What Bitcoin Did with Peter McCormack
Business:Investing
“If you want to understand someone, an individual, you kind of need to understand what their life has been like, where they came from…and I think the same is true for Bitcoin, if you really want to understand Bitcoin, you need to understand where it came from.”
— Aaron van Wirdum
Aaron Van Wirdum is a Bitcoin journalist and author of ‘The Genesis Book’. In this interview, we discuss the history of Bitcoin, including the importance of consensus algorithms and public key cryptography, early scepticism towards Bitcoin from cypherpunks, Satoshi's decision to remain anonymous, and its fixed monetary policy. We also talk about the influence of Austrian economics on Bitcoin's foundation, and the significance of privacy in digital transactions.
- - - -
The esteemed journalist Aaron Van Wirdum has authored a new book on the origins of Bitcoin called ‘The Genesis Book’. Our discussion naturally focuses on the influence of Austrian economics: Aaron explains how Hayek's ideas about money supply were instrumental in shaping Bitcoin’s principles, and how the cypherpunk movement of the 90s aspired to create technologies beyond government control - echoing Hayek's vision of market-driven money.
We examine the reasons behind the failure of early digital cash projects and the lessons learned that paved the way for Bitcoin's success. Hashcash and its Proof of Work (PoW) concept, developed by Adam Back, was a key innovation contributing to the creation of Bitcoin. Equally important was the role of cypherpunks in exploring electronic scarcity and the transferability of digital cash, particularly Nick Szabo’s efforts in addressing the double spend problem.
Aaron explains how Bitcoin emerged, and the significance of its white paper in introducing a novel approach that integrated currency creation technology and consensus algorithms through PoW. Reflecting on the early days of Bitcoin, we discussed the initial reaction towards Bitcoin's proposal from the cypherpunk movement and the importance of the mailing list. We also touch upon the significance of Satoshi’s anonymity and the timing of Bitcoin's launch.
This episode is a deep dive into the confluence of history, economics, and cryptography that has shaped the world of Bitcoin and digital currency. As we explored the origins, challenges, and innovations that have led us to this point, including the critical Blocksize wars. The journey of Bitcoin is as much about the past as it is about the future. And, it's a narrative that continues to unfold.
- - - -
This episode’s sponsors:
Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably
Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here
Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet
Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default
Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence
Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic
Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan
-----
WBD759 - Show Notes
-----
If you enjoy The What Bitcoin Did Podcast you can help support the show by doing the following:
Become a Patron and get access to shows early or help contribute
Make a tip:
Bitcoin: 3FiC6w7eb3dkcaNHMAnj39ANTAkv8Ufi2S
QR Codes: Bitcoin
If you do send a tip then please email me so that I can say thank you
Subscribe on iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | SoundCloud | YouTube | Deezer | TuneIn | RSS Feed
Leave a review on iTunes
Share the show and episodes with your friends and family
Subscribe to the newsletter on my website
Follow me on Twitter Personal | Twitter Podcast | Instagram | Medium | YouTube
If you are interested in sponsoring the show, you can read more about that here or please feel free to drop me an email to discuss options.
Bitcoin Mining Economics with Steve Barbour
RFK Jr on Media, US Debt & Bitcoin
Bitcoin on the Ballot with Vivek Ramaswamy
Milei's Argentine Revolution? With Stephan Livera
Macro, Fed Pivot & Bitcoin with Steven McClurg
Bitcoin for Banking Failures with Parker Lewis
Ensuring Bitcoin Wins with Lee Bratcher
Life Liberty & the Pursuit of Bitcoin with Robert Breedlove
Is the Bull Market Back? With Alex Thorn
Bitcoin’s Full Potential Value with Jesse Myers
Bitcoin vs the Infinite Money Printer with Luke Gromen
The Fight for Bitcoin Against CBDCs with Mark Moss
How Bitcoin Fights Tyranny with Erik Cason
The Economics of AI & Bitcoin Mining with Daniel Roberts
The Economic Impact of AI with Matthew Pines & Chester Ney
Bitcoin Financial Advice with Pierre & Morgen Rochard
Scaling Bitcoin with Christian Decker
Are Central Banks Losing Control? With Lyn Alden & Natalie Smolenski
Here Comes Bitcoin with Steve Lee & Haley Berkoe
Bitcoin Mining: Adapt or Die with Nick Hansen & Matthew Williams
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
The Tucker Carlson Show
U.S Property Podcast
Aligned Money Show
Dubai Property Podcast
The Ramsey Show