E118: Ending Woke, Why Elon Wins, and A Return to Innovation w/ Marc Andreessen [Moment of Zen repost]

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

Marc Andreessen and Erik Torenberg discuss the ongoing political and cultural shift in America, covering topics such as preference falsification, the role of DEI in tech and other sectors, the influence of group chats, and the emerging dynamic in politics with highly capable appointments in the new administration.

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RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️Moment of Zen

Every week, Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and frequent special guests discuss what's happening in technology, business, politics, and beyond.

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15KYOzvDzAQvqX0z0SpHEJ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moment-of-zen/id1661672738

🎙️Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. This season's guests include: Delian Asparouhov & Nadia Asparouhova, Kristen Berman & Phil Levin, Rob Henderson, and Liv Boeree & Igor Kurganov.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

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LINKS:

"Private Truth, Public Lies" by Timur Kuran: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674707580

"The Power of the Powerless" by Václav Havel: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Powerless-Vaclav-Havel/dp/178487504X

"Why are Jews Liberal" by Norman Podhoretz: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Jews-Liberals-Norman-Podhoretz/dp/0307456250

"Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand: https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand/dp/0451191145

Pew Research Survey: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/03/15/americans-feel-more-positive-than-negative-about-jews-mainline-protestants-catholics/

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X / TWITTER:

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Commerce Secretary now advocates for out-innovating China, marking a complete reversal.
• "Preference falsification" in American society is starting to unwind.
• The 2014 Mozilla CEO cancellation became a template for future tech industry purges.
• "Woke" ideology is declining culturally but remains embedded in institutions.
• Private messaging groups became modern samizdat for honest communication.
• Cultural shifts start in San Francisco and spread outward with predictable delays.
• October 7th caused major Jewish American political realignment.
• Evangelical Christians show strong support for Jews despite opposite sentiment in return.
• New administration appointments show exceptional quality compared to historical standards.
• Government blocked innovation in physical things, then tried to restrict digital innovation.
• European regulations are forcing global tech compliance.
• New administration combines experienced staffers with high-caliber outsiders.