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Bitcoin as a commodity embedded in Time instead of physical reality
The concept of proof of work represents a significant innovation in establishing a digital commodity by linking the creation of Bitcoin to the exertion of energy and time. Proof of work acts as the energy element of Bitcoin, requiring users to demonstrate their effort before being rewarded with coins. This system also integrates a time component, as Satoshi Nakamoto cleverly defined the energy expenditure required to append to the blockchain in terms of ten minutes. This mechanism contrasts Bitcoin with traditional commodities like gold, which can be extracted based on physical availability and demand. Through a difficulty adjustment feature, Bitcoin regulates its own supply in response to user engagement, ensuring that the average time to mine a new block remains around ten minutes. This adaptability allows Bitcoin to be viewed as a commodity rooted in temporal constraints rather than physical limitations, emphasizing the innovative blend of energy and time as core aspects of its intrinsic value.