E55: How Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, and George Soros Reshape Society

"Moment of Zen"

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the concept of a 'live player', and compare and contrast three prominent live players: Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk—discussing their impacts, motivations, and differing views on societal change.

This episode is a feed drop of our newest show at Turpentine, Live Players, where Erik and Samo analyze more of the mindsets of today’s most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. Listen and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers.

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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | MASTERCLASS | NETSUITE

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:57) The Role of Conventions in Society

(02:08) The Rarity of 'Live Players' and Their Impact

(04:38) The Importance of Historical Knowledge

(09:29) Reflections on Energy Transition

(14:22) Discussion on Sam Altman and OpenAI

(21:31) Comparing Live Players: Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel

(21:54) Sponsors: Shopify, Vanta

(24:24) Comparing Live Players Cont.

(30:12) The Importance of Live Players in Innovation and Change

(34:47) Sponsors: MasterClass, NetSuite

(38:28) The Evolution of Live Players Over Time

(42:55) The Transition from Capitalism to Philanthropy

(51:06) The Paradox of Open Society Advocates