Peter Thiel: ‘Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti Classical Liberalism’ (Oxford Union, 2023)

Peter Thiel delivers the inaugural address of the Oxford Union's bicentenary year, framing his talk as "Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti Classical Liberalism." He discusses the culture wars he experienced as a student at Stanford, particularly the debate around the Western Canon and Rigoberta Menchú. Thiel argues that the university's focus on progress, especially in science and technology, has stalled, leading to economic stagnation and a fear of technological advancements due to existential risks. He critiques the modern university system, the influence of big tech, and the dangers of AI, particularly its potential for misuse by totalitarian regimes like China. Thiel also answers questions about his political donations, his support for President Trump and Brexit, and his views on healthcare and the NHS. He concludes by advising students to combine talk with action and to resist the allure of a one-world totalitarian state.