We remember better when we are motivated and fully engaged.

Holmes reminds us that the Science of Deduction and Analysis, like any art, can only be mastered through long and patient study. However, no life is long enough to achieve absolute perfection in it.Mindfulness, as the constant presence of mind and attentiveness essential for genuine observation, pairs with motivation—a state of active engagement and desire—to foster true awareness.We aren’t always motivated or mindful, and often, it doesn’t matter. We perform tasks mindlessly to conserve energy for more significant challenges than, say, finding our keys.

To think like Sherlock Holmes, we must actively cultivate the desire and effort to adopt his mindset.Children with a “rage to master,” as coined by Ellen Winner, possess an intrinsic drive to excel in a specific domain, making them more likely to achieve success across various fields, from art to science.When learning something new, we perform better as motivated learners. Even our memory reflects this, as we recall information more effectively when we were motivated during its formation—a phenomenon known as motivated encoding.

Psychologist K. Anders Ericsson explains that experts perceive the world differently within their domain.They recognize patterns invisible to novices, see details as part of a cohesive whole, and instantly distinguish what is essential from what is incidental.....As Holmes explains to Watson, "A fool collects all sorts of useless information, causing valuable knowledge to be crowded out or jumbled, making it hard to access when needed. A skilled workman, however, is very selective about what he chooses to store in his brain-attic."

"I consider a man's brain to be like a small, empty attic, and it is up to you to fill it with whatever furniture you choose."

...structure and contents. The structure refers to how our mind processes information—how it absorbs, sorts, stores, and integrates new knowledge with what’s already there.Unlike a physical attic, the brain's structure is flexible, capable of expanding or contracting based on how we use it.Our memory and processing can become more or less effective over time. The brain's retrieval mode can change—how we access stored information. The storage system can also shift—determining where new information goes, how it’s categorized, and how it’s integrated with existing knowledge.

The attic can be understood in two main components:

While each brain has its unique limitations, within those constraints, it can adapt and take on various configurations depending on how we approach learning.As our thought process unfolds, the contents of memory blend with our internal habits and external circumstances, influencing which information is retrieved.For Sherlock, deducing the contents of a person’s mental attic from their outward appearance is one of the most reliable methods of understanding who they are and what they are capable of.

While we may never fully master the skill of reading a person’s innermost thoughts from their exterior, understanding the layout and functionality of our own mental attic is the first step toward optimizing its potential.By learning to navigate our brain’s structure and contents, we can make more informed decisions and act with greater awareness.Our attic’s structure and contents aren’t fixed—they reflect the habits and patterns we've developed over time through repeated practice.

Although the exact process may be unknown, through practice, we've shaped our thinking. At some point, we’ve opted for efficiency over depth, deciding that mindful attention isn't always worth the effort.While it might take just as long, we can train ourselves to think differently, prioritizing more thoughtful, deliberate processes when needed.The fundamental structure may remain intact, but we can reshape its connections and components. This change effectively rewires our neural pathways as we alter our thinking habits.

Like any renovation, significant transformations take time, but smaller shifts can begin to show up within days, even hours. Regardless of how old our brain's "attic" is or how long it’s been neglected, it has the capacity to learn new skills quickly and can continue to adapt throughout our lives—not just in our younger years.As for the contents, while some may remain permanent, we can be selective about what we keep.We can reorganize the attic so that the most valuable memories and knowledge are easily accessible, while those we want to discard or avoid are pushed to the back.

We might not completely transform our attic, but we can certainly make it more efficient and better suited to our needs.When Holmes refers to stocking your attic with the appropriate furniture, he’s emphasizing the importance of selectively curating the experiences, memories, and aspects of life that are worth retaining.Instead of passively accumulating knowledge, we must actively choose what to keep and prioritize what will serve us in the future.

This process requires thoughtful consideration, ensuring that only the most relevant and valuable information occupies space in our mental "attic," while less important details are either discarded or stored away out of the way.When we encounter something, the brain first encodes it and stores it in the hippocampus—think of this as the attic's initial entry point, where everything is placed before it’s decided whether it will be needed later.The things we deem important or that our mind automatically prioritizes based on past experiences and judgments are then transferred to long-term...

... storage in the cortex, the main section of the attic. This process is called consolidation.When we need to recall a memory, our mind retrieves it from the appropriate file.Occasionally, it pulls out a related file, activating nearby memories through associative activation. Sometimes, the retrieved memory may have changed, with details altered or forgotten without us realizing it. Once we examine it, we may add new information before replacing it, a process known as retrieval and reconsolidation.

At any given moment, you might believe you know something, but what you truly know is what you can recall. Our thinking is shaped by the structure of our attic—the habitual patterns of thought and operation we've developed over time.This structure influences how we perceive and evaluate the world, including the biases and heuristics that guide our intuitive, immediate understanding of reality.

Our minds have a natural tendency to leap to conclusions.

Our brains are inherently designed for quick judgments, relying on shortcuts and mental back roads to process the overwhelming influx of information we encounter every second.This mechanism is a necessity—without it, we’d be paralyzed by the sheer volume of details requiring evaluation.If we attempted to analyze every single element thoroughly, we’d find ourselves stuck, unable to move beyond the initial stage of judgment.In such a scenario, decision-making would become nearly impossible, and the complexity of our world would quickly overwhelm us.

As William James aptly observed, “If we remembered everything, we should on most occasions be as ill off as if we remembered nothing.”"What our brains instinctively process and how we choose to act are not necessarily the same.""The affect heuristic: our emotions shape our thinking. How we feel often determines how we perceive and evaluate a situation."

"Experiencing emotion is inevitable, and impressions will naturally form in your mind. For instance, Holmes remarks of Miss Morstan, 'I think she is one of the most charming young ladies I ever met,'—a rare compliment from him.Yet, he quickly qualifies it by adding, 'But love is an emotional thing, and whatever is emotional is opposed to that true cold reason which I place above all things.'The key lies in acknowledging these emotions without letting them cloud your reasoning. You might notice that Jane reminds you of your high school frenemy, but you can choose to move past that impression.

The halo effect: when one trait, like physical appearance, stands out positively, it can lead us to perceive other traits as equally positive, while anything that contradicts this view is easily dismissed, often subconsciously.Additionally, the correspondence bias comes into play: any negative traits or actions are attributed to external factors—stress, bad luck, or circumstances—while positive qualities are credited solely to the individual.

We value consistency and dislike being wrong, which is why our initial impressions often hold disproportionate weight, regardless of any subsequent evidence that may contradict them. There is no truly 'objective' environment; there is only our perception of it.This perception is shaped both by our habitual ways of thinking (like Watson's disposition) and by the immediate circumstances (such as a sunny day).

We’ve covered only the first part of this book—chapters 1 and 2—and gained so much insight. I’m excited to explore the rest, including part 2 with chapters 3 and 4. If you’re interested in Mastermind, dive into the rest of the book!

The New York Times bestselling guide to thinking like literature's greatest detective. "Steven Pinker meets Sir Arthur Conan Doyle" (Boston Globe), by the author of The Confidence Game. No fictional character is more renowned for his powers of thought and observation than Sherlock Holmes. But is his extraordinary intellect merely a gift of fiction, or can we learn to cultivate these abilities ourselves, to improve our lives at work and at home?We can, says psychologist and journalist Maria Konnikova, and in Mastermind she shows us how. Beginning with the “brain attic”—Holmes’s metaphor for how we store information and organize knowledge—Konnikova unpacks the mental strategies that lead to clearer thinking and deeper insights. Drawing on twenty-first-century neuroscience and psychology, Mastermind explores Holmes’s unique methods of ever-present mindfulness, astute observation, and logical deduction. In doing so, it shows how each of us, with some self-awareness and a little practice, can employ these same methods to sharpen our perceptions, solve difficult problems, and enhance our creative powers. For Holmes aficionados and casual readers alike, Konnikova reveals how the world’s most keen-eyed detective can serve as an unparalleled guide to upgrading the mind.

mindfulness

Mindfulness

habits

Habits

strategy

Strategy

mentalhealth

Mental Health

books

Books

Maria Konnikova

Mastermind

So, Solidity programs are often called smart contracts, and they run on something called the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Think of the EVM as Ethereum’s brain—it’s where all the smart contracts are processed and executed. Now, what’s a smart contract? It’s like an automated to-do list. When certain conditions are met, the contract does its thing automatically—no reminders needed! For example, smart contracts can handle tasks like sending money, managing NFTs (non-fungible tokens), or running decentralized organizations (DAOs).

Intro.

And here’s the cool part: Solidity isn’t just for Ethereum. It also works on blockchains like Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, and Fantom! So, what exactly is Solidity? It’s a programming language for creating smart contracts. If you like definitions, here’s a technical one: “Solidity is an imperative programming language primarily used for creating smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain.”A little history lesson Solidity was designed by David Wood and developed by Christian Reitwiessner, Alex Beregszaszi, and other former Ethereum contributors.

Definite Definition

It was first introduced in August 2014, and its stable version has been evolving ever since. Solidity takes inspiration from other programming languages: JavaScript for its flexibility (used for building websites). C++ for its strict structure and speed (great for complex apps). Python for its readability and beginner-friendly vibe. But let’s be real—while Solidity aims to be easy to learn, it’s still a bit of a challenge for most beginners!If you already know a bit of JavaScript, C++, or Python, you’ll find Solidity feels a little familiar.

That’s why it’s a good idea to start with one of those languages before diving into Solidity. Oh, and one more thing…Solidity files are saved with a .sol extension. Just like Word documents are saved as .docx, Solidity’s got its own style! When you save a Solidity program, it’s saved with a .sol extension. For example:If you’re working on a smart contract to manage payments, you might save it as “PaymentContract.sol” If it’s an NFT-related program, you could name it “MyNFT.sol”

Now, let’s talk about Solidity’s license. Solidity is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) v3.0. What does that mean? In simple terms: Solidity is open source, so anyone can view and modify its code. This ensures that developers can freely improve Solidity without needing anyone’s permission. It also means you can trust the code—no sneaky tricks or hidden backdoors.Here’s a fun fact: Under the GPL v3.0, any modifications to Solidity’s code must also stay open and available for public use. So, when you download Solidity (including any updates), you’re getting all improvements too!

Latest Version of Solidity Solidity, like any software, gets updated regularly to fix bugs, add new features, and make it better overall. The latest stable release is version 0.8.28, which came out on October 9, 2024. As a developer, it’s always a good idea to keep your tools up to date to avoid bugs and enjoy all the latest features. Where to Get Solidity Your ultimate Solidity resource is its official website: www.soliditylang.org Here’s what you’ll find there: Beginner-friendly tutorials to kick off your learning. The latest version of Solidity to download.

Detailed documentation for advanced users who want to dive deeper.Bookmark it—it’s the perfect place to start and grow your Solidity journey!Let’s talk about Solidity’s programming paradigm—specifically, the imperative paradigm. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down step by step! What’s a Paradigm? A paradigm is just a fancy word for the way a programming language organizes and executes its code. Think of it as the “style” or “approach” of the language.What’s the Imperative Paradigm? The imperative paradigm is like writing a recipe.

You give the computer a step-by-step guide: 1. Add 1 cup of water. 2. Toss in 2 pounds of meat. 3. Simmer for 30 minutes. Every single step is listed in detail, and the computer follows them one by one to achieve the final result. Because of this, the imperative paradigm is also called algorithmic programming—you’re essentially creating a detailed set of instructions (an algorithm) for the computer to execute. Key Characteristics Step-by-step instructions: The computer does exactly what you tell it, in the exact order you specify.

Machine-oriented: This style aligns closely with how computers “think,” focusing on every small action needed to get the job done. Imperative Programming and Solidity To write Solidity code effectively, you’ll need to understand how computers work internally. Solidity’s imperative nature is similar to languages like C, C++, Java, Pascal, Fortran, and Assembly. Other Paradigms There are different “styles” of programming paradigms, just like there are different ways to cook a meal: 1. Procedural Paradigm: Groups instructions into reusable blocks (like following a recipe for different dishes).

2. Object-Oriented Paradigm (OOP): Focuses on organizing data and actions into objects. For example, the Move language, used for coding Sui and Aptos, is object-oriented. 3. Functional Paradigm: Solves problems by applying functions and avoiding changing data directly. 4. Declarative Paradigm: Instead of writing out steps, you just describe the desired result, and the computer figures out the steps on its own (like saying, “I want cake,” and letting a chef handle the rest). Why Paradigms Matter Each paradigm offers a different way to think about and organize programming tasks.

Solidity uses the imperative paradigm because it focuses on giving computers detailed instructions to execute smart contracts effectively. So, whether you’re coding payments, NFTs, or DAOs, you’re essentially writing the computer’s “recipe” to follow step by step! A lil bit of technicals Solidity is a statically typed programming language designed for developing smart contracts that run on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) or compatible virtual machines (like Hyperledger Fabric). Vending Machine Analogy Think of learning Solidity like learning to drive.

Just as learning to drive requires practice, patience, and understanding the manual to avoid accidents, Solidity requires practice, the right documentation, and the patience to master its complexities.Solidity allows you to build smart vending machines that handle digital money. These smart contracts interact with the blockchain to process transactions, similar to how a vending machine accepts coins to dispense drinks.

Key Features and Syntax Solidity Syntax vs. ECMAScript Solidity syntax is inspired by ECMAScript (European Computer Manufacturers Association Script), the standard that forms the basis for JavaScript, but with significant differences.It is a statically typed language, meaning you must specify the data types (e.g., integer, string, etc.) before using them in your code.Unlike JavaScript, Solidity also supports variadic return types, which allows a function to return multiple values of different types.

Vending Machine Analogy Imagine you are building a vending machine using Solidity. The machine accepts different types of inputs (coins) and gives out products (soda, snacks) in return. Just like when you're programming a vending machine, you need to define what types of inputs (money, coin denominations) it will accept and what types of outputs (soda, snacks) it will give out. In ECMAScript (European Computer Manufacturers Association Script), the vending machine might allow any input without specifying the exact type, but in...

...Solidity, you must be very explicit about the types of inputs—whether it's a specific coin denomination (integer) or a particular snack (string or identifier).Solidity’s static typing ensures that it doesn’t mistakenly accept faulty coins (incorrect data types), and it will always return the correct item based on the input. Data Structures and Inheritance Solidity supports complex data structures, such as mappings and structs, to organize data in smart contracts. It also supports inheritance, which allows new contracts to be based on existing ones, enhancing reusability and modularity.

Contracts in Solidity can inherit from others, enabling multiple inheritance with C3 linearization. Vending Machine Analogy With Solidity, you can build complex systems like tracking who bought which drinks and scheduling deliveries. The inheritance feature allows you to build on existing vending machine models, so instead of starting from scratch each time, you can tweak and customize an existing recipe (contract). Think of it like adjusting a family’s soda recipe but maintaining its base structure.

Solidity introduces the concept of an Application Binary Interface, which is a set of rules that allow smart contracts to communicate with each other and with external systems. The ABI ensures that data passed between contracts and the blockchain is type-safe. The ABI is like a secure communication line between the vending machine and the bank, ensuring that the transaction (payment) is valid and processed correctly. When you use Solidity to write the contract, it ensures that when money is inserted into the vending machine, the correct soda is dispensed, and the transaction is recorded securely.

Application Binary Interface (ABI)

Solidity allows developers to add natural language documentation within the code itself, ensuring that the functionality of smart contracts is easily understood by humans. This is particularly helpful for other developers or auditors who need to review the contract’s functionality. Think of comments in code as notes inside the vending machine explaining how it works. For example, a note could say, If this coin is inserted, dispense a soda. This is similar to how comments in Solidity help developers understand the purpose and function of each part of the contract, ensuring transparency and clarity.

Documentation and Code Comments

While Solidity is powerful, it is not perfect. The language has faced criticisms regarding its security flaws and design challenges. Security properties in smart contracts are difficult to reason about, and automated tools for contract verification often miss critical violations or generate false positives. The complexity of Solidity contracts makes them similar to complicated vending machines that require precise configuration to avoid failures. Just as small mistakes in vending machine instructions can lead to faulty operations or be exploited (e.g., vending a free drink), a poorly written...

Security and Design Challenges

... Solidity contract can be vulnerable to hacks.A famous example is the DAO hack of 2016, where Solidity’s vulnerabilities were exploited, resulting in a loss of millions of dollars. Design Challenges and Learning Curve Solidity's syntax, while familiar to JavaScript developers, can still be confusing for beginners. The language’s rigid structure and the need for additional tools make it challenging, especially when dealing with complex blockchain-specific tasks.Idea limit reached 🥲. Access the full ideas here➡️ <a href="https://telegra.ph/Solidity-12-13">Telegra.ph link</a>Thank you 🙏 😅

As I head into the new year, I'll be shifting my content focus from beginner Web3 and crypto topics to exploring developer-focused Web3 content. Who's with me?

crypto

Cryptocurrency

technologyandthefuture

Technology & The Future

computerscience

Computer Science

product

Product & Design

softwareengineering

Software Engineering

Solidity (J10)

Let’s dive into CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies). Think of them as digital versions of a country’s money, issued directly by its central bank—kind of like cash but virtual, usually built on blockchain technology. Governments are getting into blockchain, and CBDCs are their way of making an impact. But, let’s stay neutral here. While I may sound skeptical, my job is to give you the pros and cons and let you decide what you think about these digital currencies.

Definition

1. Retail CBDCs:Designed for individuals and businesses.Used for everyday transactions, similar to fiat money in digital form. 2. Wholesale CBDCs:Issued for financial institutions.Function similarly to central bank reserves, facilitating interbank transfers and settlements.

Categories of CBDCs

How CBDCs are distributed to end users: 1. Direct Model:The central bank directly issues the CBDC and handles all services, including customer-facing operations.Example: The People's Bank of China’s Digital Renminbi (pilot phase). 2. Intermediated Model:The central bank issues the CBDC, but customer-facing services are managed by intermediaries (e.g., commercial banks or approved payment providers).Example: Eastern Caribbean Union's Dcash and conceptual models explored by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Distribution Models

The technical framework for CBDC functionality: 1. Account-Based: Ownership is tied to identities.Transactions are validated by verifying account holders' identities.Example: European Central Bank’s Digital Euro (research phase). 2. Token-Based: Ownership is tied to cryptographic proofs.Transactions rely on the possession of digital tokens, similar to cryptocurrencies. 3. Database Management:May use centralized systems or distributed ledger technology (DLT). Not all CBDCs are blockchain-based. Some rely on traditional databases for secure record-keeping.

Implementation Models

Centralized Control: Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are under the full authority of central banks. Flexible Technology: Can use blockchain, distributed ledger technology, or centralized databases. Qualities of Money: Serve as a unit of account, medium of exchange, and store of value. Traceability: Each unit is uniquely identifiable, enhancing transparency and reducing fraud.

Key Features of CBDCs

1. Early Research: 1990s: Finland’s Avant, an early electronic money (e-money) card, laid the foundation. 2. Key Milestones: 2014: The People's Bank of China began researching CBDCs. 2014–2018: Ecuador launched a state-run mobile payment system (not blockchain-based). 2021: Australia's Central Bank tokenized syndicated loans using Ethereum in a wholesale CBDC proof of concept.

History and Development of CBDCs

2023: Over 134 countries, representing about 98% of global GDP, explored CBDC frameworks. 2024: Several CBDCs have been launched globally. Examples of Launched CBDCs 1. Bahamas – Sand Dollar: The first fully launched CBDC in the world. 2. Eastern Caribbean Union – Dcash: Used within member states for cross-border and local transactions. 3. Nigeria – eNaira: Africa’s first CBDC, focused on financial inclusion. 4. China – Digital Renminbi: The first CBDC by a major economy, currently in extensive pilot testing. 5. India – Digital Rupee: Pilot phase for retail and wholesale use.

3. Global Exploration

6. Jamaica – Jam-Dex: Launched to increase digital payment adoption. 7. Russia – Digital Ruble: In testing for domestic use and trade. 8. Brazil – Drex: Testing began in 2023. 9. Eurozone – Digital Euro: Approved for a preparatory phase starting October 2024. Other Government-Backed Digital Currencies Venezuela – Petro: A government-issued cryptocurrency designed to bypass economic sanctions. Distinct from CBDCs due to its reliance on blockchain. Marshall Islands – Sovereign (SOV): Proposed as a national digital currency but still under development.

1. Enhanced financial inclusion by providing digital payment options to the unbanked. 2. Increased efficiency in cross-border payments. 3. Improved monetary policy implementation. 4. Enhanced traceability to combat fraud and tax evasion.

Benefits of CBDCs

1. Potential privacy concerns due to centralized control and traceability. 2. Risk of cyberattacks on CBDC systems. 3. High implementation and operational costs. 4. Potential disruption to traditional banking systems, especially with a direct distribution model.

Challenges of CBDCs

1. Digital Dollarization:This refers to the adoption of foreign digital currencies like the U.S. digital dollar by local economies.While it can stabilize local economies, it may lead to a loss of monetary sovereignty and control over domestic financial policies. 2. Helicopter Money:The direct distribution of stimulus funds to citizens' wallets by the central authority, bypassing financial intermediaries.This boosts spending immediately during recessions but could lead to inflationary pressure if not managed carefully.

Key Terms in the CBDC Discourse

3. Seigniorage:The profit earned by a government from issuing currency, calculated as the difference between the face value of the money and its production cost.CBDCs help central banks retain this profit by preventing private digital currencies from eroding their revenue sources. 4. Zero Lower Bound:A situation in monetary policy where interest rates are close to zero, making traditional monetary tools ineffective. 5. Traceability:CBDCs enable the tracking of the origins and uses of money through unique identifiers, ensuring transparency and accountability.

1. China:China leads the CBDC race with its digital yuan. It aims to enhance its payment system, reduce dependency on private platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, and boost the internationalization of the yuan. Extensive pilot programs have been conducted in cities like Shenzhen and Suzhou, and the digital yuan was integrated with the Winter Olympics in 2022.

Global Developments in CBDCs

The UK is exploring a digital pound, nicknamed "Britcoin," as part of its efforts to modernize its monetary system. The digital pound, nicknamed Britcoin, is being developed to complement physical cash as the UK moves toward a society driven by digital payments. The goal is to strengthen the UK's position as a financial leader in innovation. While the digital pound was initially expected to launch in the late 2020s, it’s been years since that announcement, and progress remains unclear.

United Kingdom

Now, moving to Nigeria, we launched the e-Naira in 2021. The aim was to promote financial inclusion, especially in underserved and unbanked areas, and to reduce cash handling costs, driving Nigeria toward a more digital economy. However, the adoption rate has been limited due to low digital literacy and trust issues. Nigerians generally have trust issues—myself included.I mean, trusting someone with my hard-earned money is not easy. But we hope things improve over time.

Nigeria

In the European Union, preparation for the digital euro began in 2023.The EU aims to ensure monetary sovereignty in the digital age and to provide an alternative to non-European payment providers like Visa and MasterCard. India, one of the most crypto-adoptive nations, launched its pilot project for the digital rupee in 2022.Through this initiative, India seeks to support innovation in digital payments, enhance efficiency in interbank settlements, and improve wholesale financial transactions.

EU And India

On the other hand, some countries remain neutral or skeptical about CBDCs. For instance:Switzerland prioritizes the relevance of physical cash due to concerns about increased financial surveillance.For them, cash is viewed as a fundamental aspect of individual liberty. The United States is cautious about adopting a digital dollar.While the Federal Reserve is exploring it, the U.S. government wants to balance innovation with privacy and security concerns.Additionally, they worry about potential threats to banking stability from deposit outflows.

Sweden is testing the e-krona.Despite being highly cashless and digital, the country remains cautious about fully transitioning to a CBDC due to concerns about reliability and inclusivity. Interestingly, El Salvador has taken a different path. Instead of prioritizing a CBDC, El Salvador has embraced Bitcoin, becoming the first country to adopt it as legal tender.Their dedication to Bitcoin is admirable, especially given the cryptocurrency's volatility.Despite the risks, El Salvador is thriving, firmly believing in a decentralized system rather than state-controlled digital currencies.

Honestly, El Salvador fascinates me.It’s a country I would love to visit someday—maybe I’ll find a sponsor or something. Sweden also holds a special place in my heart, and visiting there is another dream of mine.I'd you stayed till here, Thank you so much.Dyor?<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/central-bank-digital-currency-cbdc.asp">Investopedia</a> <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_bank_digital_currency">Wikipedia</a>

I finally found the energy to cook this up after procrastinating for eons. Back to business 😅, who missed me?

history

History

Discover the world of business and economics.

economics

Economics

moneyandinvestments

Money & Investments

CBDCs

It's not what you lack that holds you back; it's failing to use what you have.

Lessons come from the things you fail to learn

The corrupt have a price, but the honest hold values.

Cheating someone doesn't make them a fool—it shows they trusted you more than you deserved.

Honesty is a rare and costly gift; never expect it from those who are cheap.

If yesterday's achievements still seem great, you haven't accomplished enough today.

Build your own dreams, or you'll end up building someone else's.

You can't enjoy the view of the plains without climbing the mountain.

Don't let your brain sit idle—put it to use.

Brains aren't rewarded for existence but for being used wisely.

Challenges add intrigue to life; conquering them gives it meaning.

Victory holds no joy without the risk of defeat.

A path without obstacles leads to nowhere significant

The past is worth revisiting but never staying in.

You can't create a better tomorrow while dwelling on yesterday

Embrace risks in life. If you win, you lead; if you lose, you guide

People are defined by their actions, not their words—judge them accordingly.

When someone causes you pain, remember the sweetest fruit-laden trees attract the most stones.

Take all you can from life, for when it starts taking, it leaves nothing behind.

Stones thrown on the path to success can either become a wall or a bridge—it's your choice.

I saw it, then thought it nice to put it out here for us creatives and for everyone who is unique but the world has stigmatized.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

humanresources

Human Resources

Quotes For a Strong Mind

Alright, so this is like a behind-the-scenes…a look at what actually inspired me to write the Battledogs article yesterday. I completed the sixty-something-tweets thread in less than five hours—sixty-six, sixty-seven-tweets threads in total…something like that. First off, when we finished playing…by 3 PM, we were done, and of course, Blockchain Club Unilag won against iBlock Community. We got trolled hard in the WhatsApp group for the Battledogs competition. I mean, I felt the pain—seriously, I did.

Failure is a part of learning, so I embrace it.

But there's something different about me; I’m not one to brood or complain when things don’t go my way. I don’t dwell on failure, wondering how it could have gone differently, because growing up, I learned to accept that I won’t win everything.

But this wasn’t really a failure. If you look at the stats, it’s not just to make us feel better, but the truth is, <a href="https://www.x.com/iblock_web3">iBlock Community </a>scored half of what <a href="https://www.x.com/bcu__">Blockchain Club Unilag</a> got. To put it in perspective, imagine Blockchain UNILAG going against Blockchain UNN; I doubt their score would even come close to one-tenth of what <a href="https://www.x.com/Blockchainunn">Blockchain UNN</a> would get. iBlock is just a small offshoot of UNN with far fewer members. So, achieving that score was impressive for our size.

But rather than getting angry about not winning, I thought, “What’s the next step?” “What can I make of this experience?”

I saw it as raw material I could transform into something valuable. I had already been interested in reviewing Web3 products, trying them out, and providing feedback, but never found the time.A lot of people struggle with Web3 products, and I was even nervous about how I’d handle the game. Yet, once I was there, I kept telling myself I’d take note of everything, just in case I needed to onboard someone into the game later. So, after the game, I thought, “Why not write about my experience?

It could be a review, a guide, anything to teach people how to use it. I just went for it, sitting on my bed, putting it all down. Another thing about me is, I talk to people a lot, but usually on social media.Face-to-face, I don’t have much time for casual chats because of school, work, family, and all my other engagements. On WhatsApp, I can easily type or send a lengthy VN, so the person can open it whenever they’re free. It saves time, keeps the connection alive, like killing three birds with one stone …3 birds because my lengthy VNs kill more than 2.

I also talk to myself a lot—not because I’m crazy, but because it helps me process things. When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of everything I want to achieve, and it keeps me on track.

It’s something my mom and my school mother encouraged, and it’s made a difference for me. So, I started talking to myself about the game, about connecting my MetaMask and signing transactions, even though I was nervous. Halfway through, I realized I was speaking as if on a podcast, like someone was listening...call it a one-person podcast or whatever. So, I started writing right away before I forgot any details. That’s what you see on my status, on <a href="https://www.x.com/hackeraktech">my X timeline</a>, DeepStash, Facebook, and very soon on Telegram too. As for the images—they’re beautiful, right?

They’re NFTs we minted using RWA, actually, my own personal NFTs. They’re unique, so nobody else has the same ones. They can be copied as images, but they won’t appear in anyone else’s game account. Right now, they’re just testnet NFTs, so they don’t have real value. But when Battledogs goes live on the mainnet, who knows? They might be worth something. So, that’s basically it. Thank you!🌝

...it depends solely on your mindset. What you think about what happened is far more important than what happened.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

Life Lessons From Playing Battledogs Arena

From around 5 pm yesterday till nearly 1:30 am NGN time, I was on my phone, bouncing between Chrome, MetaMask, WhatsApp, and everything in between.At some point, my mom called, and I told her I’d call back because I was busy. She understood. Ever since the 2nd quarter of this year, when I decided to take Web3 seriously, she’s noticed that her son isn’t the same Akachukwu who used to spend time just calling people aimlessly.So, what was I doing from 5 pm to 1:30 am? Now, that’s the billion-dollar question, right?

Battledogs

First, let me clarify—it actually started around 5 pm, not 7 pm. I attended a two-hour pseudo-bootcamp to dive deep into the world of Battledogs—a mind-blowing Web3 game built on the Asset chain. This game is set to revolutionize things by shifting from the pay-to-play model of Web2 games to the play-to-earn model, all powered by the Gamified Finance sector of blockchain technology.Now, before we continue, come closer…yes, lean in because I need to tell you a secret.This is supposed to be a script for a podcast—my podcast. But, honestly, I don’t know if I’m ready for that.

First, I don’t have the equipment; second, I don’t want to do it alone; and third, this inspiration hit me out of the blue. If I don’t act on it now, procrastination might get the best of me.Alright, you can pull back now—I’m done spilling. Fun fact, I’m in Enugu, at UNEC specifically, and I’m open to Tech/Web3-Web2 podcast collaborations with anyone interested.Now, back to Battledogs. It’s a game, and games are about fun, right? So, I’m not about to write this article like some rigidly professional piece.

This is a freestyle—my journey playing Battledogs for the iBlock Community from my Android phone, not iOS 🌝 😂 (I don't have that) ...you may be saying: "who asked you?" LolI asked myself, so that you can get it for me 🌝I could’ve used my MetaMask extension on Kiwi browser, but it wasn’t opening because MTN and Glo decided to press my neck lolI’m a quick thinker, so I didn’t waste time. I went straight to the MetaMask app, and thank goodness, it opened—very unlike the MetaMask I know, lol.

The first thing I needed to do was acknowledge that I’d be playing on a blockchain, specifically the Asset chain.And how?By adding the chain to my MetaMask app.First, I tapped the button that shows which chain you’re on in MetaMask, which for Android users is usually at the top of the interface (let's call it "p").It dropped down, showing my existing chains like Ethereum, Sepolia, Linea, and a button for adding more if needed(let's call it "q"

I tapped on q, and it took me to an interface displaying possible chains to add, like Arbitrum, Avalanche C-chain, Zksync, etc., plus a button in the top-right corner to add custom chains (let's call it "r")I tapped on r and was led to a page where I would enter Asset chain’s details: name, RPC URL, ID, blockchain explorer, ticker symbol, and another number.Once I filled in the details, a button at the bottom turned blue, asking me to confirm. I hit it, and boom—Asset chain was added to my MetaMask.

Not gonna lie, I felt pretty cryptic 😂, like sungacious, fantabulous, eliminiferous, peotarioisus (yeah, none of these words are in the dictionary; shoutout to Ebenezer for teaching me 😂).So I've added the chain, the next thing I needed to do was to connect my wallet to the Battledogs site.Good to know: I can't remember the on-site commands word-for-word, and I'm in no position to go do that cause I'm stressed as hell after the whole game tournament.

So, the next step was to connect my wallet to Battledog's site, which I did. Since I wasn’t using my MetaMask extension on the Kinwi browser, I had to use the MetaMask app instead. This is the process I followed to play the blockchain-based game, which is decentralized in nature.First, I went to connect my wallet and clicked the "Connect Wallet" button at the top of the site's interface. When I clicked the button, a menu came up—not a dropdown this time but rather sliding up from the bottom.

It asked me to connect my wallet, with options like connecting through email, Google, phone number, Discord, Facebook, and Apple. I chose "Connect Wallet."Remember, I wasn’t connecting my extension, and I was using Chrome browser, where I couldn’t use my MetaMask extension since it’s on Kiwi. It’s not possible to add a MetaMask extension to Chrome on Android. I haven't seen anyone do that.So, I refreshed the page and chose "Connect Wallet" again, this time intending to use Wallet Connect. Here’s a fun fact—I didn’t actually know what Wallet Connect was for until now.

I’ve been using it, but I hadn’t realized definitively that Wallet Connect is essentially a gateway or API that lets a site connect directly to a wallet app and enables switching between the wallet app and the site. When I used Wallet Connect, all my crypto wallets appeared, and I realized the purpose of Wallet Connect.I clicked MetaMask, and it took me straight from the site to my MetaMask app. I used my fingerprint to unlock MetaMask, waited, and then a pop-up appeared, asking me to sign a transaction

I signed the transaction and answered a few security prompts, like confirming I wanted to connect.Oh, and I should mention—the network I added is actually a testnet because the mainnet isn’t live yet. The asset chain is still in development, so we’re operating on a testnet.After connecting my wallet to AssetChain, an essential step before starting the game, the next task was to acquire some AssetChain NFT tokens. Since AssetChain is in a testnet phase, getting its NFT token didn’t require real money; instead, we could get it from a crypto faucet.

In case you’re not familiar, a crypto faucet is an application that gives out free crypto tokens, typically for test purposes.For AssetChain, the faucet provides free tokens specifically for testing the testnet. I received the link from my community lead, Ekeson, and went to the faucet with their and Amani’s guidance.At the faucet, I needed to mine $RWA, the native token of Asset Chain. $RWA will serve as a utility token, used for payments within the AssetChain ecosystem, and is required for playing the game.

By mining at least 2 $RWA, you have enough to play since each transaction on the blockchain requires only a tiny fraction of $RWA as a gas fee.To start, I copied my wallet address and pasted it in the space provided to begin mining $RWA tokens.While doing this, I discovered something important about wallet addresses in MetaMask. I had two accounts on MetaMask and realized that, regardless of the blockchain network (Ethereum, Sepolia, Linear, AssetChain, etc.), each account has one public address.

This single public address is used to receive assets across different chains, appearing on that specific chain within your wallet. The only difference lies between accounts: each has its own unique public address and private key, represented as a 12-word mnemonic phrase, as we discussed with BIP-339 (Bitcoin Improvement Proposal).Once I pasted my public address, I began mining $RWA on the faucet. The faucet allowed me to increase workers up to 32, which I did to speed up mining. Once the tokens mined reached a threshold, around 0.5 $RWA, I stopped mining and claimed the tokens.

Upon opening my MetaMask app, I confirmed that the $RWA was now in my wallet.With $RWA in my wallet, the next step was to mint an NFT on Battledog’s site. Having attended a pseudo bootcamp on Battledogs’ NFT minting, I was familiar with the process, so I minted a substantial number of NFTs. On the site, I used a “QuickMint” button, which directed me to an interface displaying a series of dogs, the characters in the game. At the top of the site (the home page), there’s also a button to enable tutorial mode, which I activated.

This mode provides helpful pop-ups for each action, guiding users on what each button does and possible interactions.In the QuickMint interface, I entered a name for my NFT (for instance, “Creepy”) and clicked the “Spawn” button. This action initiated a blockchain transaction, which I needed to approve in my MetaMask app since I was using WalletConnect rather than a MetaMask extension. Each time a transaction was initiated, a menu appeared with various crypto wallets. Selecting MetaMask took me directly to the app to approve the transaction, showing a minimal gas fee in $RWA.

After approval, I returned to the site, where my NFT was minted, and a banner appeared saying, “Creepy arrived,” with a slightly pinkish color. Alright, so we’ve minted the Battledogs, and our Battledogs have arrived. The next step is to go and fight with them. But before that, we need to carry out some other processes. We have to activate our Battledogs, as activating them is essential to use them in battles within the Battledogs arena.So, how do we activate it? Just click on activate. You’ll go to your arsenal, and from there, select the Battledog you want to activate.

All the Battledogs you've minted will be shown in your arsenal. You can access your arsenal from the home page by clicking on the “arsenal” button, where you’ll see all the Battledogs NFTs you’ve minted. When you click on the Battledog NFT you want to activate, another interface will slide up, and you'll see an activation button for your NFT. To activate the NFT, you’ll need Wrapped RWA $wRWA. You already have $RWA, which is the native token, from the crypto faucet on Asset Chain. While you have RWA in your MetaMask wallet, you need wrapped $RWA.

To get it, use the convert button found at the bottom of most pages in the Battledogs arena. The convert button, displayed in color with forward and backward arrows, lets you convert $RWA to Wrapped $RWA depending on the amount in your wallet. Since your wallet is already connected to the site, everything you hold will be displayed, so just convert a portion of it, as you need $RWA for other things as well. After choosing the amount to convert to Wrapped $RWA, click on convert, and it will trigger an on-chain transaction.

A pop-up will appear, you’ll confirm it in MetaMask, sign the transaction, and then you’ll return to the site, where it shows the conversion has completed. There’s also a note near the convert button confirming the converted amount.But before activating your Battledogs using the converted $RWA, you need to approve the Wrapped $RWA amount you want to use in the game. You can approve all of it or just a portion. The approve button, a whitish-reddish button near the convert button, allows you to do this.<a href="https://x.com/HackerAKTech/status/1856774429063192727">Check here to complete the full article</a>Thank you 🙏

When I was playing this game I thought to myself,  "I will get myself acquainted with this game so that I can write about it revealing the innovative web3 solutions of Nigeria and Africa at large".

creativity

Creativity

entertainment

Entertainment

Battledogs Arena (G2)

Satoshi Nakamoto proposed a revolutionary idea in 2008: a purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash. This vision allowed online payments to be sent directly from one individual to another without relying on traditional financial institutions or banks. This idea was the genesis of Bitcoin, the first decentralized digital currency.

The Genesis

A purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.

Traditional banking is convenient but it has its own limitations which include card readers breaking, bank fees piling up and compromisation of financial privacy and a host of others.All these obstacles constitute what digital cash aims to overcome, providing a secure and direct form of online payment that doesn’t rely on a central authority.

Why Digital Cash?

When you “own” bitcoins, what you possess is actually a Bitcoin address (akin to a bank account) and a unique private key (like a PIN). This private key is what makes your Bitcoin truly yours, ensuring only you have control over your funds. So in actual sense, you don't own a “coin” per se sitting on a Blockchain somewhere.

What You Actually ‘Have’ with Bitcoin

A Bitcoin wallet stores your private keys. Typically, it’s a program that generates and manages your addresses, keeps track of balances, and enables transactions. You can create new addresses and their associated keys whenever you wish for added security. Notice that a wallet does not store your “bit-COIN” but your keys.

The Role of Wallets in Bitcoin

There are two main types of Bitcoin —I’d rather say “crypto”— wallets: hot wallets, which are connected to the internet (think of them like a checking account for quick access), and cold wallets, which are stored offline for added security (similar to keeping cash in a safe). Cold storage can involve storing keys on USB devices or even on paper, minimizing the risk of online theft. Most of the time, hot wallets are used interchangeably with software wallets and cold wallets synonymous with hardware wallets.

Hot vs. Cold Wallets

Losing your private key means losing access to your bitcoins forever, as there’s no way to recover it. If any other individual gets your key, they control your bitcoins. Transactions are also irreversible, so any mistakes—such as sending to an incorrect or nonexistent address—are permanent. Many people entrust their bitcoins to exchanges, despite the security risks, for ease of use. On the other hand, remember, “not your keys, not your coins” as Andreas Antonopoulos eloquently put it highlighting that leaving your cryptocurrencies with custodial Exchanges is quite risky.

Bitcoin Security

Bitcoin transactions are grouped into blocks, each with a unique cryptographic hash, a number that serves as a secure “check value” for the data in that block. Any change in the block’s data will produce a completely different hash. This concept secures Bitcoin, as every block is linked to the one before it, forming a chain (hence, blockchain, a chain of blocks). This structure creates a tamper-evident, public ledger that is "secured by math."

Blocks and Hashing

The Bitcoin blockchain holds every confirmed transaction from 2009 onward, growing continuously. By June 2017, it reached over 120 gigabytes, expanding by about 4GB per month.A new block is created, carrying a reward for the miner (currently 3.125 BTC after halving in April this year, 2024), approximately every ten minutes. The reward halves every four years, and mining will eventually stop in 2140, when the maximum supply of 21 million bitcoins is reached.This reward, along with transaction fees, incentivizes miners to maintain the network.

The Ever-Growing Blockchain Mining and Rewards

Ummm, I don't know what to say but bear this in mind : the curations here are just from 12% of this book. I read from MoonReader, so the EPUB version is numbered as percentages and not pages.

An experimental new Internet-based form of money is created that anyone can generate at home; people build frightening firetrap computers full of video cards, putting out so much heat that one operator is hospitalised with heatstroke and brain damage. A young physics student starts a revolutionary new marketplace immune to State coercion; he ends up ordering hits on people because they might threaten his great experiment, and is jailed for life without parole. Fully automated contractual systems are proposed to make business and the law work better; the contracts people actually write are unregulated penny stock offerings whose fine print literally states that you are buying nothing of any value. The biggest crowdfunding in history attracts $150 million on the promise that it will embody “the steadfast iron will of unstoppable code”; upon release it is immediately hacked, and $50 million is stolen. How did we get here? David Gerard covers the origins and history of Bitcoin to the present day, the other cryptocurrencies it spawned including Ethereum, the ICO craze and the 2017 crypto bubble, and the attempts to apply blockchains and smart contracts to business. Plus a case study on blockchains in the music industry. Bitcoin and blockchains are not a technology story, but a psychology story. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. “A sober riposte to all the upbeat forecasts about cryptocurrency” — New York Review of Books “A very convincing takedown of the whole phenomenon” — BBC News

Mastermind

Solidity (J10)

CBDCs

Quotes For a Strong Mind

Life Lessons From Playing Battledogs Arena

Akachukwu CC