Introduction

> The situation with Trump being removed from social media was a pivotal moment. It's not just about Trump - it set a precedent that no one is above being deplatformed. "The seal is broken."

> We've seen exceptional actions like bailouts become normalized policies over time. Similarly, this event could lead to a slippery slope where deplatforming becomes a common tool. "Just like the bailouts... now this deplatforming could happen to anybody."

Prime number maze

> Navigating the "prime number maze" of life reflects our struggle to grasp complex patterns that challenge human cognition. I often ponder how, with more cognitive tools or technology, we might unlock the rules of these intricate patterns that seem just beyond our reach.

> The boundaries of human understanding can be seen as a bug rather than a feature. Just as groundbreaking insights have emerged from practical experience in fields like thermodynamics, I believe that by acknowledging our limitations, we can make significant strides in exploring the unknown aspects of our universe.

> The evolution of AI leads me to question the definition of life itself. As we develop ever more sophisticated systems, if these AI entities exhibit behaviors that suggest consciousness or emotional depth, society may find itself at a crossroads, deciding the rights and ethical considerations owed to these digital beings.

Government

> First, the inability to peacefully start new opt-in governments is a fundamental flaw in our current systems. We can create new companies, currencies, or communities, but not new governments. This concept is explored in "The Network State," which I wrote to propose a method for starting new countries that leverages the clean-slate approach we use in many other areas, from new documents to fresh webpages. With digital tools, we have the potential to create V3 governance systems akin to the shift from hunter-gatherers to farmers, blending traditional human mobility and modern innovation.

> Second, traditional countries are slow to evolve due to their ingrained generational continuity, which some argue has strength through historical preservation. But innovation, like the first moon landing or advancements in artificial intelligence, often requires breaking from tradition. Most political discourse focuses on amending centuries-old systems, but I believe a better strategy is dedicating some effort to building completely new systems. The American history of pioneering—from its formation by young Founders, its rise through interstate competition, to its advancements in technology—demonstrates that constant innovation is vital. America needs to continue this legacy not by sticking strictly to its past but by embracing the potential for new, innovative governance models that future generations can build upon.

The Network State

> The concept of a "network state" fascinates me deeply. It’s essentially a highly aligned online community, vastly different from the scattered, chaotic nature of current social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. These communities not only connect people with shared goals but also possess the capacity for collective action, ultimately aiming for diplomatic recognition. Imagine a guild of a thousand people where each member contributes to each other's endeavors, creating a cohesive unit that can amplify individual efforts and build a collective reputation.

> Our current platforms like Slack, Discord, and Reddit show glimpses of what these network states might look like but are still evolving. Discord, for instance, acts as a transitional state—a blend of chat-focused and task-oriented interactions. However, the final form of these platforms will likely be different, incorporating more robust systems for tracking contributions and fostering deeper levels of collaboration. What excites me is thinking about how these online communities can evolve into something that not only supports digital alignment but transitions into physical, diplomatically recognized entities built on the ethos of shared goals and mutual support.

Pseudonymous economy

> The concept of pseudonymity in the online community is a form of decentralization, creating a new node away from the centralized tracking associated with real names, which can lead to better privacy and discrimination prevention. This shift towards pseudonymous identities can bring about a more encrypted and decentralized world, challenging the existing norms tied to official government names and promoting a more secure and inclusive online environment.

> The balance between centralized power and decentralization is crucial to navigate the complexities of human nature within digital communities. While centralized structures can lead to organized atrocities like those in the 20th century, an overcorrection towards decentralization can result in chaos. Striking the right balance and understanding the civilizational state space helps in determining the level of centralization required, ensuring societal stability while addressing the flaws of human nature and historical lessons in a nuanced manner.

Exit

> Exit is the essential tool for the politically powerless; it's not just a mechanism for the wealthy but an avenue for those seeking alternatives — "you can vote with your ballot, you vote with your wallet, you can vote your feet." This act of 'voting with your feet' amplifies your voice and reflects your true preferences, making it a powerful element of individual empowerment in today’s world.

> The internet fundamentally shifts our experience of the world, increasing microeconomic leverage and altering our relationships — "the entirety of life on Earth is a kind of digression which creates beauty and complexity." From redefining how we connect with each other to reshaping how we view and navigate society, it creates both challenges and opportunities for genuine empathy, showcasing our capacity for connection, even amidst the emerging anonymity that can breed cruelty.

Building a network state

> Network States are highly aligned online communities with a capacity for Collective Action that crowdfunds territory worldwide and aims for diplomatic recognition.

> The concept is akin to a decentralized state-like entity, akin to historical models of community building seen in various towns and communes.

> The Network State's success lies in its ability to use crypto oracles for proof of human identity and claims, auditing mechanisms, and making data public for verifiability to prevent collusion.

> By integrating real estate footprint, population, and income into a dashboard, these digital countries can rival traditional nation-states in legitimacy, population, real estate, and income, demonstrating how digital innovation can reshape governance.

Wikipedia

> Wikipedia is fundamentally flawed as it has transitioned from an innovative crowd-sourced platform to a breeding ground for bias and misinformation. It's become "a defamation engine," where editors leverage political narratives, often leading to malicious edits that go undetected for extended periods.

> There's a structural bias in how Wikipedia determines reputable sources, favoring mainstream media over decentralized perspectives. This creates a reliance on a narrow set of viewpoints, implicitly stating that "the more trust something gets, the less trustworthy it often becomes."

> The potential for decentralization offers a way forward. By moving towards a model that emphasizes verifiable, cryptographic truths—similar to how the blockchain operates—we can create a more resilient system of knowledge that isn’t dictated by the biases of a few influential editors but instead reflects a broader, more diverse consensus.

Fixing science

> Decentralization and Break Away from Ossified Systems: Drawing on historical examples like the Protestant Reformation, I stressed the importance of decentralization as a tool for revitalizing rigid, centralized systems. Whether it's academia, media, or health policy, decentralizing data and making processes transparent can break away from “political health” and move back to genuine public health, serving as an emergency reset button for our civilization.

> Crypto Science and Reproducible Research: I discussed how the future of science can be transformed through concepts like “crypto science,” where academic papers are regenerated from their underlying data and code, making them fully reproducible. Posting data and research on blockchain can make science auditable and verifiable, leading to a revolutionary shift where citations become import statements, fostering greater scientific innovation and collaboration.

> Technological Decentralization of Hard and Soft Sciences: I argued that as technology evolves, nearly every branch of science will be computational, incorporating Big Data, machine learning, and simulations. Even traditionally “soft” sciences like history and psychology will harden up, with concepts like crypto history making vast historical data computable and verifiable, fundamentally transforming our understanding and analysis of the past.

Fixing the FDA

> The FDA operates like a "regulatory police" with immense power but little accountability, imposing regulations that can stifle innovation and restrict market access, essentially creating a monopoly on safety and approval processes. "You know, the FDA has a machine gun against the pharmaceutical industry; you better be their friend."

> The combination of regulatory capture and the FDA's invisible bureaucracy leads to an environment where small startups struggle to compete, as the large pharmaceutical companies can afford the costly delay of approvals. "It's easier to create Bitcoin than to reform the FDA; starting a new network state may be a more feasible path for new biomedical policies."

> The concept of "challenge trials" could have revolutionized the rapid development of effective treatments during the pandemic, showcasing how regulatory frameworks can inhibit timely health solutions. "Had we done that, we could have had vaccines early enough to save the lives of like a million Americans."

> The need for a "cloud regulator" emerges as traditional methods fail, suggesting that decentralized innovation might provide better regulatory frameworks, allowing patient input and evaluating products based on real-world effectiveness rather than lengthy approvals. "Uber is a better regulator than the taxi medallions; we can have multiple parties in a competitive market."

> The future of medicine could pivot on continuous diagnostics and preventive measures, using technology to empower individuals and shift the focus from reactive care to proactive health management, echoing the call for personal responsibility. "Fitness is the ultimate medicine; we need to shift this mindset to empower individuals in their healthcare journey."

Longevity

> Longevity and Cryptomedicine: The concept of extending human life is akin to crypto reforming traditional financial systems. Life extension isn't just about adding years; it's about enhancing health span and embracing new diagnostic technologies. Rejecting the assumption that a little death is good, like the way Bitcoin rejects inflation, opens up possibilities for sustained health and life quality improvements.

> Genomic Reincarnation and Practical Miracles: Advances in genomic technology might allow for something I call "genomic reincarnation"—the ability to recreate an individual's DNA sequence, potentially offering a form of life after death. This idea, tied with other biotechnological advances such as restoring sight, curing deafness, and enhancing physical abilities, represents a broader vision of what I term "practical miracles"—transformative developments in human health and capabilities.

Donald Trump's ban from social media

> "The de-platforming of Trump was a defense of democracy against a would-be dictator inciting violence and rejecting the will of the people through his social media platform."

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> "The perspectives against de-platforming range from Trump supporters questioning election integrity to libertarian concerns about corporate power controlling speech on the internet."

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> "The Future is Our Past thesis highlights historical reversals and parallels, such as decentralization in the US compared to India's move towards unification, predicting potential conflicts like wealth seizures and digital gold resistance leading to state fragmentation."

War

> The geopolitical landscape is precarious, and the notion that certain outcomes won't happen because they haven't yet is dangerously naive; history has shown us that things can escalate rapidly, particularly with nuclear threats looming over our current international tensions. It’s crucial to recognize the “balance of terror” and deterrence as foundational principles for maintaining stability, rather than the illusion of success by increasing military provocations.

> The ability of tech companies to influence political discourse has raised profound concerns, particularly highlighted by the digital de-platforming of political leaders like Trump. This act sends a chilling message to global leaders watching: if the most powerful can be silenced, what chance does anyone else have? The precedent has been set, and it underscores an urgent need for dialogue around the immense power these corporations wield over democracy itself.

Censorship

> The role of the media, especially journalists like Herbert Matthews and John Reed, in shaping and sometimes dangerously promoting political narratives is crucial. Matthews’ positive coverage of Fidel Castro, for example, helped propel Castro into power, leading to severe negative outcomes for Cuba. Similarly, other journalists have whitewashed the brutal regimes of leaders like Lenin, Stalin, Mao, and Ho Chi Minh, showing the profound impact media can have on public perception and historical events.

> It’s important to critique and improve existing systems, such as regulatory frameworks or monetary policies, rather than just opposing them. I advocate a balanced approach, recognizing the necessity of regulation and the role of entities like the FDA and the Fed, while also proposing innovative improvements like Satoshi’s Bitcoin for monetary policy. Progress involves not just identifying flaws but also constructing better alternatives and fostering reproducibility and trust in new systems.

Social media

> Twitter is like a scratch pad for me to put concepts out there, iterate on them, and get feedback. It's more about floating concepts rather than communicating wisdom.

> The concept of a network state is intriguing, offering a peaceful third way for groups like Catalonia to pursue self-determination without resorting to insurgency or submission. It opens up possibilities for decentralized collaboration and distributed forms of governance.

Wokeism and communism

> I see a remarkable historical arc where “the left and right are constantly realigning,” demonstrating that moral authority often translates into economic power; we've seen this with the Democrats rebranding from the party of the Confederacy to champions for the poor, while Republicans lost their moral standing, resulting in a transformation of both parties’ roles over the decades.

> The current landscape is shifting from a dichotomy of red versus blue to a battle of ideologies between “stateism and decentralization,” where the former symbolizes authority and compliance, while the latter represents sovereignty and individual empowerment; the evolution of capital—communist, woke, and crypto—highlights this deeper ideological conflict as we navigate the future.

Cryptocurrency

> First, I firmly believe in the extraordinary potential of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Despite the complexities and volatility in the global market—with inflation, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions—crypto remains a robust alternative. It transcends national boundaries, offering a universal financial system that could outperform traditional fiat currencies over time. The more decentralized control and digital property rights become ubiquitous through crypto, the more resilient and essential they will prove to be.

> Second, I envision a tripolar world emerging with three significant power centers: the U.S. establishment, the Chinese CCP, and a third entity I call "crypto capital." This third pole comprises countries and individuals valuing tech innovation, sovereignty, and freedom from unilateral control—ranging from India and Israel to a coalition of American non-establishment figures and liberal Chinese. This decentralized bloc will push for a system oriented around peace, trade, and digital property rights, challenging the dominance and traditional rules imposed by the US and China. This dynamic shift will transform how we perceive global power, and I believe crypto will be the fabric holding this new world together.

AI, AR, and VR

> - Centralized AI is fundamentally biased and unethical, while decentralization allows for true representation and empowerment of diverse voices globally. "Only decentralized AI is truly representative. ...those folks need to have access themselves... letting people build their own versions... that is the argument for AI decentralization."

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> - The future of social media lies in smaller, deeper networks with shared values and a full-stack approach, akin to a network state where social networks, cryptocurrencies, and other services are integrated. "The long-term trend in tech... much smaller networks that have a million or 10 million people but are much deeper in terms of their associate affiliation... starts to get to what I call a network state."

Advice for young people

> Mastering both computer science and statistics is essential for navigating the emerging digital world. "Computer science and stats are to this century what physics was to the last," emphasizing the need for skills that underpin almost every industry as we spend more time in a constructed digital environment.

> Building your own voice and sharing your story are non-negotiable in today’s landscape. "If you don’t tell your own story, the story will be told for you," highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and the direct engagement that decentralized media allows, as opposed to relying on traditional, often biased, platforms.

> The rise of network states provides a new avenue for political power that bypasses traditional systems. With the right skills in engineering and content creation, anyone can "become president of their own network state," creating alternatives to existing power structures and shaping a vision of the good that includes everyone, regardless of their background.

Regulating logic

> One crucial aspect we discussed is the digital Bill of Rights, which includes the right to encrypt, compute, repair, and portability. These rights are essential for personal freedom and autonomy in the digital age. The current attempts by bureaucracies to regulate these aspects, sometimes in absurd ways—like Europe's clumsy approach to regulating AI by trying to regulate logic itself—highlight the disconnect between technological innovation and bureaucratic control.

> The underlying theme of our conversation is that for technology and society to truly flourish, we must ensure freedom and stability. This allows humans to forge meaningful connections, create families, and engage in the pursuit of happiness, which makes life worth living. Without these fundamental freedoms, the potential for innovation and personal fulfillment diminishes significantly.