Techno-Optimist Manifesto
The Techno-Optimist Manifesto is a self-published essay by venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. The essay argues that many significant problems of humanity have been solved with the development of technology, particularly technology without any constraints, and that we should do everything possible to accelerate technology development and advancement. Technology, according to Andreessen, is what drives wealth and happiness.[1] The essay is considered a manifesto for effective accelerationism.[2]
Reception
[edit]The essay was criticized as symbolic of late-stage capitalism and US nationalism,[3] while also said to ignore the risks and harms of current technological development and for encouraging unrestricted development of technology like artificial general intelligence (AGI) without safeguards.[4] The essay was also criticized for its alleged hypocrisy, with Andreessen saying he opposes monopolies and regulatory capture while sitting on the board of Facebook, and for seeing no issues with generating profits under capitalism and social welfare while human life expectancy drops in the US in the face of technological advancement, as most Americans cannot afford to purchase homes or cover minor expenses.[5] Ezra Klein criticized the essay as "reactionary futurism".[6]
References
[edit]- ^ Andreessen, Mark (October 16, 2023). "The Techno-Optimist Manifesto". Andreessen Horowitz. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Swan, David (October 30, 2023). "'We are conquerors': Why Silicon Valley's latest fad is its deadliest". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Teti, Claudi; Adam Tooz (November 17, 2023). "The Techno-Optimism of Marc Andreessen". "Ones and Tooze". Foreign Policy podcasts. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Jemima (October 22, 2023). "I read Andreessen's 'techno-optimist manifesto' so you don't have to". Financial Times. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ^ Levy, Steven (October 20, 2023). "What the Techno-Billionaire Missed About Techno-Optimism". Wired. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- ^ Klein, Ezra (October 26, 2024). "The Reactionary Futurism of Marc Andreessen". The New York times. Retrieved August 18, 2024.