Decentralization — reverse-engineering nature
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writing and photos by @d-pendin response to @theycallmedan
Introduction
Yesterday, @theycallmedan announced a "What does decentralization mean to you?" initiative. While I wanted to respond right away, I had a full day planned, so here we are! To be clear, I'm not a developer, but have a fairly decent grasp of the underlying functioning of blockchain tech. I hope to explore the following questions from the angle of human technology's reverse-engineering and mimicry of natural phenomenon—
What do you think are the fundamental building blocks of blockchain?
What does decentralization mean to you, is it important, why?
What are your thoughts on blockchain and decentralization?
What do you think are the fundamental
building blocks of blockchain?
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It's worth stating that a blockchain is a chain of digital "blocks" containing data. The blocks are produced in a sequential order and with predictable frequency according to some algorithmic scheme (of which there are many variations.) Blockchains are transparent databases by design; transactions of information are trackable by virtue of being contained in a specific block which has been verified by a certain amount of different servers or "nodes" to be a legitimate block according to the syntax of the chain in question. In combination with cryptography, blockchains allow information to be preserved yet also secured by the creation of public/private key pairs.
To me, this represents an attempt on the part of human beings to organize information in such a way that it is not easily modified, corrupted, or lost. Information is inherently valuable; this is a scientific pursuit of preserving it in a manner we can reliably understand and access. There is a certain amount of pressure to come to consensus as to which version of software is run, so that the whole chain can run smoothly as one integrated entity. At the same time, there is freedom to continually experiment with different parameters on an infinite number of new chains or test-nets in order to demonstrate one algorithmic scheme's efficiency or desirability over another.
To me, this represents an attempt on the part of human beings to organize information in such a way that it is not easily modified, corrupted, or lost. Information is inherently valuable; this is a scientific pursuit of preserving it in a manner we can reliably understand and access. There is a certain amount of pressure to come to consensus as to which version of software is run, so that the whole chain can run smoothly as one integrated entity. At the same time, there is freedom to continually experiment with different parameters on an infinite number of new chains or test-nets in order to demonstrate one algorithmic scheme's efficiency or desirability over another.
What does decentralization mean to you — is it important, why?
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Decentralization in natureNatural phenomena display the strength decentralization creates. Mycelial networks underneath forests are often unbelievably ancient as the simplicity of the cells that comprise their biomass allow for near-infinite extension and development of the web according to what is needed to facilitate transfer of information. Truly decentralized networks would be, in theory, immortal, as they would become exponentially wider in their distribution — thus progressively more difficult to destroy.
In working towards decentralized schemes, I believe we are attempting to emulate and reverse-engineer the holographic nature of reality in which the whole is "backed up" in each microscopic fragment. Such a holographic quality is necessary for the universe's continued existence; the integrity of the laws that govern attractive and repulsive forces depends upon each event that has ever occurred and ever will occur to be preserved in various ways. All must be "backed up" so that if individual entities perish, the record of their doings — and discoveries — does not.
In working towards decentralized schemes, I believe we are attempting to emulate and reverse-engineer the holographic nature of reality in which the whole is "backed up" in each microscopic fragment. Such a holographic quality is necessary for the universe's continued existence; the integrity of the laws that govern attractive and repulsive forces depends upon each event that has ever occurred and ever will occur to be preserved in various ways. All must be "backed up" so that if individual entities perish, the record of their doings — and discoveries — does not.
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At the same time, with our current level of readily-available computing technology we quickly run into limits of space (to store data) and speed of operation (to communicate that info.) Thus, the need to compress, encrypt, and minimize in order for a system to not become bogged down.
We also have an animal inheritance of fear, mistrust, greed, hatred, etc. stemming from our primary concern — personal survival. This causes it to be difficult for informational resources to be freely shared, as truth is most often seen as a threat instead of a virtue within current human society, and even something one can be killed for. Blockchains present a mediating force between the selfish and the selfless aspects of humanity, a digital battlefield of sorts on which our philosophical growth as a species can be acted out.
We also have an animal inheritance of fear, mistrust, greed, hatred, etc. stemming from our primary concern — personal survival. This causes it to be difficult for informational resources to be freely shared, as truth is most often seen as a threat instead of a virtue within current human society, and even something one can be killed for. Blockchains present a mediating force between the selfish and the selfless aspects of humanity, a digital battlefield of sorts on which our philosophical growth as a species can be acted out.
Why this is important
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Blockchain tech provides a blank template for potentially creating systems that gently guide us towards wiser decisions as a collective macro-organism. It is in each block producer's/witness' interest to come to enough of a consensus that the system is functional. Since there is a selfish incentive in place, a forum is created whereby each can make their voice heard through concrete actions of running different versions of code and attempting to sway others to also run the same.
It is important to understand also the idea of legitimate blockchains being immutable in the sense that only pending or future transactions are up in the air — everything which has already transpired must remain unchanged. This creates a forward-looking orientation that is more productive, along with pressure towards greater honesty and accountability since the history is there for all to see. One could say there is a combination of negative and positive incentives to be integrous on blockchain, where in many old-paradigm, centralized corporate entities, there are less concrete incentives to be honest leading to "the ends justifies the means" fallacy and an ability to sweep dirt under the rug.
To be clear, principles underlying blockchains mean as much or as little as the extent to which they are A) made manifest in code and B) believed in and upheld by the individual and collective consciousness participating in the system. Since code inevitably falls short of perfection or the inwardly held ideal, it is a continuous learning process — a feedback loop from A to B — and the whole journey/experiment is documented in time-ordered blocks.
It is important to understand also the idea of legitimate blockchains being immutable in the sense that only pending or future transactions are up in the air — everything which has already transpired must remain unchanged. This creates a forward-looking orientation that is more productive, along with pressure towards greater honesty and accountability since the history is there for all to see. One could say there is a combination of negative and positive incentives to be integrous on blockchain, where in many old-paradigm, centralized corporate entities, there are less concrete incentives to be honest leading to "the ends justifies the means" fallacy and an ability to sweep dirt under the rug.
To be clear, principles underlying blockchains mean as much or as little as the extent to which they are A) made manifest in code and B) believed in and upheld by the individual and collective consciousness participating in the system. Since code inevitably falls short of perfection or the inwardly held ideal, it is a continuous learning process — a feedback loop from A to B — and the whole journey/experiment is documented in time-ordered blocks.
My view on this technology's potential
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For me, the growing fascination with working towards decentralization is a symptom of the evolution of human consciousness. Certain tiny fragments of universal knowledge we have grasped and applied, while still languishing away under the whip of human ignorance, on the whole. Putting systems in place that leverage the little that we have understood towards clarification/correction is an important step towards achieving our shared freedom from the more destructive side of human nature.
I also believe that a truly transparent, interdependent web of information could lead to an unprecedented level of prosperity for humans, and life on planet Earth as a whole. There is the dawning of the realization that it is Truth alone that has any value, and a re-examination of our financial systems which will inevitably arrive at the conclusion that we are all immeasurably wealthy beyond our wildest imaginings — and each entity represents a vital contribution to this store of wealth.
I also believe that a truly transparent, interdependent web of information could lead to an unprecedented level of prosperity for humans, and life on planet Earth as a whole. There is the dawning of the realization that it is Truth alone that has any value, and a re-examination of our financial systems which will inevitably arrive at the conclusion that we are all immeasurably wealthy beyond our wildest imaginings — and each entity represents a vital contribution to this store of wealth.
What about you — what are your answers to these questions?
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What do you think are the fundamental building blocks of blockchain?
What does decentralization mean to you, is it important, why?
What are your thoughts on blockchain and decentralization?
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What is your response to my response?
Comment down below!
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Daniel Pendergraft – @d-pend
to be published on the STEEM blockchain on March 14, 2020.
Spread to twitter #posh
@d-pend,
Flawlessly written and edited. So much for needing practice to write prose. I'm glad to see you piece got some well-deserved upvotes.
And, it has inspired me to write something on the subject as well.
Quill
Hmm, digital computing is "quantum" too. A binary computing would be the simpler form.
Analog computers would be "newtonian" unless wave signals are interpreted using quantum physics laws instead of classic ones.
Polish analog computer AKAT-1 (1959)
source
What I mean is that "newtonian" doesn't fit well into discrete maths (either binary, trinary, quaternary, ...). So newtonian as description of a binary computer doesn't make much sense to me.
On the contrary, an analog computer produces real time results that can be read either using classical physics laws or quantum physics laws.
For those reasons, attemps are being made both to develop analog quantum computers and digital quantum computers.
@argsolver I appreciate that response, which was both enlightening and reminded me to ensure I know what I'm talking about before making statements in areas I'm not well-educated.
I've edited that part, as I don't think it's necessary for the discussion in question.
However, I'm still curious to learn more about analog quantum vs. digital quantum computers — got any links? !engage 50
This should help:
Quantum analogue computing - PDF
We could say that discrete mathematics pairs better with digital systems (for obvius reasons) than with analogue ones.
And continuous mathematics pairs better with analogue systems.
So in classical physics there is much use of continuous mathematics than in quantum physics and vice-versa.
A digital computer doesn't need to simulate discrete maths, but it does need to simulate continuous maths. An analogue computer would have trouble to simulate a discrete maths problem, but it's better suited for continous maths.
When some people wonder how was it posible to get complex space travel missions done in the 1960's, they are thinking on digital computers performing certain computational tasks, when in reality were done by analogue computers. They try to figure out certain functions performed by digital computers, but thoses specific functions performed by analogue computers requerid by far less resources.
Oh my. I read the paper you linked and am afraid it is quite above my head of my current understanding. But, it is an area that fascinates me and I will do my best to keep learning along the way!
I hope that someday I will be in a position to re-energize the mathematics/computer programming part of my brain as that was one of my favorite things growing up. As I got older I have found myself more involved in artistic/literary fields, and I miss the math side of things. !engage 34
@argsolver you have received
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Nice, thank you!
@argsolver you have received
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Great dissertation, @d-pend. It makes sound accessible and applicable. One of my greatest frustrations since I started steeming is my inability to fully understand the inner workings of the block chain and cryptos in general. Nonetheless, I applaud the possibility of a truly decentralized system of information and wealth creation and distribution.
I think total disclosure is a step forward in human evolution and should help capitalism solve one of its biggest issues.
Yes, I have shared that frustration, which led to many hours spent reading different materials online to attempt to grasp it. However, I only feel like I comprehend in a vague, general sense; I have never taken the time to learn programming languages to see how the underlying code behaves. I also might need to find a good print book on the subject since I have a hard time with reading for long periods on a computer screen.
Honesty is far more powerful than it is given credit for being. For us to grow as a species requires us to reduce the amount of subjects that are considered taboo — not to be discussed — so that we can move forward in those areas. There is plenty to examine and heal from in our collective past; courage is needed to face ourselves directly, along with compassion and the willingness to forgive human shortcoming. !engage 33
@hlezama you have received
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!giphy so intelligent
Posted using Partiko Android
lol, I should use this giphy contraption more often — how does it work, does it pick a random image using keywords? !engage 3
Wow...am delighted for the engage tip.
I use giphy cause it adds creativity on my comments plus they tip you with 1 giphy token every time you mention giphy.
Regarding the keywords it will all depend with what you want to say. I have never tried long words at most I use 2-3 words
E.g
!giphy thanks a lot
Oh! That's really interesting; there's so many tokens these days, I can't keep track of 'em all. You know what they say — a picture is worth a thousand words. And a moving picture must be worth even more!
!giphy fascinating
Very true... A pic speaks volumes.
Giphy is so rare...only 100Milli tokens are available and are so cheap.
You should purchase some incase you don't have.
I love investing their bot.
!giphy awesome
Nice. I'm gonna be playing around with this a lot for a while. Maybe too much :-D !giphy let's do this
giphy is supported by witness untersatz!
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@tonytrillions you have received
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Congratulations @d-pend!
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I agree.