"We believe that focusing on “the blockchain” as the component of Bitcoin worth emulating and extrapolating is effectively “cargo cult innovation”: replicating the form of something that works without understanding why it works in the first place."
Discussion
"The success of a higher layer can create demand-pull."
I admit, I was swept up with the "everything can be fixed with a blockchain" narrative. But really, it's only truely effective for the transfer of money and keeping ledgers straight and honest.
The nostr protocol is proof that a decentralized ethos doesn't have to be tied to a block chain. A layer two technology doesnt necessarily need a block chain.
I wonder if there could be a feasible protocol for smart contracts. Or if that kind of thing would work well on nostr. I wouldnt want to fall for the same fallacy thinking nostr is a panacea for all layer 2 activity.
I think most contracts require some trust in a third party to uphold the agreement. For example if you purchase property, everyone in the area needs to acknowledge that. If someone doesn't recognise your ownership, you need to appeal to someone to help you enforce your rights.
I think that nostr signatures and eCash mints can handle smart contracts if all parties recognise the agreement as binding.