George Gilder, economist, venture capitalist, and author of the new book Life After Capitalism, appeared on the Eric Metaxas Show to discuss his new title and the overarching story of his life. Gilder co-founded Discovery Institute, the parent organization of Mind Matters and the Bradley Center for Natural & Artificial Intelligence, and his 1980 book Wealth & Poverty strongly influenced the economic policy decisions of President Ronald Reagan.

In this interview, Gilder speaks with Metaxas about his upbringing, his ascendancy into the public policy sphere, and the philosophy that underpins his life work. Gilder proclaims loud and clear that human knowledge and innovation are the keys to economic growth, and that this points to the fact that the activity of a mind is essential. Gilder’s view contests the materialistic assumptions of modern thought. They also talk at some length about artificial intelligence, which Gilder calls the next phase of computer science. He worries about Silicon Valley’s new mania over AI, however, and thinks it’s perilous to worship it as a “material god.”

The full interview is well worth watching.