JRE #484 - Alexis Ohanian

4/11/2014

Joe Rogan Experience #484 – Alexis Ohanian

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Alexis Ohanian, internet entrepreneur, activist, and investor, best known for co-founding Reddit. The conversation touches on a wide range of topics, from the origins and success of Reddit to Ohanian’s Armenian heritage, his views on technology and its impact on society, and his thoughts on the political system, the legalization of marijuana, and the future of humanity. The podcast dives deep into the power of the internet, both its potential for good and its vulnerabilities, prompting thought-provoking discussions about the future.

Major Topics

Here are some major topics covered in the podcast:

1. Alexis Ohanian’s Name and Heritage

Alexis Ohanian’s name, pronounced “Ohanian,” reflects his Armenian heritage.
He was named after the boxer, Alexis Arguello, who was a great fighter known for his left jab and combination punches.
Ohanian’s father was born in the United States, but both of his parents were immigrants from Armenia.
Ohanian’s mother fled the Armenian genocide and immigrated from Germany.

2. The Birth and Evolution of Reddit

Ohanian co-founded Reddit with Steve Huffman, his college friend, in a small apartment in Medford, Massachusetts.
They received only $12,000 in funding from Y Combinator, the same incubator that funded Dropbox and Airbnb.
Reddit started as a platform for linking to other websites, with the first link being to a leaked memo about the Iraq War.
The platform evolved to become a self-posting platform for communities, where users could discuss various topics and share content.

3. The Power of Online Discourse and Community

Ohanian believes Reddit provides a model for online discourse, especially in message board format.
The upvote/downvote system allows for the rise of good content and the suppression of bad content, creating a democratic and community-driven platform.
Reddit’s platform for communities enables people to connect based on shared interests, fostering a sense of belonging and collective knowledge.
Ohanian emphasizes the importance of user creativity and innovation, exemplified by the “self-post” feature which became a defining aspect of Reddit.

4. The Internet’s Impact on Creativity and Expression

Ohanian argues that the internet has democratized creativity, making it easier for artists, filmmakers, comedians, and other creators to learn, share, and connect with audiences.
The vast amount of information available online provides creators with a wealth of resources and inspiration, and allows them to learn from each other.
Ohanian discusses the challenges of plagiarism in the digital age, highlighting the importance of originality and the negative consequences of copying.
He believes that the internet, while posing challenges, ultimately fosters a greater level of creativity and innovation, pushing creators to constantly evolve and improve.

5. The Future of Technology and the Rise of Robots

Ohanian is enthusiastic about the future of technology, particularly in areas like self-driving cars and artificial intelligence.
He believes that self-driving cars, while initially seen as a luxury, will eventually become the norm due to their safety benefits and potential to reduce accidents caused by human error.
Ohanian sees the potential for robots to automate tasks, even dangerous ones like driving, and believes that it’s only a matter of time before they become ubiquitous.
He acknowledges the potential downsides of AI, like the possibility of robots enslaving humanity, but remains optimistic about the overall benefits of technological advancement.

6. The Internet’s Potential for Political Change

Ohanian believes that the internet can be a force for political change, empowering citizens to hold their leaders accountable and create a more transparent and responsive government.
He points to the success of online activism, such as the movement against the SOPA and PIPA bills, as evidence of the internet’s potential to influence political outcomes.
Ohanian advocates for greater transparency and accountability in government, arguing that the same level of access to information that exists for celebrities should extend to politicians.
He believes that the internet can be a platform for collective action and mobilization, allowing citizens to organize and advocate for the policies they believe in.

7. The Legalization of Marijuana and its Social Impact

Ohanian strongly supports the legalization of marijuana, citing its economic benefits and its potential to create a more just and equitable society.
He argues that the “war on drugs” has been a failure, leading to mass incarceration and disproportionate targeting of minorities, while creating a profitable market for criminals.
Ohanian highlights the success of marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado, showcasing its positive impact on the economy and the reduction of crime.
He believes that legalization is a step toward a more rational and compassionate approach to drug policy, promoting public health and safety.

8. The Role of Anonymity and its Challenges

Ohanian acknowledges the challenges of online anonymity, particularly the potential for harassment, trolling, and the spread of disinformation.
He believes that the internet’s anonymity fosters a culture where people feel emboldened to act recklessly, often without considering the consequences of their actions.
Ohanian argues that the internet’s anonymity is a double-edged sword, while it enables freedom of expression, it also creates a space for negative behavior.
He believes that as the internet becomes more integrated into society, the need for greater accountability and responsibility online will grow.

9. The Rise of Cryptocurrencies and the Future of Finance

Ohanian is an investor in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, believing in their potential to revolutionize the financial system.
He sees cryptocurrencies as a more efficient and less expensive way to transfer value, cutting out the middlemen and reducing the cost of transactions.
Ohanian highlights the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies in the real world, with companies like Overstock accepting Bitcoin for online purchases.
He believes that cryptocurrencies, while still in their infancy, hold the potential to disrupt the traditional financial system and create a more decentralized and transparent financial landscape.

10. The Importance of Skilled Labor and the Trades

Ohanian emphasizes the importance of skilled labor and the trades, arguing that they are fundamental to a functioning society and will continue to be in demand.
He acknowledges that these jobs are often physically demanding and underappreciated, but they are essential for building and maintaining infrastructure, homes, and other crucial aspects of modern life.
Ohanian highlights the shortage of skilled workers in the trades, due to a shift toward technology-focused careers, and the need to encourage more young people to pursue these careers.
He believes that these jobs offer a sense of purpose and satisfaction, and they are crucial for maintaining the physical world around us.

11. The Role of Education and the Importance of Learning

Ohanian advocates for continuous learning and exploration, encouraging people to constantly challenge themselves and pursue their passions.
He believes that the internet provides unprecedented opportunities for learning, with resources like Khan Academy and online courses making knowledge more accessible than ever before.
Ohanian emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo and challenging conventional wisdom, arguing that it’s essential to be open to new ideas and perspectives.
He believes that education is a lifelong journey and that we should always be striving to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.

12. The Power of Personal Experiences and the Value of Perspective

Ohanian emphasizes the importance of personal experiences and the value of perspective in shaping our worldview.
He shares his own experiences working in the service industry, waiting tables, and doing construction, highlighting how these jobs taught him valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, work ethic, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Ohanian believes that having a diverse range of experiences helps us develop empathy and a greater understanding of the world around us.
He encourages people to step outside of their comfort zones and seek out new experiences, as it can lead to growth, learning, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.

13. The Importance of Questioning Authority and Challenging the Status Quo

Ohanian encourages people to question authority and challenge the status quo, arguing that blind acceptance can lead to complacency and stagnation.
He highlights the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and a willingness to challenge assumptions, especially when it comes to powerful institutions and authority figures.
Ohanian believes that questioning authority is not a sign of disrespect, but rather a sign of engagement and a desire to make the world a better place.
He emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge our existing beliefs, as it’s essential for progress and innovation.

14. The Future of Humanity and the Transhumanist Movement

Ohanian discusses the transhumanist movement, which explores the potential for technology to enhance human capabilities and extend lifespan.
He highlights advancements in bioengineering, like genetic modifications and limb replacement technologies, and the potential for creating cyborg-like humans.
Ohanian acknowledges the ethical complexities of these technologies, raising questions about the boundaries of human enhancement and the potential for unintended consequences.
He believes that the future of humanity is intertwined with technology, and that we need to engage in open and honest discussions about the implications of these advancements.

15. The Role of Memes and Online Culture

Ohanian acknowledges the role of memes in online culture, recognizing their power to spread ideas, humor, and social commentary.
He highlights the speed at which memes can spread, often going viral within hours or even minutes, reflecting the hyper-connectivity of the internet.
Ohanian discusses the evolution of memes, from their origins on platforms like 4chan to their widespread adoption on social media.
He sees memes as a reflection of our collective consciousness, capturing our anxieties, aspirations, and cultural moments.

16. The Importance of Open Source Software and Collaboration

Ohanian praises the open source movement, recognizing its role in driving innovation and fostering collaboration.
He highlights the importance of transparency and shared knowledge in the development of software, allowing for greater community participation and improvement.
Ohanian sees open source software as a testament to the power of collective intelligence and the potential for individuals to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
He believes that open source software can be a powerful tool for social change, providing a platform for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.

17. The Importance of Critical Thinking and Challenging Misinformation

Ohanian acknowledges the challenges of misinformation online, particularly the spread of false or misleading information.
He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and fact-checking in navigating the vast and often overwhelming sea of information available online.
Ohanian highlights the role of platforms like Snopes in debunking misinformation and promoting truthfulness.
He believes that a well-informed and engaged citizenry is crucial for combating misinformation and promoting a more informed and rational public discourse.

18. The Importance of Taking Action and Making a Difference

Ohanian encourages listeners to take action and make a difference in the world, emphasizing that even small acts of activism can have a significant impact.
He highlights the success of online activism, particularly the movement against the SOPA and PIPA bills, as evidence that collective action can lead to positive change.
Ohanian believes that every individual has the power to make a difference and that we should not underestimate the potential of collective action.
He encourages listeners to find their passion and use their voice to advocate for causes they believe in.

19. The Legacy of Aaron Swartz and the Fight for Open Access

Ohanian shares his personal experience with Aaron Swartz, who was a prominent activist for open access to information.
He discusses the unjust prosecution of Swartz for downloading academic papers from JSTOR, highlighting the severity of the charges and the tragic consequences for Swartz, who took his own life.
Ohanian sees Swartz’s case as an example of the dangers of overreach by government and the importance of protecting freedom of information.
He believes that Swartz’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for open access to information and the need to challenge the status quo.

20. The Importance of Humor and the Power of Laughter

Ohanian acknowledges the power of humor and laughter, recognizing their ability to lighten the mood, challenge societal norms, and provide a sense of release.
He shares anecdotes about his own comedy career and the importance of pushing boundaries and challenging audiences with bold and sometimes offensive humor.
Ohanian believes that humor is a powerful tool for social commentary and that laughter can be a form of rebellion against the status quo.
He encourages listeners to embrace their inner comedian and find joy in the absurdity of life.

Memorable Quotes

“You gotta go with your right name, dude. You gotta go with Simon Young, man. Yeah. You gotta go with that. I flocked all these these silly people that can’t say that. Learn how to say that. Oh, onion.”
“We all needed someone before us to come up with all these ideas that we all peed back. Showed as a Giants man. And I everybody look dude, I mean, I I I have been incredibly fortunate.”
“It doesn’t mean that marijuana removes motivation. Means if you’re one of those lazy bitches, it doesn’t think outside the box, and you’re stuck in a spot, and you’re discontant and you like to get high and sit on the couch, you’re probably gonna be like that for the rest of your life.”
“The war against drugs as far as crazy idea. It’s it’s a crazy term. It’s like the war against breathing. You know, we figured out drugs probably may it made people better in a 1,000,000 different ways. The idea that you gotta war against it is and it’s just you call it drugs. You don’t make it a distinction.”
“These are gonna be really interesting and and and and serious ethical questions we’ll be asking ourselves in terms of, like, I mean, I generally I’m on the side where I’d I’d be very happy if a lot of genetic disorders were technology was able to remove those things from happening. But at what point does it start crossing the line of us tampering too much and deciding, you know, I don’t think there’s a line.”

JRE #484 – Alexis Ohanian