel 😂. What do the chosen people have on him that he stuttered for 30 seconds before making a sentence 😂. Surely 'you know who' don't control all these billionaires.

[mistersir]

1:07:20 See Peter Thiel completely short-circuiting

[tutticerutti]

palantir lavender and other defense contractors… should be no surprise he says israel is not fire bombing Palestine. he is profiting off it it doesn’t matter what he calls it