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Why You Should Be Optimistic About the Future

a16z

107.4K Views . 2019-12-12

Many skeptics thought the internet would never reach mass adoption, but today it’s shaping global culture, is integral to our lives -- and it's just the beginning. In this conversation from our 2019 innovation summit, Kevin Kelly (Founding Executive Editor, WIRED magazine) and Marc Andreessen sit down to discuss the evolution of technology, key trends, and why they're the most optimistic people in the room. HIGHLIGHTS Discussion on closing the digital divide [3:00] The many possibilities of voice technology as an interface [9:59] Moore’s Law vs. Eroom’s law [14:14] Looking at 5G Technology as the next global driver [20:38] New models for VC and company models [27:05] How long-term thinking can be applied in Silicon Valley [29:53] Measuring prosperity on a global scale [34:00] The potential impact of cyber technology on global conflict [38:45] A foundation for optimism [41:05] *** The views expressed here are those of the individual AH Capital Management, L.L.C. (“a16z”) personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources, including from portfolio companies of funds managed by a16z. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, a16z has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors, and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any fund managed by a16z. (An offering to invest in an a16z fund will be made only by the private placement memorandum, subscription agreement, and other relevant documentation of any such fund and should be read in their entirety.) Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described are not representative of all investments in vehicles managed by a16z, and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by funds managed by Andreessen Horowitz (excluding investments for which the issuer has not provided permission for a16z to disclose publicly as well as unannounced investments in publicly traded digital assets) is available at https://a16z.com/investments/. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see https://a16z.com/disclosures for additional important information.

The speaker believes that the Internet's impact on culture is just beginning, as it's only recently become universally accessible. He notes that many smart people in the past underestimated the Internet's potential, citing the example of the inventor of Ethernet who predicted its collapse in the 90s.

Internet's impact on culture
Generational shift

  • The speaker believes the Internet's impact on culture is just beginning, as it needs to be universally accessible to fully shape culture.
  • The speaker highlights the rapid adoption of the Internet, mentioning how even the inventor of Ethernet initially predicted its failure but later admitted he was wrong.

Insights from the YouTube Video Text:

1. The Internet's Cultural Impact is Just Beginning: The speaker argues that the Internet's influence on culture is still in its early stages. He believes that the widespread adoption of the Internet, allowing for universal access, is the foundation for a new cultural paradigm.

2. The Blind Spot of the Tech Elite: The speaker highlights a historical parallel between the past generation's skepticism of the internet's potential and the current lack of preparedness for its future impact. He points out that even the inventor of Ethernet, a crucial element of the internet, predicted its failure. This underlines the potential blind spot of even the most intelligent minds when confronted with disruptive technology.

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