Peter Thiel, a billionaire known for his outspoken views and political connections, stirred the pot during a recent three-and-a-half-hour conversation on Joe Rogan’s podcast. He drew a controversial comparison between California and Saudi Arabia, igniting widespread attention.
Thiel believes both California and Saudi Arabia are driven by powerful forces. In Saudi Arabia, it’s the strict religious movement called Wahhabism. Thiel argues that in California, it’s “Wokeism,” a term he uses to describe the state’s progressive and liberal culture. He claims this ideology exerts a heavy influence on California’s governance, stating, “Not that many people believe it, but it distorts everything.”
He further compared Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth to California’s tech industry, arguing that tech giants like Apple, Google, and Nvidia play a similar role to oil companies on the Arabian Peninsula. Both industries generate vast sums of money, bolstering their respective economies despite potential shortcomings in government management.
Thiel acknowledges that California boasts a massive economy, comparable in GDP to countries like Germany or Japan. However, he maintains that the state’s economic success, despite issues with taxes and governance, is largely fueled by its tech giants. “The big tech companies in California and the oil pay for everything,” he stated.
While some argue that California’s culture and powerful tech industry have a significant global impact, driving innovation worldwide, Thiel recognizes the critical role tech companies play in sustaining the state’s economy.
Thiel’s influence extends beyond his investments and entrepreneurial ventures. He’s deeply involved in shaping U.S. politics, notably through his company Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm known for its secretive work with government agencies like the CIA and NSA. He is also a strong supporter of J.D. Vance, who won the Ohio Senate race with Thiel’s substantial financial contributions and political connections. Thiel’s involvement helped Vance overcome early challenges, including his past criticism of Donald Trump, whom he now endorses.
Despite his controversial remarks and involvement in politics, Thiel is widely admired for his entrepreneurial success. He co-founded PayPal, revolutionizing online payments, and was an early investor in Facebook, helping it become a global social media behemoth. His outspoken views and controversial comparisons continue to spark debate about California’s political and economic landscape, highlighting the complexities of a state heavily influenced by technological advancement and its associated ideologies.
