#215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Project That Became Siri
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson discusses his journey from a homeschooled student in Hawaii to a key figure in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. After co-founding Ethereum and later creating Cardano, Hoskinson worked to integrate blockchain solutions into traditional financial systems, including helping El Salvador implement Bitcoin as a national standard.
The conversation spans beyond cryptocurrency, covering Hoskinson's investments in synthetic biology and de-extinction through Colossal, a company working to revive extinct species like woolly mammoths. He also shares his perspectives on regulating emerging technologies, his experiences with ketamine therapy, and his funding of a deep-sea expedition to investigate potential extraterrestrial artifacts.
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Hoskinson's Background and Life Experiences
Charles Hoskinson's early life was shaped by homeschooling in Hawaii, where he developed a deep appreciation for nature. After moving to Colorado at age eight, he excelled academically, graduating high school by age 15. Though initially pursuing medicine at CU Boulder, Hoskinson later switched to mathematics. His work on the Ron Paul campaign proved pivotal, where he invented the "money bomb" concept for political donations and developed an interest in Austrian economics.
His Work in Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology
After co-founding Ethereum, Hoskinson left due to vision differences and founded Input Output. He then created Cardano, a blockchain platform designed for high upgradeability and regulated business use. Running continuously since 2017 without being hacked, Cardano aims to bridge traditional finance with cryptocurrency values. Hoskinson has been actively involved in blockchain adoption, including assisting El Salvador with its implementation of Bitcoin as a national standard.
Interests in Synthetic Biology, Regenerative Medicine, and Extraterrestrial Artifacts
Hoskinson has invested in Colossal, a de-extinction company working on reviving creatures like dire wolves and woolly mammoths. He views synthetic biology as a solution for environmental challenges, including the development of organisms that can eat plastics or sequester carbon. His interest extends to psychedelics, particularly after a transformative experience with [restricted term] therapy. Additionally, Hoskinson funded a deep-sea expedition to recover materials believed to be of extraterrestrial origin, following Avi Loeb's hypothesis about interstellar debris.
Views on Emerging Technologies' Potential and Implications
Hoskinson advocates for thoughtful, collaborative regulation of emerging technologies, comparing technological regulation to building safety inspections. He envisions blockchain and cryptocurrencies as tools for financial inclusion and transparency, citing El Salvador's Bitcoin adoption as an example of successful cryptocurrency integration. Hoskinson believes in creating a unified financial system where traditional finance and cryptocurrencies can coexist and complement each other, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and global cooperation in managing exponential technologies.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The "money bomb" concept, popularized by Charles Hoskinson during the Ron Paul campaign, involves coordinating a massive, concentrated effort by supporters to donate funds online within a specific timeframe, typically a single day. This strategy aims to generate a significant influx of donations in a short period, showcasing grassroots support and potentially influencing media coverage and fundraising momentum for the candidate. The term "money bomb" evokes the idea of a sudden and impactful explosion of financial contributions, symbolizing the collective power of individual donors rallying behind a cause or candidate. Hoskinson's innovation with the money bomb concept helped revolutionize online fundraising strategies in political campaigns, emphasizing the influence of decentralized, internet-driven initiatives in shaping political landscapes.
- Input Output is a technology company founded by Charles Hoskinson after he left Ethereum. It serves as the primary development firm behind Cardano, a blockchain platform known for its focus on sustainability and scalability. Input Output is instrumental in driving the research, development, and implementation of Cardano's protocols and features. Charles Hoskinson's involvement with Input Output showcases his continued dedication to advancing blockchain technology and fostering innovation in the cryptocurrency space.
- Cardano's design for regulated business use involves features that cater to compliance requirements set by regulatory bodies. This includes capabilities for identity verification, transaction traceability, and smart contracts that can facilitate legally binding agreements. By focusing on regulatory compliance, Cardano aims to provide a platform where businesses can confidently operate within legal frameworks while leveraging blockchain technology for efficiency and security.
- De-extinction projects aim to bring back extinct species through genetic engineering. Colossal is a company focused on de-extinction efforts, particularly targeting creatures like dire wolves and woolly mammoths. These projects involve advanced genetic technologies to recreate extinct species by modifying the DNA of closely related living species. The goal is to restore biodiversity and potentially address ecological challenges through the reintroduction of extinct species.
- Interoperability in technology means different systems and software can work together seamlessly. Global cooperation in managing exponential technologies involves countries and organizations collaborating to regulate and utilize rapidly advancing technologies for the benefit of all. This approach aims to ensure that emerging technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies can function across borders and adhere to common standards. It emphasizes the need for harmonized rules and protocols to facilitate innovation and prevent fragmentation in the digital landscape.
Counterarguments
- While Cardano has not been hacked since its inception, it's important to note that no system can be considered completely immune to security breaches, and the future risk always exists.
- The implementation of Bitcoin as a national standard in El Salvador has been met with mixed reactions, with some critics pointing out issues related to volatility, financial inclusion, and implementation challenges.
- The investment in de-extinction projects like those of Colossal raises ethical and ecological concerns about the implications of bringing extinct species back to life.
- Synthetic biology, while offering potential solutions for environmental challenges, also poses risks such as unintended ecological consequences and biosecurity concerns.
- The funding of expeditions to recover materials believed to be of extraterrestrial origin may be seen by some as a speculative endeavor with uncertain scientific value.
- Advocacy for collaborative regulation of emerging technologies is a complex issue, with some arguing that too much regulation can stifle innovation and others believing that insufficient regulation can lead to misuse or harmful consequences.
- The vision of a unified financial system where traditional finance and cryptocurrencies coexist is ambitious and faces significant challenges, including regulatory hurdles, technological barriers, and resistance from established financial institutions.
- Financial inclusion through cryptocurrencies is still a contentious issue, as there are concerns about accessibility for those without the necessary technological literacy or resources.
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Hoskinson's Background and Life Experiences
Charles Hoskinson's unique early life experiences, from an unconventional upbringing to his academic and political work, have shaped his innovative approach to problem-solving and his contributions to the field of cryptocurrency.
Hoskinson's Unconventional Upbringing: From Hawaii and Colorado to Mathematics and Economics
Homeschooled In Hawaii, Hoskinson Developed a Love For Nature, Which Influenced His Interests
Charles Hoskinson's early years in Hawaii were marked by a homeschooling experience that cultivated his fast-paced education and deep appreciation for nature. Delivered by his grandfather on Maui, Hoskinson grew up in an isolated environment, leading to his homeschooling. This alternative educational path allowed him to finish high school at an accelerated rate. His engagement with Hawaii's beaches and jungles instilled a lifelong passion for the natural world, influencing his interest in running a plant company and a ranch.
After Moving To Colorado, Hoskinson Excelled, Graduating High School Early and Exploring Medicine and Math Before Joining Cryptocurrency
Hoskinson's family relocated to Colorado when he was around eight years old, driven by his mother's desire to leave Hawaii and the familial connections they had in that state. Transitioning from Hawaii to Colorado, Hoskinson continued to excel academically, graduating from high school by age 15. His education journey took him through community college and eventually to CU Boulder, where he initially aimed to become a doctor like many in his family lineage.
However, his explorations in the field of medicine left him unfulfilled, after recognizing the burdens of chronic ailment management and excessive paperwork on physicians. His passion for mathematics prevailed, leading him to change course and transfer to CU Boulder for an advanced math program. Eventually, he found the professional environment of mathematics overly dreary and political.
Hoskin ...
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Hoskinson's Background and Life Experiences
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Actionables
- Explore alternative education options by researching homeschooling benefits and methods to potentially accelerate your or your children's learning journey. For example, you might find online platforms offering tailored curriculums that can be adapted to your pace or interests, similar to how Hoskinson's education was personalized.
- Volunteer for a political campaign to gain firsthand experience in grassroots organization and fundraising. This could involve helping with social media campaigns, phone banking, or even creating promotional materials, which can teach you valuable skills in communication and marketing.
- Educate yourself on different economic theor ...
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His Work in Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology
Charles Hoskinson's work in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology spans from co-founding Ethereum to creating the Cardano blockchain, aiming to address scalability, interoperability, governance, and security issues in the industry.
Hoskinson's Role in Ethereum, Input Output, and Cardano Founding
Hoskinson has played significant roles in the development of blockchain technology, from his early involvement with Ethereum to his current work with Input Output and Cardano.
Hoskinson Left Ethereum Due to Vision and Approach Differences
Reflecting on his time with Ethereum, Charles Hoskinson reveals that he parted ways with the project due to disagreements about its development. He mentions the stress of being part of Ethereum's early days, likening the discovery of its potential to finding "alien technology." He ultimately left (or was "kicked out," as he puts it) because of differing visions, which was likely for the best for both parties. After departing, Hoskinson founded his own company, Input Output, and others who left began their ventures, such as Joe Lubin with ConsenSys and Gavin Wood with Polkadot.
Hoskinson Launched Input Output and Created Cardano For Scalability, Interoperability, and Security
Charles Hoskinson created Cardano with a design intent to be highly upgradeable and welcoming to regulated businesses. The Cardano blockchain has been running continuously since its launch in 2017 without being hacked or going down, which is a source of pride for Hoskinson. However, he acknowledges the challenge of making Cardano more mainstream after its esoteric development.
Cardano: A Major Cryptocurrency Advocated by Hoskinson For Regulated Finance and Global Empowerment
Cardano ...
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His Work in Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technology
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Charles Hoskinson left Ethereum due to disagreements about the project's development direction and vision, particularly regarding issues like governance and scalability. Hoskinson's departure stemmed from differing perspectives on how to address these key aspects of blockchain technology, leading him to pursue his vision with the creation of Cardano. This divergence in viewpoints ultimately led to his exit from Ethereum and the subsequent founding of his own ventures in the blockchain space.
- The esoteric development of Cardano refers to the complex and highly technical approach taken in designing and building the Cardano blockchain. This approach involves a strong focus on academic research, formal methods, and peer-reviewed processes to ensure the platform's security and reliability. Cardano's development team emphasizes scientific rigor and a meticulous methodology, aiming to create a robust and sustainable blockchain infrastructure. Hoskinson's vision for Cardano includes making it a platform that is not only technically advanced but also compliant with regulations and appealing to traditional financial institutions.
- Interoperability among blockchain systems refers to the ability ...
Counterarguments
- While Cardano aims for high scalability, interoperability, and security, it has faced criticism for its slow development process and delays in delivering on its roadmap compared to other blockchain projects.
- The claim that Cardano has been running continuously since its launch without being hacked or going down is commendable, but it's important to note that newer and less tested blockchains may not have faced as many threats as more established ones like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Hoskinson's vision for Cardano as a bridge between legacy finance and cryptocurrency values is ambitious, but there is skepticism about the willingness of traditional financial institutions to fully embrace decentralized blockchains.
- The emphasis on interoperability is crucial, but achieving it is complex and requires widespread industry collaboration, which is still a work in progress across different blockchain platforms.
- While Hoskinson's involvement in El Salvador's adoption of Bitcoin is noteworthy, the move has been met with mixed reactions and challenges, suggesting that the integration of cryptocurrencies into national economies is not without its difficulties.
- Advocating for blockchain use in regulated finance is a double-edged sword; while it can lead to greater adoption, it may also introduce regulatory challenges ...
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Interests in Synthetic Biology, Regenerative Medicine, and Extraterrestrial Artifacts
Charles Hoskinson, known for his role in launching and leading various technological initiatives, has expanded his influence to include synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, and the search for extraterrestrial artifacts.
Hoskinson's Role in Colossal, a De-extinction and Genetic Engineering Company
Charles Hoskinson’s investment in and collaboration with Colossal, a de-extinction and genetic engineering company, indicates his belief in the potential of synthetic biology to address complex environmental challenges.
Hoskinson Invests In Colossal, Excited About Reviving Dire Wolves and Engineering Resilient Organisms
Hoskinson discusses visiting Colossal's Texas operations and follows their progress closely, indicating his involvement and interest in the company's goals, such as reviving the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth, and potentially adapting modern creatures to emulate ancient ones. The central premise is to confront cloning challenges and explore the possibilities within genetic engineering.
Hoskinson Views Synthetic Biology As a Solution for Environmental Challenges and Sustainability
Hoskinson speaks about a range of synthetic biology applications, from bacteria designed to eat plastics to organisms that could counteract microplastics and forever chemicals. He sees engineering organisms more tolerant to heat or with the ability to sequester carbon as a key to sustainability. His philosophy asserts that humanity should use synthetic biology as a toolkit to fix environmental damage caused by modernity, offering tangible, magical results and solutions at a much faster pace than natural processes.
Hoskinson's Psychedelics and Altered States Interest
Charles Hoskinson’s transformative experiences with psychedelics have influenced his approach to reality and consciousness, as well as his business ventures.
Hoskinson Found [restricted term] Transformative, Prompting Exploration of Psychedelic Therapy
Hoskinson shares a profound experience with [restricted term], which he describes as a journey involving disassociation and altered time perception. The therapy led to significant personal benefits, reducing stress and tension and reversing the effects of "founderitis." This encounter with altered consciousness fueled his decision to invest in a company exploring similar therapeutic modalities.
Hoskinson's Interest in Altered Consciousness Influences His Views on Reality and the Mind
Beyond [restricted term], Hoskinson expresses interest in achieving altered states through various means and explores how psychedelics can retune the brain's capacity to connect with other consciousnesses. He considers their power in expanding the understanding of reality and questions the perceptions of time and the influence of substances on the mind's circuitry. His speculation about manipulating the perception of time during stress events reflects his fascination with the mind's capabilities.
Hoskinson's Deep-Sea Expedition for Extrat ...
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Interests in Synthetic Biology, Regenerative Medicine, and Extraterrestrial Artifacts
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Counterarguments
- Concerns about the ecological impacts and ethical considerations of de-extinction and whether it is a responsible use of synthetic biology.
- Questions about the long-term sustainability and unintended consequences of introducing genetically engineered organisms into the environment.
- Skepticism regarding the effectiveness and safety of using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, as the long-term effects are not fully understood.
- Doubts about the feasibility and scientific basis of deep-sea expeditions in search of extraterrestrial artifacts, consi ...
Actionables
- You can explore the potential of synthetic biology in your own garden by creating a biodiverse space that supports local wildlife and ecosystems. Start by researching native plants that are beneficial for your area's biodiversity and plant them in your garden. These plants can attract and sustain local insects, birds, and other wildlife, contributing to ecological balance and potentially offering insights into how synthetic biology might be applied to larger environmental challenges.
- Engage with the concept of altered consciousness by practicing meditation techniques aimed at enhancing self-awareness and mental clarity. Choose a quiet space, set aside regular time for meditation, and use guided sessions from a meditation app or online resource to explore your own consciousness. This practice can provide personal insights into the nature of your thoughts and perceptions, akin to the transformative experiences described.
- Foster curiosity about the unknown by p ...
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Views on Emerging Technologies' Potential and Implications
Charles Hoskinson shares his insights on the future of powerful technologies and their governance, implications for society, and the integration of blockchain and cryptocurrencies into financial systems and society at large.
Hoskinson's Perspective On Governing Powerful Technologies
Hoskinson advocates for a global, collaborative approach to regulation of emerging technologies, emphasizing the need for thoughtful governance that aligns with long-term societal interests and prevents potential misuse.
Hoskinson Advocates Thoughtful, Collaborative Regulation for Rapid Tech Development
Hoskinson discusses the importance of creating a cohesive framework and ethos to guide the integration of various technologies, pointing to Elon Musk's ventures as an example of clear synergies with long-term objectives like Mars colonization. He suggests that advances in commercializing technologies require an understanding of the right moment to enter the market and the necessity of a business model that keeps pace with tech evolution. Hoskinson underscores the need for regulation as a means to realign incentives, akin to how building inspectors ensure construction safety, to mitigate broader societal consequences of technological advancements. He likens the need for technological regulation to ensuring building safety—regulation functions as a building inspector, preventing potential disasters.
Advocates for Global Cooperation to Ensure Responsible and Beneficial Use of Emerging Technologies
Hoskinson argues for international collaborative effort to ensure responsible governance of emerging technologies like AI, synthetic biology, and quantum computing. He cautions against the potential for misuse, calling for a global governing system capable of handling these technologies' development. Smart individuals have put significant thought into regulatory frameworks, and Hoskinson believes giving them a voice would elevate the overall quality of global governance. He sees a need for global cooperation to manage exponential technologies effectively, underlining the importance of trust and agreement among nations to solve significant global issues.
Hoskinson's Vision For Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Decentralized Technology Integration in Finance and Society
Hoskinson Views Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies As Tools for Financial Inclusion, Transparency, and Economic Resilience
Hoskinson envisions blockchain and cryptocurrencies as drivers of financial inclusion, transparency, and economic resilience. He illustrates the concept of inclusive accountability with voting systems using blockchain for immutable, timestamped, and auditable record-keeping. Applying blockchain to voting ensures the integrity of the electoral process, and its application in banking could similarly provide verifiable record-keeping that isn't solely trust-based.
He believes blockchain could become a decentralized AI, forming a digital commons more robust than centralized computing and collectively governed. By controlling exponential technologies, blockchain could help forge a global governance system. Hoskinson advocates for a cooperative economic model where cryptocurrencies and TradFi integrate, envisioning a unified Fi system that will yield mutual benefits.
Integrating These Technologies With Traditional Systems Fosters Cooperative, Equitable Economic and Social Structures
Hoskinson argues for integration strategies that transform social infrastructure and achieve financial inclusion, transparency, and ...
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Views on Emerging Technologies' Potential and Implications
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Blockchain technology enables the creation of decentralized and transparent digital ledgers that record transactions securely. Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, operate on blockchain networks and offer financial services outside traditional banking systems. By leveraging blockchain and cryptocurrencies, individuals without access to traditional banking can participate in financial activities, promoting financial inclusion and providing economic resilience through decentralized and transparent financial systems. These technologies empower users to control their assets directly, potentially reducing reliance on intermediaries and enhancing financial security.
- The integration of blockchain and cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems involves incorporating decentralized ledger technology and digital assets like Bitcoin into existing financial infrastructure. This integration aims to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in financial transactions by leveraging blockchain's immutable and decentralized nature. Cryptocurrencies can provide alternative payment methods, facilitate cross-border transactions, and offer financial services to individuals who may be underserved by traditional banking systems. The integration process requires regulatory frameworks to address legal and compliance challenges while exploring the potential benefits of merging traditional finance with innovative blockchain solutions.
- The potential implications of emerging technologies like AI, synthetic biology, and quantum computing include advancements in healthcare through personalized medicine, enhanced computational power for solving complex problems, and potential ethical dilemmas related to privacy, security, and the manipulation of genetic information. These technologies have the capacity to revolutionize industries, improve efficiency, and create new job markets while also raising concerns about data protection, algorithmic bias, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible development and deployment. The intersection of these technologies could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as drug discovery, environmental sustainability, and cybersecurity, but also poses challenges in terms of societal adaptation, workforce reskilling, and addressing potential disparities in access and benefits. Understanding the ethical, social, and economic implications of these technologies is crucial for harnessing their full potential while mitigating risks and ensuring equitable outcomes for individuals and society as a whole.
- Cryptocurrencies can drive positive transformations beyond speculation by enabling financial inclusion for individuals without access to traditional banking, fostering transparency through public, immutable transaction records, and promoting economic resilience by offering an alternative to centralized financial systems. Additionally, cryptocurrencies can empower individuals in regions with unstable currencies or limited financial infrastructure, providing them with a secure and accessible means of storing and transferring wealth. By facilitating peer-to-peer transactions and reducing reliance on intermediaries, cryptocurrencies have the potential to democratize financial services and empower communities worldwide.
- El Salvador's adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021 was a significant move that made it the first country to do so. This decision had implications for global finance, as it brought at ...
Counterarguments
- While global cooperation on technology regulation is ideal, it may be difficult to achieve due to differing national interests, cultural values, and economic priorities.
- Creating a cohesive framework for technology integration could stifle innovation if regulations are too restrictive or fail to keep pace with technological advancements.
- International regulatory bodies may struggle with enforcement across sovereign nations, leading to uneven application of rules and potential safe havens for misuse.
- Blockchain and cryptocurrencies, while promising for financial inclusion, still face significant barriers to widespread adoption, such as scalability issues, energy consumption, and regulatory uncertainty.
- The use of blockchain in voting systems is still controversial due to concerns about security, voter anonymity, and the digital divide that may exclude less technologically savvy populations.
- Decentralized AI and global governance systems sound promising but are still largely theoretical and untested at scale, with potential risks not yet fully understood.
- The integration of cryptocurrencies with traditional finance is complex and may introduce systemic risks, such as market volatility and regulatory arbitrage.
- El Salvador's Bitcoin adoption has faced cr ...
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