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Worldview

For architecture, the result is visibly obvious; we prioritise quarterly profit (to capture 'value' and survive in this fiat environment) at the expense of enduring beauty, which takes more time, consideration and effort to create. Consider the shoddy, uninspiring landscapes that developers have thrown up for the last 40+ years, all in the name of the quick sale. And now contrast with some of the Art Deco masterpieces that we still revere decades later. Is it just coincidence that the 1920s represented the last hoorah of the gold standard, and the start of our path towards flimsy money?

Tag

Energy

4 mins
BTC is ESG
June 3, 2022
Consider our favourite corporate acronym, ESG. And digest this delicious narrative shift; there is an alignment with BTC that is truly (or perhaps wilfully) under appreciated. Bitcoin is an exceptional example of distributed governance. The network can alleviate our current social ills by fostering financial solvency and a can-do, entrepreneurial spirit. And mining has environmental qualities that can no longer be denied. It's bloody remarkable, this magic internet money.
4 mins
The Bitcoin Backstop
January 11, 2022
Bitcoin, the asset, is the purest store-of-value we have ever seen. It is the simple conversion of energy (via math and code) into verifiable truth, whether via hydrocarbons, renewables, nuclear reactions or even god damn volcanoes. Real estate is stale in comparison; you may expend energy to form static bricks, aluminium or concrete. But it just degrades without active maintenance. Gold, whilst durable can be centralised or even confiscated. And don't forget the high costs of extraction. So where does this leave our good friend fiat?
It's all Greek to Me
August 6, 2021
Another Vervaeke inspired musing, folks. This time over four Greek words I have been introduced to, thanks to his series; Agape, Logos, Gnosis and Anagoge. The best way for me to explore these terms (or concepts even) is to relate them to my own investing and writing efforts. And before we begin, I must admit to borrowing heavily from other sources to help with the explanations (a big hat tip to Mark Mulvey and Andrew Seeney). So please bear with the heavy quoting. On that bombshell, let's roll.
All Things Bitcoin; What's in a Name?
August 4, 2021
Bitcoin could do with a gentle reframing. An association with something a little more familiar. Bitcoin, in my humble opinion, is a digital asset. A far less defensive term, don't ya think? In the early days, Bitcoin had to fight for recognition. It really needed to get straight to the point. Cryptocurrency is safe! Cryptocurrency is secure! This marketing strategy has succeeded beyond anyone's wildest expectations. With Bitcoin now firmly established, it can afford to feel more confident.
Vervaeke's Meaning Masterclass
July 23, 2021
How do you perceive reality? What patterns are you picking up? Is our worldview a product of emotion or conscious, rational thinking? John Vervaeke's series, Awakening from the Meaning Crisis, seeks to answer those quandaries. It's a big beast - 50 hour long discussions covering philosophy, religion and cognitive science. But John's delivery, bombastic and subtle in equal measure, keeps you coming back for more.
2 mins
Assets are Energy
June 29, 2021
Assets are proof of accrued work. Of time. Of effort. Of attention. To me, that is what Bitcoin's true calling is; verifiable ownership of energy. That is why I am so god damn motivated to acquire it. But assets must offer so much more than a mere storage facility (much like a house, bond or stock offers a yield - albeit a diminishing one). That is why I also find myself drawn to Ethereum; where we can draw up smart contracts and create aesthetic experiences demonstrating our creativity.