Peter Thiel, a prominent tech billionaire and co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has sparked controversy with his warnings about artificial intelligence (AI) potentially ushering in the Antichrist. Thiel believes AI and surveillance technologies could provide the infrastructure for a global totalitarian entity, promising false peace and safety while opposing true faith and individual freedoms. He argues that stopping AI development poses a greater apocalyptic risk to humanity than promoting it, citing the dangers of stagnation and the potential for a one-world government.
Thiel's views are rooted in his interpretation of biblical prophecies, particularly the Book of Revelation, where he sees the Antichrist as a systemic threat rather than a literal figure. He references literary works, like Francis Bacon's and Japanese manga, to illustrate the concept of a false secular savior. Thiel warns that AI's mechanical logic and lack of human logos (thought and speech) make it a deceptive imitation of the godly, potentially leading to human debility and enslavement. He also expresses concern that fear of existential threats, like AI, plays into the hands of deracinated elites working to establish a global managerial state.
Thiel's apocalyptic vision is not just about AI; it's about the broader implications of technology on human society. He believes modern science and technology have turned history into a linear progression, with a beginning and an irreversible end. Thiel sees himself as an active agent guiding civilization away from the abyss, advocating for a right-wing religious revival, technological acceleration, and a reimagined political order. His views have sparked debate, with some seeing him as a prophet and others as a tech billionaire using Bible nuttery to advance his deregulatory agenda.
Thiel's warnings have also led to discussions about the responsibility of tech leaders and the potential consequences of AI development. He reportedly persuaded Elon Musk not to give his wealth to charity, citing concerns that it would fall into the hands of left-wing nonprofits. Thiel's lectures on the Antichrist have drawn both praise and criticism, highlighting the complex and often contentious nature of AI ethics and governance.
