The Internet and the Third Estate: What I Learned About People that Scale

The Internet and the Third Estate: What I Learned About People that Scale

In today's world, the power to express oneself and have a voice at scale is a force to be reckoned with. This phenomenon has given rise to what some call the Fifth Estate, alongside the traditional power structures of society. The press, often referred to as the Fourth Estate, holds the government accountable and gives everyone else a voice.

The concept of the Fourth Estate can be traced back to Edmund Burke's remarks in 1787, where he highlighted the importance of the press as an independent force in Parliament. This parallels the European reading of the Fourth Estate, which aligns with the American interpretation of the press as a check on government power.

A significant historical event that contributed to the rise of the Fifth Estate was the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther, along with other reformers, challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and spread their beliefs throughout Europe. This was made possible by the invention of the printing press, which allowed for the mass production of books.

The printing press not only revolutionized the dissemination of information but also played a role in standardizing language across Europe. By printing books in the most widely used dialect, the printing press incentivized people to adopt that dialect, leading to the consolidation of language within nations.

Just as the Catholic Church controlled information to maintain its power, the modern meritocracy has done the same, albeit in a different manner. The media-advertising-industrial complex, which includes the press, big business, and politicians, operated within a broad, nationally-oriented consensus. However, the rise of the Internet threatened every part of this complex.

The Internet has given individuals the power to express themselves and share information on a global scale. It has disrupted traditional media models and shifted economic power from publications to aggregators. Furthermore, the Internet has drastically reduced fixed costs, making it easier for individuals to reach a wide audience.

The impact of the Internet is not limited to media and business; it also has significant implications for nation-states. The rise of nationalist movements, such as Brexit and Trump's election, reflects a desire for a return to nostalgic views of national greatness. However, these movements ignore the fact that their voices would not have been allowed in the time periods they aspire to recreate.

Additionally, the Internet has become a battleground for trolls and misinformation. Social media platforms like Facebook have the power to shape public opinion and influence political outcomes. The capacity for profit-seeking trolls and foreign governments to exploit Facebook's engagement-seeking nature is a cause for concern.

While the Western world has largely defined the Internet according to its values of free expression, China is building its own internet with different values. China's model, characterized by authoritarianism and surveillance, is being exported to other countries, challenging the dominance of American platforms.

In the realm of scaling organizations, there are valuable lessons to be learned about people. Scaling is not just a matter of will; it requires a willingness to change and adapt. Experience can be helpful, but it does not guarantee success in a new startup. The ability to change and reinvent one's core beliefs is crucial for scaling.

Changing actions alone is not sufficient; it is essential to change the belief system that generates those actions. Reinventing core beliefs is the key to scaling, but it can be a challenging process that involves letting go of old beliefs and embracing new ones.

Surrounding oneself with good leaders and role models is often recommended for becoming a better leader. Learning from these individuals can provide valuable insights and help develop a sense of what great leadership looks like. However, it is also important to be authentic and lead in a way that aligns with one's true self.

Authenticity involves embracing one's quirks, passions, and personal style. Being vulnerable and sharing one's struggles can foster authenticity and trust within a team. Intuition should also not be dismissed; it can provide valuable insights and guide decision-making, even when there is no clear answer.

In conclusion, the Internet has given rise to the Fifth Estate, empowering individuals to express themselves at scale. This has disrupted traditional power structures and challenged the control of information by the media-advertising-industrial complex. Scaling organizations requires a willingness to change core beliefs, learn from role models, be authentic, and listen to one's feelings. Having faith in oneself and embracing the journey of scaling are essential for success.

Actionable advice:

1. Embrace change and be willing to reinvent your core beliefs to adapt to new challenges.
2. Surround yourself with good leaders and role models, but also be authentic and lead in a way that aligns with your true self.
3. Trust your intuition and listen to your feelings when making difficult decisions.

Remember, scaling is a journey filled with struggles and accomplishments. Cherish every moment and embrace the opportunities for growth and success.