Why I am obsessed with Bitcoin——Written to those who have not yet come into contact with Bitcoin

The 9/11 anniversary just passed. I remember when I was in my third year of high school, the 9/11 incident happened. After hearing that American imperialism had been defeated, our entire campus was overjoyed and everyone ran outside the classroom to celebrate, and I was one of them (I was an idiot at the time).

In college, I studied materials science and learned a lot of basic knowledge about building wealth that humans actually use. Wherever I go, I see those man-made things, and I always think about what kind of technology these things are made of? I have always believed that if we can make the best machinery, China will not lag behind foreign countries.

It was the first time I faced a rich library and flipped through books. I read a lot of history books. Those messy historical materials rushed into my head, and for the first time I doubted the pride of my own nation that I had long held. It seemed that I had been brainwashed for more than ten years. Although I still had various doubts in my heart.

Computers were very popular at that time, and the most read books in the library were computer books, and I was no exception. After accumulating some computer knowledge, I discovered that the world can be constructed with code.

After I started working, I worked in a state-owned enterprise. The work was not busy and I was not very motivated. I had some money and bought a lot of books. I started to learn about economics. I saw again that the world can be guided by economics.

At that time, I was in Beijing, working in a state-owned enterprise, so I naturally had the habit of discussing state affairs. Every day, I would talk to a bunch of old men in state-owned enterprises and discuss state affairs in front of newspapers. The level of thinking was not much better than that of the current 50-cent party. For example, I was excited about Premier Zhu's ability to build such a large foreign exchange reserve. Thinking about it now, I must sneer.

I have been brainwashed, have been to college, and have some social experience, but I actually don’t have a deep and personal understanding of society. I have never established a clear way of thinking to face this complex world. I have always been in a state of using my knowledge to reluctantly understand the world. “To a man with a hammer, the world looks like a nail.” This sentence describes me.

Later, in economics, I gradually moved closer to the Austrian school represented by Hayek. In terms of political views, I moved closer to liberals. I discussed economics with my friends, exchanged political views, and imagined the future world of computers.

Then, I read some articles about Bitcoin on the Internet. My initial impression was that it was very strange and I didn't understand what it was talking about, but it seemed to have a magical power that attracted me. After reading more articles, I felt very happy after understanding Bitcoin.

To understand Bitcoin, you need to have computer thinking, mathematical knowledge, and economics knowledge. One great benefit of studying Bitcoin in depth is that it forces you to understand these three subjects thoroughly. I often read without understanding them very well, and I often think I understand them, but in fact I am confused, but I just don’t know it. But when it comes to Bitcoin, which combines knowledge from several fields and disciplines, the parts that I don’t understand thoroughly are revealed. At this time, I have to go back and read again and think about it again.

Charlie Munger said:

“ If you go down the interdisciplinary path with ease, you will never want to go back, so cut off your hands first. ”

The world is too complicated, we must know the important theories of many disciplines and use them frequently. Most people only use the thinking model of one discipline they have learned, such as economics, and try to solve all problems with one method. Haha, life will often play tricks on you, revealing that you are a fool everywhere.

And Bitcoin is an excellent tool for understanding the world.

Once you come into contact with the ideas in the Bitcoin world, they will be deeply rooted in your mind, making you unable to stop and think over and over again. I also think that mathematics is boring, and you may think that economics is boring, but in the ocean of knowledge about Bitcoin, I have never had time to experience boredom and dullness. Even when I am walking on the road, I will think about it in my mind, and I may experience the taste of sudden enlightenment at any time.

In our country where thoughts are restricted, Bitcoin is particularly suitable for liberating thoughts. In the Bitcoin community, you can communicate freely, and there are exciting topics and materials everywhere. Everyone discusses with each other, and even argues fiercely, which can not only greatly deepen each other's understanding and knowledge of the world, but also gain wealth and even find close friends.

Bitcoin not only provides me with endless happiness, but also fundamentally changes my thoughts and concepts, and plants the seeds of freedom and knowledge in my heart. After more than a year of cultivation, the belief that knowledge is wealth and freedom will prevail has taken root in my heart and is growing vigorously.

Finally, let me quote a short story.

In Shostakovich's recollections, there is a scene. After he entered the conservatory, the old dean talked with them. The white-haired old man asked these young people: Have you heard this piece of music? No, oh. Have you heard that piece of music? No, oh. After asking a few of them, most of the young people had not heard of it.

The young man was feeling ashamed of this, but the old dean sighed and said, "Young people, I really envy you. There are so many beautiful songs you haven't heard yet. You still have the opportunity to experience the happiness of just hearing them."
The old dean has heard everything. There is no chance to experience that kind of happiness again.