During the inception of decentralized, blockchain driven ledgers, many developers in the early blockchain scene had a clear vision in mind. Reading through the messages in the forums back in the day it was evident collaborative developments were driven by a personal vision for freedom and change in finance. Not by greed, coercion, or lust for power. Rather, for most crypto enthousiasts, it was as if all shared an unwritten conviction, or invisible manifesto. It held a common dream to unite for a better financial world. A future in which not just money, but benevolence, brotherhood and kindness would play the headlines.
However, as the characteristics of money and what it ethically entangles entered the play, it did not take long for those early passionate minds full of ideals to succumb to the promises, expectancies and enticements of wealth. Venture capitalist money started flowing, with projects being funded based on their face-value merits. The young cryptocurrency markets started making wild swings in which the intelligence of but a few could fleece the masses of their small stashes of blockchain-stored value.
Throughout these changes the kindred spirits were not entirely erased from the scene, but their once vibrant voices were now largely being drowned out by corporate and political sweeps for competitive power. They hammered down solid pillars in this pristine land of ideology, upon which sharp, perceptive vultures can perch to lay claim to their next spoil.
The prospect of a blade-runner style world becomes more realistic, as now also governmental organizations are closing in on the blockchain phenomena, aiming for a tight grip of regulation and control. Beyond the view of the technical developer enthousiasts, they forge the iron gears of our destination with systematic diligence.
Perhaps taking some time for reflection would be prudent. Where do we want the blockchain industry to go from here? How are we going to help out through positive action? What ideals have we given up in this theatrical game with all its loud players? Which ashes have we gained for trees, and how may we identify the ramifications of our developmental actions for the future of not only our personal finance, but also the future of other people? The growing Internet of Value scene is a place to tread boldly, yet also carefully, because what we do doesn't only concern ourselves. If we don't develop and do business with open eyes and open hearts, the world of money and value will see yet another uninspiring era full of Groundhog Days.
So where are our manifesto's and convictions now? It is my hope we may find the strength and dedication in this to work together for freedom and positive change. Collaborating with eachother instead of merely competing. Guarding ourselves against corruption. To break barriers in finance to the advantage of all, and not just a few, making our daily lives and actions more benevolent and our Internet a better place to be.