Breaking down the “Techno-Optimist Manifesto” with tech critic Paris Marx

It seems like Marc Andreessen had a lot of free time this week, as the VC wrapped up his entire pro-tech worldview in a massive tome, the Techno-Optimist Manifesto. Andreessen claims “technology is the glory of human ambition and achievement, the spearhead of progress, and the realization of our potential,” and he goes on to vilify anyone who dares to step in the way of “progress.” To break down this document, we’re joined by tech critic Paris Marx, host of the Tech Won’t Save Us podcast, and the author of the Disconnect newsletter, as well as the book Road to Nowhere: What Silicon Valley Gets Wrong About the Future of Transportation.

Also, Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham discusses why he loves Spider-Man 2 on the PlayStation 5, and we try to make sense of Apple’s new $79 Pencil.

Nate Ingraham’s Spider-Man 2 review: The rare game that’s both bigger and better – 0:55

We break down Mark Andreessen’s dangerously optimistic manifesto on AI – 11:39

Microsoft now officially owns Activision/Blizzard – 35:44

X (fka Twitter) tests $1 “Not a bot” program for new users – 38:53

There’s a new, cheaper Apple Pencil with USB-C but what generation is it? – 41:03

YouTube debuts ‘news hub’ to direct users to reliable sources – 46:46

Working on – 51:20

Pop culture picks – 52:20