Behind the Bastards: Part One - How Peter Thiel Became the Gravedigger of Democracy

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Introduction

In the first episode of Behind the Bastards, hosts delve into the life of Peter Thiel, a prominent figure in technology and politics, often regarded as a controversial influencer shaping modern democracy. Joining the hosts is Noah Schachtman, a contributing writer at Rolling Stone and Wired, who provides insightful perspectives on Thiel's journey and impact.

Early Life and Family Background

Peter Thiel was born on October 11, 1967, in Frankfurt, Germany. His father, Klaus Thiel, was a chemical engineer employed by a consulting firm specializing in heavy industry, including oil and gas refining. Shortly after Peter's birth, the family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1968.

Quote:

"Peter grows up with his dad working in the destroying the planet industry... Peter's childhood is in an apartment uranium mine."
— Host 2 [10:29]

Klaus's work in an illegal uranium mine in occupied Namibia exposed Peter to harsh and morally questionable environments from an early age. This backdrop of environmental degradation and authoritarian governance set the stage for Peter's complex relationship with systems of power and authority.

Childhood Influences and Education

In 1971, the Thiel family expanded with the birth of Peter's sibling, Patrick. Contrary to his biographer Max Chafkin's portrayal of his parents as "fanatical Republicans" and "hardcore Christian conservatives," Peter disagrees with these characterizations, suggesting a more nuanced family dynamic.

Peter attended a prestigious, white-only private school called Pridwin in South Africa, followed by a German language public school in Namibia. Despite being a good student, Peter was described as withdrawn and sullen, traits that would continue to define his social interactions.

Quote:

"Peter was the most academically gifted of his friends, and I suspect was the best at doing things like cooking up overpowered characters in Dungeons and Dragons."
— Host 2 [43:52]

His affinity for competitive chess and role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons fostered a sense of isolation and a pursuit of intellectual excellence, setting him apart from his peers.

Stanford University and Ideological Development

Peter Thiel's academic journey led him to Stanford University, where he pursued philosophy and law. His time at Stanford was marked by intense libertarian views and involvement with conservative think tanks like the Stanford Review. Thiel's contrarian nature was evident as he often positioned himself against prevailing liberal sentiments on campus.

Quote:

"Peter Thiel would be the guy who's less in the wrong on that than he tends to be painted as. Which is not to say that he's in the right there, but he doesn't like talking about his sexual sexuality."
— Host 2 [66:30]

During his Stanford years, Thiel engaged with the works of Rene Girard, particularly the concept of mimetic desire, which posits that human desires are imitated from others, leading to envy and scapegoating. This philosophical foundation influenced Thiel's worldview, emphasizing individual agency and skepticism towards collective consensus.

Personality Traits and Social Interactions

Thiel's peers described him as a solitary genius, deeply immersed in his intellectual pursuits yet struggling with social connections. His inability to cope with defeat, as illustrated by a memorable chess match incident, highlighted his intense competitiveness and emotional fragility.

Quote:

"Peter became visibly distraught and was unable to regain his composure for the rest of the tournament and lost the rest of the matches he played a defeat, even a meaningless. This one was too much to handle, huh?"
— Host 2 [43:47]

His habit of taking numerous vitamins publicly, possibly as a means to differentiate himself from others, and his dedication to intellectual endeavors like competitive chess and D&D, further emphasized his unique and often alienating personality.

Controversial Views and Campus Activities

Thiel's involvement with the Stanford Review showcased his staunch conservative stance, often publishing articles critical of liberal ideologies and societal norms. Incidents such as defending apartheid and opposing LGBTQ+ rights during his college years painted a picture of a man deeply entrenched in ideological conflicts.

Quote:

"He said with no facial affect that apartheid was a sound economic system working efficiently and moral issues were irrelevant."
— Host 2 [75:53]

These actions and statements not only strained his relationships with peers but also laid the groundwork for his future endeavors aimed at challenging and dismantling established democratic and societal structures.

Transition to Professional Life

After graduating with a BA in 1989 and obtaining a law degree from Stanford, Thiel aspired to clerk for the Supreme Court. Rejected by Justices Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy, this setback steered him towards entrepreneurship and venture capitalism. His disillusionment with academia and the traditional legal path fueled his desire to create and influence systems outside conventional frameworks.

Quote:

"The inciting incident of Peter's turn towards evil for his desire to destroy higher education."
— Host 2 [81:53]

Philosophical Underpinnings and Modern Impact

Thiel's philosophical leanings, particularly his interest in Girard's theories, have significantly influenced his approach to business and politics. His belief in mimetic desire and the importance of individual agency inform his strategies to disrupt democratic norms and promote libertarian ideals within the tech industry and beyond.

Quote:

"The concept of mimetic desire and the potential use of violent scapegoating would remain focuses of Peter's thinking on human nature, business, and politics up to the present day."
— Host 2 [68:20]

Through his ventures and political engagements, Thiel has positioned himself as a formidable force aiming to reshape societal structures, often at the expense of democratic principles.

Conclusion

Peter Thiel's journey from an isolated, intellectually driven youth to a powerful influencer in technology and politics underscores a complex interplay of personal experiences, ideological convictions, and strategic maneuvering. Behind the Bastards sets the stage for exploring how these elements coalesced to make Thiel a pivotal figure in the erosion of democratic foundations.

Quote:

"We didn't get a lot of really good, detailed evidence about it. The story that Chafkin cites... I just don't see that."
— Host 2 [16:38]

As the episode concludes, listeners are left contemplating the intricate factors that have shaped Thiel's impact on democracy and the broader societal implications of his actions.

Notable Quotes

• Host 2 [10:29]:

  "Peter grows up with his dad working in the destroying the planet industry... Peter's childhood is in an apartment uranium mine."

• Host 2 [43:52]:

  "Peter was the most academically gifted of his friends, and I suspect was the best at doing things like cooking up overpowered characters in Dungeons and Dragons."

• Host 2 [66:30]:

  "Peter Thiel would be the guy who's less in the wrong on that than he tends to be painted as. Which is not to say that he's in the right there, but he doesn't like talking about his sexual sexuality."

• Host 2 [75:53]:

  "He said with no facial affect that apartheid was a sound economic system working efficiently and moral issues were irrelevant."

• Host 2 [68:20]:

  "The concept of mimetic desire and the potential use of violent scapegoating would remain focuses of Peter's thinking on human nature, business, and politics up to the present day."

Disclaimer: This summary aims to encapsulate the key discussions and analyses presented in the episode. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.