Post
Topic
Board Bitcoin Discussion
Re: Usability of bitcoin
by
pokwer
on 07/07/2011, 14:45:52 UTC
Most of the issues you've mentioned are already on the way to being addressed.  Bitcoin is still very young.  As it grows, it will become portable/secure/easy to use/etc.  I believe this includes the government / threat to power argument, but this is an interesting one, and the topic of the following ramble: 

I think that by its very existence, bitcoin has let the cat out of the bag.  Cryptocurrency is here now.  Barring something on the level of a cataclysmic nuclear war which takes out most of the internet, it's here to stay.  I watch with great interest to see what will unfold.  I truly hope it will turn over a new leaf for humanity as much as it theoretically could in my idealistic fantasy land. 

Just looking at the state of humanity right now, it is clear to see there are turbulent times ahead; even if bitcoin were to vanish from existence right now, it would still be so.  The power structure of the entire civilized world is already threatened, heaving under its own weight.  But it doesn't necessarily have to become World War 3 -- I mean look, there's even a place for central banks in a bitcoin economy:  People will continue to use "trustworthy" services to protect their assets; banks could adapt to profit from this.  Naive?  Probably, but change is required regardless.  No, it won't come easily, but maybe, just maybe, bitcoin will help humanity move toward a better society than they could have if the illusion of the status quo could somehow be maintained. 

I could paraphrase your closing statement:  The big guns in the financial industry will be their own downfall, they will get too big, they will get big enough that they get noticed and then it will all come tumbling down when those in [real] power (i.e., the people) start to pay attention.

The "why can't we just work together" argument only fails when someone wants to be king of the castle.  Well, now we have to work together, whether we like it or not.  Sounds to me like the only acceptable way forward.  Vires in Numeris Smiley