THE BELIEF
The quiet resistance of tech workers is a manifestation of a broader ideology that sees the interests of the tech elite as synonymous with the interests of society as a whole. This ideology, which we'll call "Founderism," posits that the most effective way to create social change is through the creation of new technologies and companies that can scale rapidly and disrupt existing power structures. According to this worldview, the most valuable contributions to society are made by entrepreneurs and technologists who can create new markets, jobs, and opportunities, rather than by traditional politicians, bureaucrats, or social activists.
THE ORIGIN
The roots of Founderism can be traced back to the libertarian and Objectivist philosophies of thinkers like Ayn Rand, Friedrich Hayek, and Milton Friedman. These thinkers argued that individual freedom and creativity were the key drivers of social progress, and that government intervention and regulation were the primary obstacles to innovation and prosperity. In the 1990s and 2000s, this ideology was popularized by tech entrepreneurs like Peter Thiel, who wrote about the need for a "meritocratic" society in which the most talented and ambitious individuals were free to pursue their passions without interference from government or social norms. Thiel's ideas were influential in shaping the worldview of many young tech entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen.
THE IMPACT
The impact of Founderism can be seen in the way that tech companies have become increasingly influential in shaping public policy and culture. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have used their scale and influence to promote libertarian and free-market ideologies, often at the expense of traditional social and labor protections. For example, Google's parent company Alphabet has been a vocal advocate for the "gig economy" and the abolition of minimum wage laws, arguing that these policies are necessary to create a more flexible and dynamic labor market. Similarly, Facebook has used its platform to promote libertarian and conservative ideologies, often in ways that are at odds with traditional notions of social responsibility and civic engagement.
The impact of Founderism can also be seen in the way that tech companies have become increasingly influential in shaping the way that we think about work and leisure. Companies like Uber and Airbnb have promoted the idea that work should be flexible and on-demand, rather than traditional and secure. This has led to a growing trend of "gig economy" workers who are forced to navigate a complex and often exploitative labor market. At the same time, companies like Google and Facebook have promoted the idea that leisure time should be spent consuming their products and services, rather than engaging in traditional forms of civic engagement or community activity.
THE PUSH BACK
Critics of Founderism argue that it is a narrow and elitist ideology that prioritizes the interests of tech entrepreneurs and investors over the needs and concerns of ordinary people. They argue that the gig economy and the abolition of minimum wage laws have led to a growing income inequality and a decline in traditional social protections. They also argue that the influence of tech companies in shaping public policy and culture has led to a growing concentration of power and a decline in democratic accountability. For example, the tech worker unionization movement, which has gained momentum in recent years, is a response to the exploitation and inequality that has been created by the gig economy and the influence of tech companies.
THE QUESTION
As we consider the quiet resistance of tech workers, we are forced to ask: what is the true purpose of technology and entrepreneurship in society? Is it to create new markets and jobs, or is it to serve the needs and interests of ordinary people?