Nadia Asparouhova — Tech elites, democracy, open source, & philanthropy

Nadia argues that EA’s utilitarian, quantitative, global‑optimization mindset mirrors Wall Street/Davos elites, even though it is popularly associated with tech; this helps explain SBF’s behavior as a finance‑style actor rather than a typical founder or crypto native.

First‑generation US tech billionaires are self‑made, but their children will likely inherit wealth and status without the same socialization into public stewardship, risking the formation of a new, less accountable aristocracy—one reason some now favor spending down fortunes.

Elites increasingly use LLCs, donor‑advised funds, and looser “idea machines” to fund people, companies, and movements, not just nonprofits—less out of altruism and more to shape media, academia, and government in ways that protect or extend their influence.

Despite rhetoric about crowds and collaboration, Nadia finds that many key open source projects are effectively maintained by one or a few people, with most outside participation being noisy or low‑value—an experience she sees echoed in social media and DAO governance.

In DAOs, corporations, and communities, attempts to be leaderless from day one usually stall; successful projects often begin with a strong founder or core group and only later decentralize once norms, agendas, and communities are firmly established.