#1687

Mentioned in 27 episodes

The Contrarian

Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power

Book • 2021

In 'The Contrarian,' Max Chafkin provides a meticulous biography of Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley's most influential and controversial figures.

The book explores Thiel's singular life and worldview, from his conservative roots at Stanford to his founding of PayPal and Palantir, and his early investments in Facebook and SpaceX.

Chafkin also delves into Thiel's political activities, including his support for Donald Trump and his role in the lawsuit that destroyed the blog Gawker.

The biography is both a portrait of Thiel and an examination of the broader tech industry, highlighting its explosive growth, power, and the controversies surrounding it.

Mentioned by

Hilary J. Allen

Mentioned in 27 episodes

Mentioned by

Bethany McLean

in relation to Peter Thiel's investment and endorsement of Curtis Yarvin.

Is Silicon Valley Turning Fascist?

Mentioned by

Robert Evans

as a sizable source for information about Peter Thiel.

Part One: How Peter Thiel Became the Gravedigger of Democracy

Mentioned by

Matthew Sitman

as a researched biography used to learn details about Peter Thiel's upbringing and influences.

Peter Thiel and the Antichrist

Vorgestellt von

Janne Knödler

als Biografie, die tiefe Einblicke in Thiels Leben gibt.

Wie ein deutscher Milliardär die Demokratie zerstört

Mentioned by

Adam Conover

as the literal book written by

Max Chafkin

on Peter Thiel.

America’s Secret Technofacist Overlord, with Max Chafkin

Genannt als eine der Hauptquellen für die Recherche über Peter Thiel.

#01 Bad Bromance: Elon Musk, Peter Thiel und ihr Weg an die Macht – Teil 1

Mentioned by

Nate Silver

as a biography of Peter Thiel.

#389 — The Politics of Risk

Mentioned by

Hilary J. Allen

as a recommended book she read to learn about PayPal's origins and Peter Thiel.

How AI Could Freeze Progress with Hilary Allen

Mentioned by

Carol Massar

as the author of the book, discussing his insights on Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley.

Bloomberg Businessweek Weekend - March 21st, 2025

Recommended by

Max Chafkin

, who wrote it as a biography of Peter Thiel, with an updated paperback edition.

Will Elon Get Paid $1,000,000,000,000?

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

App store banner

Play store banner