Bitcoin takes a finite quantum of entropy defined by difficulty scaling the nonce space and through proof-of-work transforms it into conserved thermodynamic memory: satoshis, a quantum of structure and value. The result is a computed quantum of time: the block.

It is the most literal definition of “quantum” and of “computing.” Energy beneath the physical mirage reduces to discrete quanta at the scale of Planck time. Bitcoin instantiates that process at human scale.

A quantum without absolute scarcity is unintelligible. Physics drifts when it defines quanta without bounds. Measurement is not a convention, it must be tied to a scarce denominator. No such scarce denominator existed before Bitcoin, thus no true measurement existed before Bitcoin.

“A measure of any kind, of any thing, is not a thing at all, nor is a measure found in nature. A measure is an agreed-upon standard of measure.” Except Bitcoin’s measurement is not an agreement. It is a thing. It is conserved energy, crystallized into memory. It’s not just an “agreement”, because truth does not care about your opinion.

Bitcoin is the only system to prove that a quantum of entropy can resolve into a conserved quantum of structure: auditable, irreversible, and true.