Bitcoin Tech Talk #357
Interesting Stuff
Three Cities - This is an essay on a useful metaphor between technology, reason and religion. The three cities are representatives of each, Silicon Valley, Athens and Jerusalem and it’s an interesting way to view modern life. Essentially, the argument is that we’ve let Silicon Valley take over too much of our life and the lack of meaning is due to a lack of both Athens and Jerusalem. But that’s not how I read it. To me, Silicon Valley doesn’t represent technology, per se, but money. And not just any money, but fiat money. It’s intruded into life in a way that’s undeniable and I would argue, terrible for civilization.
Whig History and Progress - This article explores how current historians frame the arc of history. Particularly useful is the definition of Whig History, which is a narrative of the past that’s based on some progress toward a particular outcome and its inevitability. The article brings in many questions about the assumptions we bring in to analyzing history. As a Christian, I kept coming back to this person’s lack of a metaphysical anchor, which made the analysis, of better or worse, good or bad very difficult. As with most subjects in academia, it’s a mess created by hurricane Fiat.
Allergies - It’s a rather curious fact that allergies are a modern phenomenon. Few people had allergies before the 1950’s and they’re going up everywhere. The article looks at what the causes might be, including antibiotic usage, overly clean environments, modern diets and lack of exposure to the outdoors and/or farm animals. I wish the article would have explored the possible link to vaccines and seed oils.
What I'm up to
Bit Block Boom - I’m going to outline the conferences I’ve committed to thus far this fall. First up is Bit Block Boom which is next weekend in Austin, TX. It’s always a fun time and Gary has planned a gun range shoot, a steak dinner and a chess tournament among other things to hang out and talk with other Bitcoiners. I’ll be around to sign some books and participate in some of these activities.
Pacific Bitcoin - I’m also going to be in LA/Santa Monica for the second edition of this conference and from what I heard, it was a lot of fun last year. There will be a Thank God for Bitcoin side event where I’ll be speaking. Come join us and fellowship with other Christian Bitcoiners!
Bitcoin Amsterdam - Soon afterwards, I’ll be at Bitcoin Amsterdam. They’ve been kind enough to give me an affiliate code and if you want to support my work, please use the code JIMMYSONG for 10% off tickets. I am looking into running a Programming Blockchain Seminar after this event. If you are interested, please fill out the form so I have an idea of public interest.
Lugano Plan B Forum - I will be returning to Lugano, Switzerland for the Plan B Forum. Last year was a lot of fun and I honestly did not expect the audience that this picturesque town attracted. Though the city is expensive, it is absolutely gorgeous.
Nostr Note of the Week
What I’m Shilling
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