Techno-Optimism, Nuclear Energy, and How To Enable More Innovation

"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss Marc Andreessen’s Techno-Optimist Manifesto (a16z), the last waves of economic innovation, energy advancement, and predict the next wave of productivity gains from private and government-enabled innovation. Daffy is offering Econ 102 listeners a free $25 for the charity of their choice when they join: https://www.daffy.org/econ102

We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

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Sponsors: GIVEWELL | DAFFY | NETSUITE

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Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co

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LINKS:

- Noah Smith, Thoughts on Techno-Optimism https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/thoughts-on-techno-optimism

- Marc Andreessen’s Techno-Optimist Manifesto https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/

- Robert Gordon, The Rise and Fall of Economic Growth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rise_and_Fall_of_American_Growth#:~:text=Gordon%20considers%20that%20the%20apparent,growth%20between%201920%20and%201970.

- Miles Kimball (Econ 102’s actual Econ 102 professor) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Kimball

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X / TWITTER:

@noahpinion (Noah)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(01:25) Reaction to Marc Andreessen’s techno-optimism manifesto

(04:22) Where Noah disagrees: technology does not always empower individuals

(08:05) How to overcome the natural incentive problem of innovation

(11:55) Economist Robert Gordon and no analog to step changes in innovation

(15:50) Sponsors: Daffy | NetSuite

(21:50) Nuclear energy and other energy advancements

(29:40) GDP is utterly unprepared for changing preferences

(33:40) Productivity boom 1987-2004

(36:58) Was the smartphone actually a step change in productivity?

(39:42) Next wave of innovation

(41:50) Where Noah disagrees with Marc Andreessen

(44:15)Government vs privatized enablement of innovation

(49:50) Real sustainability is important and possible

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [e-mail].