The Ecological Nation Theory

Zhai Shanying the chairman of Puhua Commercial Group and founder of the Sino-Balance Business School, in Beijing, proposed the ecological nation theory after a study on the history of economic and technological development. The foundation of the theory exists within the belief, that in modern society with far more security in food and shelter (in comparison to earlier human history), humans now desire more mental and spiritual pleasure than physical comfort.

Shanying believes ‘internet life’ has begun to occupy a more dominant position in human development. According to his theory, human civilization is transforming from being based in the industrial realm to a digital existence. He describes  ‘ecological nation’ as a ‘virtual kingdom’ where specific spiritual needs of a certain group of people are satisfied. Shanying recently spoke to Bon Cloud concerning his supposition.

Blockchain Plays A Key Role

Blockchain is attractive due to the flexibility of the technology. The innovative platform can create reliable verification systems along with helping to secure and maintain transparent storage of data. Blockchain technology can also be used to help reduce healthcare administrative costs, maintain legal records, create secure voting systems, and help displaced populations have control over their important personal records.

While some media outlets use unflattering clickbait headlines to describe gamers, Shanying’s ecological nation theory embraces gamers and those who live their lives connected to new media. Blockchain technology plays a major role in the development of the ‘ecological nation.’ China Central Television (CCTV) recently aired an hour-long broadcast promoting the usefulness of blockchain innovation.

While the country is open to blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies are currently banned, with the government developing their own centralized digital currency. Xu Hao, a senior official of the Guizhou government, gave the politically correct defense of the policy during the program, “When talking about blockchain, many people are talking about ‘decentralization.’ I’d like to make a small change to the word. I think the essence of blockchain is ‘de-intermediarization.’ There is no way to get rid of the center.”

Yao Qian, the lead researcher of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), told the South China Morning Post the following concerning digital currency:

What the central bank have [sic] in mind is a centralised [sic] digital currency among all [sic]. As money has evolved from the barter system to its metallic and paper forms, it is now going digital. Virtual currency is easier to trace, allowing the central bank to monitor its velocity and the whereabouts of the money and improve its monetary policies accordingly.

The centralized approach the Chinese government is taking directly conflicts with the intent of blockchain technology, with such interference possibly creating an ‘ecological nation’ which replicates the physical world. According to Blokt, Chinese authorities are driving out cryptocurrency miners (not all crypto coins use mining protocol) who are moving to Singapore, Switzerland, and East Asian countries in order to continue their operations.

Despite these strict regulations, “Chinese organizations account for 225 of the 406 distributed ledger patents filed in 2017, per World Intellectual Property Organization,” Blokt continues.

The Role Of Technology In The Future

The globalized nature of the internet has already allowed individuals to foster relationships with individuals they would have never been able to interact with several decades ago. Therefore, the idea of ‘virtual kingdoms’ isn’t something too far from already exists in the digital age.

Video games like Second Life present a framework for the ecological nation theory. Players within the game maintain an online living space, in a similar fashion to Shanying’s theory. Blockchain innovations and the importance of digital frameworks will continue to play an increased world in the daily lives of individuals around the world.

It has yet to be seen whether blockchain will lead to complex economic and governmental bodies separate from those in the physical world. However, with income inequality continuing to be a problem in most of the world, it’s likely many will seek stability, refuge, and opportunity wherever they can find it.

 

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