Innovation
Full Title or Meme
The application of new ideas that cause disruption of existing patterns and traditions and how those disruptions impact Identifiers.
Context
- Identifiers have been discussed at least since the time that Adam was given the authority to name the animals of the world. (Genesis 2:19)
- Chinese have been using family names since around 2,800 BC. Supposedly this was decreed by Emperor Fushi for all, not just the rich.
- Cesar determined that all the world should be taxed. He had them go to their ancestral home to be enumerated. (Luke 2:1)
- William the conqueror determined that all of the British Isles should be taxed. He created the doomsday book.
- The Roman use of family name (Gens) died out with the Roman empire, but really only ever applied to the landed aristocracy.
- In Britain last names became popular as people lost their binding to the land. Henry VIII ordered that legal events be recorded to make tax collection easier, which led to the addition of surnames (see section below).
In other words, necessity (to raise money, workers or armies) is the mother of innovation in identity, as in much else that we use today.
The Naming of People
Innovation has applied to Identifiers applied to people. In Roman times, the family name (gens) was important, in Ancient Israel it was the tribal association. In western land the patronym became common. In Spain the matronym as added after the patronym. The Picts of Scotland used just the matronym. Confusion was crated when the location of these surnames turned out to very different in different part of the world. In 2024 we are still trying to reconcile these traditions with technology.
- Dissolution of Monasteries: Henry VIII dissolved numerous monasteries and convents as part of the English Reformation. These religious institutions had often been centers of education, record-keeping, and administration. With their dissolution, many records were lost, including those containing information about lineage and family names.
- Land Ownership and Taxation: As part of his reforms, Henry implemented a system of land ownership and taxation. To efficiently collect taxes and administer land, it became essential to have clear identification of individuals. Surnames played a crucial role in this process.
- Formation of Parish Registers: The dissolution of monasteries also led to the establishment of parish registers. These registers recorded baptisms, marriages, and burials within parishes. Surnames were used to distinguish individuals, especially in densely populated areas.
- Standardization and Legal Documentation: Henry’s government emphasized the need for standardized legal documentation. Surnames facilitated legal transactions, inheritance, and property rights. People began adopting fixed family names, which were passed down through generations.
- Social Mobility and Identity: The use of surnames allowed for greater social mobility. Individuals could establish their identity beyond their occupation or location. It also provided a sense of belonging and lineage
While Henry VIII didn’t explicitly demand the use of surnames, his policies indirectly encouraged their adoption. The dissolution of monasteries, administrative reforms, and the need for clear identification all contributed to the widespread use of surnames in England.
Problem
- Technology innovation does: upend the patterns, habits and values of tradition.
- Technology innovation does not determine: causes, values, reactions, outcomes.
- People have evolved to seek out causes based on patterns. That has helped them to survive. But see page on Apophenia for the downside to that.
- People now believe that their identity is personal property that they can manage. Governments still need to raise money, workers and armies. Conflict is inevitable.
Solutions
- There are few functional naming services today, for example:
Compare with other solutions like:
