Douglas Ruskhoff was invited to speak to a group of tech guys at a conference in the middle of the desert. Instead, they asked him questions about how to build their bunkers to prepare for The Event. Host Joel Stein speaks to him about his Medium story “Survival of the Richest.”
You can read the full story here: https://onezero.medium.com/survival-of-the-richest-9ef6cddd0cc1
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/20/22 • 26 min
5 Listeners
Story of the Week with Joel Stein - Billionaires Prepping for the Apocalypse
Transcript Summary
In this captivating episode titled "Billionaires Prepping for the Apocalypse," the podcast explores the intriguing world of tech billionaires and their obsession with surviving a global catastrophe. It all starts with author Douglas Rushcoff's thought-provoking article, "Survival of the Richest," which sheds light on his experience being invited to advise billionaires on post-apocalyptic strategies. From Bitcoin to bunkers, Rushcoff challenges their bunker-focused approach and suggests the power of kindness and community. The episode delves into the fascinating concept of sustainable farms doubling as bunkers, where people can buy shares and live during crises, complete with professionals and armed guards. However, tech billionaires are hesitant to invest, viewing the ideas as too egalitarian. As the podcast uncovers various survivalist ideas with luxurious amenities and concerns about feasibility, it leads listeners to contemplate the mindset of these billionaires and their escape fantasies. The author's belief in community resilience shines through, inspiring a shift away from individual prepping. To dive deeper into this captivating topic, listen to the episode and explore the Medium article and book of the same title.
Transcript
Pushkin. The story of the week is Survival of the Richest by Douglas rushed Off, published on Media. Congratulations Douglas, Congratulations, Medium, Congratulations to the Richest. To be absolutely clear, I am not rooting for a nuclear war. However, a bunker does seem kind of fun. I mean in the same way that living in an RV is sort of a fantasy. Like the idea of having to live in a bunker just seems kind of cozy and simplified and intimate and
Billionaires Prepping for the Apocalypse Top Questions Answered
What is the article "Survival of the Richest" by Douglas Rushkoff about?
The article explores the survival strategies and escape fantasies of tech billionaires.
Why were wealthy billionaires interested in survival strategies for an apocalyptic event?
The billionaires were concerned about the potential collapse of society and sought ways to protect themselves and their wealth.
What topics were the billionaires interested in besides survival strategies?
The billionaires were interested in Bitcoin, Ethereum, virtual reality, augmented reality, and the best locations for their bunkers.
What did Douglas Rushkoff question about the billionaires' bunker strategies?
Douglas challenged their bunker strategies and questioned their ability to control others in a post-apocalyptic world.
What did one billionaire offer Douglas after the event?
One billionaire offered Douglas a visit to sustainable farms that he is establishing for billionaires to buy shares in.
What did Douglas experience during his visit to the farm?
During his visit, Douglas tried shooting guns for the first time.
What is the aim of a man planning to build working farms that can serve as bunkers?
The man aims to create sustainable farms with professionals and armed security to protect residents and train others to build their own farms.
Why are some tech billionaires not interested in supporting the farm plan?
Some tech billionaires are not interested due to the plan's egalitarian approach, which conflicts with their individualistic mindset.
What alternative options are available for those seeking survival retreats?
Other companies offer luxurious retreats in converted nuclear bunkers.
What does the author suggest about the mindset of tech billionaires in "Survival of the Richest"?
The author suggests that the mindset of tech billionaires prioritizes isolation over connecting with others in apocalyptic scenarios.
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