Previously
In the previous article, here, we made principle-based attempts to create high-level forecasts of what the relationship would be between the governing and the governed, the ruling and the ruled, [1] after we adopt a bitcoin standard and move into a hyper-bitcoinization world. Our starting point for these forecasts were grounded on the works of two relatively unknown groups of promoters of individual liberty, cypherpunks and Austrian School economists, as well as the globe’s known and established history of the use of a hard money standard.
Now, we can bring the entirety of the opening series to bear onto this one article. We have have developed a very specific thesis regarding the nature of governments and their eternal quest for unchecked and unlimited power.
Instead of becoming bitter or incapacitated about the fundamental nature of the state, we can become activated because we now have an escape hatch from its naturally oppressive nature. That escape hatch is called… bitcoin.
Tying It All Together / The New “New World“
1492 was the beginning of the trend of the rest of the world moving to the “New World” to achieve individual liberty.
That was a movement in space because it put
them out of reach of their old governments.
Those brave individuals leaving their homelands for this raw and unknown world was an act of defiance against the Old World expressed as, “I will not participate.“ They refused to participate in the antiquated ways of the caste systems, monarchies, and oppression of the heavy & intrusive state. America became their proverbial escape hatch.
These legions of freedom seekers needed only one thing from the governments of the New World, “Stay out of my way and let me live my life.“
Now, bitcoin is the embodiment of that American ideal – individual liberty. Bitcoin is the new “New World”. It is that movement towards freedom in a completely different direction and realm because it moves us out of reach of government.
Bitcoin has become the ultimate escape hatch.
Much like the early American settlers, each person moving to bitcoin is also engaging in an act of defiance against the state expressed as, “I will not participate.“ As the Constitution intended, it gets government out of the way so that we can live our lives unencumbered by the leviathan of the unconstrained state.
This will be a movement in time because
individuals will maintain their life savings
in the most pristine asset ever devised and
keep it out of the hands of authoritarian states.
“Satoshi’s Summit“: Bitcoin Has Become The Real “Galt’s Gulch“
In her magnum opus, “Atlas Shrugged“, the author, Ayn Rand, crafted a mysterious hero, John Galt, as the embodiment of the human drive for reason and individual liberty, while the motor he invented was the symbol of the application of reason and liberty to the perpetual human quest for innovation and ingenuity.
In her novel, the world was slowly grinding to a halt due to overbearing and authoritarian states. Galt convinced the protagonists, the producers of the world, to withdraw their minds, innovations, and active participation from the world’s stage and to allow the world to fail spectacularly on its own. The place that Galt invited these producers to as their haven from oppressive government was dubbed “Galt’s Gulch” by those who resided there.
Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous name of the inventor of bitcoin, is our cyber John Galt and bitcoin is our cyber Galt’s Gulch. [2] Much like Galt, Nakamoto has proverbially whispered to some of us around the world and convinced us no longer to participate in the regimes of nihilism, cronyism, and corruption. Satoshi Nakamoto has invited us all to “Satoshi’s Summit“. [3]
Whereas John Galt personally convinced only the producers and innovators of the world to withdraw their minds, inventions , and involvement from the world’s stage, Satoshi Nakamoto, from a distance and through his work, is slowly convincing the producers, rational thinkers, and honest dealers to withdraw their active participation from the fiat currency schemes of today.
Just as Galt’s Gulch was the proverbial singular escape hatch for the innovators, risk takers, trailblazers, and producers of his era, so too is bitcoin our escape hatch from the current paradigm of the obtrusive, intrusive, and overbearing state.
The only difference between Galt and Nakamoto is that
Satoshi has invited everyone to Satoshi’s Summit.
Now, it is up to each person to choose rationally, wisely, and freely.
The Second Age Of Enlightenment
The hard money standard which began in Europe in 1252 brought us great wonders such as The Renaissance, The (First) Age Of Enlightenment, the Mona Lisa, Notre Dame, and the exploration of the New World. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Author’s Note: Credit to Saifedean Ammous for discussing the amazing developments from the First Age of Enlightenment in his book, “The Bitcoin Standard“.
All of the above came about because the European governments were naturally constrained by hard money and budgets, allowing the free markets to operate maximally. Thus, the citizens of those countries did not need to concern themselves with the quality of their monetary systems because their governments could not inflate the money supplies and deflate the values, ethics, and investments of the people.
In his seminal article, “Bitcoin is Not a Hedge“, Parker Lewis gave us his iconic quote:
“Bitcoin is not a hedge against inflation;
it is the permanent solution to inflation,
and those are two very different things“
Bitcoin removes the artificiality of government induced inflation and creates a common set of rules which everyone can voluntarily follow.
Just as the city-state of Florence ushered in the hard money standard [9] which spurned the European Renaissance and the First Age of Enlightenment, [10] Nakamoto has ushered in the Second Age of Enlightenment by issuing bitcoin.
The BitcoinInPeace Thesis
I think that the only way that any of us can push ourselves “out of the system” is to become as independent and self-sovereign as possible. We achieve self-sovereignty by avoiding entanglements with the state when possible (i.e. entitlements, government contracts, debt, fiat currency, fiat finance, etc.).
Bitcoin is our best means of doing just that.
Contrary to what many listless leaders, faux philosophers, and pontificating politicians have argued for centuries, I don’t think that self-sovereignty, economic prosperity, and political freedom are mutually exclusive. In fact, many have argued (and what I also believe) that all three are tightly intertwined and mutually dependent; we cannot have one without the other two.
Ultimately, that which promotes individual
liberty is also best for the causes of
human prosperity and self-actualization. [11]
Next Up
This brings Part 4 of the opening series to a close. I appreciate you sticking with me this entire time! We’re in the final stretch!
Next up, we’ll move into the final section of this opening series, Part 5: Giving You The Tools To Bitcoin In Peace, which you can read < here >. Part 5 is where I layout why BitcoinInPeace.com will be your one-stop-shop for learning about, acquiring, and holding bitcoin and why this will be so important to you.
The Learning Never Stops!
If you want to continue your journey of learning about all things bitcoin with knowledgeable and helpful people who love to be of service to others, I highly recommend my bitcoin MeetUp, “Bitcoin, Huntsville, Crypto, & Coffee” which you can find here . We meet two times every month online to discuss bitcoin and its impact on the world. You’ll be able to talk directly with others who are also on their personal bitcoin journey and ask them engaging questions. We’re not selling anything. The only thing that we ask of you is to come to the table in good faith and be willing to DYOR – Do Your Own Research. We love newbies and the energy they bring!
Donations
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End Notes, References, & Citations
[1] “the governing and the governed”, “the ruling and the ruled”
I adapted the phrases, “the governing and the governed” and, “the ruling and the ruled” from the article “America’s Ruling Class: And The Perils Of Revolution” by Angelo Codevilla, July 16, 2010.
This article by Angelo Codevilla is really well done and brings a cogent perspective to the table. Overall, Mr. Codevilla demonstrates that an antagonistic environment has developed over the past few decade between what he calls “the ruling class and the country class”. It is this antagonism which has defined our culture and politics in the U.S. (and much of the West in general).
[2] Michael Saylor’s reference to Galt’s Gulch
Acknowledgements to Michael Saylor, of the company “Strategy”, for conceiving of the idea that bitcoin is “Galt’s Gulch“. You can see the transcript of his reference to Galt’s Gulch here and the video here.
[3] Terrain feature: Summit
Definition of Summit: Highest point of a hill or mountain.
I specifically chose the terrain feature of a summit as many staunch bitcoin advocates consider bitcoin to be the apex predator form of money and the most pristine asset ever devised.
[4] The European Renaissance
We briefly covered the European Renaissance here.
[5] The Mona Lisa
Brave search engine summary: “Mona Lisa summary“
“The Mona Lisa is a half-length portrait painting by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as an archetypal masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. It is traditionally believed to depict Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of Florentine silk merchant Francesco del Giocondo, although her likeness remains uncertain. The painting, created in oil on a poplar panel, measures 77 cm × 53 cm (30 in × 21 in) and was likely begun around 1503, with Leonardo possibly continuing to work on it until 1517 or even later. It is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it has been a permanent part of the collection since 1797.
The painting is renowned for its novel qualities, including the subject’s enigmatic expression, the monumentality of the composition, the subtle modelling of forms through the sfumato technique, and the atmospheric illusionism of the landscape background. The sitter is portrayed in a three-quarter profile, seated in a loggia with a vast, imagined landscape receding into distant mountains, winding paths, and a bridge, which some scholars believe may be the ancient Romito di Laterina bridge near Arezzo. Leonardo’s use of sfumato creates an ambiguous mood, particularly in the corners of the mouth and eyes, contributing to the painting’s enduring mystery.
The title “Mona Lisa” derives from the Italian “Monna Lisa,” a polite form of address meaning “My Lady Lisa,” while the Italian title “La Gioconda” means “the jocund one” or “the happy one,” a pun on the feminine form of Lisa’s married name, Giocondo. The identification of Lisa del Giocondo as the sitter is primarily based on the 16th-century account of art historian Giorgio Vasari, and this was confirmed in 2005 by a marginal note in a 1477 printing of Cicero, written by Leonardo’s contemporary Agostino Vespucci, stating Leonardo was working on a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo in October 1503. Despite this, alternative theories have proposed other subjects, including Isabella d’Este, Cecilia Gallerani, and even Leonardo himself.
The Mona Lisa’s global fame is partly attributed to its 1911 theft by Vincenzo Peruggia, which generated unprecedented publicity and cemented its status as a cultural icon. The painting has been the subject of numerous cultural depictions, including films, songs, and parodies, and is estimated to be worth over $800 million today, though it is considered priceless and not for sale. It is one of the most visited artworks in the world, with over 80% of Louvre visitors coming specifically to see it. The painting’s enduring appeal lies in its combination of artistic mastery, historical significance, and the enduring mystery surrounding its subject and expression.“
[6] Notre Dame
Brave search engine summary: “Notre Dame summary“
“Notre-Dame de Paris, often referred to simply as “Notre-Dame“, is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary (“Our Lady“), it is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and stands as a symbol of both the city of Paris and the French nation. The cathedral was initiated by Bishop Maurice de Sully in 1163, with the laying of the cornerstone in the presence of King Louis VII and Pope Alexander III. Construction began on the site of earlier religious structures, including a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter and a Romanesque basilica known as the Cathedral of Saint Étienne.
The cathedral’s construction spanned nearly two centuries, from 1163 to 1345, with major phases including the completion of the choir by 1182, the nave by 1250, and the towers around 1250.
It features pioneering Gothic elements such as rib vaults, flying buttresses, and large rose windows, with its three great rose windows retaining their 13th-century glass. The cathedral’s interior is 130 meters long and 48 meters wide, with a nave height of 35 meters. The original spire was removed in the 18th century due to instability, and a new, taller spire was added during the 19th-century restoration led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
Notre-Dame has witnessed numerous significant historical events, including the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804, the funerals of French presidents, and the Liberation of Paris in 1944.
The 1831 publication of Victor Hugo’s novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) played a crucial role in inspiring the 19th-century restoration. The cathedral suffered extensive damage during the French Revolution, when it was converted into a Temple of Reason and later a Temple of the Supreme Being. It was restored to the Catholic Church in 1801 through the Concordat of 1801.
A devastating fire broke out on April 15, 2019, destroying the roof and the 19th-century spire, which had been added by Viollet-le-Duc.
The cathedral was closed for extensive reconstruction, which began in 2021 and was completed in 2024. It officially reopened to the public on December 7, 2024, with the return of the revered Crown of Thorns relic on December 13, 2024. The restoration project, estimated to cost over €700 million, involved hundreds of craftsmen and was supported by global donations. The cathedral remains a major cultural and religious landmark, attracting millions of visitors annually.“
[7] The First Age Of Enlightenment
We briefly covered the European “Age Of Enlightenment” here. My thoughts on calling the European “Age Of Enlightenment” the “First Age Of Enlightenment” can be found here.
[8] Exploration of the New World
Brave search engine summary: “Exploration of the New World“
“The exploration of the New World refers to the period of European exploration and colonization of the Americas from the late 15th century through the early 17th century, marking a transformative era in global history. This age, also known as the Age of Discovery, began with Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage, which led to the accidental discovery of the Americas by Europeans and initiated a wave of exploration, conquest, and colonization by major powers like Spain, Portugal, France, and England. The exploration fundamentally reshaped global trade networks through the Columbian Exchange, integrated the Americas into a world economy, and led to profound demographic, ecological, and cultural changes, often with devastating consequences for indigenous populations.
- The era was driven by the “three G’s”: gold (economic gain through trade and resources like silver and sugar), God (religious conversion), and glory (national prestige and territorial expansion).
- Key explorers included Christopher Columbus, whose voyages opened the door to the Americas; Amerigo Vespucci, who concluded the lands were a “New World” distinct from Asia and whose name became associated with the continent ; Ferdinand Magellan, whose expedition proved the New World was separate from Asia and circumnavigated the globe ; and conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Aztec and Inca Empires, respectively.
- The exploration led to the establishment of vast colonial empires, intense competition among European powers, and the creation of treaties like the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) to divide newly discovered lands.
- The long-term impacts were profound, including the transformation of global trade, the forced migration of enslaved Africans, the introduction of new crops and animals to both hemispheres, and the catastrophic decline of indigenous populations due to disease, warfare, and displacement.”
[9] Florence issuing the florin
We briefly covered Florence issuing the florin here.
[10] “The First Age of Enlightenment“
My thoughts on calling the European “Age Of Enlightenment” the “First Age Of Enlightenment” can be found here.
[11] Milton Friedman’s book “Capitalism & Freedom“
We briefly discussed in a previous article, here, we cover the book “Capitalism & Freedom” here as well as its importance to the cause of individual liberty.