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@ Akeem Gardner
2025-06-08 23:56:25Originally shared on May 16th, 2025 on Mirror.xyz/canurta.eth
"Thus, the deluded Bankrupt raves; Puts all upon a desprate Bet; Then plunges in the Southern Waves; Dipt over Head and Ears—in Debt."
Life has a unique way of guiding us exactly where we need to be, often without us fully realizing it at the time. My journey led me to study law at the University of Kent, Canterbury, a path seemingly unrelated to my core passion—innovation and entrepreneurship. Yet, it was precisely in my Company Law class in October 2015 where I first encountered the fascinating saga of the South Sea Bubble of 1720, an event that profoundly reshaped society and laid the foundation of the very legal principles that govern our world today.
The South Sea Company promised unimaginable riches from the transatlantic slave trade, exploiting collective enthusiasm and lack of transparency—hallmarks of many historical bubbles. Jonathan Swift's poignant verses captured the turmoil and despair that ensued, as fortunes were lost overnight:
What struck me deeply was how history, if not understood, inevitably repeats itself. It was clear to me then, as it is now, that awareness of foundational rules—how company law, equity, and property rights emerged from natural principles—remains essential. Without grasping these fundamentals, we cannot truly participate, let alone thrive, in the intricate game of society and commerce.
Yet, history also teaches optimism. Even after devastating crashes, markets recover and soar higher, driven by human ingenuity, innovation, and the foundational trust enabled by clear and enforceable laws. Institutions like the Royal Exchange and London Assurance survived the South Sea catastrophe because they created lasting value—value born from integrity, vision, and disciplined governance.
At Canurta Therapeutics, we find ourselves on the brink of another profound shift—the "digital state of nature," guided by transparency, decentralization, longevity, and trust. Understanding our origins gives us clarity in navigating these emerging trends. It informs our commitment to building something that matters, something resilient enough to weather future storms and purposeful enough to leave lasting impacts on all stakeholders.
Great companies endure because they commit to principles deeper than profit alone—they create enduring value, empower communities, and foster confidence for the long term. This is the path we choose at Canurta.
The universe led me to law school, not by chance, but to prepare me to recognize patterns, anticipate change, and build with foresight. As we embark on this exciting next chapter, I remain deeply inspired by history's lessons and energized by the limitless possibilities ahead.
With gratitude and purpose,
Akeem Gardner