Techno-Optimism as a New Religion: Trump, Andreessen, and Munari
The article critiques techno-optimism, framing it as a quasi-religion. It begins with Donald Trump's March 2025 comment "Wow. Everything's computer" during a Tesla event in Washington, which became a meme. The phrase is linked to Marc Andreessen's 2023 Techno-Optimist Manifesto, which advocates solving all material problems with more technology. The article contrasts this with Bruno Munari's 1938 "Macchinismo" manifesto, warning against machine idolatry. Munari proposed artists engage with machines to create irregular art, avoiding enslavement. The author, Valentina Tanni, argues techno-capitalism creates an infinite loop of problems and solutions.
Key facts
- Donald Trump said 'Wow. Everything's computer' at a Tesla event in Washington in March 2025.
- The phrase became a meme, with user Cosmic Slop calling it an accurate summary of the 21st century.
- Marc Andreessen published the Techno-Optimist Manifesto online in 2023.
- Andreessen's manifesto states no material problem exists that cannot be solved by creating more technology.
- Bruno Munari wrote the 'Macchinismo' manifesto in 1938.
- Munari created 'useless machines' that do not produce anything commercial.
- Munari argued artists must understand machines to prevent human enslavement.
- Valentina Tanni is an art historian and curator teaching at Politecnico di Milano and NABA.
Entities
Artists
- Donald Trump
- Elon Musk
- Marc Andreessen
- Filippo Tommaso Marinetti
- Bruno Munari
- Valentina Tanni
- Cosmic Slop
- Aryan Singh
- Buzz Lightyear
Institutions
- Tesla
- White House
- X
- Silicon Valley
- Politecnico di Milano
- NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
- Artribune
- Amazon
Locations
- Washington
- United States
- Milan
- Italy