Cyphernomicon


"The Cyphernomicon" is a document written by Timothy C. May in 1994 for the Cypherpunks electronic mailing list. In a FAQ format, the document outlines some of the ideas behind, and the effects of, crypto-anarchism. It is one of the philosophy's founding documents, advocating electronic privacy and anonymous digital currency. It touches on more esoteric topics, such as assassination markets. It contains May's 1992 essay "The Crypto Anarchist Manifesto" in its entirety.

Sample

"The Cyphernomicon" is divided into a hierarchy of sections and subsections:

16.2 - SUMMARY: Crypto Anarchy
16.2.1. Main Points
- "...when you want to smash the State, everything looks like
a hammer."
- strong crypto as the "building material" for cyberspace

16.2.2. Connections to Other Sections
- this section ties all the other sections together
16.2.3. Where to Find Additional Information
- again, almost nothing written on this
- Vinge, Friedman, Rand, etc.
16.2.4. Miscellaneous Comments
- a very long section, possibly confusing to many