Why It's Time to Be A Techno-Optimist
10/24/23 • 81 min
Last week, Marc Andreessen released his new vision for the future – “The Techno-Optimist Manifesto” (https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/). In an article that has sparked widespread conversation across the media and social media, Marc challenges the pessimistic narrative surrounding technology today, and instead celebrates technology as a liberating force that can lead to growth, progress and abundance for all.
In this one-on-one conversation based on YOUR questions from X (formerly Twitter), Ben Horowitz and Marc discuss how technological advancements can improve the quality of human life, uplift marginalized communities, and even encourage us to answer the bigger questions of the universe.
We hope you’ll be inspired to join us in this Techno-Optimist movement. Enjoy!
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/HCfwKBwxLYk?si=c5HaDwI-_nlKxRsb
Resources:
Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/
Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
Book mentioned on this podcast:
– “When Reason Goes on Holiday: Philosophers in Politics” by Neven Sesardic https://amzn.to/455zYRv
– “The Ultimate Resource” by Julian Lincoln Simon https://amzn.to/3Ft2MIi
Stay Updated:
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/
Last week, Marc Andreessen released his new vision for the future – “The Techno-Optimist Manifesto” (https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/). In an article that has sparked widespread conversation across the media and social media, Marc challenges the pessimistic narrative surrounding technology today, and instead celebrates technology as a liberating force that can lead to growth, progress and abundance for all.
In this one-on-one conversation based on YOUR questions from X (formerly Twitter), Ben Horowitz and Marc discuss how technological advancements can improve the quality of human life, uplift marginalized communities, and even encourage us to answer the bigger questions of the universe.
We hope you’ll be inspired to join us in this Techno-Optimist movement. Enjoy!
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/HCfwKBwxLYk?si=c5HaDwI-_nlKxRsb
Resources:
Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/
Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
Book mentioned on this podcast:
– “When Reason Goes on Holiday: Philosophers in Politics” by Neven Sesardic https://amzn.to/455zYRv
– “The Ultimate Resource” by Julian Lincoln Simon https://amzn.to/3Ft2MIi
Stay Updated:
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/
Previous Episode
What is the Future of Hollywood?
In this episode of “The Ben & Marc Show”, a16z’s co-founders Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen take on the most hot-button issue in Hollywood: artificial intelligence. Over the past few months, the topic of AI technology has pushed the entire industry into unknown territory. Screenwriters fear they’ll no longer be needed, while actors believe they’ll be replaced altogether. But is it possible AI can actually level the playing field and create new opportunities for all artists?
In this two-part conversation based on YOUR questions from X (formerly Twitter), Marc and Ben examine the evolving business models of the film and television industries, as well as explore how writers, directors and actors can soon use AI technology to unleash their creative potential in ways they never thought possible. In fact, AI’s future in Hollywood may not be as dystopian as some of our favorite films have led us to believe.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
Episode Note: This conversation was recorded in two parts. Part one took place before the WGA and AMPTP reached an agreement. Topics Covered:
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/KFboZkwHjsU?si=QrIbhRVfqXVDtFq5
Resources:
Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/
Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
“Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need” by Blake Snyde:
Films mentioned on this episode:
“Monsters of Man” (Amazon Prime): https://amzn.to/3tf7CWV
“Tenet” (Amazon Prime): https://amzn.to/46aI8bE
"Reservoir Dogs” (Netflix): https://bit.ly/48zbQbM
“Buy Bust” (Netflix): https://bit.ly/3LHcmuw [**Marc’s recommendation**
TV Series mentioned on this episode:
“Fauda” (Netflix): https://bit.ly/3roB9wN
“Squid Game” (Netflix): https://bit.ly/3LGOreK
“Mad Men” (Amazon Prime): http://bit.ly/3LM2srB
Stay Updated:
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/
Next Episode
Advancing AI, Approaching VC's & Crypto Scandals: Ask Us Anything!
Welcome to “The Ben & Marc Show”, featuring a16z co-founders Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen. In this week’s episode, Marc and Ben answer YOUR questions from X (formerly Twitter).
In this one on one conversation, Ben and Marc discuss the best way to approach a VC, how their views on crypto have evolved over the past few years, and whether we should be using AI to bring iconic musical artists back from the dead. That and more! Please enjoy.
Topics Covered:
00:00:01 Teaser
00:00:31 What is the best way to approach VCs for potential funding?
00:04:53 Which of your foundational investment dogmas have withstood the test of time?
00:13:31 What are your thoughts on the creator economy blending into startup territory?
00:21:32 What happens when the cost of AI goes to zero?
00:27:18 How will generative AI change public education?
00:34:33 How soon before AI advancement allows ALL people to access their greatest creativity?
00:38:53 Are data centers in a position today to accommodate the growth of AI apps?
00:43:49 Could AI replace governments in the future?
00:49:20 What are your thoughts on AI being used to create new songs by mimicking deceased artists?
00:53:57 Is the issue of a growing wealth gap in society solved through techno-optimism? 01:00:35 How do you assess the future economic and technological growth potential in the Middle East?
01:07:29 Do you see recent crypto scandals (like FTX) leading to more government regulations?
01:11:41 How have your views on crypto changed over the past 5 years?
01:15:08 What was your last strongly held belief that you’ve changed your mind on?
01:20:25 Sign off
Resources:
Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca
Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/
Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz
Book mentioned on this podcast:
– “The Case Against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money” by Bryan Kaplan https://amzn.to/47HOSOO
Films mentioned on this podcast:
“Who Killed the Electric Car?” https://amzn.to/3Ne2uZU
“Tropic Thunder” https://amzn.to/41bVzXg
Stay Updated:
Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z
Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z
The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds.
PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/
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