The following was written for a new section we are developing on Cloudie.so called “The Love Moat,” which aims to explore Sanctum’s and fp’s philosophy:
Ever since I started reading Sanctum founder FP Lee’s writings on their approach to distributing their new token, $CLOUD, and the concept of Earnestness, I’ve been deeply impressed by how such meaningful philosophy is being put into practice. Finding this level of thoughtfulness and humanity in the financial world was something I didn’t expect, but crypto always finds a way to surprise us!
In his other texts, FP engages in sincere questioning of the “why” and the “what” behind everything they are doing and building, which marks something truly important. He acknowledges how crypto is revolutionary, making it a big part of the “why”:
crypto can improve the lives of billions. we can release people from the tyranny of governments and hyperinflationary fiat. we can pioneer new, wonderful methods of collaboration and value creation. we can run fun experiments with magic internet money. this is a beautiful bulldozery sandbox for us to build the future at lightspeed, without getting tangled up in red tape or blocked by blankface bureaucrats.
forget the shitcoins. the real way we hypergamble into omegawealth is by showing up and building shit that’s so good, the rest of the world can’t help but come. be serious, be earnest. everything else is a distraction from the Vision – fuck it, ignore it.
remember, in your heart of hearts, why you’re really here." (source)
Getting to the “what” can be trickier. What exactly is Sanctum? It’s not just another “liquid-stake protocol” on Solana, and their actions show why it’s more than that. Their scope is expanding, and their partnerships with other protocols and projects demonstrate their ambition to build something much greater, and to make crypto a better place for everyone.
One thing that stands out about their new token and the airdrop they distributed is that they reserved 50% of the tokens for the community. This innovative move drew criticism from some, but the critics didn’t seem particularly thoughtful. After all, why criticize someone for giving out a gift? Whoever is offering the gift has the right to decide who receives it and why. And Sanctum clearly knows who they wish to reward. Rather than following conventional and superficial methods of allocation, they chose to measure contributions by Earnestness - the deep sincerity, dedication and alignment to the project’s vision.
To them, true value lies in genuine engagement, driven by conviction, not in speculative interest and opportunism. Through this thoughtful distribution, Sanctum is cultivating a culture of earnest participation, ensuring that those who receive the gift are not only committed to the ecosystem but are also genuinely aligned with its core principles.
The crypto bubble is already bursting, and soon there will be no distinction between crypto and everything else - if there ever was. Web3 is the new internet, and it will go mainstream in no time. When I listen to FP, I don’t just hear him talking about crypto, I hear him discussing the principles that guide us all.
All that reminds me of something I find deeply inspiring: the Gift Economy. It’s a philosophy I hold close, especially as an artist. Selling art is challenging because value is subjective, so I began letting clients pay what they felt was fair and affordable to them. This experiment revealed how they valued my work and embodied the essence of generosity, as each exchange became a shared gift.
Researchers (like Heide Göttner-Abendroth) have extensively explored both historical and remaining matriarchal societies. Before money, exchanges were made directly through goods, and value was as subjective as it is today. It depended on how important or scarce items were to individuals. For instance, if you had plenty of one item but lacked another, you’d trade with someone who had what you needed. If you had a big surplus, like from a bountiful harvest, you’d often share it with the community. Nothing was hoarded, as is often the case today. These offerings, often made by family clans through large feasts, were a way to give back to the community. Such acts of generosity earned recognition, reinforcing bonds and fostering mutual respect and cooperation.
At their core, those societies emphasize mothering and parenting with a focus on treating others as one would treat their own children. In this philosophy, a just parent makes no distinctions between their children, ensuring that all are treated equally. This egalitarian value forms the foundation of these societies, where cooperation and fairness are prioritized over hierarchies and dominance. This challenges traditional notions of power and governance, offering a vision where leadership is rooted in empathy, care, and collective well-being. Such perspectives provide valuable insights into reimagining leadership, governance, community building, and societal structures today.
Before today’s globalized world, local cultures were much more common. The world was more plural and decentralized, with countless diverse forms of organization and social interaction. This diversity brought richness and depth. Now, looking ahead to crypto and Sanctum - as FP said, crypto enables us to pioneer new methods of collaboration and value creation. We are no longer bound by government-controlled money with all its restrictions and centralization. Instead, we can create our own currencies and build decentralized subcultures, each with its own communities, economies, coins, symbols, and values. This is key to understanding what Sanctum truly is. Like I said, it’s not just a “liquid-staking protocol”. With its own vibrant community, token, and role in Solana’s ecosystem, Sanctum is pushing the boundaries of what crypto can truly be.
And beyond that, Sanctum offers something unexpected: a Philosophy. A set of principles and values that shape its identity. It becomes clear that Sanctum is indeed like a clan, a family, a school, a sanctuary.
Another philosophy to consider for the future we’re building is the Solar Punk ideology. In contrast to the dystopian Cyberpunk vision of environmental ruin and technological oppression, Solar Punk envisions a vibrant future where technology harmonizes with nature and enriches human life (like this). It represents a shift from destructive systems to integrated, sustainable living. With its sunny name and innovative approach, Solana is well-suited to advance this mindset, paving the way for a future where technology fosters a healthier, more sustainable world.
As we approach the end of this remarkable year for Sanctum and enter the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect more on the philosophy of gifting. Everything we do in life comes full circle, and when we embody generosity, kindness, and inclusivity, we invite these qualities back into our lives. Let’s carry this spirit of giving with us throughout the year, allowing it to guide our actions beyond the holiday season.
People who still believe in something can inspire others to embrace a better, more humane way of living. A small seed has been planted, and it’s beginning to grow into something truly meaningful, that can become as great as we can dream it to be. Humanity deserves more than what we’ve known so far, and together, we can start to build that earnest new world.
