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Jesse Pollak on Base's Moral Vision: Shaping the Future of Meme Tokens in a Global Onchain Economy

Jesse Pollak on Base's Moral Vision: Shaping the Future of Meme Tokens in a Global Onchain Economy

Jesse Pollak, creator of Base

Hey there, meme enthusiasts! If you're deep into the world of meme tokens, you've probably noticed how Base has become a hotspot for all things fun, viral, and occasionally profitable in crypto. But did you know there's a deeper philosophy behind it? Jesse Pollak, the mind behind Base (an Ethereum Layer 2 network built by Coinbase), recently dropped some wisdom on X that ties right into this. In his tweet, he emphasizes Base's mission to build a global economy that works for everyone, everywhere—rooted in a strong moral judgment.

Let's break it down. Pollak was responding to a post by Xen, Head of Global Growth at Base, who referenced Balaji Srinivasan's concept of the "network state." For those new to the term, a network state is basically a digital community that evolves into a sovereign entity, complete with its own economy, governance, and values. Balaji argues that successful ones start with a moral issue—a core belief that drives everything.

Xen points out how enduring crypto networks like Bitcoin (separating money from state control), Ethereum (championing decentralization), and Zcash (prioritizing privacy) all stem from such morals. They make tough trade-offs to stay true: Bitcoin sacrifices speed for security, Ethereum scales slowly to keep things decentralized. Base follows suit with its slogan "Base is for everyone," aiming for an open, accessible global economy rather than quick wins from speculation in rich countries.

Pollak echoes this, calling Base a "network state" with a moral core: inclusivity on a global scale. This isn't just fluffy talk—it's about creating positive-sum games where everyone wins, not zero-sum battles.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens

Now, how does this high-level stuff connect to your favorite dog-themed or frog-based tokens? Base's low fees and user-friendly vibe have made it the go-to chain for meme coins. Think about it: memes thrive on accessibility. Anyone with a smartphone and a few bucks can jump in, create, trade, or hodl. That's alignment with Base's moral of "for everyone, everywhere."

By prioritizing long-term growth over short-term gains, Base avoids pitfalls like high fees that exclude newcomers—especially from emerging markets. This fosters a vibrant ecosystem where meme tokens can go viral globally, not just in crypto hubs. We've seen tokens like Brett or Toshi explode on Base because the barrier to entry is so low.

Meme about truth and offense, related to $CHAD token

Take a look at the community response. One reply from @zk_lmao ties $CHAD (a meme token) to values like truth, health, and family—mirroring the moral theme. It's a fun example of how memes can embody deeper ideas, even if tongue-in-cheek. Other replies ask about airdrops or express excitement, showing the engaged, inclusive crowd Base attracts.

The Role of Leadership in Crypto Networks

Xen also highlights the need for a "recognized founder" to make those hard calls. For Base, that's Pollak steering the ship. Strong leadership ensures the network sticks to its morals, even when tempting shortcuts arise. In the meme world, this translates to a stable platform where projects can build without fearing rug pulls or chain instability.

As meme tokens evolve from jokes to cultural phenomena, platforms like Base provide the infrastructure. Imagine meme-driven economies spanning continents, powered by this moral backbone—that's the vision.

Looking Ahead: Base and the Meme Revolution

If Base crosses the chasm to become a full-fledged network state, meme tokens could play a starring role. They're not just speculative assets; they're social signals, community builders, and entry points to crypto for millions. By staying true to inclusivity, Base positions itself as the launchpad for the next wave of onchain innovation.

What do you think? Does Base's moral stance make it the ultimate home for memes? Drop your thoughts in the comments or hit us up on X. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on how blockchain philosophies shape the meme token landscape.

For more on Balaji's network state ideas, check out his book. And if you're diving into Base memes, explore popular ones on platforms like DexScreener.

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