Messari.io have a spectacular statement on their core values including the eight virtues of the samurai (and how they apply to us). I think it should be enshrined in most crypto-organisation so here it is with some adaptations and additions for the Oxford Blockchain Society.

Believe in Crypto and Each Other.

Think big. Think long-term. Be an unwavering optimist. Crypto is going to change money, markets, and the very nature of organizations. It will take decades to build. We should remain intensely focused on building a community that can spearhead the awareness, use and cultivation of these technologies.

Test Limits. Lever Up.

To achieve our purpose, we must be mission obsessed. We tinker (incubate), hack (accelerate) and rest, but we should regularly test our limits. This is the only path to growth as both a community and as individuals. We work hard and think creatively to solve challenging problems, but we don’t spin our wheels when we’re stuck.

Take Radical Ownership.

We are all owners, and every owner is expected to be a leader. Leaders think long term, act with integrity, work hard for their teammates, and take on new responsibilities when challenges arise. They set high, measurable standards for themselves and their colleagues, and continue to raise the bar to deliver high quality products, services, and processes.

You have a right to dissent (note, not disrespect)

Have you ever been in a team where the wrong solution got actioned upon despite you having the right solution in your head? Are you usually the quiet one in the room? You have every right to speak up and have your voice projected and listened to, it might be the spark that pushes the boundaries of what we do. You, have a right to dissent.

Be Outstanding Communicators. Drop Knowledge.

We communicate with clarity, concision, and context. Our primary communications medium is written. This makes it easier to audit discussions, and quickly reference deliverables, deadlines, and KPIs. Clear writing is clear thinking, and it’s more scalable as we grow the community and have more remote members.

Follow the Samurai.

The eight virtues of the samurai (and how they apply to us):

• Rectitude: We advance crypto because we believe it empowers free people, free thinking, and free markets for the next generation. When we are challenged, we’re unwavering and tenacious in overcoming those challenges.
• Courage: We take the high road, even when it’s expensive or unpopular. We are assertive and defend our theses and positions.
• Benevolence: We assume best intentions of others, and use our powers for good. Build products that empower people and do good, anything else is noise. We coach each other, and pick each other up.
• Politeness: We respond quickly to issues, colleagues’ requests for help, and share earned knowledge with all. We respect boundaries and keep our shared space clean.
• Sincerity: We keep our commitments and hit deadlines. We own our mistakes and learn from them.
• Honor: We’re proud of who we are, our work, our peers, and our community ethos. When we aren’t, we address it promptly in 1:1’s, in discord, or town halls.