It is getting real. Have you noticed the number of articles from former explorers in the cryptocurrency space that question open blockchains and call for the introduction of some sort of intermediary structure or organization to monitor transactions? I’m reminded of Ceteshwayo, the last great Zulu chief, talking to his people from his prison cot after the British had effectively neutralized Zulu autonomy. He simply said. “First come the explorers, then come the missionaries, then come the traders, then come the settlers, then come the red soldiers.”
I would propose that we are transitioning quickly through the colonization cycle. Some of the early explorers became missionaries for the new ecosystem. They have now uncovered ways to trade their knowledge or their understanding of the ecosystem and have even transitioned to identifying the niches they want to occupy (to settle) and have begun to justify setting up the forts and building garrisons to protect their territory.
I would say to all of us in this space. Do not introduce red soldiers! We began as explorers. Let’s stay true to our original mission and build open systems that benefit all of us. Map the territory, share your vision of an open transparent reciprocal trust economy, build the roads and trade routes; even settle into a niche, but please do not build forts. It is ignoble.
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From @knowledgelevers