The apocalyptic fear surrounding science and technology has led to a risk-averse society, where taboo ideas are often dismissed without discussion.

The stagnation in scientific advancement since the 1970s may stem from cultural factors, including a risk-averse mindset and a lack of new ideas.

The decline of mainline Protestantism may have shifted America's intellectual landscape, leading to a more complacent society that avoids ambitious projects like the Manhattan Project.

The Institute for Advanced Study often keeps talented individuals from exploring new ideas, as they tend to focus on past successes rather than new challenges.

The suspicion of other causal forces at work manifests in the imaginations of those on the cutting edge of thought, potentially as a consequence of Christianity's victory over paganism, which led to a desacralized worldview.

The reliance on metaphysical presuppositions in science is often questioned, leading to a disconnect between scientific inquiry and its ethical implications.

The fear of AI leading to catastrophic outcomes can lead to extreme regulatory measures that may ultimately harm innovation and progress.

Despite advancements, people remain pessimistic due to a lack of perspective and the tendency to focus on political polarization and tribalism.

Dogma and ideology can limit our thinking and innovation; escaping them is crucial to discovering missed opportunities.