Systems should be designed for principled centralization, with a jewel bearing.

· Bits and Bobs 8/17/26
  • Systems should be designed for principled centralization, with a jewel bearing.
    • All systems have some kind of emergent centralization.
    • A system that is designed to be fully decentralized will then have layers outside the system that become centralized.
      • That external centralization won't really care about the whole system, and can easily become a parasite.
    • Instead of hoping that doesn't happen, design it so that it emerges in a balanced, contained, beneficial way.
    • A jewel bearing is a pivot point that the whole system can rotate around, but is small and structurally aligned with the goals of the system.
    • By having that one pivot point of beneficial centralization inside the system, you can make sure it's governed in a way that is aligned with the long-term incentives of the overall system.

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