> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support-168.gitbook.io/cypher-blockchain-whitepaper-v1.0/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support-168.gitbook.io/cypher-blockchain-whitepaper-v1.0/why-poe.md).

# Why PoE?

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A flexible consensus mechanism for a smart contract system based on blockchain
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* Reduce the negative impacts of Matthew's Effect
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* Reduces energy consumption
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* Weakens the absolute control of the full-time miners and mining pools over the blockchain network
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* Truly decentralized (avoids centralization of power under PoS)
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