The Number Zero and Bitcoin
This piece explores the technological, social, and political ramifications of the number zero, and the equivalence of bitcoin's introduction to the world. Topics include:
- Zero is Special
- Cuneiform and Roman Numerals
- The Economization of Math
- Functions and Philosophy of Zero
- Power of The Church Falls to Zero
- Zero: An Ideological Juggernaut
- Tally Sticks
- Modernity: The Age of Ones and Zeros
- The Path-Dependence of Bitcoin
- Finite and Infinite Games
- A New Epoch for Money
- Fiat Currency Always Falls to Zero
- The Separation of Money and State
EXCERPT
Many believe that Bitcoin is โjust one of thousands of cryptoassetsโโthis is true in the same way that the number zero is just one of an infinite series of numbers. In reality, Bitcoin is special, and so is zero: each is an invention which led to a discovery that fundamentally reshaped its overarching systemโfor Bitcoin, that system is money, and for zero, it is mathematics. Since money and math are mankindโs two universal languages, both Bitcoin and zero are critical constructs for civilization.
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