In this first episode of 'Bitcoiner Book Club', we discuss 'The Sovereign Individual', which analyzes the evolution of human civilization through the lens of how technological innovation impacts the 'logic of violence'. Written in 1997, and read in 2020, one is struck by the unbelievable predictive accuracy of the book, which among other things, serves to reinforce the validity of the underlying thesis.

From my perspective, this book provides the best framing I've yet come across, for understanding why things are the way they are, what causes them to change, and what to expect when they do so.

This book appeals greatly to many bitcoiners for several reasons. First, the book accurately predicts the emergence of 'cybermoney' and the 'bank of nowhere', and correctly describes several attributes that ultimately came to be represented in bitcoin. Secondly, it speaks to the liberating capacity of technology, and the shifting of the balance of power from large social structures, back to the individual, and in doing so offering the opportunity for greater individual freedom. This is a goal or ideal which many bitcoiners strive for, and the book details the forces that are making this possible (if not inevitable).

Anyways, as this was the first episode, the format may change as we go along, but I really enjoyed this first attempt at exploring some of the main takeaways from a book that made such a powerful impression on myself and the other participants.

Hope you enjoy it too!

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Twitter profiles of participants:

https://twitter.com/TheCryptoconomy

https://twitter.com/67tallchris

https://twitter.com/MrBlakeCan

https://twitter.com/BTCJSON1

https://twitter.com/rjames_BTC

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