"While reformers chase the mirage of better oversight, realists understand what Machiavelli recognized centuries ago: power seeks its own preservation and expansion."
Thanks for another thought provoking analysis, Josh.
Josh, Amen. Perfectly stated and actually moving toward something that can be done rather than the usual handwringing at the end of such articles. If one wanted the people-at-large to understand just one thing, this would be it -- it impacts finance/health/commerce/everything. Understanding this gives a pointer in the right direction. Recognizing that this CANNOT be fixed -- ever -- is foundational to dealing with the problems. That is why so many hopes ride on the crew coming in with the next administration.. (Probably too optimistic to think they can actually beat down the machine, but hope springs eternal.) Thanks for putting these thoughts into words.
Thanks, Dr. K. I know we agree that the system works as designed regardless of who's in charge - I oppose consolidated power whether it wears red or blue. That said, watching how quickly team blue embraced authoritarianism made the institutional threats clearer. I believe that may buy us a little time to build alternatives.
I worry, however, about well-meaning people who think simply changing management will fix a fundamentally broken system. The machine doesn't serve us - it serves itself, no matter who claims to control it. Better to focus energy on building parallel systems than hoping the next batch of politicians will somehow be different.
I agree with this. The fundamental ingredient of any alternative, though is not going to be some digital organizer nor an app nor a new flag. It’s going to come from real clear-eyed understanding of the problem and people deciding to approach a solution in good faith. Essential to this is good communication and you have shown that here with this article.
There are several opportunities for bottom-up networks, but most are frauds. In the bitcoin world, DAOs have the appearance of a mutual company, but their sole purpose is to enrich the founder. The participants in such groups are hungry for the combination of social trust and economic reciprocity that formerly motivated Mutual Benefit Societies (unions, lodges). Their hunger is detoured into the pockets of a few scoundrels. It could be used productively.
True - I believe people deeply long to belong to real communities. That's why scammers can exploit this desire with fake "decentralized" projects (like DAOs - not on Bitcoin, but on Ethereum and other crypto platforms). While DAOs could potentially serve valuable purposes like some unions do, most I've seen are neither decentralized nor autonomous - just centralized control in new packaging.
The success of these schemes proves how desperately people want genuine community-based alternatives. The challenge is building systems with real accountability and aligned incentives, rather than just dressing up the same old power structures in blockchain clothing.
"While reformers chase the mirage of better oversight, realists understand what Machiavelli recognized centuries ago: power seeks its own preservation and expansion."
Thanks for another thought provoking analysis, Josh.
That means a lot, especially coming from you.
Josh, Amen. Perfectly stated and actually moving toward something that can be done rather than the usual handwringing at the end of such articles. If one wanted the people-at-large to understand just one thing, this would be it -- it impacts finance/health/commerce/everything. Understanding this gives a pointer in the right direction. Recognizing that this CANNOT be fixed -- ever -- is foundational to dealing with the problems. That is why so many hopes ride on the crew coming in with the next administration.. (Probably too optimistic to think they can actually beat down the machine, but hope springs eternal.) Thanks for putting these thoughts into words.
Thanks, Dr. K. I know we agree that the system works as designed regardless of who's in charge - I oppose consolidated power whether it wears red or blue. That said, watching how quickly team blue embraced authoritarianism made the institutional threats clearer. I believe that may buy us a little time to build alternatives.
I worry, however, about well-meaning people who think simply changing management will fix a fundamentally broken system. The machine doesn't serve us - it serves itself, no matter who claims to control it. Better to focus energy on building parallel systems than hoping the next batch of politicians will somehow be different.
I agree with this. The fundamental ingredient of any alternative, though is not going to be some digital organizer nor an app nor a new flag. It’s going to come from real clear-eyed understanding of the problem and people deciding to approach a solution in good faith. Essential to this is good communication and you have shown that here with this article.
This is the most clear-eyed and articulate roundup of our current cultural morass. Excellent and inspiring, Joshua!
There are several opportunities for bottom-up networks, but most are frauds. In the bitcoin world, DAOs have the appearance of a mutual company, but their sole purpose is to enrich the founder. The participants in such groups are hungry for the combination of social trust and economic reciprocity that formerly motivated Mutual Benefit Societies (unions, lodges). Their hunger is detoured into the pockets of a few scoundrels. It could be used productively.
True - I believe people deeply long to belong to real communities. That's why scammers can exploit this desire with fake "decentralized" projects (like DAOs - not on Bitcoin, but on Ethereum and other crypto platforms). While DAOs could potentially serve valuable purposes like some unions do, most I've seen are neither decentralized nor autonomous - just centralized control in new packaging.
The success of these schemes proves how desperately people want genuine community-based alternatives. The challenge is building systems with real accountability and aligned incentives, rather than just dressing up the same old power structures in blockchain clothing.