How do ideas shape the world?

Ideas shape the world through various influential mechanisms. Dwarkesh Patel highlights that moral philosophers, religious leaders, and moral activists have historically made significant long-term impacts. Figures like Marx, Jesus, and Confucius have created lasting changes by reshaping ideologies and moral landscapes 1.

Moreover, ideas often gain mainstream acceptance through media portrayal and the influence of elites, broadly defined. As Bryan Caplan notes, social and political change can be driven by media representation, such as the sympathetic portrayal of gay characters on television, which helped shift public opinion on gay marriage. Similarly, characters like Apu from "The Simpsons" may have contributed positively to perceptions of immigration 2. Through these mechanisms, ideas are disseminated and adopted, ultimately reshaping societal norms and policies.