The hottest Silicon Valley Substack posts right now

Many feel the internet is less fun now because of changing demographics and shifting cultural preferences.
The internet may not be objectively worse, but it is used differently by various audiences.
The embrace of AI in tech culture is influenced by historical themes of hierarchical society and authoritarian politics.

There are significant changes happening at OpenAI.
The departure of key figures may lead to the formation of new startups in the AI sector.
The future of generative AI is uncertain with potential acceleration and advancements.

Silicon Valley is seeing a shift towards a more masculine, ruthless culture led by powerful men in tech.
Tech companies are moving towards a leaner, more focused approach after facing financial challenges.
Surviving in the current Silicon Valley landscape requires a severe mindset change, frugality, and hard work.

Sam Altman's firing from OpenAI was surprising but predictable.
Silicon Valley's focus is shifting towards big-game reputation building using AI products.
The use of AI for reputation manipulation has the potential to dramatically impact individuals, companies, and nations.

The US government printed $300 billion in a week to bail out Silicon Valley and banks, ensuring all uninsured deposits were paid, benefitting wealthy oligarchs and venture capital firms.
Silicon Valley Bank, while portrayed as supporting start-ups, actually catered mostly to venture capitalists and had risky practices, ultimately requiring a massive bailout.
The Federal Reserve's $300 billion bailout exposed a double standard: the rich get bailed out while the government resists increased regulation that could prevent future crises, showing a system of privilege for the elite.

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Psychic surgery can be deceptive and fraudulent, with practitioners often using tricks to appear miraculous.
The HP Garage in Palo Alto is considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley, where Hewlett and Packard started making electronic equipment.
Dr. Frederick Terman's encouragement to students at Stanford University led to the establishment of Silicon Valley by Hewlett and Packard in the 1930s.

Crooked Timber is hosting a series on the political ideologies of Silicon Valley.
Essays in the series cover themes like Moore's Law's influence on Silicon Valley.
Contributors include Henry Farrell, Sherry Turkle, and Neil Malhotra.

Personal assistants are not the ultimate goal of personal computing, but rather a result of social influence and wealth.
Silicon Valley execs have a false consensus bias in assuming everyone needs personal AI assistants like they do.
The market for democratizing personal Chief of Staff roles through AI presents a financially viable startup opportunity.

Silicon Valley is experiencing a generation shift in tech with the return of silicon fabrication to the region.
The passing of Gordon Moore marks a significant moment in the tech industry and highlights the renewal underway.
Actual silicon manufacturing hasn't been a common practice in Silicon Valley for decades, with most fabs moving to Asia.

Human brilliance is key - you can shape your own world with the right resources and guidance.
Anyone, regardless of location, can pursue a tech career with internet access.
Starting a tech career requires action and willingness, and the internet offers ample learning and job opportunities.

The pre-Internet history of social media was kinder and better, with no commercial mandates or indexes.
Research shows people are becoming less satisfied with dating apps, raising questions about the fault lying in ourselves, phones, or stars.
Silicon Valley is disrupting various aspects of life, including food with innovations like DNA-based meal planning.