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A Mind-Bending Conversation with Peter Thiel by New York Times Opinion

A Mind-Bending Conversation with Peter Thiel

from Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

by New York Times Opinion

Published: Thu Jun 26 2025

Show Notes

The billionaire Peter Thiel is unimpressed with our pace of innovation. In this episode, he critiques artificial intelligence, longevity science and space travel — and warns that our lack of progress could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including the emergence of the Antichrist.

  • - What does stagnation mean in 2025?
  • 06:30- Peter Thiel's case for more progress and innovation
  • - Does taking more scientific risk include life extension?
  • - Peter Thiel's political history
  • - Did Trump live up to Thiel's expectations?
  • - Does Elon Musk still want to go to Mars?
  • - How Thiel defines A.I.
  • - Is A.I. Too Modest An Ambition?
  • - How will the human race evolve? Should it?
  • - Thiel's critique of Silicon Valley
  • - Who is the real Antichrist?

(A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.)

Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com.

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A Mind-Bending Conversation with Peter Thiel | Podcst