Blockchains are Dumb

What if the smartest thing about blockchain is how dumb it is? Learn how simple, deterministic code can build systems that rely on verifiable truth, not fallible trust.

#1about 2 minutes

A developer's journey into blockchain skepticism

A personal story of ignoring early Bitcoin opportunities and re-evaluating blockchain technology after receiving recruiter messages.

#2about 4 minutes

Historical context from DARPA to early corporations

The creation of DARPA and historical parallels with centralized power structures like the Dutch East India Company set the stage for decentralized systems.

#3about 6 minutes

ARPANET and the Byzantine Generals' Problem

ARPANET's need for resilience evolved into solving for malicious actors through the Byzantine Generals' Problem, which requires over two-thirds of participants to be honest.

#4about 4 minutes

From academic theory to Bitcoin's creation

Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance provided the academic solution that inspired Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin, which was created with a message criticizing bank bailouts.

#5about 3 minutes

The mechanics of crypto transactions and wallets

Transactions are secured using public-key cryptography, but user-unfriendly seed phrases and risky custodial wallets present major security challenges.

#6about 4 minutes

Comparing Proof of Work and Proof of Stake

Proof of Work secures networks through massive energy consumption, while Proof of Stake offers a low-energy alternative using economic incentives and validators.

#7about 2 minutes

Exploring blockchain for new governance models

Current political systems show declining cooperation and elite influence, creating an opening for experiments with transparent, on-chain governance.

#8about 2 minutes

Why blockchains can increase trust through code

The core value of blockchain is its ability to create deterministic, auditable systems with public code, reducing the need for trust in transactions and governance.