Patrick Collison wants to cure the common cold | Interview

The "abundance agenda" requires prioritizing physical construction and infrastructure to overcome self-imposed constraints on societal progress. While technological advancements in AI and digital commerce are accelerating, physical development—such as housing and urban expansion—remains hindered by regulatory and zoning barriers. Addressing complex diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative conditions demands a shift in scientific research, specifically by leveraging AI to model biological processes in silico, thereby bypassing the slow, expensive nature of traditional wet-lab experiments. Furthermore, the rise of agentic commerce promises to streamline transactions, while the adoption of stablecoins provides essential access to the dollar for global populations. Success in these fields relies on long-term institutional thinking, requiring leaders who prioritize building foundational infrastructure over short-term gains to foster sustained innovation and economic growth.