In the interview, PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel shared his insights on artificial intelligence, technological stagnation, and the current economic climate. He believes that while artificial intelligence will revolutionize the world over the next two decades, the immediate impact is limited. The reason behind technological stagnation, according to Peter, lies in the slow progress of the atomic sector, while the bit sector has seen remarkable advancements.
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About Artificial Intelligence:
Peter envisions a world transformed by AI within 20 years, but he cautions against expecting drastic changes in the short term. He highlights the uncertainties surrounding AI, such as which companies will profit, who will gain monopolistic power, and who will have pricing control.
Reasons for Technological Stagnation:
Peter points out that while areas related to bits, like computers and the internet, have made significant strides, areas related to atoms, such as chemistry and mechanics, have lagged behind. He attributes this to excessive regulation in the atomic world and the picking of low-hanging fruit in innovation.
On the Economic Status:
Peter expresses concerns that the United States may be on the brink of an economic recession, criticizing the government’s excessive spending and increasing deficits as a frantic prediction.
About the Thiel Fellows Project:
Peter criticizes the flaws in university education and highlights his Thiel Fellows project as an initiative to help young people pursue their ideas beyond the traditional college experience.
Competitors in the AI Field:
Peter mentions that while Nvidia is making money in the AI sector, other companies are struggling. He suggests that the attention Nvidia is receiving might be more than it can handle.
Finally, when asked about his outlook on the future, Peter reframes the question: “I always challenge this question. Extreme optimism and extreme pessimism are both terrible attitudes. They are, in a way, the same. I believe in human agency, and it depends on us.”
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