The fear of apocalyptic consequences from scientific endeavors and a desire to escape into abstraction have contributed to this stagnation.

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 drift of American tech has led the country astray, as marketing algorithms have overtaken intellectual ambition, moving away from the roots of offering world-changing technologies.

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

The decline of religion has led to a radical subjectivity in society, where personal outcomes are often viewed as solely determined by individual actions, neglecting the role of a higher moral order.

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 last decade has felt like a period of demoralization, similar to the 1970s, but there is potential for a resurgence in the American spirit, reminiscent of the optimism seen during the Reagan era.

In a society dominated by liberal atheism, individuals engage in unhealthy status competition, which can lead to a chaotic environment where mimetic desire is out of control, making it difficult to return to previous societal structures.

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.