In “The Diamond Age” by Neal Stephenson, a phyle is a central concept that represents a group of people bound by shared values, culture, and social identity, rather than geographic location or ethnicity. In the novel’s world, society is organized into these phyles, which can be thought of as tribes or extended families with their own laws and governance structures. They offer protection and resources to their members in a highly fragmented world.

The story follows Nell, a young girl who comes into possession of an interactive book called The Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer, which is designed to educate and empower its reader. Through this book, Nell learns how to navigate the complex society of her world, which is dominated by advanced nanotechnology and hierarchical phyles.

The most prominent phyles in the novel include the Neo-Victorians (who value formality, tradition, and hierarchy) and the Chinese Confucians (who emphasize order, harmony, and stability). These phyles reflect different cultural and ideological outlooks, shaping the way individuals interact and live in this future society.

The concept of a phyle in The Diamond Age is particularly relevant to the idea of communities based on shared ideology, much like how modern blockchain or crypto communities might form around shared principles.