Thanks for sharing this @lukestokes. It looks like you have had an amazing time at Anarchapulco!

I completely agree with you there, it is extremely easy to fall in to a hierarchical trap when you are surrounded by people to you admire and look up to. No matter how intelligent, innovative or world changing they are, it is not right to worship people, to paraphrase you.

Thinking for yourself is the most important thing that one can do. I am lucky enough to work with some very big names in the blockchain indsutry, due to the nature of my work, and it is very easy to meet a very successful person in this indsutry, work with them, and sit back while they simply tell me what has to be done. I admit that I did this for a while, but as I have grown in this industry I have learned that I need to think for myself, share my skills, and perform to the best of my ability. I have the utmost respect for these people, as their respect has been earned through hard work, great work, and meaningful work.

Ever since I have started on Steemit, I have been watching your videos. I have been pretty quiet in the comments section up until now, as I realised I was doing exactly what shouldn't be done - simply listening to those that I admire as opposed to interacting, sharing my thoughts and experiences. Thanks for all of the insightful work that you do, and I look forward to seeing what you accomplish in 2018!