The Techno-Optimist Manifesto is a self-published essay by venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. The essay argues that all of the problems of humanity can be solved with the development of technology, particularly technology without any constraints, and that we should do everything possible to accelerate its development and advancement. Technology, according to Andreessen, is what drives wealth and happiness.[1] The essay is considered a manifesto for effective accelerationism.[2]
The essay was criticized as symbolic of late-stage capitalism and US nationalism,[3] while also said to ignore the risks and harms of current technological development and for encouraging unrestricted development of technology like artificial general intelligence (AGI) without safeguards.[4] The essay was also criticized for its alleged hypocrisy, with Andreessen saying he opposes monopolies and regulatory capture while sitting on the board of Facebook, and for seeing no issues with generating profits under capitalism and social welfare while human life expectancy drops in the US in the face of technological advancement, as most Americans cannot afford to purchase homes or cover minor expenses.[5] Ezra Klein criticized the essay as "reactionary futurism".[6]