Peter Thiel, a name synonymous with PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and early investments in Facebook, is not just a tech titan but also a provocative thinker known for challenging conventional wisdom. One of his more debated perspectives revolves around the idea that traits associated with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, can be advantageous in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. This article delves into Thiel’s views, exploring the connection he draws between what some might consider a neurological difference and success in Silicon Valley.
Thiel has consistently voiced his skepticism towards groupthink and conformity, which he believes stifle originality – a crucial element for groundbreaking innovation. He famously avoids hiring MBAs, characterizing them as individuals with “high extrovert/low conviction,” prone to herd mentality. This aversion extends to geographical hubs like San Francisco’s South of Market, where the dense concentration of tech companies, in his view, fosters a lemming-like behavior that hinders truly novel ideas. For Thiel, the path to entrepreneurial triumph, akin to Google’s dominance in search, lies in creating something entirely new, achieving a monopoly through originality.
Peter Thiel’s views on Asperger’s and innovation are often discussed in the context of his contrarian thinking and success in Silicon Valley.
This is where Thiel’s perspective on Asperger’s syndrome enters the conversation. In an interview with economist Tyler Cowen, Thiel posited that “many of the more successful entrepreneurs seem to be suffering from a mild form of Asperger’s where it’s like you’re missing the imitation, socialization gene.” He argues that this very “missing gene,” which in neurotypical contexts might be seen as a social deficit, “happens to be a plus for innovation and creating great companies.”
But what exactly is Asperger’s syndrome? Often described as a milder form of autism, Asperger’s is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, including interpreting body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Individuals with Asperger’s may struggle with understanding social cues and norms, sometimes leading to behaviors perceived as socially inappropriate. However, Thiel and others argue that these same characteristics can be reinterpreted as strengths in specific environments, particularly those demanding original thought and focused dedication.
Peter Thiel has been vocal about his belief that Asperger’s traits can be beneficial for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Thiel’s stance is not new. He has been articulating this viewpoint for years, across various platforms from Bloomberg to the New York Times and the New Yorker. In his book “Zero to One,” co-authored with Blake Masters, they elaborate on this idea: “The hazards of imitative competition may partially explain why individuals with an Asperger’s-like social ineptitude seem to be at an advantage in Silicon Valley today. If you’re less sensitive to social cues, then you’re less likely to do the same thing as everyone else around you.” This reduced sensitivity to social pressures, they suggest, allows individuals to pursue unconventional ideas with singular focus, becoming exceptionally skilled in their chosen domains.
This perspective aligns with the broader “neurodiversity” movement, which gained momentum in the 1990s. Neurodiversity advocates, like sociologist Judy Singer, propose that conditions like autism and dyslexia should not be viewed as pathologies but as variations in neurological wiring, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Instead of deficits, traits associated with autism, such as exceptional memory for facts, intense focus, and a keen eye for detail, can be seen as valuable assets, especially in fields like technology and science.
Judy Singer is a key figure in the neurodiversity movement, which reframes neurological differences like autism as variations rather than deficits.
In this context, Silicon Valley emerges as an environment that potentially favors what Wired writer Steve Silberman termed “autistic standards.” Silberman argues that the “normal” neurotypical brain, with its tendency for distractibility and social obsession, might actually be at a disadvantage compared to the autistic brain’s capacity for focused attention and detail orientation.
While it’s crucial to note that Peter Thiel has not publicly stated that he himself is autistic, his consistent advocacy for the potential advantages of Asperger’s-like traits in innovation sparks an important conversation. It challenges conventional notions of what constitutes “normal” and “successful,” suggesting that neurological diversity can be a source of strength, particularly in environments that reward original thinking and deep focus, like the fast-paced world of technology and startups.
For those interested in delving deeper into Thiel’s perspective, the full transcript of his interview is available here, and the video can be watched here.
