Protocol Society: Power, Algorithms, and the Future of Humanity

2025-05-04
Protocol Society: Power, Algorithms, and the Future of Humanity

This essay explores a new model of power in the internet age: "Protocol Society." By contrasting two narratives—one about the internet breaking down traditional power structures, the other about global cultural convergence—the author reveals a shift from centralized to decentralized, algorithmic power. Protocols, not centralized authorities, become key shapers of society and individual behavior. The essay delves into the mechanisms of protocol operation, its opportunities and challenges, and the resulting new political reality, exploring how to maintain individual autonomy and social stability within a protocol society.

Read more

From Johnny Appleseed to Sewage Treatment: A History of Water Management

2025-05-01
From Johnny Appleseed to Sewage Treatment: A History of Water Management

This article begins with the story of Johnny Appleseed, exploring humanity's millennia-long struggle with water resource utilization and management. Appleseed's apple trees weren't for eating, but for cider—a crucial public health measure in early America, providing a safer alternative to polluted water. This introduces the central theme: accessing and treating clean water has always been a monumental challenge. The article traces the history from the sophisticated drainage systems of ancient Mohenjo-daro, to Roman aqueducts and sewers, and the evolution of urban sewage treatment post-Industrial Revolution. It reveals the tension between technological advancements and societal management. While modern sewage treatment boasts three-stage processes, corruption, inefficiency, and underinvestment remain major obstacles globally, demanding urgent attention.

Read more