What is Kernel?
Kernel is a community of people primarily interested in learning about web3 and the skills required to uncover the value, meaning, and freedom of distributed systems in their own lives.
They are building critical, public web3 infrastructure – an open peer-learning environment built to increase trust between participants on trust-minimized foundations.
The Purpose of Kernel!
Picture this: Human society is like a fascinating mosaic, composed of various pace layers that stack upon each other. And at the tippy-top of this creative concoction, we have the eye-catching layers of fashion, memes, and all things viral. Yep, these are the ingredients that make our modern world sizzle with excitement!
The next layer down is where the real meat and potatoes lie. It’s a dynamic blend of technology, politics, governance, and culture. This layer might not move at the speed of light like fashion and memes, but it’s a powerhouse that shapes our collective behavior and beliefs.
And guess what? Culture, that magical ingredient, varies from person to person, making each of us a unique flavor in this grand human pyramid.
Now, let’s take a closer look at Kernel, where all these layers come together in a harmonious dance. Kernel believes that our identities are not solitary islands but are intricately woven by our relationships with others.
Imagine a vibrant environment of interactions, where learning takes center stage, stealing the spotlight from specific content. It’s all about how we engage with one another, creating an atmosphere where knowledge thrives and curiosity reigns supreme.
From the deep currents of culture to the relationship between gifts, money, speech, and trust; Kernel navigates these layers together, celebrating the beauty of our connections and the power of learning.
Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted as we embark on this thrilling journey of discovery!
One fascinating perspective to ponder is the intricate tapestry of human society. Learning is prioritized over the specific content, highlighting the significance of how we engage with one another.
The Importance of Education
The major role of education in Kernel’s purpose. Education takes center stage in Kernel’s grand purpose. Sure, newfangled technologies and mind-boggling distributed systems are crucial, but they can’t stand alone. Nope, they need some company in the form of fresh cultural perspectives.
Here’s the deal: we’re all about learning together, arm in arm, and developing a shared understanding of the world’s juicy concepts. Take something like money, for example. It’s not just about the numbers and transactions; it’s about diving deep into the value and meaning behind it. We want to appreciate and evaluate things in a whole new light, challenging our old ways of thinking and opening ourselves up to exciting new possibilities.
Sure, building fancy technology is cool, but it’s not the whole enchilada. We’ve got a bigger mission, my friends. We want to create an environment where learning together takes the spotlight. We’re all about those long, juicy conversations that make you feel alive.
Why? Because through these conversations, we build meaningful relationships that go beyond the surface. We nurture connections that spark creativity, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
In Kernel, we don’t just see technology as an end in itself. Oh no, it’s a means to an end. It’s a tool that helps us reach our ultimate goal of cultivating a community where relationships thrive and learning flourishes.
We’re like a high-tech garden, where technology acts as water and sunlight, nurturing the growth of deep connections and a shared understanding of the world.
The Nature of Kernel
It is highlighted that Kernel does not provide answers but rather offers a space for questioning and exploration. It is designed to foster long and meaningful conversations that span over eight weeks, creating an environment where participants feel like they are conversing with friends.
Kernel challenges the prevailing notion of technology as a mere tool, instead suggesting that it can be used collaboratively to enhance our lives.
Implementing the principles we learn about together
- Memesis – to tell about
- Exegesis – to show
As we learn together (re: money & collective use), we must experiment with new kinds of money which use education to drive changes that might move down the pace layers.
How does Kernel achieve its mission?
Socratic Dialogue is the beating heart of Kernel: A Socratic dialogue is a conversation between two or more people in which participants are forced to think critically, yet independently about the dialectical and epistemological nature of a subject matter.
The “Socratic dialogue” was utilized by the Athenian philosopher Plato to advance arguments involving logic and reason.
The primary teaching method used in Kernel is identified as Socratic dialogue. Participants are organized into small groups, where they engage in deep listening, vulnerability, and honesty.
The aim is to cultivate horizontal conversations that can meander and explore different tangents while maintaining a shared context of learning about ourselves, relationships, and the world.
But don’t worry, there’s no need to do yoga or grow a long white beard. Instead, Kernel gathers you and your fellow learners into small groups, creating the perfect environment for some serious brainpower bonding.
The Kernel community focuses on putting people into small groups and priming them for communication. In these groups, participants encourage deep listening, vulnerability, and honesty. It’s all about creating a safe space where you can let your thoughts roam free and express yourself without any judgment.
The community encourages you to feel like you’re among friends, ready to dive into the deep end of knowledge together.
But here’s the fun part: The conversations are anything but ordinary! They’re like exhilarating roller coasters that take unexpected twists and turns. The Kernel community embraces tangents and meandering discussions because, hey, life is full of surprises, right? So while we’re learning about ourselves, our relationships, and the big wide world out there, we also allow our curiosity to lead the way.
Building Relationships in Kernel
The core focus now reflects on the unique aspect of Kernel, which prioritizes building relationships and making friends. Unlike other communities focused on specific goals, Kernel emphasizes the human aspect and the value of personal connections.
Kernel does not come with answers but with questions. A place that encourages web3 inquiry.
Who are the people building the community through ownership?
The Stewards of Kernel
Imagine stepping into the enchanting realm of Kernel, where a team of extraordinary individuals takes center stage as the stewards of this vibrant community. These stewards are like the guardians of a secret garden, responsible for guiding and nurturing everyone who enters.
There’s more to this remarkable team! The stewards of Kernel come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. They possess a wealth of knowledge in different domains that are essential for cultivating a healthy learning environment. It’s like having a dream team of experts who can tackle any challenge that comes their way.
Three out of the five stewards have personally experienced Kernel themselves. They’ve walked the path, felt the magic, and witnessed the transformative power of this community firsthand. This personal connection speaks volumes about their unwavering dedication to the well-being and growth of the Kernel family.
The approach at the Kernel community is very unique in terms of approach. They include:
- New Learners: They are placed at the core of the community instead of being outsiders of the hierarchy.
- Fellows: Learn around the playbook and have embraced the values of the Kernel community over a period of time
- Domain experts: People who have been in the crypto space for a long time and understand the technicals of the domain. These friends can nurture the community through their learnings of the domain over a period of time and share their knowledge willingly in the most helpful way possible
- Stewards: They are the most fertile path within the Kernel community in terms of overall learning. Unlike other communities, they are not the supergroup within the larger cohort that get to control the mechanism. Their role actually requires them to care for the core of the community and connect them to the larger ecosystem.
Cohesively, the 4 groups mentioned above together make the magic happen within the Kernel community on the macro scale. The focus is always on the best outcomes for the greater good.
The north star metric:
How many people end up at each other’s weddings? That’s all. One of the most unique north star metrics we have come across in a very long time.
What’s Next?
Redesigning towards the truly participative learning environment
Updated and improved program — more participative, higher impact
- Healthy Balance
- Free & open education
- Communities of care & trust (tailored, personalized, high trust)
Kernel will be using new kinds of money that will accelerate the adoption of programmable money. To discover further down in the cultural layer what the perceived value of money is. Since money cannot be programmed, Kernel envisions experimenting with the possibilities of the future.
Conclusion:
In the vast landscape of human society, Kernel emerges as a thriving community, pulsating with the desire to unlock the mysteries of web3 and embrace the profound potential of distributed systems. It is a place where the layers of culture, technology, relationships, and learning converge, creating a dynamic environment that nurtures personal growth and collective understanding.
At the heart of Kernel lies a deep appreciation for the power of education. It goes beyond traditional notions of acquiring knowledge and delves into the exploration of diverse perspectives, challenging existing beliefs, and opening ourselves up to new possibilities. By emphasizing the importance of learning together, Kernel transforms technology into a tool that fosters meaningful connections and cultivates a shared understanding of the world.
Looking ahead, Kernel envisions a future where participative learning thrives, where education is freely accessible, and where communities are built on trust and care. With a keen focus on redesigning and experimenting with new forms of money, Kernel aims to accelerate the adoption of programmable currency and explore the intrinsic value of money within the cultural fabric.
In this grand tapestry of human society, Kernel stands as a beacon of intellectual exploration, a place where education, relationships, and technology intertwine to inspire, challenge, and uplift. It invites all those who seek to expand their horizons, embrace the journey of discovery, and be part of a community where the bonds are forged through learning to endure, transcending boundaries, and enriching lives.
Together, we embark on a thrilling adventure, driven by curiosity, guided by trust, and united by the desire to uncover the endless possibilities of the web3 landscape!