How to become a ‘Blockchain Radical,’ according to podcaster Joshua Dávila

Crypto has actually been the topic of much criticism from those on the political Left, numerous of whom see cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) as being associated with libertarian or right-wing concepts. One common understanding is that cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based technologies, such as nonfungible tokens (NFTs), exist for the main purpose of concentrating wealth, scamming financiers and otherwise reproducing existing monetary and power structures– simply in a more unregulated manner.On Episode 16 of The Agenda podcast, hosts Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung chat with author and podcaster Joshua Dávila, host of The Blockchain Socialist podcast and author of the brand-new book Blockchain Radicals: How Capitalism Ruined Crypto and How to Fix It.”Related: Mutual help, DAOs and advocacy: The Agenda podcast talks with PactDAO co-founder Marisa RandoDávila pointed to venture capitalists, in particular, as a negative influence on crypto. He thinks that while there were a lot of fascinating experiments in the early days of crypto, the influx of endeavor capital has brought with it the expectation of huge returns for investors, which simply ends up reproducing the standard financial order.

Crypto has actually been the subject of much criticism from those on the political Left, much of whom see cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) as being connected with right-wing or libertarian concepts. One common perception is that cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based technologies, such as nonfungible tokens (NFTs), exist for the main function of focusing wealth, scamming investors and otherwise replicating existing monetary and class structure– simply in a more unregulated manner.On Episode 16 of The Agenda podcast, hosts Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung chat with author and podcaster Joshua Dávila, host of The Blockchain Socialist podcast and author of the brand-new book Blockchain Radicals: How Capitalism Ruined Crypto and How to Fix It. Dávila is vital of the capitalistic tendencies of much of the crypto area and offers up an alternative notified by his viewpoint as a self-described “socialism maxi.””Capitalism destroyed crypto”Dávila acknowledged that there is an essential capitalistic mentality within most of crypto, saying the space has actually been “greatly affected by kind of, I would state, more right-leaning libertarian idea, which consists of a great deal of, lets say, support for capitalistic structures, for totally free markets and for all these things.” This is shown at a core level within the consensus systems of a lot of blockchains, which tend to rely on profit-seeking and asset accumulation to incentivize validators, he argued. “If there was no factor to collect profits or wealth in our society, then blockchains would fall apart since thats the manner in which theyre designed.”Related: Mutual aid, DAOs and advocacy: The Agenda podcast talks with PactDAO co-founder Marisa RandoDávila indicated investor, in particular, as a negative influence on crypto. He thinks that while there were a lot of interesting experiments in the early days of crypto, the increase of equity capital has brought with it the expectation of huge returns for financiers, which simply ends up replicating the traditional financial order.”If there is some factor or no defense stopping them from being available in, of course theyre going to be available in, and theyre going to destroy things because thats like the method operandi of what they do.”Whats the alternative?There are many applications for cryptocurrency and blockchain that dont fall within the existing socio-economic order, argued Dávila, who indicated alternative chains such as Cosmos as examples of the manner in which a blockchains design can affect its social ramifications. He offered the example of a 2022 event on Juno, a part of the Cosmos network, in which the neighborhood voted to “expropriate” $35 million worth of airdropped JUNO tokens from a wallet that had actually allegedly managed to get more tokens than it was expected to. “They have really clear on-chain governance directly for the chain itself that had apparent sociopolitical repercussions,” he said. “They would not have had the ability to do that if this was Bitcoin.”For Dávila, that is an excellent thing: “Ultimately, we are the creators of our destiny, so we ought to embrace that fact and execute that in technological code the very best we can.”As for his more comprehensive dreams for the crypto and tech landscape, Dávila said he would enjoy to see “the creation of applications that permit collective ownership of digital infrastructure.””They [Web3 creators] require to produce something that is different, that particularly gets at the root of the issue, which I believe is how we own things and how we govern those things, and recognizing that our resources should be shared in common rather than entirely privatized by whatever next billionaire creates another Big Tech company.”To hear more from Dávilas discussion with The Agenda, listen to the complete episode on Cointelegraphs Podcasts page, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And do not forget to take a look at Cointelegraphs complete lineup of other programs! Magazine: Tokenizing music royalties as NFTs might assist the next Taylor SwiftThis short article is for basic information functions and is not meant to be and must not be taken as legal or financial investment guidance. The thoughts, opinions, and views revealed here are the authors alone and do not necessarily show or represent the views and viewpoints of Cointelegraph.

Other Questions People Ask

How to become a ‘Blockchain Radical,’ according to podcaster Joshua Dávila, by challenging capitalist influences?

To become a ‘Blockchain Radical,’ one must critically assess the capitalist influences that have permeated the crypto space. Joshua Dávila emphasizes the importance of recognizing how venture capitalists shape expectations for massive returns, which often leads to replicating traditional financial structures. By advocating for alternative blockchain designs that prioritize community governance and collective ownership, individuals can contribute to a more equitable crypto ecosystem.

What insights does Joshua Dávila provide on the role of venture capital in crypto for becoming a ‘Blockchain Radical’?

Joshua Dávila argues that venture capital has negatively impacted the crypto landscape by imposing a profit-driven mentality that undermines the original ethos of decentralization. He suggests that aspiring ‘Blockchain Radicals’ should focus on understanding how these financial structures influence blockchain governance and community dynamics. By promoting alternatives that resist these capitalistic pressures, individuals can help reshape the future of cryptocurrency.

How can individuals implement Dávila's vision of collective ownership in blockchain to become a ‘Blockchain Radical’?

To implement Dávila's vision of collective ownership, individuals should engage with blockchain projects that prioritize community governance and shared resources. He highlights examples like the Cosmos network, where on-chain governance allows communities to make impactful decisions. By participating in such initiatives, aspiring ‘Blockchain Radicals’ can advocate for systems that distribute power and resources more equitably.

What are the key principles for aspiring ‘Blockchain Radicals’ as discussed by Joshua Dávila?

Key principles for aspiring ‘Blockchain Radicals’ include challenging existing power structures and advocating for decentralized governance models. Dávila stresses the need to create applications that address the root issues of ownership and governance in the digital space. By focusing on collective ownership and resisting privatization by wealthy individuals, one can align with Dávila's vision for a more just blockchain ecosystem.

How does Joshua Dávila suggest addressing the socio-economic implications of blockchain technology for becoming a ‘Blockchain Radical’?

Dávila suggests that addressing the socio-economic implications of blockchain technology involves actively participating in discussions about its design and governance. He encourages individuals to explore alternative blockchain models that promote social equity and community involvement. By advocating for changes that prioritize collective interests over individual profit, one can embody the principles of a ‘Blockchain Radical.’