A Mind-Bending Conversation With Peter Thiel Interesting Times With Ross Douthat podcast

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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