[CalChris]

I agree with all that but I still wouldn't call Thiel any sort of libertarian. He spoke at the RNC, backed Trump and is in fact a registered Republican. Like many he waved a libertarian flag of convenience when that was fashionable but the dude's a right wing conservative.

I wouldn't say these sort of conservatives are pessimistic about progress so much they are opposed to progress.

[dgut]

"We don't support Trump for his weaknesses but for his strengths." - Thiel at the RNC.

It was a pragmatic choice. Thiel is a libertarian.