I don't disagree entirely, but there is a pretty strong hint of the self-aware dry humour typical of Australians. I think he believes what he's saying, but they're probably not taking themselves that seriously or literally.
I am talking about people, not politics. Unless you think individual Australians, are well known for their personal authoritarianism?
I don't find myself conducting much authoritarianism but admittedly I do keep a pretty tight grip on the movements of my budgies. It's for their own good you see.
As a prominent sporter of budgie smugglers myself, yes, I do in fact think that Australian identity involves a great deal of authoritarianism. Its how the country was built, after all.
I will genuinely think this through, as I had never considered it could be part of a collective identity. I think in general Australians are quite disconnected from politics. Complacency is likely how we ended up with our authoritarian leanings in politics, rather than Australians having a desire for a more authoritarian government. But I do live in a bit of a bubble, and I do know when isses of security come up Australians seem pretty happy to give the government more control.
Authoritarianism is not just a political ideology, it is also a psychological personality which can be triggered by a multitude of factors. Australians have had a century for this memetic mental virus to be inculcated into their society - the easiest way to see this is to leave, learn another language, and then come back...
> We ship working software: to users who find it valuable.
I agree that's what's most likely to bring you financial and reputational success, but I also think there are a lot of things people can and do sell that are various incarnations of snake oil, at best.
This perhaps gets a little philosophical, but: is it ethical to sell someone something they don't need, and doesn't actually help them, even if they believe they need it, and over time even believe they've been helped by it?
I think a lot of the applications of "AI" today can fall under that umbrella, given the "right" customer.
