What The TechnoBillionaire Missed About TechnoOptimism
Generally, any article that contains the phrase "I'm here to tell you good news" is written by someone who wants to buy your money, your vote, or your soul. As far as I know, browser pioneer and founder of the powerful venture capital firm Marc Andreessen is not working. But his tech-optimistic statement this week (as is his wont) certainly adds to his already bloated portfolio and narrows the broad arc of human existence in pursuit of new and even dangerous technologies.
This week, Andreessen Bolt descended from capitalism's behind-the-scenes Mount Olympus—Silicon Valley's Sand Dune Road—to glory and fury. He noted that technology is the main driver of human wealth and happiness. I have no problem with that. Actually, I am also a technological optimist - or at least I was before reading this article, who does not associate the term with toxic things. It's pretty clear that things like air conditioning, the Internet, rocket ships, and electric lighting fall under the "earnings" column. As we enter the age of artificial intelligence, I believe the benefits are worth pursuing, even if caution is needed to ensure the results are not catastrophic.
But the Andreessen scandal isn't just about how big people are as a toolmaker group. It's also an exaggerated statement of humanity's fate as a super-technological species - with Ayn Rand resurrected as the author of Substack. "Technology must become a powerful attack on unknown forces to force them to submit to man," he said. "We believe we are and will continue to be technologically savvy, but we are not technologically savvy. A victim mentality is an anxiety about all aspects of life, including our relationship with technology - it is unnecessary and self-defeating. We are not victims, we are victors ." (The letters are his.) If this article had a soundtrack, it would be like Wagner's "Journey to the Valkyries." Andres may have missed the first investment in Uber, but he's an overall great guy. In fact, Friedrich Nietzsche is considered one of the "saints of technological optimism." As mentioned
Perhaps a better title for this article is "The Tech Billionaire Manifesto" because it is certainly committed to technological endeavors, but in a system like Andreessen's rewards capitalism leaves winners. . In his argument, the market-based "technological capital machine" is the infallible generator of prices and production. Not to mention the staggering income inequality that has paralyzed the world and caused devastating political unrest. Andersen said that money is the only catalyst that can achieve the great technological leaps that advance humanity. This will be news to internet creators. In fact, they have been strongly opposed to any form of commercial activity for years.
Andreessen declares his opposition to monopolies and deregulation. Perhaps he thinks his Netscape browser company will be eclipsed by Microsoft. But that's an empty statement from someone who sits on Facebook's board and has been in the meta for 15 years. I like to look at board meeting minutes to see how many times the company has been investigated for antitrust and lobbying activities.
Andreessen argues that advanced technology creates wealth that elevates all people. "We believe there is no conflict between capitalist profit and a social security system that protects the vulnerable," he said. But even though he didn't recognize her at home in Atherton, California, the nation's wealthiest zip code, her county sparked protests. Although the US has the most advanced technology in the world, the life expectancy of its citizens has decreased. Surely he knows about the problem of homelessness in American cities and neighboring San Francisco? You may have read that most average Americans can't afford a home, and 40% of them struggle to cover $400 in unexpected expenses. The technological capital machine does not seem to be working in their favor. But don't worry, Anderson quotes Andy Warhol to appreciate how our system works because the rich and the poor can enjoy Coca-Cola. Let's drink sugar water!
