"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg cover image

E54: Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan on Why History Points to Crypto

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

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The Evolution of Human Networks and the Rise of Blockchain

Human beings are a networked species who cooperate across genetic boundaries. Throughout history, networks have been governed by kings, elites, priests, corporations, and democracies, leading to the central figure becoming very powerful. Marketplaces have emerged as a new way to organize networks without a single ruler through market mechanisms. Blockchains are enabling market-based networks in digital systems like Bitcoin and Ethereum by using mathematics and rules to prevent cheating. They allow for anyone to enter the network and contribute scarce resources without a central authority. This decentralized approach can be applied to various networks such as energy, bandwidth, and social platforms, ensuring no single entity controls the network. Blockchains offer a system to replace traditional network rulers with leaderless structures, starting with the challenging task of reimagining money, which could pave the way for decentralizing other networks as well.

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