GUEST SPEAKER
Peter Thiel 

ISSUES DISCUSSED
Peter Thiel spoke about the basic principles that underlie innovative products and startup firms, using examples from his own experience starting up firms such as Paypal and Palantir. 
He  emphasized the importance of creating a firm or product with characteristics of monopoly, and contrasted that idea with the distinction between monopoly and competition taught in economics. He also spoke more broadly about the future of technology and its impact on economic growth in developed countries. He answered questions about his ideas applied to clean-tech and ed-tech firms. 

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
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Understanding The Civilian-Military Relationship In American Democracy
The Hoover Institution's Center for Revitalizing American Institutions invites you to join us for an engaging conversation on Understanding the… Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Monday, May 11, 2026
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Powering Global Cooperation: Innovation, Security, & Geopolitics In A Changing Energy Landscape
The Hoover Institution invites you to attend Powering Global Cooperation: Innovation, Security, & Geopolitics in a Changing Energy Landscape on… Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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Markets Vs. Mandates: Promoting Environmental Quality And Economic Prosperity
On May 12, 2026, the Hoover Institution will host its fourth annual one-day conference on Markets vs. Mandates: Promoting Environmental Quality and… Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building
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