In this podcast, Peter Thiel delves into the idea of an impending apocalypse, examining whether the technological and geopolitical shifts of the 21st century point toward a catastrophic future. He contends that universities struggle to tackle these profound questions, hindered by hyper-specialization and a rigid rationalism that shies away from discussing life, death, and the significance of history. Thiel draws connections between historical events and biblical prophecies, warning that humanity's ability to self-destruct through advancements like nuclear weapons, bioweapons, and AI demands urgent attention to existential risks. He also introduces the notion of the "catacomb," a historical force that has kept chaos at bay, and questions if its decline is fueling today's global anxiety and potential disasters. The conversation wraps up by emphasizing the need to recognize our unique historical moment instead of merely viewing history as a series of cycles.
