Dialog, an exclusive network co-founded by Peter Thiel, employs a covert system to evaluate and rank its members based on wealth and fame, dictating their social interactions and status within the group. Leaked documents reveal that the organization tracks the personal information of nearly 200 high-profile attendees invited to its annual retreat, including home addresses, phone numbers, and even food allergies.
Established in 2006 by Thiel and Auren Hoffman, Dialog functions as an elite society that gathers influential figures—politicians, investors, and academics— for invitation-only, private retreats. The data indicates that Dialog boasts over 1,000 paying members and has attracted more than 2,500 participants over the years.
Before joining, each individual is assigned a grade—A, B, or C. Notably, a “C” grade is typically reserved for the most recognized figures, creating a hierarchy that influences event participation and seating arrangements. Notable individuals such as actor Josh Brolin are ranked based on their fame rather than past participation, while others like economist Tyler Cowen had their initial ratings contested by the group’s AI tools.
The grading system is influenced heavily by both wealth and public recognition, often associating significant monetary influence with higher status. Specific notes illustrate this, highlighting members by their financial assets or the necessity of keeping them away from more prominent attendees. The internal evaluations undergo periodic revisions after each retreat, creating a dynamic ranking system.
Moreover, Dialog does not only assess professional backgrounds but also maintains a "value-add" scoring system that affects attendance fees, which can reach into the tens of thousands. The exclusivity extends to matchmaking systems for networking and potential romantic connections among members, with specific pairings suggested based on shared locations or fields. Conversely, some individuals are flagged against pairing due to various circumstances, including existing personal relationships.
Internal assessments also gauge the political leanings of members, which can significantly impact their grading. The data suggests that while a majority of assessed members align with left-leaning views, those on the right are disproportionately likely to receive top rankings.
These revelations lead to the concern that Dialog, despite its claims of nonpartisanship, maneuvers into the territory of selective social engineering based on affluence and influence. The organization portrays itself as a space for open-minded discussion, but the behind-the-scenes rankings and classifications raise questions about authenticity and equality within its membership.
