E27: Robin Hanson on Elites, Experts, and the Truths We Resist

Robin Hanson, economist, author ,and futurist, sits down with Erik Torenberg to discuss Robin’s ideas about status, truth, and the obstacles for innovation. Upstream is proudly sponsored by Vanta. Get $1000 off Vanta with https://www.vanta.com/upstream

Upstream is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | MERCURY | VANTA

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 

Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriff

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(05:38) How Robin developed his theory of the Sacred

(09:07)The Sacred binds people together

(17:17) Elites 

(19:00) Sponsors: Mercury | Vanta

(37:20) Gossip networks

(38:00) Sponsor: NetSuite

(39:13) Proposal to fix academia

(45:37) Falsehoods

(01:05:12) Double agents in our minds

(01:08:36) What is cringe?

(01:12:31) Therapy

(01:17:02) How falling fertility will affect innovation

(01:23:49) Social change strategies for reviving fertility rates

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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].

Producer: Natalie Toren

Editor: Graham Bessellieu

For inquiries about guests or sponsoring the podcast, please email [email protected]