Found some money on the beach today. #cowrieshells #historyofmoney
Figuring out a path forward to get the books I’m writing and the curriculum I’m developing on the history of money and Bitcoin into the hands of teachers, students, and circular economies.
More about this soon.
Happy National Coffee Day! Having an afternoon pick me up with my nostr:npub1tw4am7vzwl3akmyg4cwny27x8ltrwajrwrsate872gnpqnvzqd8s3f6nwr coffee mug whilst working on more Bitcoin books for kids!
Do you know how to use your adjectives?
#grammar #teachingmomemt #language #classicaleducation #Texasbarbecue #grammargal
https://blossom.primal.net/97e9c96816b5783a07f354dc0c0be6fa4af962bcc78f82cabae8266a209561e9.mov
Want to learn about homeschooling and unschooling? Need to get started but don’t know how?
Join me today for my free one hour class on decentralized education! Sign up ⬇️
https://lyceumtutoring.com/homeschool-support/
#homeschool #unschooling #decentralization #education #bitcoinfamilies
Learn how to homeschool to decentralize your kid’s education!
My free class for Bitcoin families is coming up this Sunday, February 16. You can register here:
HTTPS://www.Lyceumtutoring.com/homeschool-support
#homeschool #decentralize #education #bitcoinfamilies
I’m still building the curriculum and writing children’s books. But I’ll share them when I am closer to being done.
Christopher Marlowe, baptized on February 26, 1564, in Canterbury, emerged as a pivotal figure in Elizabethan literature. 
Born to a shoemaker, John Marlowe, he received his early education at the King's School before earning scholarships to study at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. His academic journey faced a brief interruption due to rumors of his intention to join a Catholic seminary in France, but intervention by the Privy Council, possibly linked to his recruitment as a spy, secured his Master's degree. This intriguing detail adds to the air of mystery surrounding Marlowe's life and career. 
By 1587, Marlowe had begun his meteoric literary career in London, crafting groundbreaking plays that would revolutionize Elizabethan drama. His works were characterized by their psychological depth, moral complexity, and pioneering use of blank verse. 
Marlowe's first major work, "Tamburlaine the Great" (1587), introduced unrhymed iambic pentameter to the stage, chronicling the rise of a shepherd to emperor. This innovative use of language set a new standard for English drama. 
Following the success of "Tamburlaine," Marlowe continued to push boundaries with his subsequent works. "Doctor Faustus" (c. 1588–1592) explored themes of ambition and damnation through a scholar's pact with the devil, cementing Marlowe's reputation for tragic intensity. 
"The Jew of Malta" (c. 1589–1590) offered a darkly satirical take on greed and religious hypocrisy, featuring the cunning Barabas.
"Edward II" (1592) presented a politically charged tragedy focusing on the king's personal flaws and downfall, notable for its nuanced portrayal of sexuality. These plays showcased Marlowe's ability to craft complex characters and explore controversial themes, pushing against societal and moral boundaries of his time. 
Marlowe's talent extended beyond playwriting. His poetry, including the unfinished narrative poem "Hero and Leander" and the pastoral "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love," showcased his lyrical elegance and influenced contemporaries like Shakespeare and Sir Walter Raleigh. These works demonstrated Marlowe's versatility as a writer and his mastery of different literary forms. 
The relationship between Marlowe and William Shakespeare has long intrigued scholars and enthusiasts alike. Born just two months apart, their works share striking parallels, with Marlowe's plays laying the groundwork for Shakespeare's early histories and tragedies. 
Scholars have noted stylistic and thematic overlaps in plays like Shakespeare's "Richard III" and "Macbeth," which seem to draw inspiration from Marlowe's earlier works. This connection was further solidified in 2016 when the Oxford University Press formally credited Marlowe as a co-author of Shakespeare's "Henry VI" trilogy, acknowledging long-suspected collaboration between the two playwrights. 
However, Marlowe's promising career was cut tragically short. On May 30, 1593, at the age of 29, he died under mysterious circumstances. The official account states that he was killed in a tavern brawl in Deptford, though theories persist about his demise being staged due to his alleged roles as a heretic, spy, or government operative. This untimely and controversial death has fueled numerous conspiracy theories over the centuries. 
One such theory, known as the Marlovian theory, posits that Marlowe faked his death to escape persecution and continued writing under Shakespeare's name. Proponents of this theory point to similarities in style and themes between the two authors' works, as well as the coincidence that Shakespeare's first attributed work, "Venus and Adonis," appeared shortly after Marlowe's reported death. They argue that Marlowe's university education and alleged work as a spy better fit the knowledge displayed in Shakespeare's works. 
Despite the intrigue surrounding this theory, mainstream scholars largely reject it. They cite substantial contemporary evidence supporting Shakespeare's authorship, including records from his acting company and tributes from fellow writers. Experts also note distinct differences in style, vocabulary, and thematic focus between Marlowe and Shakespeare, particularly in works dated after Marlowe's death. Furthermore, there is no direct evidence supporting Marlowe's survival beyond 1593 or his continued writing under a pseudonym. 
Regardless of the ongoing debates, Christopher Marlowe's influence on English literature remains undeniable. His bold narratives, complex characters, and linguistic innovations left an indelible mark on the evolution of Renaissance theater. Marlowe's works continue to captivate audiences and scholars alike, ensuring his legacy as a pioneering playwright and poet of the Elizabethan era remains secure. While the mystery surrounding his life and death may never be fully resolved, Marlowe's contributions to English drama and poetry have earned him a permanent place in the pantheon of great literary figures. 
These "on this day" posts are inspired by my love of the greatest minds of the Western canon. It is in this spirit that I post these tidbits for the Bitcoin community as a way to bring beauty and knowledge to the world. 
#marlowe #shakespeare #literature #history
On this day in 146 BC, February 5th, the Third Punic War ended. 
The last of the three Punic Wars ended when Rome reduced the ancient city of Carthage to ashes, marking the end of a century-long rivalry and the rise of Roman hegemony over the Mediterranean. This conflict was the final chapter in a trilogy of wars between Rome and Carthage that reshaped the classical world, driven by ambition, survival, and the strategic genius of leaders like Scipio Africanus. 
The First Punic War (264–241 BCE) began as a struggle for control of Sicily, a wealthy island critical for Mediterranean trade. Carthage, a maritime power, initially dominated the seas, but Rome’s ingenuity in naval warfare—including the use of boarding bridges (corvus)—tipped the balance. 
After decades of brutal fighting, Rome seized Sicily and imposed heavy reparations on Carthage. This victory established Rome as a naval power and set the stage for future confrontations. 
The Second Punic War (218–201 BCE) is immortalized by Hannibal’s audacious crossing of the Alps with elephants and his near-destruction of Rome at battles like Cannae. Yet, it was Scipio Africanus—a Roman general barely in his 30s—who reversed Carthage’s fortunes. After securing Spain, Scipio daringly invaded North Africa, forcing Hannibal to abandon Italy. 
At the Battle of Zama (202 BCE), Scipio’s tactical brilliance neutralized Hannibal’s elephants and outflanked his forces, securing a decisive victory. Carthage surrendered, losing its empire and fleet, while Rome emerged as the Mediterranean’s dominant power. 
By the Third Punic War (149–146 BCE), Carthage had rebuilt its economy but remained politically neutered. Roman paranoia, stoked by figures like Cato the Elder, demanded Carthage’s obliteration. When Carthage defended itself against Numidian incursions without Roman approval, Rome declared war. After a grueling three-year siege led by Scipio Aemilianus (grandson of Scipio Africanus), the Romans breached Carthage’s walls. 
The city burned for days, its libraries, temples, and homes obliterated. Survivors were enslaved, the land sown with salt, and Carthaginian territory reorganized as the Roman province of Africa. Scipio, echoing his grandfather’s legacy, earned the title Africanus Minor for this final triumph. 
Rome’s victory had profound implications. Economically, control of North Africa’s fertile lands turned the region into Rome’s breadbasket. Politically, the elimination of Carthage removed the last rival to Roman dominance, enabling unchecked expansion across the Mediterranean. 
Militarily, the legions honed in these wars became an unstoppable force, paving the way for imperial conquests. Culturally, Rome absorbed Carthaginian innovations in agriculture and architecture while erasing their political identity—a testament to the brutal efficiency of Roman imperialism. 
Scipio Africanus’s legacy looms large. His victory at Zama not only ended the Second Punic War but demonstrated Rome’s capacity to adapt and innovate. His later protege, Scipio Aemilianus, embodied this relentless spirit in the Third War, ensuring Carthage’s destruction. 
Together, their campaigns underscored Rome’s transition from a regional power to a Mediterranean empire. The Punic Wars, thus, were not merely military conflicts but catalysts for Rome’s transformation into a civilization that would define the classical world for centuries. 
These "on this day" posts are inspired by my love of the greatest minds of the Western canon. It is in this spirit that I post these tidbits for the Bitcoin community as a way to bring beauty and knowledge to the world.
On February 4, 1789, George Washington became the first President of the United States through a unanimous Electoral College vote—a feat never replicated in American history. 
His election marked a pivotal moment as the nascent nation sought stability after the Revolutionary War and the turbulent Articles of Confederation era. Washington’s ascent was less a political campaign than a national consensus. As commander of the Continental Army and president of the Constitutional Convention, he had already proven his leadership and integrity. 
The Electoral College system, still in its infancy, allowed each elector to cast two votes. All 69 electors from the 10 participating states designated Washington as their first choice, while John Adams secured the vice presidency with 34 votes. Three states—New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—abstained due to delayed processes or pending ratification of the Constitution. 
Washington’s reluctance to accept the role was palpable; he described his journey to New York for the inauguration as feeling like “a culprit going to his execution,” yet he obeyed what he called “the voice of my Country.” 
Washington’s unanimous selection reflected a nation desperate for unifying leadership. His reputation as a selfless patriot who had resigned his military commission in 1783—returning to his farm at Mount Vernon rather than seizing power—cemented his image as a modern Cincinnatus. 
This parallel to the Roman statesman Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who left his plow to defend Rome and then relinquished authority, became central to Washington’s legacy. Both men were summoned from rural life during crises, led their nations to victory, and voluntarily returned to private citizenship. 
Artists depicted Washington in Roman garb, and the Society of the Cincinnati, a veterans’ group he led, drew its name from this classical ideal. King George III reportedly marveled that Washington would step down, calling him “the greatest man in the world” for prioritizing republican virtue over power. This ethos shaped Washington’s presidency: he rejected regal titles, limited himself to two terms, and framed the office as a servant of the people rather than a monarch. 
Born on February 22, 1732, in Virginia, Washington grew up on a plantation, inheriting Ferry Farm and ten enslaved people at age 11 after his father’s death. His formal education was limited, but he mastered surveying, a skill that fueled his early career and land acquisitions. By his 20s, he fought in the French and Indian War, rising to prominence as a colonial officer. 
Though his early military campaigns faced setbacks, his perseverance during the Revolutionary War—coupled with strategic alliances with France—secured American independence. Post-war, he stunned the world by resigning his commission, embodying the Cincinnatus ideal. 
Washington’s presidency (1789–1797) established enduring precedents: he crafted the inaugural address, formed the first Cabinet, and navigated partisan tensions between Federalists like Alexander Hamilton and Democratic-Republicans like Thomas Jefferson. He advocated for a strong national government, oversaw the ratification of the Bill of Rights, and maintained neutrality in European conflicts. 
His Farewell Address in 1796 warned against political factions and foreign entanglements, urging national unity. Despite owning enslaved people throughout his life, he privately expressed growing moral unease and became the only Founding Father to free those he enslaved in his will. 
A blend of pragmatism and idealism, Washington’s leadership transformed revolutionary principles into functional governance. His voluntary relinquishment of power—twice—set a standard for democratic transitions, ensuring the presidency remained accountable to the people. 
From his humble beginnings as a Virginia planter to his death in 1799, Washington’s life exemplified the tension between ambition and civic duty, leaving a legacy that continues to define American leadership. 
These "on this day" posts are inspired by my love of the greatest minds of the Western canon. It is in this spirit that I post these tidbits for the Bitcoin community as a way to bring beauty and knowledge to the world.
#ushistory #americanhistory #georgewashington #potus #history
It was great seeing you again. Safe travels and I’ll be in touch about some projects!
Learn how to homeschool to decentralize your kid’s education!
My free class for Bitcoin families is coming up February 16th. You can register here: https://t.co/a5gocspuNO
#bitcoinfamilies #homeschool #decentralization
It’s a beautiful day to stack sats, support a circular economy, and homeschool.
Photo: San Blas, El Salvador
Happy Birthday, Ayn Rand!
Ayn Rand, born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia, witnessed the upheaval of the Bolshevik Revolution as a teenager. Her family’s pharmacy was seized by the Soviet regime, plunging them into poverty and shaping her lifelong opposition to collectivism. 
After studying history and philosophy at Petrograd State University, she emigrated to the United States in 1926, adopting the pen name “Ayn Rand” and settling in Hollywood. There, she worked as a screenwriter and met her husband, Frank O’Connor, while forging a career that blended storytelling with philosophical inquiry. 
Rand’s fiction became a vehicle for her ideas. Her debut novel, We the Living (1936), drew from her experiences in Soviet Russia, portraying the clash between individualism and totalitarianism. Though initially overlooked, it later gained recognition as a critique of authoritarianism. 
Her dystopian novella Anthem (1938) explored themes of self-discovery in a society that erases individuality, culminating in the protagonist’s reclaiming of the word “I.” 
The Fountainhead (1943), her breakthrough novel, introduced Howard Roark, an architect who defies societal conventions to uphold his creative vision. The novel’s celebration of independence and integrity resonated widely, cementing Rand’s reputation. 
Her magnum opus, Atlas Shrugged (1957), depicted a world where innovators and industrialists withdraw from a collapsing collectivist society, underscoring her belief in human potential and rational self-interest. 
After the publication of her influential novel "Atlas Shrugged" in 1957, Ayn Rand turned her focus to nonfiction writing, using this medium to further elaborate on and promote her philosophy of Objectivism. Her nonfiction works span a wide range of topics, from ethics and epistemology to politics and aesthetics. 
One of Rand's earliest and most significant nonfiction works is "For the New Intellectual" (1961), which serves as an introduction to her philosophical ideas. This book includes excerpts from her novels along with new essays that outline the core principles of Objectivism. 
"The Virtue of Selfishness" (1964) is perhaps Rand's most controversial and well-known nonfiction book. In it, she presents her ethical theory of rational self-interest, challenging traditional notions of altruism and offering a new concept of egoism. The book includes essays that explore practical questions such as the nature of rights, the role of government, and the importance of reason in human life. 
Rand's political and economic views are expounded in "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal" (1966). This collection of essays argues for laissez-faire capitalism as the only moral and practical economic system. It includes contributions from other writers, including future Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. 
In "Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology" (1967), Rand delves into the philosophical foundations of knowledge and concept formation. This work represents her most technical philosophical writing and has been influential in the field of epistemology. 
"The Romantic Manifesto" (1969) presents Rand's theory of aesthetics and her views on the nature and purpose of art. In this work, she argues for a return to Romantic realism in literature and art. 
Following her death, several collections of Rand's essays and lectures were published posthumously. "Philosophy: Who Needs It" (1982) is a collection of essays that emphasize the practical importance of philosophy in everyday life. 
"The Voice of Reason" (1989) includes essays on a wide range of topics, from cultural commentary to in-depth philosophical discussions. 
Rand's nonfiction also extended to periodicals. From 1962 to 1976, she published and wrote for three successive journals: The Objectivist Newsletter, The Objectivist, and The Ayn Rand Letter. These publications allowed her to comment on current events and cultural trends through the lens of her philosophy. 
Throughout her nonfiction works, Rand consistently emphasized the importance of reason, individualism, and capitalism. She sought to provide a comprehensive philosophical framework that could guide individuals in all aspects of life, from ethics to politics to art. While her ideas have been controversial, they have also been influential, particularly in libertarian and conservative circles. 
Rand's nonfiction writing style is characterized by its clarity, directness, and logical rigor. She often used concrete examples and analogies to illustrate abstract philosophical concepts, making her ideas accessible to a wide audience. Her works continue to be read and debated today, testament to the enduring impact of her ideas on modern thought. 
Central to Rand’s work is Objectivism, a philosophy she described as “the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life.” Its core principles rest on four pillars: objective reality, reason, ethical egoism, and laissez-faire capitalism. 
Rand argued that reality exists independently of perception, and reason—not faith or emotion—is humanity’s sole means of understanding it. She rejected altruism as a moral ideal, asserting that individuals should pursue their own happiness without sacrificing themselves to others or vice versa. Politically, she championed capitalism as the only system respecting individual rights, advocating for minimal government intervention beyond protecting against force or fraud. 
Though Rand’s ideas sparked controversy, her novels have sold over 37 million copies, and Objectivism influenced libertarian and conservative thought. She founded a philosophical movement that continues to promote her works, emphasizing logic, individualism, and the primacy of reality. Her legacy endures in debates about freedom, creativity, and the role of government, reflecting her conviction that “man is an end in himself.” 
These "on this day" posts are inspired by my love of the greatest minds of the Western canon. It is in this spirit that I post these tidbits for the Bitcoin community as a way to bring beauty and knowledge to the world.
#aynrand #objectivism #onthisday #philosophy #literature
I have always loved going to museums. This is the view of the Art Museum in San Salvador this week with the Plan B conference in town. I love it when tie of my passions collide!
#planbelsalvador #bitcoin #artmuseums #museum
I love that. And, with anything it isn’t always perfect. But, as I’m sure you know, it can be and when done is the very best education a kid can get.
Hey Bitcoin families!
I’ll be starting my free Get Started Homeschooling webinars again this year. The first one is scheduled for February 16!
This is my way of giving back, to help #bitcoin families with their own sovereignty while saving kids from the horrific education systems throughout the world. I want to see more Bitcoin families #homeschool and #unschool as a way to ensure a better future for the world.
You can find out more and register here: www.lyceumtutoring.com/homeschool-support
On this day in 1412, the Medici Bank became the official bank of the papacy, solidifying their influence throughout Europe and leading to some integral banking innovations that would impact the rest of monetary history. 
The Medici family, originating from the Mugello region north of Florence, rose to prominence through their innovative banking practices and shrewd business acumen. Their ascent to financial power began in 1397 when Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici founded the Medici Bank in Florence. 
On January 16, 1412, the Medici family reached a significant milestone by becoming the official bankers of the papacy. This partnership with the Catholic Church turbocharged their business across Europe and solidified their position as one of the most influential banking dynasties of the Renaissance era. 
The Medici Bank introduced several groundbreaking innovations that revolutionized the banking industry: 
Double-entry bookkeeping: The Medicis popularized this system, which allowed for more accurate tracking of financial transactions. This method used a ledger where both debits and credits were recorded, providing a clearer overview of a business's financial status. 
Letters of credit: This innovation facilitated international trade by eliminating the need to transport large sums of money across Europe. Traders could deposit money at one Medici branch and receive a letter of credit to be honored at another branch, making transactions safer and more efficient. 
Branch banking: The Medici established a network of bank branches across major European cities, including London, Bruges, Geneva, and Avignon. This system allowed for easier movement of money and credit across borders. 
Holding company structure: The Medici Bank operated as an early form of a holding company, with the Florence headquarters acting as the central entity overseeing various partnerships across Europe. 
In addition, to circumvent the Church's prohibition on usury (charging interest on loans), the Medici devised clever methods to generate profit: 
Currency exchange: By manipulating exchange rates between different currencies, the bank could build interest into transactions without explicitly charging it. 
Bills of exchange: These financial instruments allowed the bank to profit from the time delay between issuing credit in one location and receiving payment in another. 
The Medici's innovations and their extensive network of branches made banking more accessible and efficient. Their system allowed for easier transfer of funds across Europe, facilitating trade and commerce. By charging fees for services rather than direct interest, they managed to operate within the Church's restrictions while still generating substantial profits.
The Medici Bank's success was closely tied to its relationship with the papacy. By 1434, half of the bank's revenue came from its Rome branch, which essentially functioned as a mobile bank following the Pope. This connection gave the Medici immense power and influence, as everyone wanted an account with the Pope's personal bank. 
The Medici's banking empire reached its zenith under Cosimo de' Medici, with profits averaging around 19,386 florins per year between 1435 and 1450. Their financial innovations and strategic partnerships, particularly with the Church, laid the groundwork for modern banking practices and played a crucial role in financing the Italian Renaissance. 
These "on this day" posts are inspired by my love of the greatest minds of the Western canon. It is in this spirit that I post these tidbits for the Bitcoin community as a way to bring beauty and knowledge to the world.