>>513740011 (OP)
should be a little spooked even if you're an atheist, thiel's really into this thing called mimetic theory.
basically it's the notion that
>we don't desire objects directly, instead we desire them because someone else models that desire
>this creates a triangle of desire (subject --> model --> object), you imitate someone else's desire for something, which can lead to rivalry
>as more people desire the same thing, conflict escalates, especially over scarce resources
>to resolve this tension, societies often unconsciously choose a scapegoat, someone to blame and sacrifice to restore peace
>this scapegoating mechanism is the foundation of myths rituals and religion
the antichrist would be the ultimate mimetic rival, a figure who imitates Christ so perfectly that he becomes indistinguishable until the imitation turns destructive.
scapegoating in the digital age in a hyperconnected world is amplified by social media, algorithms and influencers.
the antichrist could emerge as a product of collective desire, then be scapegoated when utopia fails to materialize.
thiel's also a big transhumanist.
>eternal life through biotech
>perfect justice via AI
>global harmony through digital governance
i imagine the lectures are going to be laying out mimetic theory and then stating he's going to become the scapegoat (the antichrist) and start throwing his vast wealth and influence around to make unrealistic things like the above come to pass. which will work because my fellow evangelicals will take the bait and reeeeeeeeeee at this billionaire proclaiming himself to be the antichrist and make him a living symbol of everything they fear and reject, thus fulfilling the mimetic cycle perfectly. he becomes the mirror they can't look away from, not because he's evil incarnate, but because he reflects their deepest anxieties about power, salvation and imitation. the more they denounce him, the more they amplify his mythos. the scapegoat becomes sacred through rejection.