Thiel's philosophical worldview is woven from threads of Christian eschatology , René Girard's mimetic theory , and a profound skepticism towards modern political and technological narratives. At its core lies a Manichean vision, where the world is a battleground between order and chaos, good and evil, with humanity teetering on the brink of self-destruction due to the insidious force of mimetic desire. This is not a passive observation; Thiel perceives himself as an active agent, a harbinger of the future tasked with guiding civilization away from the abyss and towards a more meaningful existence. This sense of urgency fuels his engagement with technology, politics, and even religion, as he attempts to understand and ultimately shape the course of history.

Thiel's deep engagement with Girard's mimetic theory forms the cornerstone of his worldview. He believes that human desire is not innate, but rather a product of imitation, leading to a perpetual cycle of rivalry, envy, and violence. This understanding informs his critique of modern society, which he sees as being swept away by the "limitless violence of runaway mimesis". He views the modern left as being driven by mimetic rivalry, where competing groups clamor for status and recognition, leading to a cycle of blame and resentment. He also sees the drive for social justice as being connected to the scapegoat mechanism, where societies will seek to blame others for their own problems. He is deeply concerned with preventing the "bad aspects of mimesis" and is critical of utopian dreams of social harmony, arguing that such visions are a form of “indeterminate optimism” — the idea that the future will just get better on it's own — that distract from real problems. Thiel views the traditional political right as being just as complicit in these trends, and often frames his ideas in contrast to both the left and the right.

Thiel's worldview is deeply rooted in Christian eschatology, specifically its emphasis on a linear view of time culminating in a final judgment. He interprets the Book of Revelation not merely as a symbolic text but as a guide for navigating the challenges of modernity. He views the concept of the Antichrist as a real and present danger, embodied not by a single figure but by a system, a one-world totalitarian government that gains power through deception, promising peace and safety while ultimately suppressing freedom. His literal interpretation of the core concepts of Christian theology, such as the fallen nature of man and original sin, frames his understanding of human nature, but he takes a more metaphorical view of the specifics of prophecy. Notably, Thiel appears more interested in Christianity's institutional and doctrinal structures than metaphysical questions about God's existence or nature - he is "religious rather than spiritual" . He does not view the future as predetermined, but rather that it is contingent on human action. He believes that humans are capable of rational and moral behavior, and that their actions matter in the long run. He believes that he is living in a "powerfully apocalyptic dimension" , where mimetic desire has the potential to lead to a catastrophe, while also seeing the possibility of a better future.

In Thiel's mind the Enlightenment believes in the "wisdom of crowds" - that large groups of people will naturally arrive at better decisions than individuals. This stands in stark contrast to the Biblical view which emphasizes the "madness of crowds" - how mobs can be driven to violence and irrationality, as seen in events like the crucifixion of Jesus. This tension between these two views of collective human behavior deeply informs Thiel's skepticism of democracy and modern liberal institutions. He sees the Enlightenment's faith in collective wisdom as dangerously naive, ignoring humanity's tendency toward mimetic violence and scapegoating that the Bible allegedly recognizes. For Thiel, this represents a fundamental flaw in Enlightenment thinking that threatens to unleash destructive social forces if left unchecked.

However, Thiel is also deeply critical of the secular narratives that dominate modern thought. He sees the Enlightenment as having "whitewashed away" the fundamental issue of violence and is skeptical of the modern idea of progress. This skepticism extends to modern technology, which he sees as having the potential for both great good and great evil. He is wary of technology being used for mass surveillance and control, particularly by a centralized authority. He sees globalization as having a similar effect, and he is critical of the concept of a one-world government , which he believes would tend towards totalitarianism and the suppression of dissent. He sees the "nation-state" as an important safeguard against a one-world government. He also sees China as a major geopolitical and ideological rival to the West, and calls for a unified response to counter its influence.

Allegedly, Thiel finds hope in the non-violent message of Jesus Christ, which he views as a solution to the cycle of mimetic violence. For Thiel, the Christian perspective unveils the truth of the human condition, specifically exposing the "hidden victims" at the heart of the social order. He sees Christ’s sacrifice as a way to break this cycle, emphasizing that “death is evil” and should not be accepted. Although, he is aware of the tension within Christianity itself concerning peace and violence. He sees the need for a critical and discerning approach, which can include using violence, where “limited and sacred violence” is required to protect against “unlimited and desacralized violence.” He embraces a linear view where our actions in the present can either lead to catastrophe, or a more just and peaceful future, and believes that history is moving towards a final end.

Deconstructing the Worldview of Peter Thiel