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Crypto provides the unique ability to create its own money, derivatives, and financial components at the speed of the internet. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the financial sector and create fundamentally new systems.
Ethereum has faced criticism for being expensive and lacking scalability. The introduction of Layer 2 solutions, like Optimism, has significantly reduced costs and improved scalability, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective use cases in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional app stores. These apps can be installed directly from a website and have the advantage of bypassing app store regulations. They also provide features like push notifications, which are critical for social apps.
Farcaster is building a social network on top of their protocol, aiming to create true ownership of user accounts and decentralized networks. By building an open protocol that other developers can leverage, they aim to attract developers and foster innovation in the social networking space.
The podcast delves into the controversial topic of genetics and its role in intelligence and other traits. It discusses the work of Charles Murray and his book 'The Bell Curve' which sparked significant controversy in the 90s. The conversation highlights the need for honest discussions about potential genetic differences between different racial and ethnic groups and the impact on intelligence. While there is disagreement on the topic, individuals such as David Reich argue for open dialogue, stressing the importance of addressing uncomfortable discussions and preparing for the future implications of genetic technology like CRISPR. The podcast emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations that consider genetics, culture, and socioeconomic factors that shape human outcomes.
The podcast explores the role of both culture and genetics in shaping human outcomes. It discusses Thomas Sowell's perspective on disparities between different groups, arguing that disparities are expected and culture plays a significant role. The conversation delves into the controversial nature of discussions surrounding genetics and intelligence, highlighting the need for honest and open conversations. It also touches on the idea of eugenics and the influence of culture on preferences for endogamy within certain groups. The podcast stresses the importance of understanding the complex interplay between genetics and culture to gain a more comprehensive understanding of human achievements and disparities.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths, particularly in relation to genetics and intelligence. It acknowledges the sensitivity and potential controversy surrounding these topics but argues that avoiding these discussions ultimately hinders progress and understanding. The conversation challenges the societal reluctance to engage in open conversations around the heritability of intelligence and the potential impact of genetic technology. It encourages individuals and society as a whole to face uncomfortable truths openly to better navigate the future implications of advancing genetic technology and its potential impact on human society.
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg discuss what is exciting in Crypto right now, covering friend.tech, Farcaster’s updates, PWAs, superchain 2a, and infrastructure improvements for more use cases. If you’re building a business and need compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA, head to www.vanta.com/zen for $1000 off.
Moment of Zen is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
(00:01:36) How Dan is building Farcaster
(00:02:39) Using Ethereum is expensive
(00:04:14) Crypto and climate change
(00:07:49) Dan's take on the buzzy new friend.tech
(00:12:27) Friend.tech's smart use of a PWA + impressive growth
(00:17:11) Coinbase has its own blockchain now
(00:21:47) Are SPACs worse than Crypto's scammy retail stuff
(00:24:21) Chamath and accountability
(00:30:24) How will crypto get to a billion users?
(00:39:11) The case for Farcaster and the future of social media
(00:52:25) How much value can be captured by subscaled social networks?
(00:56:51) Why we'll see startups move away from venture-backed business models
(00:59:26) Most successful media company of the past decade
(01:03:59) Crypto's regulations are a gray cloud over financial innovation
(01:08:08) Opportunities to expand upside for people, from businesses to UBI
(01:09:12) Crypto is not politicized
(01:14:40) Genetics and IQ
(01:24:04) The Sam Harris + Ezra Klein Charles Murray debate
(01:32:48) Why this is the next major culture war issue
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Upstream w/ Erik Torenberg ft/ Sam Harris
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DeR2VZOjpnE9pQ9b3Om9S?si=u662cEDUTt6D27D09Jnk0w
Upstream with Erik Torenberg ft/ Ezra Klein
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/36vTPPcpisMVXSgq9bnj1w?si=WEysQWc4RouTxd1hzNl1iw
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