Decentralization and Mediation Interpretation#
Decentralization, here the "center" is not a good thing. Since it is "de"centralization, it indicates that the ideal state is without this "center." Even the "center" that is removed does not deserve the term "center"; it merely occupies a central position in form, but in essence, it is equivalent to a mediator or agent.
Of course, decentralization specifically refers to direct connections between users without going through a center. "De-mediation" can encompass "decentralization." Therefore, it is also acceptable to explain it using de-mediation.
In fact, whether from a group or individual perspective, "mediation" mostly needs to be "removed," and the result of "de-mediation" often aims for "centralization."
Group De-mediation#
Groups have centers; without a center, a group cannot form. However, many mediators deviate from their design purpose, thereby harming the center. Therefore, de-mediation can lead to re-centralization.
Printing and the Bible#
For example, before the Reformation, the Bible could only be read by clergy. However, with the technological innovation of movable type printing, the threshold for information dissemination was lowered, allowing ordinary believers to read the Bible directly. Here, the center is the church; removing the church allows a return to a relatively ideal state, where believers can communicate directly with the Bible. Furthermore, the Bible itself is also a mediator; when we have the ability to communicate directly with God, we no longer need the Bible.
The Great Firewall and Starlink#
Another example is the Great Firewall. Everyone needs an internet service provider to connect to the international internet. The networks we currently use are set up by mobile and telecom companies. When accessing the external network, all data travels through the optical fibers of these few service providers. At this point, they act as a mediator or agent. All data we exchange with the external network is determined by this mediator, allowing them to decide and review which domain names and websites are accessible. The emergence of Musk's Starlink theoretically breaks the foundational existence of the mobile and telecom mediators. People’s data can bypass mobile and telecom and instead travel via Starlink satellites. Of course, Starlink's technology still needs improvement. Furthermore, when people from all corners of the world can truly achieve interconnectivity without mediators through more advanced technology, how terrifying that would be! The ultimate state is that no matter where you are in the universe or in time and space, I can communicate with you instantly, perhaps reaching a divine realm.
Individual De-mediation#
Groups have mediators that need to be continuously removed; do individuals have them? Of course, they do.
The Center of the Individual#
Since we want to de-mediation, we must first understand what the center of a person is. Mediation and the center are one and the same.
The center of life is survival instinct; survival instinct is the characteristic that defines life, allowing it to survive and continue in countless possible ways. Everything about a person is centered around survival, and then gradually removing all mediators that are detrimental to our survival.
For example, the evolution of appetite drives people to seek food to maintain survival and actively store more energy. However, now that the issue of eating is basically resolved, appetite does not diminish. Thus, many become obese, necessitating the removal of mediators, which means limiting appetite.
Of course, the survival instinct is rich in connotation and is not merely about prolonging life.
The Mediator of Human Consciousness#
From the consciousness level of a person, there is also a mediator or agent—greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt. Greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt are referred to as the "Five Poisons" in Buddhism. You can say they are weaknesses of human nature, or you can say they are something else. Like most people, I am also influenced by the mediation of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt; they communicate my relationship with the world. To some extent, these emotions provide me with the motivation and drive to exist in this world.
However, like appetite, they can sometimes hinder individual development.
The Center of Human Thought#
The true center behind the mediation of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt. Once this mediator is removed, where is "me," and where is the world? I cease to exist; there is only a thought in my heart. It may be a good thought or an evil thought. However, the ability to remove mediators is not easily attained. While we navigate this world with greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt, we may catch a glimpse of the dawn of truth and faith...
Opinions on the center of human thought vary, but most people do not like to become greedy, angry, ignorant, arrogant, or doubtful. Our center of thought may just be a thought, a belief. Life and death often hinge on a single thought; the importance of belief lies in the fact that it is the center, the source of meaning, and the prototype of mediation. As the saying goes, "Bodhisattvas fear causes, while sentient beings fear results."
Methods of De-mediation#
Reasons for Mediator Existence#
To summarize, people need agents and mediators, need this center, because they lack the ability to communicate with the true center. Mediation is a helpless act. This ability may be technology, knowledge, understanding...
Mediation is a means, and the center is the goal. Mediation and the center are a pair of contradictions, constantly advancing through struggle in social development. For example, the relationship between the type of political system and group development is always changing, continuously adapting to the objective world.
Thus, removing mediators is not the goal; the center we perceive is always a mediator. As mediators continuously deviate, we are tasked with bringing them back on track.
Technology's Role in Changing Mediation#
Whether it is printing, Starlink, stirrups, Viagra, or social media... they greatly change the form of the objective world, so the possibility of decentralization lies in technology, not in empty talk.
Replacement of Mediator Functions#
Of course, there is another thought. Individuals cannot be without desires, and groups cannot be without politics. Development does not negate mediation; rather, it continuously transforms and replaces mediation. Governments still need to exist, but in a new political form; desires still need to exist, but in a new form of desire. Under conservatism, our methods of de-mediation become easier to find.
Original text “Decentralization and the Removal of Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt,” written on April 03, 2022, supplemented and reconstructed on September 23, 2024.