Smart contracts embody the Eastern principle of karma—action automatically produces consequence—making ethical behavior mechanically enforced rather than enforced by intermediaries.
Karma is not punishment but natural consequence: actions produce effects automatically, without judge or enforcer. The Taoist view similarly emphasizes natural cause and effect over arbitrary judgment. Smart contracts realize this principle technologically: code executes predictably, producing predetermined outcomes without intermediary interpretation or discretion. A lending contract automatically seizes collateral if conditions fail—not through a lender's judgment but through mathematical certainty. This eliminates corruption (the lender cannot be bribed to forgive debt) and removes the need for legal systems to enforce contracts. Instead of hiring lawyers to fight over contract interpretation, code makes intent unambiguous and execution certain. However, this principle has dark implications: if code is law, then buggy code becomes inevitable law, and there is no mercy or contextual wisdom. Laozi would note that absolute rules lack flexibility; they fail to adapt to unexpected circumstances. The challenge for blockchain is balancing the benefit of mechanical enforcement (eliminating intermediary corruption) with the cost (eliminating contextual wisdom and mercy). True decentralization requires accepting this trade-off.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.