Peter Thiel occupies a peculiar place in contemporary imagination: venture capitalist, contrarian thinker, and a financier of projects that reshape political and technological landscapes.
Beyond the headlines about investments and politics, there is a recurring motif in how critics and commentators frame Thiel’s public persona—a fascination with apocalyptic archetypes, inversion of moral norms, and the figure of the Antichrist. Whether one treats that motif as literal belief, theatrical provocation, or intellectual curiosity, the pattern is worth examining. Doing so clarifies why a private symbolic preoccupation can become a matter of public concern when it intersects with real-world power.
At the most basic level, an attraction to apocalyptic narratives suits figures who habitually think in grand scales.
Investors and strategists operating across decades and civilizations regard risks and opportunities in longue durée terms: civilization-level shifts, existential dangers, and technological transformations.
Apocalyptic language—endings and new orders—maps naturally onto that mindset. The Antichrist, as an archetype, dramatizes a particular combination of charisma, deception, and concentrated power that appeals to contrarians who prize disruption and the deliberate inversion of norms.
Beyond abstract strategy, the Antichrist functions as a powerful symbol for those who cultivate a contrarian identity.
Embracing taboo imagery signals a willingness to break with consensus and to court controversy.
For public actors such as Thiel, whose brand rests partly on being iconoclastic, flirting with dark archetypes can be an effective form of positioning: it attracts followers who admire radical independence and unsettles audiences invested in the status quo.
At the same time, serious intellectual engagement with the Antichrist appears in literature and philosophy—from Nietzsche’s critique of Christian values to Dostoevsky’s explorations of moral catastrophe—so a cultured curiosity can coexist with strategic signaling.
Concrete behaviors and choices offer the best evidence for whether that curiosity is casual or consequential.
Public statements, written reflections, or repeated references to apocalyptic or antinomian themes point to sustained engagement. Curatorial choices—patronage of artists, films, or books that explore these themes—reveal aesthetic affinities.
Naming conventions, branding, or symbolic imagery connected to inversion or domination are deliberate communicative acts. Finally, the company one keeps—intellectual networks and the thinkers a person elevates—serves as a partial mirror of their deeper interests. Yes.
It is crucial, however, to weigh such signals carefully. Not every flirtation with dark mythology implies malevolent intent.
Intellectuals often study monstrous archetypes to understand them, not to enact them. Private curiosity or provocative rhetoric can be an instrument of debate rather than a blueprint for action.
Responsible interpretation separates symbolic fascination from operational intent: the question is less whether someone admires the Antichrist as a literary or philosophical figure, and more whether that admiration translates into concrete programs or alliances that harm institutions, civic norms, or vulnerable people.
This distinction is especially important when examining someone like Thiel, whose wealth and influence are large enough that symbolic preferences can have real-world effects.
Investments in surveillance-oriented technologies, support for opaque security firms, and patronage of projects focused on technological sovereignty or radical longevity are policy-relevant choices.
When symbolic fascination aligns with funding, institutional influence, or the creation of architectures of control, the stakes change.
What began as intellectual provocation can become a framework for legitimizing systems that concentrate power, erode democratic oversight, or deploy persuasive technologies without adequate safeguards.
Interpreting manifestations of Antichrist fascination therefore requires a layered approach.
First, determine whether references are metaphorical, rhetorical, or literal.
Third, assess alignment between rhetoric and practice—does the symbolism inform concrete decisions that affect public life?
Fourth, consider motive and context: is the symbolism an identity marker, a marketing tactic, or part of an intentional ideological project?
Strong evidence of sustained, congruent action—repeated public engagement plus funding and institutional building around eschatological themes—warrants heightened scrutiny.
Weak evidence—isolated jokes, third-party accusations, or singular cultural references—does not.
Ethically, observers must avoid sensationalizing symbolic interest while also refusing complacency.
Labeling is itself a performative act: declaring a figure to be the Antichrist simplifies complex social critiques into a single, emotionally charged accusation that can polarize public discourse.
Yet ignoring how symbolic frameworks can legitimize harmful programs is equally dangerous.
The responsible path is to treat fascination as a signifier that calls for investigation of concrete impacts: transparency about funding, clear oversight of technologies with societal risk, and political debate anchored in evidence rather than myth.
Ultimately, the question is not merely whether Peter Thiel is fascinated by the Antichrist—plausible given the intellectual and strategic inclinations common to powerful contrarians—but whether that fascination matters beyond symbolism.
Does it inform choices that shape surveillance regimes, normalize secrecy, or concentrate control over key technological infrastructures?
If so, democratic institutions and civil society have a duty to respond with policy scrutiny, legal safeguards, and public accountability.
Peter Thiel’s symbolic alignment with apocalyptic and inversionary archetypes matters because symbolic frameworks influence real power.
When a figure with outsized resources and institutional reach treats control, secrecy, or radical disruption as attractive ends—even as intellectual ideals—those ideals can guide funding priorities, corporate governance, and public-policy advocacy.
That translation from symbolism to structure can accelerate technologies and institutions that centralize authority, erode democratic oversight, and amplify harms before adequate safeguards exist.
For the public, the remedy is simple and urgent: insist on transparency, demand democratic oversight of technologies and institutions with societal impact, and subject concentrated private power to the same scrutiny we apply to public authority.
If symbolic fascination with domination and moral inversion becomes a template for governance, it ceases to be merely a provocative idea and becomes a civic risk we must address with the utmost purpose, candor, and seriousness.
There must be a total separation between church and state. There should be no mention of God in our lexicon. This presupposes a belief which is not there. There should be NO donations given by any church or for any church ever, to maintain this separation.
I believe in the Constitution. It guarantees religious freedom. That freedom should not be granted to any religion which tries to subvert or replace our Constitutional rights. Religions which try to take precedence over the Constitution are unAmerican. The must be banned.
I know we have freedom of religion but I think we also should have is freedom From religion. Any religion that has aims to restrict,replace, or remove our state freedoms should be prohibited. This to me is self evident. To restrict a religion’s freedom to undermine individual liberty and choice, and make the religion’s freedom the GOD is wrong and unconstitutional. Bann them. Arrest them, lock them up. Twisted evil doers.
Stop calling it Christian Nationalism, which is their self-righteous label. Start calling it the Christian Taliban. Everyone in America understands how the Taliban treats women and rules their country.
Just wanted to share that I really enjoyed this conversation and appreciate Ryan's perspective. Would like to hear more. I do have a topic that I wonder if could be incorporated into the discussion. We are Catholic (not the Opus Dei or any other crazy version), more aligned with the Franciscan value system, caring for the poor, disenfranchised, animals, peace, etc. Unfortunately, through social media my 20-year old son has gotten sucked into the Christian Nationalism version of Christianity. He strongly defends this version quoting the Bible (you know the type) where before, while he attended Catholic school through the 8th grade he knew few specifics from the Bible, it was more a way of life and thought process. Any thoughts on how to counter this? Trust me I have tried many approaches as he initiates rather aggressive conversations just to push this way of thinking. At a loss and I suspect am not alone as very powerful and influential white men continue on their recruiting campaigns.
Glad I was born a Catholic and became a Protestant later, so I do think critically and belong to a church that doesn’t stress politics but reading the Bible is the way to understand Jesus. Jesus loves women.
Ryan - If you can find the time, look into the EfM program from Sewanee - it can be a real help for someone in your spiritual space. It welcomes seekers.
Christian Nationalists believe in the institutional church but not Jesus. As a company puts the portrait of their founder on the wall in an act of nostalgia, Christian Nationalists put Jesus or his cross on the wall of the church to honor the founder; otherwise, they have long since moved on from his obsolete and primitive policies. The cross is a logo, not a symbol. The see salvation in the power of the institution, not the wisdom of its founder.
Peter Thiel is openly gay and preaches fundamental Christianity. Some call that cognitive dissonance. I just call it crazy irrational.
Brainwashing as a child becomes part of your psyche as if it sets up at puberty. Note that if you learn a language as a child, you don't speak with the accent of your native tongue. Same effect? The Bible, and all religion, is full of contradictions, but very few people can shake off that brainwashing of their youth. Once you do grasp the truth though, you can't un-ring that bell.
Science, critical thinking, is a discipline. That's because it requires serious discipline to resist those bad instincts of your biological brain in order to open a path for reason.
This, was, a, very good, and very interesting conversation! Confirmed, a, Lutheran, by, parents, who, raised, me ! My, beloved, maternal grandmother, was, a, Catholic! She was, upset, when, I was, baptized, in, a, community Bible Church, at, age13! My mother, asked, me, what, was the problem, my grandmother, was, upset! She, had, me, christened, as, a, Catholic! Both, of them, made, peace ☮️! Over this, situation, as, they, both, came, from, the greatest generation! Then my beloved, grandmother, made, a, joke, in hugging me, saying, my dear, granddaughter, you, got two, for the price, of one, in baptism, and being christened! Rehortic, by this gentleman, perhaps, has, created, problems, with, America! Many thanks, again! For this, wonderful, compassionate, generous, convert!
Time To Organize Against Cheeto and His Nazi Allies
The upcoming Oct 18 No Kings protest is a rallying point around which we can consolidate our voices in dissent of what Cheeto and his Nazi party are trying to do to our government
But as important is to develop a long term strategy for our movement As Marc Elias writes in Democracy Docket(https://bit.ly/4n0Qj1J) there needs to be a long range plan that requires organizing around a set of strategies that ensure the takedown of this radical right wing fascist movement that we have come to know as MAGA which by the way has been in the works for at least 2 decades This is not just about 2026 but there and beyond 2028, 2030, 2032 Apathy doesn’t win
As Elias points out we need to organize for the long term around the protection of voting rights, supporting each other with conviction and energy, and being proactive not reactive So much of what is termed journalism is merely a reporting of what has happened in the day While that’s valuable we need to go on the offensive with a plan to attack MAGA Sadly the DNC is woefully behind the power curve and it’s up to all of us to show up WE the People show up and lead the way but that’s how it should always be
They completely missed the real threat of Thiel. He is the head of Plantir probably the most effective military and intelligence AI in the world. Among Plantir's known clients ate: Israel army and intelligence and the CIA and our Department of Defense/War.. Trump's blitzkrieg since 1/20/25 has Plant it's fingerprints all over it.
We’ve talked about Palantir in other sessions. Today, we chose to focus on his AntiChrist lectures. I’m sorry you missed the other sessions about Palantir and social credit scores and surveillance, but they’re in the LS archives.
Peter Thiel occupies a peculiar place in contemporary imagination: venture capitalist, contrarian thinker, and a financier of projects that reshape political and technological landscapes.
Beyond the headlines about investments and politics, there is a recurring motif in how critics and commentators frame Thiel’s public persona—a fascination with apocalyptic archetypes, inversion of moral norms, and the figure of the Antichrist. Whether one treats that motif as literal belief, theatrical provocation, or intellectual curiosity, the pattern is worth examining. Doing so clarifies why a private symbolic preoccupation can become a matter of public concern when it intersects with real-world power.
At the most basic level, an attraction to apocalyptic narratives suits figures who habitually think in grand scales.
Investors and strategists operating across decades and civilizations regard risks and opportunities in longue durée terms: civilization-level shifts, existential dangers, and technological transformations.
Apocalyptic language—endings and new orders—maps naturally onto that mindset. The Antichrist, as an archetype, dramatizes a particular combination of charisma, deception, and concentrated power that appeals to contrarians who prize disruption and the deliberate inversion of norms.
Beyond abstract strategy, the Antichrist functions as a powerful symbol for those who cultivate a contrarian identity.
Embracing taboo imagery signals a willingness to break with consensus and to court controversy.
For public actors such as Thiel, whose brand rests partly on being iconoclastic, flirting with dark archetypes can be an effective form of positioning: it attracts followers who admire radical independence and unsettles audiences invested in the status quo.
At the same time, serious intellectual engagement with the Antichrist appears in literature and philosophy—from Nietzsche’s critique of Christian values to Dostoevsky’s explorations of moral catastrophe—so a cultured curiosity can coexist with strategic signaling.
Concrete behaviors and choices offer the best evidence for whether that curiosity is casual or consequential.
Public statements, written reflections, or repeated references to apocalyptic or antinomian themes point to sustained engagement. Curatorial choices—patronage of artists, films, or books that explore these themes—reveal aesthetic affinities.
Naming conventions, branding, or symbolic imagery connected to inversion or domination are deliberate communicative acts. Finally, the company one keeps—intellectual networks and the thinkers a person elevates—serves as a partial mirror of their deeper interests. Yes.
It is crucial, however, to weigh such signals carefully. Not every flirtation with dark mythology implies malevolent intent.
Intellectuals often study monstrous archetypes to understand them, not to enact them. Private curiosity or provocative rhetoric can be an instrument of debate rather than a blueprint for action.
Responsible interpretation separates symbolic fascination from operational intent: the question is less whether someone admires the Antichrist as a literary or philosophical figure, and more whether that admiration translates into concrete programs or alliances that harm institutions, civic norms, or vulnerable people.
This distinction is especially important when examining someone like Thiel, whose wealth and influence are large enough that symbolic preferences can have real-world effects.
Investments in surveillance-oriented technologies, support for opaque security firms, and patronage of projects focused on technological sovereignty or radical longevity are policy-relevant choices.
When symbolic fascination aligns with funding, institutional influence, or the creation of architectures of control, the stakes change.
What began as intellectual provocation can become a framework for legitimizing systems that concentrate power, erode democratic oversight, or deploy persuasive technologies without adequate safeguards.
Interpreting manifestations of Antichrist fascination therefore requires a layered approach.
First, determine whether references are metaphorical, rhetorical, or literal.
Second, catalog associated actions: donations, investments, institutional backing, and policy influence.
Third, assess alignment between rhetoric and practice—does the symbolism inform concrete decisions that affect public life?
Fourth, consider motive and context: is the symbolism an identity marker, a marketing tactic, or part of an intentional ideological project?
Strong evidence of sustained, congruent action—repeated public engagement plus funding and institutional building around eschatological themes—warrants heightened scrutiny.
Weak evidence—isolated jokes, third-party accusations, or singular cultural references—does not.
Ethically, observers must avoid sensationalizing symbolic interest while also refusing complacency.
Labeling is itself a performative act: declaring a figure to be the Antichrist simplifies complex social critiques into a single, emotionally charged accusation that can polarize public discourse.
Yet ignoring how symbolic frameworks can legitimize harmful programs is equally dangerous.
The responsible path is to treat fascination as a signifier that calls for investigation of concrete impacts: transparency about funding, clear oversight of technologies with societal risk, and political debate anchored in evidence rather than myth.
Ultimately, the question is not merely whether Peter Thiel is fascinated by the Antichrist—plausible given the intellectual and strategic inclinations common to powerful contrarians—but whether that fascination matters beyond symbolism.
Does it inform choices that shape surveillance regimes, normalize secrecy, or concentrate control over key technological infrastructures?
If so, democratic institutions and civil society have a duty to respond with policy scrutiny, legal safeguards, and public accountability.
Peter Thiel’s symbolic alignment with apocalyptic and inversionary archetypes matters because symbolic frameworks influence real power.
When a figure with outsized resources and institutional reach treats control, secrecy, or radical disruption as attractive ends—even as intellectual ideals—those ideals can guide funding priorities, corporate governance, and public-policy advocacy.
That translation from symbolism to structure can accelerate technologies and institutions that centralize authority, erode democratic oversight, and amplify harms before adequate safeguards exist.
For the public, the remedy is simple and urgent: insist on transparency, demand democratic oversight of technologies and institutions with societal impact, and subject concentrated private power to the same scrutiny we apply to public authority.
If symbolic fascination with domination and moral inversion becomes a template for governance, it ceases to be merely a provocative idea and becomes a civic risk we must address with the utmost purpose, candor, and seriousness.
my head spins.... Peter Thiel has a husband.... why would these people give him space?
There must be a total separation between church and state. There should be no mention of God in our lexicon. This presupposes a belief which is not there. There should be NO donations given by any church or for any church ever, to maintain this separation.
I believe in the Constitution. It guarantees religious freedom. That freedom should not be granted to any religion which tries to subvert or replace our Constitutional rights. Religions which try to take precedence over the Constitution are unAmerican. The must be banned.
I know we have freedom of religion but I think we also should have is freedom From religion. Any religion that has aims to restrict,replace, or remove our state freedoms should be prohibited. This to me is self evident. To restrict a religion’s freedom to undermine individual liberty and choice, and make the religion’s freedom the GOD is wrong and unconstitutional. Bann them. Arrest them, lock them up. Twisted evil doers.
Stop calling it Christian Nationalism, which is their self-righteous label. Start calling it the Christian Taliban. Everyone in America understands how the Taliban treats women and rules their country.
Just wanted to share that I really enjoyed this conversation and appreciate Ryan's perspective. Would like to hear more. I do have a topic that I wonder if could be incorporated into the discussion. We are Catholic (not the Opus Dei or any other crazy version), more aligned with the Franciscan value system, caring for the poor, disenfranchised, animals, peace, etc. Unfortunately, through social media my 20-year old son has gotten sucked into the Christian Nationalism version of Christianity. He strongly defends this version quoting the Bible (you know the type) where before, while he attended Catholic school through the 8th grade he knew few specifics from the Bible, it was more a way of life and thought process. Any thoughts on how to counter this? Trust me I have tried many approaches as he initiates rather aggressive conversations just to push this way of thinking. At a loss and I suspect am not alone as very powerful and influential white men continue on their recruiting campaigns.
Glad I was born a Catholic and became a Protestant later, so I do think critically and belong to a church that doesn’t stress politics but reading the Bible is the way to understand Jesus. Jesus loves women.
Ryan - If you can find the time, look into the EfM program from Sewanee - it can be a real help for someone in your spiritual space. It welcomes seekers.
Christian Nationalists believe in the institutional church but not Jesus. As a company puts the portrait of their founder on the wall in an act of nostalgia, Christian Nationalists put Jesus or his cross on the wall of the church to honor the founder; otherwise, they have long since moved on from his obsolete and primitive policies. The cross is a logo, not a symbol. The see salvation in the power of the institution, not the wisdom of its founder.
Peter Thiel is openly gay and preaches fundamental Christianity. Some call that cognitive dissonance. I just call it crazy irrational.
Brainwashing as a child becomes part of your psyche as if it sets up at puberty. Note that if you learn a language as a child, you don't speak with the accent of your native tongue. Same effect? The Bible, and all religion, is full of contradictions, but very few people can shake off that brainwashing of their youth. Once you do grasp the truth though, you can't un-ring that bell.
Science, critical thinking, is a discipline. That's because it requires serious discipline to resist those bad instincts of your biological brain in order to open a path for reason.
Definitely crazy.
tRump is the antichrist!
This, was, a, very good, and very interesting conversation! Confirmed, a, Lutheran, by, parents, who, raised, me ! My, beloved, maternal grandmother, was, a, Catholic! She was, upset, when, I was, baptized, in, a, community Bible Church, at, age13! My mother, asked, me, what, was the problem, my grandmother, was, upset! She, had, me, christened, as, a, Catholic! Both, of them, made, peace ☮️! Over this, situation, as, they, both, came, from, the greatest generation! Then my beloved, grandmother, made, a, joke, in hugging me, saying, my dear, granddaughter, you, got two, for the price, of one, in baptism, and being christened! Rehortic, by this gentleman, perhaps, has, created, problems, with, America! Many thanks, again! For this, wonderful, compassionate, generous, convert!
Time To Organize Against Cheeto and His Nazi Allies
The upcoming Oct 18 No Kings protest is a rallying point around which we can consolidate our voices in dissent of what Cheeto and his Nazi party are trying to do to our government
But as important is to develop a long term strategy for our movement As Marc Elias writes in Democracy Docket(https://bit.ly/4n0Qj1J) there needs to be a long range plan that requires organizing around a set of strategies that ensure the takedown of this radical right wing fascist movement that we have come to know as MAGA which by the way has been in the works for at least 2 decades This is not just about 2026 but there and beyond 2028, 2030, 2032 Apathy doesn’t win
As Elias points out we need to organize for the long term around the protection of voting rights, supporting each other with conviction and energy, and being proactive not reactive So much of what is termed journalism is merely a reporting of what has happened in the day While that’s valuable we need to go on the offensive with a plan to attack MAGA Sadly the DNC is woefully behind the power curve and it’s up to all of us to show up WE the People show up and lead the way but that’s how it should always be
They completely missed the real threat of Thiel. He is the head of Plantir probably the most effective military and intelligence AI in the world. Among Plantir's known clients ate: Israel army and intelligence and the CIA and our Department of Defense/War.. Trump's blitzkrieg since 1/20/25 has Plant it's fingerprints all over it.
We’ve talked about Palantir in other sessions. Today, we chose to focus on his AntiChrist lectures. I’m sorry you missed the other sessions about Palantir and social credit scores and surveillance, but they’re in the LS archives.