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A steelman argument is the opposite of a strawman argument. It's where you imagine the best possible argument from your opposing side (sometimes even better than they themselves can articulate it), and address that. In other words, you treat your critics like absolutely serious people and try to address any concerns they may have with regards to your outlook.

If someone were to argue that, "yeah bitcoin is cool, but ultimately when push comes to shove the major governments are going to outlaw it, drive it into the black market as a small asset, and issue a replacement that they back as legal tender", what would your steelman argument be?

Similarly, if someone were to argue, "Look how fast they are advancing on superconductors. Quantum computing may come sooner than we think, and threaten Bitcoin's security. That's why I don't buy bitcoins", what would your steelman argument be?

Not Sure 2y ago

I don't disagree with them. Banning it is a revealing your cards moment. It begs the question, "why are governments banning it?"

Governments will likely have a story for their ban, it's going to be a grassroots job to educate and explain that the most probable reason they are banning it is because it takes power away from them, and gives it back to individuals. It doesn't transfer the power to a new overlord, it removes the overlord altogether.

At the same time we will have to explain how a ban on information will not work, just the same as a ban on a plant doesn't work. The seeds are out there. It may stiffle adoption or slow the pace, but it will not prevent it.

Along with that, it will be seen as an opportunity by states that aren't aligned with the major governments to grab power, and nobody can stop them. Countries can silently and slowly adopt Bitcoin by simply mining it. If a few small counties make this known, it may spread and show the true value of Bitcoin and in turn encourage a black market in banned localities.

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