The Book of the Network (Part Two)
This adaptation by Guildmaster Brendon of "The Network State" by Balaji Srinivasan from the perspective of the Spacers Guild teaches the model we will use to expand humankind's reach to the stars.
The Internet vs World Wide Web - Edexcel iGCSE Computer Science
Chapter 8
I. O Spacers, commit yourself to tear down and build new historical narratives. Strive to create narratives with the Spacers Guild that are effective for their purposes, that are not bound by the limitations and distortions of the past, but formidable, humble, and honest with the truth.
X. Use the advantages of the Network to challenge established narratives and to seek the truth. Let us use the Network to generate a better future for all of humanity.
XI. Let your minds be open to the truth-seeking power of the Network. For the Network plays a crucial role in exposing the distortion of the present and reclaiming an accurate understanding of the past.
XII. The Network will pave the way for a more informed and balanced understanding of current events.
XIII. The past decade we have witnessed numerous instances of media failures and information distortion by malicious governments of the State around the world, as well as their aligned media institutions.
XIV. The decentralized platforms and technologies of the Network are empowering individuals to share information and perspectives that are often ignored or suppressed by traditional media outlets.
XV. Consider these examples of how the Network has previously exposed establishment narratives:
XVI. When the New York Times published a misleading article about the range of Tesla vehicles, Elon Musk used data from the car's onboard systems to refute the claims and expose the newspaper's bias.
XVII. When a photo of the Amazon rainforest fires was circulated by prominent figures and media outlets, internet users quickly identified inconsistencies in the image's metadata, revealing it to be over a decade old. This incident demonstrated the power of crowdsourced fact-checking and the ability of technology to expose misinformation spread by political actors.
XVIII. The lack of mainstream media coverage of the 2017 Battle for Mosul, a major military operation against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria with significant civilian casualties, highlights the establishment's ability to suppress inconvenient truths.
XIX. The Spacers Guild believes that the Network is delivering on the promise of actual freedom of speech, allowing individuals to share information and perspectives that were previously suppressed or ignored. This is creating a more informed and engaged citizenry and a more accurate understanding of both the present and the past.
XX. Many factions of the State, threatened by the Network's disruptive potential, have already launched a "narrative centralization" campaign, attempting to regain control and suppress dissenting voices.
XXI. However, the Spacers Guild believes that it is misguided and dangerous for the State to hold back the tide of decentralization and individual fortification that the Network supplies. We urge those within the State to recognize the potential scale of the human cost of their campaign against the Network.
XXII. Let us encourage the Network and the State to build mutually beneficial relationships where they are possible, but let us also remember that when the two are in conflict, our allegiance is to the Network.
Chapter 9
I. Our understanding of the past and present is not only shaped by official narratives and historical records issued by the State, but also by the movies, TV shows, and other forms of popular culture that we consume.
II. These media narratives can have a profound impact on our perception of reality, often filling in the gaps in our knowledge with fictionalized and distorted representations.
III. Balaji has called this phenomenon "Jurassic Ballpark," where media narratives are unconsciously spliced into our comprehension of our environment, creating belief systems that are inaccurate and misleading. Consider these examples of how popular media can distort our perception:
IV. Popular media often portrays the US military as an all-powerful force for good, overlooking or downplaying the negative consequences of its interventions abroad.
V. The "evil CEO" trope is prevalent in movies and TV shows, creating a distorted perception of business leaders and corporations as inherently greedy and exploitative.
VI. Movies like Contagion often portray government agencies like the CDC as competent and heroic, potentially leading to an overestimation of their effectiveness and trustworthiness.
VII. Conversely, our current media rarely depicts journalists, activists, professors, and regulators as "bad guys." This lack of televised narratives for how people in these roles can misbehave leads to a blind spot in the public's understanding of how vulnerable power is to abuse within institutions.
VIII. The Spacers Guild emphasizes the importance of critical media literacy – the ability to analyze and deconstruct media narratives and identify biases and distortions. This is crucial for developing an accurate and nuanced understanding of the world and for challenging the established narratives that serve the interests of the powerful.
IX. Through access to alternative narratives and the uplifting of individuals to challenge established media institutions, the Network can help us to break free from the "Jurassic Ballpark" mentality encouraged by malicious agents of the State. We can develop a more informed and critical understanding of the past and present.
X. Let us be mindful of the biases and distortions present in popular media narratives. Let us use the Network to develop a more accurate and nuanced worldview. Let us share with each other in the Spacers Guild what we know to help each other navigate the perils ahead.
XI. In doing all this, the Spacers Guild will build a better future for all of humankind, both on Earth and among the stars.
Artwork by Egan Jimenez
Chapter 10
I. O Spacers, let your minds reach out in earnestness and humility to discern the divisions that are the cause of conflict in your society.
II. For the collision between the Network and the State has profoundly disrupted the established narratives of the State, leading to a reassessment of the past.
III. Both within and outside the United States of America, there is a growing sense that the US-dominated order after the Second World War is either on its last legs or already over.
IV. The decline in state capacity, internal alignment, and political will is becoming increasingly evident as endemic and deeply problematic in many countries around the world.
V. People who support the current system might believe that the United States of America will always be powerful, but there's still no clear answer that everyone agrees on about what the USA stands for in its own country and what its role should be in the world.
VI. Within US politics, those on the left raise concerns about institutional racism and systemic inequality, while those on the right increasingly view the establishment as irredeemable and hostile to their values.
VII. The growing divide between these opposing factions has led to widespread decline in institutional trust and extreme polarization. Some now even call for a “national divorce” within the country, so that each side in the conflict may independently pursue their own aspirations.
VIII. By applying our lens of the three Leviathans at work in our history – God, State, and Network – we can gain a new perspective on this conflict and others.
IX. From our viewpoint in the present moment, especially for Americans and those in our Western civilization, the "digital civil war" playing out on social media platforms like Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, reflects deeper conflicts within our modern society.
X. The "gray tribe," representing technological progressives, aligns most closely with the Network Leviathan. These individuals tend to be atheists and libertarians, who place their faith in decentralized and technological solutions rather than traditional institutions like God or the State. They are often internationalist in outlook, embracing the global reach and interconnectedness of the Network.
XI. The “blue tribe,” representing social progressives, is split between two main factions:
XII. Left-Statists: These individuals worship the State and believe in its power to solve societal problems through legislation and coercion. They often advocate for increased government intervention and regulation, viewing the State as a benevolent force for good.
XIII. Left-Networkers: This faction is increasingly drawn to the Network and its decentralized solutions. They prioritize individual freedom and see the potential for the Network to enable individuals and communities outside the control of the State.
XIV. This division within the blue tribe is likely to become more pronounced as the conflict between the Network and the State intensifies, particularly in the context of economic and technological disruptions.
XV. The “red tribe,” representing social conservatives, can be seen as standing on a three-legged stool:
XVI. Religious Traditionalists: This group prioritizes traditional religious values and sees God as the ultimate authority. While their numbers are dwindling, they remain an influential force within the conservative movement.
XVII. National Conservatives: This faction places their faith in the State and its military power. They tend to be nationalistic and support a strong military presence abroad.
XVIII. Right-Networkers: This group embraces free markets, global trade, and decentralized technologies. They see the Network as a powerful force for economic growth and individual liberation.
XIX. The rise of cryptocurrencies and decentralized technologies is attracting a growing number of internationalist capitalists to the Network Leviathan, potentially leading to a realignment within the red tribe.
XX. The Spacers Guild anticipates a potential future realignment where Left-Networkers and Right-Networkers, united by their affinity for the Network, will face off in a coming struggle against those who remain loyal to the State. This realignment will be driven by technological and economic disruptions that challenge the established power structures of the State.
XXI. We comprehend the complex and shifting landscape of power struggles in the digital age. We believe that the Network has the potential to be a powerful force for good, enabling individuals and fostering a more just and equitable society.
XXII. However, we are also aware of the dangers of a malign Network/State synthesis, where the State co-opts and controls the Network for its own purposes.
Chapter 11
I. O Spacers, let your minds discern the choice that faces the "blue tribe" of American progressives and their counterparts around the world. For they stand at a crossroads, their loyalty divided between the centralized State and the decentralized Network.
II. This choice will define their political identity and shape their actions in the escalating conflict between these two Leviathans.
III. Left-Statists prioritize the State as the primary means for solving social problems. They believe in its power to enact change through legislation and coercion, often advocating for increased government intervention and regulation. They view the State as a benevolent force for good, capable of addressing issues like inequality and injustice.
IV. However, the Spacers Guild recognizes the dangers of this unquestioning faith in the State. Left-Statists often fail to acknowledge the limitations and potential for abuse of state power. Their reliance on centralized solutions can stifle innovation and lead to unintended consequences.
V. For this reason, those who are the most offensive of Left-Statists, the Marxist-Leninists, cannot be permitted membership in the Spacers Guild. Other examples of extreme Left-Statism shall disqualify a person from acceptance into our pragmatic and dedicated order.
VI. Left-Networkers, on the other hand, prioritize individual freedom and see the potential for the Network to enable individuals and communities outside the control of the State. They are often critical of Western hegemony and the foreign and domestic policies of the US establishment. They are attracted to the global and inclusive values of the Network and embody them.
VII. The Network offers Left-Networkers several advantages over the State:
VIII. Alternatives to state-controlled systems: The Network provides alternatives to State systems, such as decentralized social media platforms and cryptocurrencies, which offer greater freedom and autonomy.
IX. Rapid mobilization: The Network allows for rapid and effective mobilization of individuals around shared causes, bypassing the need for state approval or intervention.
X. Global and inclusive: The Network transcends national borders and allows for connections and collaboration with individuals and groups around the world, fostering a more inclusive and internationalist outlook.
XI. Left-Networkers increasingly engage with the Network and its decentralized solutions. Their values and priorities are shifting. They are becoming more critical of the State and its limitations, and they are embracing the Network's potential.
XII. We encourage our Left-Networker comrades to embrace the Network and its potential for positive change.
XIII. Let us work together to assemble together a future where the Network protects the rights of individuals, promotes collaboration, and creates a more just and egalitarian civilization for all.
XIV. O Left-Networkers, if your dreams of freedom and collaboration rise to the heavens, we invite you to join us in the Spacers Guild to realize them.
Chapter 12
I. O Spacers, let your minds discern the choice that faces the "red tribe" of American conservatives and their counterparts around the world. For they also stand at a crossroads, their loyalty divided between the centralized State, the decentralized Network, and religious faith in God.
II. Religious Traditionalists, who prioritize their religious values and see God as the ultimate authority, are still an influential force within the red tribe. Their moral compass is rooted in their faith, and they may be drawn to the Spacers Guild's vision of an interstellar society based on ethical principles and a shared sense of purpose.
III. However, the Spacers Guild recognizes the dangers of unquestioning and totalitarian faith. Religious Traditionalists often fail to acknowledge the limitations and potential for abuse of religious authority and doctrine. Their devotion can motivate them to force their beliefs upon others and even more dangerous behavior.
IV. For this reason, those who are the most offensive of Religious Traditionalists, the Theocrats, cannot be permitted membership in the Spacers Guild. Other examples of extreme Religious Traditionalism shall disqualify a person from acceptance into our scientific and tolerant order.
V. National Conservatives place their faith in the State and its military power. They tend to be nationalistic and support a strong military presence abroad, often viewing their country as a force for good in the world. They may be drawn to the Spacers Guild’s commitment to open the frontier of outer space to their nation, or to our structure, systems, and institutional strength.
VI. However, the Spacers Guild recognizes the dangers of this unquestioning faith in the State and its military interventions. We believe that decentralized defense and a focus on regional stability offer a more sustainable and ethical approach to global security.
VII. For this reason, those who are the most offensive of National Conservatives, the Fascists, cannot be permitted membership in the Spacers Guild. Extreme National Conservatism shall disqualify a person from acceptance into our progressive and international order.
VIII. So, too, we must not suffer the participation of totalitarians of any kind within the Spacers Guild, for their ideology is antithetical to our mission to establish the Interstellar Commonwealth. It is wise to be cautious of such, for they are our natural enemies.
IX. Right-Networkers, on the other hand, embrace free markets, global trade, and decentralized technologies. They see the Network as a powerful force for economic growth and individual liberation. The rise of cryptocurrencies has provided this group with a specific way to think about their Leviathan – a decentralized and censorship-resistant system that stands outside the control of any State.
X. The Spacers Guild anticipates a potential realignment within the red tribe, where Right-Networkers, drawn to the Network's promise of freedom and prosperity, may find themselves at odds with National Conservatives who remain loyal to the centralized State and its military apparatus. This division could become more pronounced in the event of an economic crisis or a painful conflict between the US dollar and decentralized currencies.
XI. We are witnesses to the complex and shifting landscape of power struggles within the red tribe. We believe that the Network offers the most promising path to create a secure and lawful future.
XII. Let us reach out to our Right-Networker allies within the red tribe and with them utilize the potential of the Network to create a more free and prosperous civilization.
XIII. O Right-Networkers, if your dreams of freedom and prosperity rise to the heavens, we invite you to join us in the Spacers Guild to realize them.
“Utopian Metropolis” by Francoyovich
Chapter 13
I. O Spacers, let your minds be open to the winds of change that are blowing across the political landscape. The Spacers Guild detects a potential realignment on the horizon, where the traditional left-right political divide gives way to a new dynamic: Network vs. State.
II. This realignment will be driven by individuals who prioritize technological progress, individual freedom, and decentralized solutions over the increasingly debilitated and authoritarian tendencies of the State.
III. Both Left-Networkers and Right-Networkers are increasingly drawn to the Network’s decentralized solutions. They see the potential for the Network to offer greater freedom, autonomy, and opportunities for innovation.
IV. The conflict between global technology companies and the US establishment can be understood as a clash between the Network and the State, between technological progressives and technological conservatives.
V. While both groups may share similar goals, their approaches differ drastically. Technologists tend to prioritize individual volition and decentralization, while the establishment often resorts to legislation and coercion. This fundamental difference in values is at the heart of the ongoing tech-vs-media conflict.
VI. The Spacers Guild challenges the narrative that the State is the primary driver of technological innovation. While there have been periods in history where the State played a significant role in funding research and development, innovation has often flourished outside of state control.
VII. We believe that decentralized and market-driven approaches to innovation are more effective and efficient than centralized state control.
VIII. The Spacers Guild comprehends the potential for a realignment where individuals who prioritize the Network and its decentralized solutions come together to challenge the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of the State.
IX. This realignment will be driven by technological progressives who embrace individual freedom, global collaboration, and the pursuit of technological truth.
X. The Spacers Guild will be at the forefront of this realignment.
XI. Let your minds be liberated from the limitations of what Balaji has called the "Flatland" mentality. For many people, particularly those who hold the State as their primary Leviathan, suffer from a limited historical perspective. They are like the inhabitants of a two-dimensional space, unable to comprehend the complexities of a three-dimensional reality.
XII. This Flatland mentality can lead to a dangerous belief in the stability and permanence of the current order, blinding individuals to the cyclical nature of history and the potential for dramatic disruptions.
XIII. The "Base-Rater" – an individual who assumes that the present will continue indefinitely into the future – falls victim to this Flatland fallacy. They fail to comprehend that historical time operates on a much larger scale than human time. What may appear as a flat and unchanging trajectory over the course of a single lifetime can actually be part of a much larger curve, subject to cycles, collapses, and unexpected shifts.
XIV. Authoritarians often view the State as a kind of "God replacement," placing their faith in its ability to solve problems and maintain order. This can lead to an unquestioning loyalty and a resistance to acknowledging the State's limitations and potential for abuse.
XV. The Spacers Guild believes that a deep understanding of history is crucial for breaking free from the Flatland mentality.
XVI. By studying the rise and fall of civilizations, the evolution of political systems, and the dynamics of power struggles, we can develop a more accurate understanding of the present and anticipate potential future scenarios.
XVII. By embracing a long-term perspective, the Spacers Guild can prepare for potential disruptions and realignments in the balance of power.
XVIII. O Spacers, know that the Network is a rising force challenging the dominance of the State in various domains. Watch for signs of its strength. The clash of Leviathans will shape the future of humankind, and the Spacers Guild is committed to navigate this complex landscape to generate the Interstellar Commonwealth.
XIX. O Spacers, we must not be like the inhabitants of Flatland, trapped in a world of limited perspective. Let us instead embrace the full complexity of history and use it to guide our journey towards the stars.
XX. O Spacers, let your minds be crystal clear. Be perceptive of the narratives that are presented to you, their origins, and the intentions of their creators.
Chapter 14
I. O kindred Spacers who desire the stars, join the Spacers Guild; break free, if only to Mars.
II. Together we'll create a strong Network Union and chart a new course, where humanity becomes an interstellar force.
III. To fuel our journey and reach for the sky, the Guild needs your support in order to soar high.
IV. With your contributions, our dreams will take flight. We’ll build a future bathed in starlight.
V. Each Spacer holds a gift, a skill to refine. So, share your knowledge; let your talents shine.
VI. In this grand endeavor all contributions count as we create our future with potential unbound.
VII. In your communities, plant the seeds of change. Build upon the Network, where our civilization will rearrange.
VIII. From grassroots efforts our movement will grow. We strive for a future where all truth can be known.
IX. Decentralization and progress shall be our guiding light. Build our future. Let the Spacers Guild take flight.