Scruton Lectures 2023 - Peter Thiel on The Diversity Myth

The podcast explores the distractions caused by focusing on culture wars and identity politics, arguing they divert attention from critical economic and scientific stagnation. It suggests that an overemphasis on diversity and wokeness obscures fundamental issues like wealth inequality driven by real estate dynamics, and the lack of progress in science beyond information technology. Peter Thiel references Henry George's economic theories and highlights the inelasticity of housing markets as examples. The discussion touches on the quasi-religious faith placed in science, potentially hindering progress by stifling skepticism and critical inquiry. The speakers also examine the historical context of progressivism, linking it to Christian theology and contrasting it with neo-pagan and ultra-Christian viewpoints.