This week on Uncommon Knowledge, host Peter Robinson mediates a discussion between PayPal founder and Stanford Professor Peter Thiel and Velocity Capital Management founder and journalist Andy Kessler on the state of technology and innovation in the United States over the past four decades. Thiel argues that, outside of computers, there has been very little innovation in the past forty years, and the rate of technological change has significantly decreased when compared to the first half of the 20th century. In contrast, Kessler asserts that innovation comes in waves, and we are on the verge of another burst of technological breakthroughs. Industries covered include education, medicine and biotechnology, as well as robots and high tech.

Recorded on Friday, September 13, 2013

Cast

Peter A. Thiel

Peter A. Thiel

Andy Kessler

Andy Kessler

Related

Articles

The Fiscal Effect Of Expropriating Billionaire Wealth

A thought experiment finds that vast government spending would overwhelm even a complete confiscation.

September 8, 2026

Podcasts

Dominic Parker: Why Transferable Tax Credits Could Change Conservation

Hoover Institution fellow Dominic Parker breaks down the economics of conservation easements, transferable tax credits, and what these tools could mean for the future of working lands.

September 4, 2026

Podcasts

Stanford Economist Makes The Case Against California’s Billionaire Tax Measure

Hoover Institution fellow Josh Rauh argues that the proposed billionaire tax on California’s November ballot would face legal challenges, raise far less than proponents claim, and push wealthy residents out of the state.

September 2, 2026