Tribalism is for n00bs
Welcome back to the NonFungible life of E in web3. As promised in January, I am dedicated to sharing my insights and experiences within the blockchain realm.
This blog post brings me great joy to share my latest discoveries that have led me down curious paths, more recently to the picturesque Azores in Portugal and its inspiring nature. There I began to ponder the significance of how we can learn from our natural environment to create harmony with the many blockchain networks.
Let's delve in!
The blockchain revolution began when Satoshi Nakamoto invented a solution for our current economic system, in the form of Bitcoin, to help redefine the current financial system as we know it. This brought a plethora of blockchains: Ethereum, Near, Cosmos, Solana, Algorand, Cardano, Layers 2’s, side chains, and many yet to come. However, it also created a few counterproductive scenarios where many beginners are forced to pick a niche early on. This leads many astray, in confusion, siloed, and even to become…
Tribalistic.
Tribalism: refers to the tendency of individuals or groups within the blockchain space to become overly attached to one particular blockchain network or cryptocurrency and engage in counterproductive arguments, debates, or even attacks against others who support different networks. This short-sighted behavior ultimately holds back the aim of blockchain adoption. Blockchain tribalism hinders innovation and goes against the fundamental principles of promoting decentralization and community-driven decision-making (aka governance).
Early on, individuals have to determine where they should start on their journey with prompts such as, "what blockchain do I use first?", "which token to buy?", "what wallet to use?" "what programming language to learn?", "what projects to support?", "where to launch a company?" etc. It has created a divide, with different groups claiming the best tech or solutions.
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Like a mycelial network, it takes you to different corners of the planet and shows you that the diversity in its terrains is crucial for the health and growth of the local flowers and wildlife. It spreads, and resiliently creates paths through everything. Nature finds a way.
Can blockchain mirror nature's ways and promote a healthier coexistence?
Before I answer this question, I want to highlight some pressing considerations that create such obstacles and distrust of working on specific networks. Topics to be mindful of:
We are still early. Blockchain is in its infancy, so most of what is happening is experimental.
Inadequate security in bridges, networks, and due diligence has led to hacks that have lost users millions of dollars.
The media never promoted good news, so there needs to be more trust and understanding of the implications of blockchain.
All of these concerns harm the image of the technology in the eyes of potential users and investors. Instead of seeing blockchain as a collaborative and innovative technology, they may need clarification on where to begin.
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In the end, it all starts with vibes.
Blockchain has the opportunity to operate similarly to the microorganisms around us and welcome speedy transport of information across borders worldwide. The community's growth relies on cooperation to educate and inform future builders who will appreciate the benefits of the technology and create bridges between networks and cryptocurrencies. Creating an incredibly connected world requires nurturing, and that means its people. We are intertwined in growth. Therefore, we must encourage a path where different networks with unique features and functionalities can thrive. It isn't all black or white; there is an opportunity for a spectrum of many.
Some notable examples of technology harnessing the power of intercommunication can be seen with blockchains like Layer Zero, MAP Protocol, Axelar, and others working on a base layer to connect assets and work toward interoperability
And while technology and code is king to programming and building better solutions, it is also about things that happen off-chain, like collaboration and mutual respect within the community, that can lead us to healthy competition. This ultimately advances the technology as a whole. I imagine this to one day look like the mycelial network connecting different organisms in forests and gardens around the globe, similar to the aim of blockchain: where people can sustain public goods by connecting individuals in a self-owned digital layer.
Why does it matter?
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Communicating important information in a matter of seconds worldwide, rather than days, can change the world. Technology is already a reflection of the natural world, sharing information to create sustainability amongst various plants or nodes and sharing nutrients and knowledge to help with evolution. The mesh and interconnectedness of it all are inevitable. Not every problem has the same solution; in the same way, not every fruit delivers the same nutrients, and each network can serve its purpose.
Ultimately, diversity is not only a natural phenomenon in nature but also critical in technology. Just as a root network connects different organisms in an environment, allowing them to share resources and information, the blockchain network connects individuals and organizations in the digital world to share data and transactions. We can prevent monopolies, ensure decentralization, and drive innovation by fostering diversity within the blockchain industry. We rely on a world full of diverse skills that contribute to advancing technology. As a community, we must prioritize education, awareness, and community building to avoid maximalism and ensure blockchain technology's long-term success. Like a tree that grows and reaches higher to receive the necessary nutrients from the sun without complaint or boasting, we must strive to build a blockchain with humility and a focus on collaboration.
Further Inspiration:
Take some time and read about the projects, I listed above.
