Marc Andreessen, a prominent tech billionaire, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and one of Twitter (X)’s current investors, holds a complex and often controversial set of beliefs and ideologies. But who is Marc Andreessen, really — as in, what does he believe in? What is he using his wealth and power to achieve?

His perspectives are often polarizing, marrying an unyielding faith in the transformative power of technology with a worldview that is dismissive of societal concerns and hostile to traditional democratic values. Here are some of the key aspects of his views:

1. Techno-Optimism and Elitism

Andreessen is a strong advocate for techno-optimism, believing that technological advancements are the key to solving societal problems and driving progress. However, this optimism is often tied to an elitist worldview, where he sees technologists and wealthy entrepreneurs as the primary drivers of societal advancement.

 His “Techno-Optimist Manifesto” outlines a vision where technologists are the leaders of society, unencumbered by social responsibility, trust, safety, and ethics — particularly in the realm of AI, which he believes ought to race ahead to whatever end, risks be damned.

2. Critique of Government and Social Structures

Andreessen criticizes the U.S. government for being strangled by special interests and lobbying, yet his firm has engaged in significant lobbying efforts.

He expresses disdain for centralized systems of government, particularly communism, while advocating for technologists to play a central role in planning and governing society.

3. Accelerationism and Right-Wing Influences

 Andreessen embraces “effective accelerationism,” a philosophy that champions technological advancement at any cost. This is influenced by thinkers like Nick Land, known for his anti-democratic and anti-egalitarian ideas.

His manifesto draws from the works of Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, and Ayn Rand, reflecting a strong right-wing libertarian influence.

4. Disregard for Middle and Lower Classes

Andreessen has made dismissive comments about the American middle class, calling it an “accident of history” and a “myth.” He also expressed satisfaction with the idea of keeping rural Americans quiet with OxyContin and video games.

His views suggest that he has little regard for those without substantial wealth, viewing them primarily as productive units rather than as individuals with inherent value.

5. Irrational Faith in Technological Progress

Andreessen’s manifesto is characterized by a faith-based appeal, where he asks readers to believe in the power of technologists to solve societal problems without providing empirical evidence. This approach is likened to a religious endeavor, where faith in technological progress is paramount.

6. Anti-Democratic and Eugenicist Undertones

His ideology has been criticized for its anti-democratic undertones, drawing from figures associated with fascist and eugenicist ideas. For example, he approvingly quotes Nick Land and references Italian Futurism, which later influenced fascist ideologies.

7. Hostility to Social Responsibility and Ethics

Andreessen identifies “enemies” of technological progress, including sustainable development goals, social responsibility, stakeholder capitalism, and tech ethics. He views these as obstacles to the unfettered advancement of technology.

8. Military-Industrial Complex Support

Despite his criticism of big government, Andreessen supports the American military-industrial complex, as evident from his firm’s investments in defense startups and his promotion of the “Gundo Bros,” a group advocating for a return to America’s hardware-building roots.

Faith-based Technology

Marc Andreessen’s ideology is a stark reflection of the tensions at the heart of the tech industry’s influence on society. His unwavering belief in the power of technology to reshape the world is deeply intertwined with a vision that elevates technologists above ethical considerations and social responsibility.

This worldview not only champions elitism but also challenges the very foundations of democratic governance and collective well-being. As Andreessen and those who share his beliefs continue to push the boundaries of technological innovation, society must grapple with the profound implications of a future shaped by those who prioritize progress at any cost, even if it means sacrificing the broader public good.