“Every one of today’s most famous and familiar ideas was once unknown and unsuspected.” – Peter Thiel
Ideas, facts, and accepted wisdom that we take for granted today were novel, new, and potentially threatening at one point in time. Those promoting novel concepts were often dismissed, derided as heretics, and shunned. By the same token, many accepted “truths” have subsequently been disproved over time. It’s important to keep an open mind and not dismiss seemingly unconventional and perhaps outrageous ideas out of hand. Peter Thiel discusses the need for people to continue seeking undiscovered secrets in the world, and laments the seeming complacency and risk aversion prevalent in society. It’s important to keep alive our sense of wonder and curiosity. What new truths are out there remaining for humanity to discover? What new scientific, philosophical, and technological advancements will accelerate civilization’s continued progress? Will you be the one to unlock the next great secret?
Known as a contrarian, when interviewing potential job applicants, Thiel famously asks: “What important truth do very few people agree with you on?” As a man focused on technological progress and innovation, Thiel’s personal answer to the question is as follows:
“My own answer to the contrarian question is that most people think the future of the world will be defined by globalization, but the truth is that technology matters more. Without technological change, if China doubles its energy production over the next two decades, it will also double its air pollution. If every one of India’s hundreds of millions of households were to live the way Americans already do – using only today’s tools – the result would be environmentally catastrophic. Spreading old ways to create wealth around the world will result in devastation, not riches. In a world of scarce resources, globalization without new technology is unsustainable.“
Thiel draws a useful distinction between two kinds of secrets: secrets of nature, which nobody has discovered yet, and secrets about people, which hide in plain sight because conventional wisdom refuses to see them. Both are found by questioning what everyone around you takes for granted and being willing to look foolish for a while. The next time you catch yourself nodding along with the crowd, pause and ask Thiel’s question of yourself: what important truth do very few people agree with you on? Your answer, however uncomfortable, is where your search for new ideas should begin.
Read more from Peter Thiel in his book “Zero to One.“
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