Reggie James

The essay explores the cultural flattening and seeming homogeneity brought about by the 'democratization of everything' enabled by internet technologies. It calls for designing radical alternative futures with distinct values and cultures, akin to the diversity that arose after the scattering from the biblical Tower of Babel. The internet today is described as a 'flat earth' in need of dense, natural topologies shaped by strong community values. Crypto is highlighted as an example of an alternate internet timeline emerging from differing values. The author advocates finding and embodying alternative values through exercises like exploring value antonyms, references, meditation, and other industries. Ultimately, the goal is to create flourishing internet cultures that represent true freedom and diversity.