BWJ 030: The American West; Changing World Order; Uncovering Fiat Intellectuals.
This week: What can we learn from the wild west? When should we pay attention to successful investors? Why is it important to think for yourself?
The American West
What can we learn from the wild west?
Historical context is without doubt one of my favourite lens’ through which to view Bitcoin, as it helps to highlight the significance of what is unfolding in front of our eyes, in easy to digest metaphor. It was with no surprise therefore, that on finally getting around to “Bitcoin and The American West “ by Croesus, I had a very enjoyable 30 minutes.
Imagining a world in which American settlers had not yet advanced west of the Mississippi river, not only brought to mind old western’s my father used to like watching on a rainy weekend, but also hit home just how early we might be. What entrepreneurial opportunity is on the horizon? Who has the talent to capitalise? Why is now the right time to proceed?
This seems an opportune time to remind oneself, “without risk there is no reward’’, so advance we must. The human traits of self-interest and the will to build a better life, have served us well in the past, I am sure they will again… (Shout out to Guy Swann for another great Bitcoin Audible episode as well)
Changing World Order
When are the insights of successful investors poignant?
Ray Dalio has been an extremely successful investor, and now in his 70’s, is sharing all sorts of useful insights. In particular it is his macro-economic lens which I like, with a focus on debt cycles, and how that might effect us in the future.
Importantly, in this conversation he is openly talking about Bitcoin, and the fact it’s a part of his portfolio. Hearing the worlds largest hedge fund manager openly admitting this is excellent, helping to legitimise Bitcoin as an asset, and placating those still fearing it as a scam.
I feel very grateful of the fact I’ve fallen down this rabbit hole, not only due to feeling more comfortable with my strategy for managing the uncertain times ahead, but also the opportunity to learn from others. Never before has information and expertise been more accessible, a fact I encourage anyone to capitalise on, self-education opens many doors.
Uncovering Fiat Intellectuals
Why is it important to think for yourself?
This conversation between Allen Farrington and Saifedean Ammous ranges across all sorts of topics, packed with Bitcoin related insights, and some moments of genuine comedy. I took it as yet another reminder of the talent that is being drawn to Bitcoin, from all parts of the world, motivated to add value.
Their discussion around why fiat funded academia is such a joke, was a brilliant example of how corrupted our economy has become in general, with even our educational institutions plagued by the influence of the money printer. This insight is particularly heavy hitting for me, as only a few years ago I was a startup founder actively trying to monetise academic research, totally in awe of the ecosystem I was interacting with.
What I enjoy listening to in these chats, is the clear ability of Bitcoiners to take on conventional thinking, and come to reasoned alternative conclusions. These thought processes often lead them to then make decisions, enabling much needed change in today’s world, something that cannot be encouraged more!
Bitcoin With Jake Podcast
This week I chatted with Richard James and Danny Brewster!