Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

A Mind-Bending Conversation with Peter Thiel

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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.

  • 01:19 - What does stagnation mean in 2025?
  • 06:30 - Peter Thiel's case for more progress and innovation
  • 11:30 - Does taking more scientific risk include life extension?
  • 15:14 - Peter Thiel's political history
  • 18:34 - Did Trump live up to Thiel's expectations?
  • 25:10 - Does Elon Musk still want to go to Mars?
  • 28:09 - How Thiel defines A.I.
  • 33:20 - Is A.I. Too Modest An Ambition?
  • 35:23 - How will the human race evolve? Should it?
  • 41:53 - Thiel's critique of Silicon Valley
  • 43:40 - Who is the real Antichrist?

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

Thoughts? Email us at [email protected].

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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