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Why should I think this man has special insight into the state of the world? He is quite rich, that is true. But if anything, by definition that means he is deeply out of touch with the needs, desires, and problems of the vast majority of the people on this planet.
Some interesting insights. I never thought of "stagnation" of non computer tech as something due to overregulation. However, I'm a bit hesitant to allow unregulated biotech/medical research.
I can recommend listening to Thiels episode on Eric Weinsteins The Portal podcast if this sounds interesting to you.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM9f0W2KD5s Audio: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-peter-thiel/id146999...
I think the fundamental problem is that we have grown so used to the idea of advanced progress within our own lifetime that we now refuse to do anything where we cannot see the payoff within our own lifetimes, this means we will likely not have any more major multi-generational project timelines, which are necessary for things like mass human space travel, or even solving global warming.
Energy:
- Million-volt DC power transmission over thousands of kilometers is routine.
- Solar panels get cheaper every year.
- 46 nuclear reactors in operation, 11 under construction.
Transportation:
- 35,000km of high speed rail.
- Several major cities, including Shenzhen (16 million people), use all electric taxis and buses now.
- 600km/hr maglev train in test.
Medicine:
- First coronavirus vaccine approved and being given to PLA soldiers.
- Epidemic under control, most of country back at work.
Electronics:
- In-country manufacture of everything except largest CPUs.
Finance:
- Country runs financial system; financial system does not run country.
Government:
- Government is mildly oppressive but not incompetent.
Why should I think this man has special insight into the state of the world? He is quite rich, that is true. But if anything, by definition that means he is deeply out of touch with the needs, desires, and problems of the vast majority of the people on this planet.
Taking your comment at absolute face value, this essay is about technological progress, not the needs desires or problems of anybody.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23899990
Couldn’t edit the document so I added a few corrections there
>The problem that I remain the most passionate about is for us to make some real and continued progress in the fight against aging and death.
But how does one help? Really. I've been in academia for more than 10 years. I've had done some really promising stuff and know people with pretty cool projects that are 1,000% worth pursuing. Yet I have found virtually zero support as I don't play well with the "the politics of science".
The problem is that the "politics of science" are typically against "actually doing science" as there is no surplus of time, energy and willpower that allows one to pursue both ends.
I would like people to consider that this is one of the biggest obstacles hindering human development (in science at least). This thing really needs to change, for the benefit of everybody involved.
The future is coming. In China. Energy: - Million-volt DC power transmission over thousands of kilometers is routine. - Solar panels get cheaper every year. - 46 nuclear reactors in operation, 11 under construction. Transportation: - 35,000km of high speed rail. - Several major cities, including Shenzhen (16 million people), use all electric taxis and buses now. - 600km/hr maglev train in test. Medicine: - First coro…
Why should I think this man has special insight into the state of the world? He is quite rich, that is true. But if anything, by definition that means he is deeply out of touch with the needs, desires, and problems of the vast majority of the people on this planet.
Taking your comment at absolute face value, this essay is about technological progress, not the needs desires or problems of anybody.