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PT

Peter Thiel

04/02/15

@ Mercatus Center

Germany is incredibly pessimistic but very comfortable, which contrasts sharply with California's hyper-optimism.

Video

MC

Peter Thiel on Stagnation, Innovation, and What Not To Name Your Company | Conversations with Tyler

@ Mercatus Center

Peter Thiel on Stagnation, Innovation, and What Not To Name Your Company | Conversations with Tyler

04/02/15

Related Takeaways

PT

Peter Thiel

04/02/15

@ Mercatus Center

California feels both very optimistic and somewhat desperate, as many people move to Los Angeles to become movie stars, but only a few succeed.

PT

Peter Thiel

04/02/15

@ Mercatus Center

Mild optimism or mild pessimism is a healthier attitude than extreme versions of either, as they both lead to inaction.

PT

Peter Thiel

04/17/25

@ Joe Lonsdale

Both extreme optimism and extreme pessimism converge on laziness, leading to inaction. Moderate optimism is the correct approach to take.

PB

Phillip Buckendorf

04/28/25

@ a16z

I was frustrated by Germany's stagnant approach to national security and its economic degrowth mindset, which led me to America.

AK

Alexander Karp

03/12/25

@ The 92nd Street Y, New York

The Green Party in Germany has created a situation where their immigration policy does not reflect the desires of the majority, leading to a disconnect between political ideology and public opinion.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

08/07/24

@ Y Combinator

Investors in the Bay Area tend to be more optimistic because they have seen startups succeed, which can positively influence your own outlook on your venture.

PB

Phillip Buckendorf

04/28/25

@ a16z

In Europe, I found that most of my friends just wanted to party, while Germany decided to become dependent on cheap Russian gas.

CW

Chris Williamson Cast

04/01/25

@ Chris Williamson

Pessimism is a natural instinct rooted in evolution, but modern society offers more safety and opportunities than our ancestors faced, making it essential to recognize and override this instinct.

MS

Michael Seibel

09/10/22

@ Y Combinator

If you're too pessimistic, you might give up too early or expect things to be easier than they are, which can drain the energy of those around you.