Modern Capital Misallocation: Allen Farrington (Bitcoin Talk on THE Bitcoin Podcast)
May 13, 2024
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Allen Farrington, General Partner at Axiom Venture Partners, talks about ethics, violence, Apple, lite beer, MMT, capitalism, and the state's role in capitalism on a Bitcoin Talk episode. The conversation meanders through various fascinating topics, showcasing a wide array of ideas and viewpoints in a thought-provoking manner.
Cultivating an ethical culture can reduce the need for violence in society.
Alignment with financial incentives drives investment philosophies more than ethics.
Fiat money exists as a digital entry, highlighting its conceptual nature.
Challenging norms with unconventional perspectives can promote critical thinking and curiosity.
Deep dives
Capital and Potential Energy
Capital, as described by economist Hernando De Soto, can be likened to economic potential energy. It represents the time dedicated to producing rather than consuming, with the product not fully consumed yet. This concept forces one to think about time and human action, storing up time in potential to be purposefully released in the future. Capital is a form of stored economic potential energy, waiting to be deployed.
Incentives and Investment Philosophy
The alignment of an investment philosophy with Bitcoin reflects incentives in the financial industry. While the approach may seem ethically good, the driving force is incentives within the industry that make it difficult to diverge from short-termism and speculation. It's the alignment with incentives rather than purely ethical considerations that drives the adoption of certain investment approaches.
Fiat Money and Commercial Bank Liability
Fiat money can be considered a commercial bank liability and is a purely conceptual entity with no physical existence. It exists as an entry in a digital ledger, emphasizing its abstract and conceptual nature. Exploring the origins and nature of fiat money often leads to a deeper understanding of the monetary system and the role of central banks.
Education and Awareness in Economics
Challenging normies with unconventional perspectives on topics like fiat money and capital can spark curiosity and critical thinking. By delving into fundamental concepts of economics, such as the nature of money and the incentives driving investment decisions, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the financial system and the potential impact of alternative forms of money like Bitcoin.
Bitcoin as a Tool, Memes as Powerful Inducers of Thought
Bitcoin is viewed as a tool with the potential to influence technology, culture, and politics by shifting the balance of returns to violence. Memes play a significant role in spreading ideas and deprogramming individuals by introducing different perspectives and encouraging critical thinking. The concept of subjective value, when applied to memes and cultural influence, can shape the narrative and impact how people view various debates and arguments.
Challenging Nihilism with Optimism and Engagement
Addressing nihilism involves acknowledging the current challenges and remaining hopeful by considering tools like Bitcoin to provide solutions. Encouraging individuals to explore Bitcoin and its underlying principles can offer a new perspective and a reason for optimism. Deconstructing the concept of intrinsic value and engaging in meaningful discussions can help shift pessimistic views toward more optimistic and constructive approaches.
Non-Fiction Read: 'Broken Money' and Fiction Exploration: 'Life and Fate'
Recent reading includes 'Broken Money', which offers insights into financial systems, and the novel 'Life and Fate' by Vassily Grossman, a compelling story spanning 900 pages. Balancing time between writing for Axiom and personal leisure reading adds depth to perspectives and enriches understanding across different subjects.
"if you put the requisite time and energy into creating a culture that self-enforces ethics, you don't need violence in the first place. And you can escape that loop, in theory, at least. That's my hot take."
On thisBitcoin Talk episode of THE Bitcoin Podcast, Walker talks with Allen Farrington, General Partner at Axiom Venture Partners, and the co-author of the book Bitcoin is Venice. Allen and I had a great conversation that meanders all over the place from Apple to lite beer to MMT to capitalism to the proper role of the state and a whole lot more...