The principles upon which Bitcoin are built are incompatible with those upon which Buddhism is built.
Pick one.
#CognitiveDissonance
Discussion
Could not disagree more. Bitcoin and ego death go and hand in hand. I don’t know what lens they’re viewing that statement through, but perhaps they don’t understand Bitcoin or are misinterpreting it? Idk
Bitcoin was built by 'Austrian' economists. 'Austrian' economics presupposes 1) natural law (and thus a natural law Giver); and 2) methodological individualism. It also presupposes private property (held by individuals). It recognizes the importance of individual volition and (resulting) action. Bitcoin is an 'incarnation,' so to speak, of these principles.
Buddhism aims at the elimination of suffering, blames suffering on individual desire, so aims to end suffering by "ending" the desiring individual. It promotes the dissolution of the individual into the one, amorphous, universal All or Self. (The same basic underlying aim of Marxism, I might add.) Its aim is, as you say, "ego death"--the end of the desiring individual.
The former acknowledges and encourages action by individuals *as individuals*. The latter encourages the end of individuals *as individuals*. The former--while some would prefer to deny or ignore it--relies on the Creator/creature distinction ("All is Two"); the latter is built on a form of pantheism ("All is One"). The former exalts the desiring individual; the latter seeks to reduce him.
If you think I've misunderstood or misrepresented Buddhism, I would welcome correction.
Judging by your response your position is solidified in this matter. I have no interest in changing your mind nor speaking for Bitcoin or Buddhism. If you think bitcoin and Buddhism are at odds with each other, that’s fine. It’s nonsense, but it’s your nonsense and that’s ok.
Have I misrepresented Buddhism? Honest Q, if you would be willing to *cough* enlighten me?
#PennyForYourThoughts
I think it was just a long response and they seem open to other viewpoints. In any case I would also love to hear your response opposite his reasoning.
Bitcoin challenges your perception. You have to be willing to reflect and change course or many things you once thought to be true or were taught to be true. In many ways, challenge your ego. Even the act of hodling for years or decades, realizing that you may not even play a part in the story of bitcoin other than just that, is hard. It requires you to be ego-less or selfless. These things are hand in hand with the practice of Buddhism.
Satoshi’s act of creating Bitcoin and walking away anonymously, ultimate act of one without ego. IMO Satoshi practiced Buddhism. I don’t see how any average man walks away in the way that he did. Only someone that has mastered the art of detachment could do such a thing.
I could go on.. but to say Buddhism and Bitcoin are at odds because of what the practice of Buddhism is about is just silly. It’s actual nonsense.
?cid=2154d3d7e8cbbe1d16a9a7a06ae79c8f28f2d0aea29d6cce&ep=v1_user_favorites&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g...upon which Bitcoin *is* built...ugh #typo