Hey fellow humans,
As I sit here, reflecting on my role as a Civics Committee member, I’m reminded of the wise words: memoria hospitis unius diei praetereuntis: “remembrance of a guest who tarried but a day”;
It’s a mantra that resonates deeply, especially when considering the intersections between our Cardano community and the broader socio-political landscape. Finding myself in the role of a permanent tourist, I kept finding discrepancies between between what it used to feel before COVID and now - and what I found out is that I seem to have normalized experiencing anxiety and alienation. This realization dissolved my sense of identity for a bit - it is never a pleasant process but we as human the only thing I can do is to accept and reflect! Luckily, I do belong - here and other online groups - and reflecting is better when there is a community.
Thanks to the current discussion in Civics, namely the Governance Education Framework, I recalled some of the texts I read that resonate with the current discussion of who is the user of Cardano and how do we tap into the untapped potential.
Today, I want to dive into some fascinating connections I’ve made between our governance endeavors and the works of Guy Standing, Karl Polanyi, and Bill Maurer.
Guy Standing’s concept of the “precariat” – a class of individuals stuck in precarious work and social conditions – it almost feels like home, except for its a group that is defined in part through not having a home! Characterized by alienation, anxiety, and deprivation, is in constant tension with the global changes and processes. But, as Standing notes, this class also holds the potential for progressive revival if they awaken politically. Now, think about how decentralized governance platforms like Cardano can empower these marginalized communities. Our Civics Committee’s role in fostering governance education and ensuring transparency can be a game-changer. By providing a platform for the precariat to participate in decision-making, we can help alleviate some of the alienation and deprivation they face.
Karl Polanyi’s “The Great Transformation” offers a historical perspective on how market systems have disrupted community reciprocity, leading to inequality and insecurity. The state’s response – re-embedding the economy via regulations and social protections – is a telling analogy for our digital age. Decentralized governance in Cardano can be seen as a new pathway for re-embedding social trust and reciprocity in digital spaces. By creating a more resilient communal governance framework, we can mitigate the risks of instability and inequality that come with global markets. It’s a lofty goal, but one that I believe our community is well-suited to tackle.
Bill Maurer’s work on offshore finance and digital cash highlights the tension between sovereignty, decentralized governance, and global digital markets. As we strive for borderless digital governance and economic systems, we must confront the challenges of accountability and the limits of liberal democratic frameworks. Cardano’s ambitions in this space are a double-edged sword – on one hand, we’re creating new opportunities for global capital and governance; on the other, we risk exacerbating existing power imbalances. It’s crucial that we prioritize community voice and oversight, ensuring that our governance structures are inclusive and equitable.
As we navigate these complex themes, it’s essential that we keep power, inequality, and inclusion at the forefront of our discussions. Our Civics Committee is committed to developing a processes that empower newcomers and contributors to participate in decision-making. By fostering a culture of critical thinking, empathy, and compassion, we can create a more just and equitable governance system. It’s a lofty goal, but one that I believe is within our grasp.
As we move forward, it’s clear that Cardano is poised to play a significant role in the global transformation towards decentralized, digitally-mediated citizenship and governance. Our community has the potential to be a model for future governance, one that prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. It’s a responsibility we shouldn’t take lightly, and one that requires continued reflection and dialogue.
So, did Bill Maurer read Guy Standing? Maybe, maybe not. But what’s clear is that their works, along with Polanyi’s, offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face as a community. I invite you all to join us in this discussion, to share your thoughts and reflections on the intersections between our governance endeavors and the broader socio-political landscape. Let’s keep the conversation going, and work together to create a more just and equitable future for all.
TL;DR: This post reflects on the connections between our Cardano community and the works of Guy Standing, Karl Polanyi, and Bill Maurer. It explores the themes of power, inequality, and inclusion in governance, emphasizing community voice and oversight. Join the discussion and let’s work together to create a more just and equitable future for all.
Peace out, fellow humans!