Peter Thiel, the influential Silicon Valley investor and co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has recently articulated a profound vision of human evolution that extends far beyond contemporary discussions of gender transition, positing a radical and inevitable transformation of the human form. His remarks, made during a recent interview with The New York Times, have resonated across social media, with one user, "Lizquidity," stating, > "i really like what thiel has to say here. he’s correct that trans is just the beginning of where we’re going. and it’s probably something that cannot be averted, even if we wanted to."
Thiel elaborated on his long-held belief in transhumanism, defining it as the pursuit of an "immortal body" through technological and scientific advancement. He starkly contrasted this with current understandings of "trans" in a gender context, remarking, > "The critique is not that it’s weird and unnatural, it’s: Man, it’s so pathetically little. And OK, we want more than cross-dressing or changing your sex organs. We want you to be able to change your heart and change your mind and change your whole body." For Thiel, death is an evil to be fought, aligning with a Christian-influenced drive to transcend natural limitations.
This perspective is rooted in Thiel's broader critique of what he perceives as technological stagnation since the 1970s, outside of the digital realm. He argues that humanity's inherent drive to overcome limitations, coupled with the urgent need for "real progress," necessitates a move towards radical life extension and biological enhancement. His investments in longevity research and artificial intelligence underscore this commitment to pushing the boundaries of human existence.
The investor suggests that this profound transformation is not merely a possibility but an unavoidable trajectory for humanity. He often frames societal choices within an "Antichrist or Armageddon" dichotomy, implying that the pursuit of radical technological advancement is a necessary path to avoid societal decay or catastrophic outcomes. This philosophical underpinning reinforces the idea that such changes "cannot be averted."
Lizquidity's tweet reflects a sentiment that aligns with Thiel's view of this inevitable progression. His statements continue to spark debate about the ethical and societal implications of transhumanism, challenging conventional notions of human identity and the future of technological development. The discussion highlights the growing intersection of technology, philosophy, and societal evolution.