Cryptocurrency

The Second Gilded Age

Frank Diana History , , , , , , , , ,

ANALYSIS OF KEY POINTS:

A recent article discusses the resurgence of “robber barons” in the modern era, particularly highlighted by the 2024 U.S. election. It draws parallels between the industrial magnates of the late 19th and early 20th centuries – such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, and Andrew Carnegie – and today’s tech billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. The core argument is that these contemporary titans wield immense economic and political power, much like their predecessors, and have significant influence over markets, governments, and even the media.

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The Metaverse Economy

Frank Diana Books , , , , , , , , ,

“The Metaverse Economy emerges just as AI bursts into public awareness. Is the metaverse and web3 heading in the same direction? Exploring this question from multiple angles, this book provides a balanced perspective on the possibilities, the headwinds and the potential for advancing our human development. This is essential reading for those who wish to understand this possible future.”

Frank Diana, Managing Partner and Principal Futurist, TCS
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What Big Things Can We Expect In 2021?

Frank Diana Trends and Predictions , , , , , , , , ,

This week’s release of the Future Today Institute 2021 Trends Report gave leaders a lot to digest. What foresight can we quickly glean from the content? A recent Article via Amrita Khalid focused on the big trends to expect this year and beyond. At a high level, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, 5G, and social credit scores make the list. More specifically, the article identifies six big trends for this year.

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Colliding Trends Reshape 2030

Frank Diana Books, Convergence, The Third Tipping Point , , , , , , , , , , ,

A recent book explores aspects of a broader Convergence story. The book – 2030: How Today’s Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything – was authored by Mauro F. Guillen. In exploring a number of trends, he shows how the only effective way to understand the global transformations underway is to think laterally. Said another way, we need to think at the systems level. Understanding pieces in isolation blinds us to the combinatorial nature of change. The book abstract says it this way:

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The Rise Of Digital Currency

Frank Diana Blockchain, Books , , , , , , ,

I just finished another great book: Beyond Blockchain: The Death of the Dollar and the Rise of Digital Currency. The Rise of Digital CurrencyI just added it to my Book Library and highly recommend the read. Author Erik Townsend has a great blend of financial and software expertise, making him uniquely qualified to talk on the topic. He explores a wide range of topics from the basics of money to global scale digital currencies.

Although launched in early 2019, the book is very timely given the current geopolitical environment. Mr. Townsend does a great job of describing various aspects of our financial system, thereby building a foundation of knowledge that makes the discussion of digital currency more impactful. Although a big proponent of cryptocurrencies and the values and motivations of the original inventors, he is a pragmatist and practical thinker – which I found very refreshing.

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