I am a Techno-Optimist

I am a techno-optimist. Unequivocally so.

Technology makes the world better.

This is not a universal perspective, but it is mine, and it is the key idea expressed in a16z’s “Techno-Optimist Manifesto.” I don’t agree with everything in there, but I agree with the key premise, and I remember how impactful this piece of writing was to me when I first read it. The manifesto is linked below if you’d like to read it.

But more importantly, if you are reading this and disagreeing that technology improves the world, I want to ask about your perspective.

I understand the belief that technology is not inherently a force for good. I don’t agree, but I understand.

What I reject, though, is that technology can be abandoned, switched off, or pushed back in time. I also reject the notion that technology is optional for anyone, regardless of their goals.

If you want to stop climate change, you need technology to do it. If you want to end poverty, you need technology. If you want to stop what you view as fascism or cronyism or oligarchism, you need technology to do it.

Whether technology, or certain forms of it, are inseparable from the root of these issues is irrelevant. You will need equal or greater technology to fix them. Technology is a critical source of success, whether you like it or not.

Effectively, the vast majority of all improvements in infrastructure that enable a better quality of life are a result of technology. Wealth creation is a byproduct of technological innovation.

Wealth creation has led to vast inequality, but that is a different issue to tackle. Without the value creation in the first place, wealth wouldn't be available to support the investments required to improve humanity and enable the conversation about equity and inclusion.

The issue isn't slowing the pace of innovation; it is ensuring that the innovation benefits the widest possible percentage of humanity.

So, if you categorically oppose the use of a certain type of technology, what are your alternatives? What do you propose?

Those who opposed the use of fossil fuels have harnessed wind, solar, and nuclear energy. Those are all technologically-based solutions, and they scale based on constant improvements in technology.

For those who oppose AI, what can you build that will fulfill the function of AI?

The cat is out of the bag—people and companies and countries will continue to look for technologies that solve their problems and advance their priorities.

The truth is that it doesn’t matter what we think; it matters what we do, and technology is leverage. It allows us to DO more. Refusing to use it is not a protest; it is an abdication of responsibility.

If you disagree with something that technology is doing in the world, or people are doing with technology, be part of an alternative solution. Figure out a way to change or mitigate it, or to use technology differently. The responsibility to act on our beliefs is all of ours as individuals and members of society.

We are riding a giant wave, and we need to figure out how to harness it for the benefit of humanity. I believe that we can and we will. I am a techno-optimist.

For the pessimists, do not close your eyes and let the wave swallow you. Live your conviction and use technology to do it.

Here is a link to the manifesto: https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/

And a link to a techno-optimist project, The Earthshot Prize, which has been a Techquity client: https://earthshotprize.org/

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