This is an early draft and I’m glad you’re here. Please DM me with feedback or if you’d like to contribute.
- @voboda:infinite.build on matrix, or voboda@voboda.com
Cryptography is not merely a tool but a profound expression of the universe’s fundamental language, mathematics.
This compendium will guide you through the pivotal role of cryptography in human history, showing that it’s not just for elite mathematicians but understandable and usable by anyone. In just a few hours (spread over time), you’ll learn the fundamental math behind cryptography in a step-by-step way, revealing the simple forms that make seemingly complex cryptography work. You’ll gain an intuitive understanding and a “feel for the material,” empowering you to grasp and use various cryptographic techniques. You’ll also see how each cryptographic capability brings about fundamental changes in society, and empowers individuals in ways never possible before.
Unlike the specialized resources required by other recent advances in math, like nuclear physics or quantum computing, cryptography is accessible to anyone with a computer or even a calculator. It offers us the clay to shape with our imagination and skills, emphasizing the significant impact our creations can have, for good or ill.
Linear And Non-Linear
This is your call to join a community of explorers, to demystify the science of cryptography and embrace the infinite game of discovery.
We invite you to navigate this compendium, guided by your curiosity. Different sections focus on:
Explore linearly, or start anywhere, jumping directly to sections that intrigue you.
If the thought of diving into cryptography and blockchains feels daunting, you’re not alone. But we’ll quiclkly show you how this isn’t a field reserved for “gigabrains.”
If you’ve tackled long division, you’re well-equipped to grasp the fundamentals of cryptography with just a calculator. By engaging with cryptography step-by-step, you’ll demystify it and intuitively understand broader mathematical concepts, connecting you to the mysteries of the universe and the patterns that shape our society.
You’ll ‘do cryptography’ in simplified forms to intuitively understand it.
From the fractal nature of our social structures to the protocols that govern our interactions, this section explores how mathematical patterns manifest in human society. It challenges you to rethink the evolution of currency, the concept of trust, and the implications of centralization, inviting you to see the world through fundamental mathematics.
As we wield the tools of cryptography, we must also confront the responsibility that comes with them. This section invites you to consider the impact of your creations on the world. It’s up to us to guide this technology towards a future that reflects our collective values and aspirations, embracing the infinite game of discovery.
Here, we delve into the practical applications of decentralization, from the genius of individual creativity to the affordances of blockchain technology. This section examines the types of decentralization and the revolutionary potential of homomorphic encryption, offering insights into how we can reshape societal structures for the better.
In the blockchain community, we help carry the torch of ingenuity. This doesn’t mean simply pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, but using past innovations to map out their potential and guide us from past folly.
As we stand at the threshold of a new era, the choices we make today will shape the legacy of blockchain technology. This section explores the potential of public goods and hyperstructures, the transformative power of Merkle Trees and zero-knowledge proofs, and the importance of testing in production.
Here, your passion and skills can truly make a difference. Our collaborative wiki is not just a collection of knowledge but a living document that grows with your contributions.
As we’ve seen, Cryptography offers us a new way to understand trust and truth, challenging us to reimagine our societal structures. Not a small responsiblity.
The choices we make today will echo through history. Let’s choose wisely, support one another, and use our collective strength to build a future we can all be proud of.