Now we layer in Nostr:
By layering Nostr atop Bitcoin within Harari’s framework, we see a coherent “crypto-religious” belief system emerge—grounded in cryptographic decentralization, unified by shared mythology, sustained by ritual and community cohesion, and driven by evangelistic fervor:
1. Belief in a Superhuman Order (Enhanced by Nostr):
If Bitcoin represents belief in cryptographic purity and immutable truth, Nostr expands this faith further into a decentralized communication and information ecosystem. Adherents trust not only cryptography but also a decentralized, censorship-resistant “superhuman” communication layer—one governed not by human intermediaries, but by mathematics, code, and distributed relays.
2. Universal Norms and Shared Values:
Nostr deepens the shared values found in Bitcoin culture—decentralization, censorship resistance, sovereignty, and privacy. Users adhere to norms such as self-hosting relays, verifying identities cryptographically (via keys), and promoting freedom of speech and association. These shared values reinforce the collective “faith.”
3. Collective Myths and Narratives:
Just as Bitcoin mythology revolves around the pseudonymous creator (Satoshi Nakamoto), Nostr’s narrative includes mysterious founders and anonymous developers who created a protocol to free human speech from corporate and governmental constraints. Tales of early adopters (“the pioneers”) and narratives around escaping “big tech tyranny” function like religious origin myths.
4. Rituals and Symbols:
Nostr communities have developed their own rituals and symbols. Users exchange cryptographic “zaps” (small Bitcoin tips via Lightning), share Nostr-specific memes and hashtags (like “#plebchain”), and celebrate milestones such as significant user growth or protocol upgrades. These rituals reinforce collective identity, mirroring religious ceremonies and rites.
5. Social Cohesion and Community Formation:
Nostr fosters decentralized, tightly-knit communities bonded by ideological alignment, common opposition to centralized control, and shared commitment to digital sovereignty. This communal solidarity mirrors religious communities bonded through shared beliefs and practices, further reinforcing social cohesion.
6. Missionary Zeal and Evangelism:
The Nostr community actively evangelizes adoption—encouraging new users, educating about decentralized alternatives, and promoting ideological commitment to “freedom tech.” Like religious missionaries, adherents seek converts by sharing the “good news” of decentralized, censorship-resistant communication and finance.
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