That's what reading about Thiel does to ya.

It does make me feel a bit sad for how deep in the hole Thiel (et al) are. These aren't stupid people we're talking about, Peter knows he's lying through his teeth. But he has to construct a narrative where he was the right guy, because that's what people pay him for. It's his job, laundering trust.

It's just a shame that Thiel doesn't show a similar amount of empathy for the lives he's ruined. So many billionaires who want to fix the world by breaking it in the way that flatters them most.

Could you point me to that essay? A search for "Thiel 2009 essay" gives his essay for the Cato Institute titled, "The Education of a Libertarian". That's not the article you're referring to, correct?

He touched on this argument in his conversation with N.T. Wright in 2015, which I found fascinating. I would love to read his written thoughts on it. Thank you!