Maybe the primary lesson we've learned — or are still learning here — is that this ideal of "freedom" and "no censorship" simply CANNOT live without boundaries, given the current state of the human condition. @lukestokes has written about a type of "self-serving altruism" now and then... it is perhaps what we can strive for; systems within which helping others ends up helping us.
The (not particularly good) metaphor I have used is that if I support the local shelter and rehab system, it ultimately benefits ME, because the next homeless drug addict is now a little less likely to break into my place and steal something to sell to support their habit. It becomes a circle of life thing...
But I'm still an idealist; I have hope that these "clever SMTs" can serve as catalysts for more cohesive — albeit smaller — communities that still have some of the original vision for this place.
Thanks for the shout out, @denmarkguy.
Nice post @tarazkp! Upvoted and followed. I think, like any social media system, Steem and Steemit will only be as valuable to you as the people you follow and the communities you build. As mentioned, I've written some related content here and here which you may find interesting. I've also been so bold as to think we may have a path forward to improve the world. I've been on Steem for over two years now and I still see it giving me the same benefits I've mentioned before (relationships, reputation, and rewards).
Thanks for dropping by, it is appreciated. I will give your links a read to. There are many paths forward to improve the world and many more steps to take to fid which ones are actually viable in the long run. I see a split happening where there is a gap between those who are willing to work their way forward and the larger group who are quickly becoming a consumer class only.
At the very least, none of us need have nothing to do for the foreseeable future :)
Enlightened self-interest is what I call it and perhaps if more practiced the world would be better. Perhaps not.