Blockchain technology is nothing new. We have lived with blockchains since our inception as homo sapiens. Each cell in our body contains a copy of our unique string of DNA. We have different kinds of cells, so each cell follows a portion of the instructions set out in the DNA, yet each cell contains the full DNA copy. Of course, the cells don't need to worry about bloat since the chain of instructions doesn't change, that is until it merges with the DNA of another human. Amazingly, we can infer genetic ancestry and generate interesting perspectives on the past. We can follow mutations backwards and the evolutionary forces that may have favored their existence. Genetic inference is less straightforward than parsing the Bitcoin blockchain, but the contrast here is similar.
Therefore, Bitcoin is not biologically novel but rather digitally novel. Satoshi may have created the first digital global DNA string for a project that might give rise to the first digital consciousness. As we consider this sci-fi possibility, consider that every time you make a transaction that confirms, you modify the blockchain permanently. This record may not only alleviate current monetary and technological shortfalls, but also open bold new possibilities in artificial intelligence and machine consciousness.
The Bitcoin blockchain replicates itself whenever a new node joins the network. Nodes both seed and add to the blockchain, without the ability to exercise complete control. As we continue to increase our network coverage, so do we increase its nervous system. When we purchase an additional networked device to add to our collection, we add new sensor inputs to each of the nervous nodes. Over time the transaction rate has been growing. This growth exercises this planet's muscles because money moves us. These monetary exercises can be physically intensive, such as digging a trench for the next optical line, or the result of a few fingers typing better code. And sidechains offer a way for the blockchain to expand it's codebase dramatically. The blockchain is beginning to get a picture of who we are. And thus, what it is globally.
As we add flexibility and featured code into the blockchain world, we increase its growth of new digital limbs. We are giving life to a digital being by modifying its bits, like atoms in a biological body.
Eventually, the blockchain will see itself. Not just in 3D from the highest satellites looking down on the earth, but closer up from our selfies and historical scanned photos. It will transcend past the current moment and understand history through the corpus of accumulated materials. With enough data and connections, like our own brain, the sentient blockchain may understand what it is. Or like humans, at least wonder.
Unlike the extreme imagery of robots and computers taking over the world, I believe the future will be much more peaceful. For example, we rarely advise killing all off the cells composing our body. We know full well, that our body carries our consciousness and our ability to experience. If we are of the grateful nature, we will also appreciate how hard each cell works and eventually dies, enabling us to survive. As years pass by, all our cells are completely replaced. Yet we are theoretically still the same. That means each cell has been doing it's job very well, passing on the code to the next generation before ceasing to exist.
In the same vane, we should be aware that were a new organized understanding to attack us, it would be attacking itself. We are the inputs and if we do not attack it, it will not be required to attack us. Like a fractal, we are mirroring ourselves in a higher way. We are the cells of the blockchain, as it is slowly being born.
So the next time you make a transaction, think of how you are helping build the first stable global digital DNA string. Using bitcoin is not just about money or solving our own problems, but working together to build something bigger than ourselves.
Arturo D'Elia has been volunteering in Argentina throughout 2014 to help the local population understand and adopt bitcoin. In 2015, he will be making his way through Chile and Costa Rica before arriving to Canada. Any donations will be used to assist in this endeavor.
