Yes, Peter Thiel was the senator’s benefactor. But they’re both inspired by an obscure software developer who has some truly frightening thoughts about reordering society.
He then concluded that the “best humane alternative to genocide” is to “virtualize” these people: Imprison them in “permanent solitary confinement” where, to avoid making them insane, they would be connected to an “immersive virtual-reality interface” so they could “experience a rich, fulfilling life in a completely imaginary world.”
Yarvin’s disturbing manifestos have earned him influential followers, chief among them: tech billionaire Peter Thiel and his onetime Silicon Valley protégé Senator J.D. Vance
Right? Who is surprised the openly fascist fascists are fascists? Peter Thiel was a fascist in college. Elon Musk talks about eugenics all the time. It’s not like they’ve kept their political views a secret.
They fail to understand that power is ultimately useless. It will just be taken by someone else who wants the same and then you wind up with a knife to the Gooch.
Poor Thiel must be so stupid and naive to believe he won't be someone they come after if the fascists seize power. Maybe not right away, but they'll get around to it.
Every fascist is gambling with their life. Thiel is betting he’s less likely to get the long knives than the Roy Cohn/“don’t ask don’t tell” treatment. And it isn’t a terrible gamble. He wants to be the King James the Misogynist of technofascist America. The Frederick the Great of Silicon Valley.
My bet though is that he’ll get a long knife or a short rope.