"The Big Print" is Coming with Larry Lepard (WiM555)

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Feb 18, 2025

Larry Lepard, author of "The Big Print," dives into the flaws of our monetary system and the rise of sound money. He compares reckless money printing to alcoholism, warning of imminent crises. Lepard discusses how inflation disproportionately impacts the middle class and explores the moral dimensions of money management. He advocates for Bitcoin as a viable alternative to fiat currencies and highlights the inherent inequalities within the central banking system, urging a shift toward fairness in finance.

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INSIGHT

The Nature of Money Printing

Printing money behaves like alcoholism; good effects come first, but bad effects follow later.
This addiction to easy money creates a progressively worsening situation for society.

INSIGHT

Sovereign Debt Crisis

The U.S. is approaching a sovereign debt crisis due to unmanageable debt growth compared to GDP.
Historical patterns suggest that this will lead to a monetary crisis.

INSIGHT

Future of Bitcoin

The transition to Bitcoin as a standard is likely to happen within the next five to ten years.
This transition may be gradual, but a climatic event will trigger widespread adoption.

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The bitcoin standard

Saifedean Ammous

The Bitcoin Standard analyzes the historical context to the rise of Bitcoin, the economic properties that have allowed it to grow quickly, and its likely economic, political, and social implications. The book takes the reader on an engaging journey through the history of technologies performing the functions of money, from primitive systems to modern government debt. It explains the operation of Bitcoin as a decentralized, distributed piece of software that converts electricity and processing power into indisputably accurate records, allowing users to perform traditional monetary functions without relying on authorities or physical infrastructure. The book also explores common questions surrounding Bitcoin and its potential as a store of value and a network for final settlement of large payments, challenging government monopolies and offering a vision of money extricated from politics and borders.

Mandibles

Jeff Strand

Mandibles is a dystopian novel exploring themes of societal collapse, economic instability, and the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows a family's struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by economic turmoil and environmental disaster. The novel's exploration of resource scarcity, social unrest, and the breakdown of traditional systems offers a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization. The characters' resourcefulness and determination to rebuild their lives in the face of adversity highlight the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mandibles serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.

The big short

Inside the Doomsday Machine

Michael Lewis

The Big Short tells the story of the 2007-08 financial crisis through the lens of several key players who predicted and profited from the collapse of the housing market. The book focuses on characters such as Steve Eisman, Mike Burry, Greg Lippmann, and the founders of Cornwall Capital, who saw the impending disaster and made significant gains by shorting the market. Lewis explains the complex financial instruments and the systemic failures that led to the crisis, making the narrative both accessible and engaging.

Fed up

An Insider's Take on Why the Federal Reserve is Bad for America

Danielle DiMartino Booth

In this book, Danielle DiMartino Booth pulls back the curtain on the Federal Reserve, detailing her experiences as an analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. She criticizes the Fed's policies, such as quantitative easing and deeply depressed interest rates, which she argues were driven by unelected academics with little understanding of the real world. The book highlights the dangers of these policies, their impact on the economy, and the potential for future financial crises. DiMartino Booth blends her firsthand experiences with insights from high-powered market players, financial data, and Fed documents to provide a comprehensive critique of the Fed's actions.

The creature from Jekyll Island

G. Edward Griffin

This book delves into the history and operations of the Federal Reserve, exposing what the author believes are its secretive and manipulative practices. Griffin argues that the Federal Reserve, despite its name, is not a government entity but a cartel of bankers who have significant control over the U.S. monetary system. The book details the clandestine meeting on Jekyll Island where the plans for the Federal Reserve were formulated and how this system has led to economic instability, wars, and other societal issues. Written in an accessible style, the book aims to educate readers about the inner workings of the financial system and the potential dangers of fiat currency and central banking[1][4][5].

Economics in one lesson

Henry Hazlitt

In 'Economics in One Lesson', Henry Hazlitt provides a concise and instructive introduction to economics by dissecting common economic fallacies. The book's central lesson is that good economics involves considering the long-term and indirect consequences of any policy for all groups, not just the immediate effects on a specific group. Hazlitt uses examples like the 'broken window fallacy' to illustrate how focusing only on immediate benefits can overlook the broader, often negative, consequences. The book advocates for free markets, economic liberty, and non-governmental solutions, making it a critical read for understanding basic economic principles and the pitfalls of government intervention[1][4][5].