Peter Thiel, the cofounder of PayPal and Palantir, has long been known for his controversial ideological beliefs, which he has actively pursued using his vast wealth. His financial backing has included funding surveillance initiatives for ICE, supporting the emergence of the “New Right,” and funding Hulk Hogan”s lawsuit against Gawker Media. While his previous views, a mix of race science, libertarianism, and capitalism, might have seemed consistent with a tech billionaire”s mindset, recent leaks suggest he may be losing touch with reality.
Speculation has circulated for years that Thiel has developed a fascination with the concept of the “Antichrist,” a figure described in the Bible”s Book of John and Thessalonians associated with the end times. Recently, The Guardian acquired audio from a private appearance where Thiel discussed this topic. His remarks indicate he perceives the Antichrist not merely as a metaphor but as a literal being destined to appear during apocalyptic times.
During the leaked lecture, Thiel distinguished between the general perception of the Antichrist as a “very bad person” and a more specific interpretation as “an evil king or tyrant” that arises in the end times. He expressed his belief that this figure might already be present among us, suggesting that possible candidates could include climate activist Greta Thunberg or AI critic Eliezer Yudkowsky, both of whom oppose his views.
This unsettling scenario presents a disconcerting image of a powerful individual delving into ancient religious texts and interpreting them in a way that aligns with his fears, all while surrounded by those who may support his views due to his wealth and influence. An adage often attributed to author Ellen Raskin states, “the poor are crazy, the rich just eccentric,” and Thiel”s behavior appears to exemplify this notion.
At times, Thiel”s statements resemble disordered thought patterns commonly associated with serious mental health issues, where he makes irrational connections between numbers and concepts. Such remarks could raise alarms about his mental state if expressed by someone less influential. For instance, he mused about the significance of Christ”s age at death, suggesting that the Antichrist might need to exceed this age to leave a mark on history.
Despite his immense wealth, which allows him to indulge in material desires, Thiel”s isolation and the environment around him may contribute to his troubling beliefs. His status as a billionaire provides him with significant influence over global affairs through various foundations, corporations, and political connections, making his current state of mind not just a personal concern but a potentially dangerous situation.
The irony in Thiel”s concerns regarding the Antichrist is evident. A figure intent on global domination, as described in religious texts, would likely embrace the surveillance and military technologies in which Thiel has invested heavily. This irony was highlighted in an exchange with Ross Douthat of the New York Times, who questioned Thiel about his investments in technologies that could facilitate the rise of an Antichrist-like figure. Thiel appeared momentarily taken aback by this inquiry, asserting that he did not believe his actions contributed to such a scenario.
Ultimately, the observations surrounding Thiel”s recent comments reflect a complex intersection of ideology, power, and possibly deteriorating mental health, prompting a broader discussion about the implications of his beliefs and actions.
