The Thiel Tutorial: What the 20 Under 20 Fellowship Teaches Us About Education
In the grand halls of academia, where tradition often trumps innovation, Peter Thiel’s controversial yet undeniably impactful Thiel Fellowship (affectionately dubbed the “20 Under 20") blasts through conventional educational paradigms like a Silicon Valley startup disrupts sluggish industries. Thiel, a Silicon Valley investor and co-founder of PayPal, poses a question that nibbles at the foundation of traditional education: Is college always necessary, at least in USA where most of the things has a price 💵?
It does not matter to me wether people think it’s crazy or not, what matters is wether we’re doing something to make the world a better place. — Peter Thiel, 2012 May 5th
Enter the Thiel Fellowship
This initiative offers $100,000 over two years to young innovators, entrepreneurs, and scientists to skip college and pursue research, start a business, or embark on a project that could potentially change the world. It’s a clarion call to the brightest minds of a generation to leapfrog the traditional routes and dive straight into the deep end of invention and entrepreneurship.
Now, let’s sprinkle in a bit of Thiel’s own flavor — contrarianism and libertarianism. Thiel himself is a vocal critic of what he sees as a conformist educational system that stifles creativity and entrepreneurship. He argues that if our educational institutions are the factories of human capital, they are churning out standardized models rather than bespoke innovations. His fellowship is an experiment in an alternative “education system,” one that bets on the individual rather than the curriculum.
It’s so complicated (solar panel tracker) as a sixteen year old, I did not know really where to begin and how to understand this, so I wanted to design something that wmore relevant for me my and it was something that I can understand. — 100K $ Peter Thiel fellow ship recipient, Eden Full Goh, 2014 Tallinn TED Talks TedxYouth
Thiel’s Ideology and Its Implications on Education
Thiel’s libertarian leanings underscore his approach. He champions individual choice and free-market competition, and these principles are evident in his educational stance. The fellowship doesn’t just offer money; it provides a network, resources, and mentorship — essentially a microcosm of a free market where ideas compete and the best ones triumph.
The contrarian aspect is even more fascinating. In a society that almost universally applauds the pursuit of higher education, Thiel’s stance is a stark contradiction. He’s betting against the societal norm, encouraging young people to think critically about the value of college in their personal context. This isn’t just about saving tuition fees; it’s about questioning the status quo and making informed, sometimes iconoclastic, choices.
The Impact on Future Generations
What can the next generations learn from Thiel’s initiative? For starters, the value of weighing traditional paths against potentially more lucrative personal learning experiences. The fellowship suggests that the road less traveled might not only be more scenic but could also lead to greater innovation and personal satisfaction.
Moreover, Thiel’s approach prompts a broader dialogue about educational reform. How can traditional institutions emulate the personalized approach of the Thiel Fellowship? Could universities transform into something more akin to idea incubators rather than just lecture theatres?
A Slice of Humor
Imagine standup comedian tackling this topic on th stage. They’d probably quip, “So, Peter Thiel suggests you can either spend hundreds of thousands on a college education or you can take his money to make a flamethrower drone in your garage. The choice seems pretty straightforward unless you’re majoring in ‘Making Flamethrower Drones,’ in which case — you’re out of luck!”
Conclusion
While not every young innovator will take the path less trodden or get a hefty check from Peter Thiel, the fellowship underscores a pivotal message: education can — and perhaps should — be customized to fit the learner, not the other way around. As we look to the future, Thiel’s philosophy challenges us to reimagine education not just as a series of checkboxes and test scores, but as a vibrant, dynamic journey that plays to individual strengths and fosters real-world impact. Whether or not one agrees with Thiel’s methods or his worldview, his provocations serve as a valuable catalyst for discussions about educational value and the myriad paths to personal and professional fulfillment.
Further Reading and References
- Thiel, P., & Masters, B. (2014). *Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future*. Crown Business. This book offers deeper insights into Thiel’s philosophy on innovation and economics.
- “Education at a Glance 2022: OECD Indicators” from OECD iLibrary provides comprehensive data and analysis on educational outcomes and systemic performance across countries. [OECD iLibrary](https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/education-at-a-glance_19991487)
- Hanushek, E. A., & Woessmann, L. (2015). *The Knowledge Capital of Nations: Education and the Economics of Growth*. The MIT Press. This book examines the link between educational quality, economic growth, and country performance.
- “The Thiel Fellowship: Turning Learning Upside Down” from EdSurge offers a closer look at the impacts and outcomes of Thiel’s educational initiatives. [EdSurge Article](https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-03-09-the-thiel-fellowship-turning-learning-upside-down)
- “Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America” by Collins, A., & Halverson, R. (2009). This book discusses the integration of technology in education and how it could revolutionize the learning landscape.
