E12: Tim Urban on Liberalism, Heresy, and Equality

Erik Torenberg sits down with Tim Urban, writer of the popular blog Wait But Why, and author of the 2023 book What’s Our Problem? where he offers a framework for thinking about our chaotic political landscape. In this discussion, Erik and Tim discuss liberalism, why heresy is important, and the notion of equality. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM

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We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(02:37) The story of Tim Urban’s new book “What’s Our Problem?”

(09:01) Existential threat, technological innovation, and heresy

(14:09) Why the left and the right aren’t respecting liberalism

(16:51) Sponsor: Secureframe

(19:42) Social justice fundamentalism vs liberal social justice

(26:13) Social justice fundamentalism as a religion

(29:39) Freedom vs Equality

(50:42) Equality and specificity

(55:08) What would change if Tim wrote the book in the next few years?

TWITTER:

Tim’s Twitter: @waitbutwhy

Erik’s Twitter: @eriktorenberg

Upstream : @upstream__pod

SPONSORS:

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].