Can you solve it?

#ask nostr

On Amethyst is there a way that app opens to where I left off rather than always opening to latest note?

What would Ayn Rand think about bitcoin?

Fun to speculate…

The Profound Philosophical Truths of Bitcoin:

Bitcoin, the decentralized digital currency, is more than a technological innovation or a financial instrument. It is a profound philosophical statement, a manifestation of human ingenuity, and a testament to the power of reason, individualism, and voluntary cooperation. As a student of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism, I see Bitcoin as a living embodiment of her principles: a system rooted in rationality, self-interest, and the rejection of coercive authority. To understand Bitcoin is to grasp its deeper philosophical significance, which aligns with Rand’s vision of a society built on individual rights, objective value, and the moral defense of capitalism.

At its core, Bitcoin is a rejection of the arbitrary and the subjective. It is a system governed by mathematical laws, cryptographic principles, and immutable code. In a world where fiat currencies are subject to the whims of central bankers and politicians, Bitcoin stands as a beacon of objectivity. Its supply is fixed at 21 million coins, its issuance schedule is transparent, and its rules are enforced by consensus rather than coercion. This is a stark contrast to the inflationary practices of central banks, which erode the value of money through endless printing and manipulation. Rand, who championed the gold standard as a monetary system rooted in objective value, would have seen Bitcoin as a natural evolution of this principle—a currency free from the distortions of human whim and political expediency.

Bitcoin’s decentralized nature is a direct challenge to the collectivist mindset that Rand so vehemently opposed. Unlike fiat currencies, which are issued and controlled by governments, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network without a central authority. It is a system of voluntary cooperation, where individuals participate not out of compulsion, but out of self-interest. Miners secure the network because they are rewarded for their efforts; users transact because they value the currency’s properties; developers contribute because they believe in its potential. This is the essence of Rand’s philosophy: a society in which individuals pursue their own rational self-interest, and in doing so, create value for others. Bitcoin is not a product of altruism or collective sacrifice; it is a product of human creativity and mutual benefit.

Moreover, Bitcoin is a defense of individual sovereignty. In a world where governments increasingly monitor and control financial transactions, Bitcoin offers a way to opt out of this surveillance. It allows individuals to store and transfer value without the permission of any third party. This is a radical assertion of the right to privacy and property—a right that Rand considered fundamental to a free society. She wrote, “The right to life is the source of all rights—and the right to property is their only implementation.” Bitcoin, by enabling individuals to control their wealth without interference, upholds this principle in a way that no other monetary system has before.

Bitcoin also embodies Rand’s concept of the “trader principle,” which holds that human relationships should be based on voluntary exchange rather than force or coercion. In the Bitcoin network, every transaction is a voluntary agreement between two parties. There is no central authority dictating terms or extracting value. This is a stark contrast to the current financial system, where governments and banks act as intermediaries, often imposing fees, restrictions, and regulations. Bitcoin restores the primacy of the individual in economic transactions, allowing people to interact on their own terms. This is not only a practical improvement but a moral one, as it respects the autonomy and dignity of each participant.

The philosophical significance of Bitcoin extends to its role as a store of value. Rand argued that money is a tool of exchange, a representation of wealth produced by human effort. For money to fulfill this role, it must be stable, reliable, and immune to manipulation. Bitcoin, with its fixed supply and decentralized issuance, meets these criteria far better than fiat currencies. It cannot be inflated away, confiscated, or devalued by political decree. In this sense, Bitcoin is not just a currency but a safeguard against the erosion of wealth—a hedge against the irresponsibility and short-sightedness of governments. It is a monetary system that rewards saving, investment, and long-term thinking, values that Rand considered essential to a prosperous society.

Critics of Bitcoin often dismiss it as a speculative asset or a tool for criminals. But these criticisms miss the deeper point. Bitcoin is not just a technology; it is a philosophy. It represents a vision of a world where individuals are free to create, trade, and prosper without interference. It is a rejection of the collectivist mindset that sees individuals as mere cogs in a machine, subject to the whims of those in power. It is a defense of reason, individualism, and the moral right to pursue one’s own happiness.

In conclusion, Bitcoin is a profound philosophical achievement. It is a system that embodies the principles of rationality, individualism, and voluntary cooperation. It challenges the arbitrary and the subjective, upholds individual sovereignty, and defends the right to property. As a student of Ayn Rand, I see Bitcoin as a natural extension of her philosophy—a tool for creating a freer, more prosperous world. It is not just a currency; it is a statement of values, a declaration of independence from coercion and collectivism. In the words of Rand herself, “The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.” Bitcoin is the currency of this smallest minority, and its rise is a testament to the enduring power of human reason and freedom.