Nostr Web Client

Replying to

Alekandar Svetski

Plato:

“The measure of a man is what he does with power”

Therefore by my estimation, it’s not power that is the problem, but like u said at the end, those who abuse it.

“Power corrupts the weak”

I’ll die on this hill.

Also..

Yes - anonymous uses of one’s power for productive, noble causes is of course a beautiful thing.

But both are necessary. And no matter how anon, there will always be a story and myth that develops around great deeds and the great figures who do those deeds.

It’s the ONLY reason why bitcoin is here today. It was a great deed done by a great man/group and we continue to celebrate it.

The story matters more than the thing itself. We are deeply wired to interpret all of reality through a story.

Greatness is simply the highest of stories. And great men inspire the best stories.

Thanks again for the comments.

Enjoying the discussion

I need to come on nostr more often

LpLiberto 2y ago

I’ll put my thoughts into order at some point, so I can make better sense of what up to this point are more intuitions than firm convictions.

I feel that citing Plato reinforces my point. Let us all obey the philosopher king, for he is most virtuous, most wise and therefore superior to us.

I’m guessing your point is that we should have an aristocracy, understood etymologically; but aristocracies consider themselves the best, regardless of whether they are or not! Being virtuous does not legitimise your use of force against me, poor wretched deject.

And when it comes to power, and since stories are so important, I prefer to live by that in which renouncing and destroying the Ring is more virtuous, since it is impossible to use it, however great you are, without being corrupted. To me, the greater you are the greater risk your corruption poses, since your will extends further.

And please be assured that I’m not allergic to power, virtue or greatness. I just place more sanctity on their limits than on the things themselves, if that makes sense.

Bitcoin allows each of us to be extremely powerful, and forces us to be extremely responsible. I would agree that it is the ultimate aristocratic/meritocratic system, but built into the system are its limits. Your merit does not allow you to interfere with my property or life.

Reply to this note

Discussion