TD₿: Mastering Bitcoin (book) by Andreas Antonopoulos
TL;DR Learn about Bitcoin deeply at a technical level with this classic book.
Hey Bitcoiners,
Back in 2018, similar to the bear market we find ourselves in today, I went and saw Andreas Antonopoulos speak about Bitcoin.
I had heard online about a free talk he was giving in my city, and I randomly grabbed a ticket. I didn’t know much about Andreas, only that he wrote a book on Bitcoin. I remember almost bailing on it because there was a snowstorm outside, but for whatever reason, I got in my car, and off I went.
At the time, I had bought some bitcoin before the run-up in 2017. Back then, my view of Bitcoin was very superficial. I didn’t care about the potential use cases. I didn’t care about the technology. I saw Bitcoin as nothing more than an investment opportunity to get rich quickly.
To me, Bitcoin was just another speculative bet that could bring me more fiat riches and perhaps allow me to retire early. When I arrived at the venue, there were only a couple dozen people in a half-empty room (bear market vibes). I grabbed a seat, and little did I know it would be one of the most impactful nights of my life.
After listening to Andreas speak that night, my whole mindset around Bitcoin changed. I’ll never forget one thing he said on stage. I’m paraphrasing Andreas here, but he said something along the lines of…
“If Bitcoin protects even one family, one person, or one child from the ravages of hyperinflation, then it is worthy of our time, and a useful technology for the world.”
After the talk, I got back in my car and sat in the parking lot, digesting what I had just heard. I realized right then and there the magnitude of the invention I had stumbled upon. Ever since that night, I now recognize Bitcoin not as a speculative asset, but as a tool to protect individuals less fortunate than me from the harmful effects of central bank and government policies around the world.
The reason I share this story is that it’s been over 4 years since that night, and I still am inspired by the stories of how Bitcoin is helping individuals preserve their freedom around the world. This week, many stories like this one came out of the Africa Bitcoin Conference, which was incredibly inspiring.
Today, you can read Andreas’s entire book “Mastering Bitcoin” for free online, and it remains one of the best books on Bitcoin at a technical level. (06/12/2017)
In bear markets like today, it’s important to remember that Bitcoin is not a “nice to have” for many people around the world, it’s a “need to have.”
The importance of Bitcoin goes way beyond “number go up.”
Tick tock next block,
Sam Callahan
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Quote of the Day
“Wealth isn't the gold of pirates—wealth is energy.” - Buckminster Fuller, Inventor, Designer, Architect, and Writer
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Caliber is searching for a Graphic Designer to do a short-term gig for a ~30-slide pitch deck that needs to be made pretty (as you may know, VCs are childish morons who require shiny things).
If they raise capital, it is likely to bring on a graphic designer full-time, so this could be your chance to make an impression.
Not your particular skillset? Check out all the Bitcoin jobs at bitcoinerjobs.com.
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Friday — come to A Charl Giwn Bro Satsmas at Gunwhale Ales in Costa Mesa, CA, from 6:30-9:30 pm. This will be a festive gathering where Bitcoin and holiday cheer are spread.
Not in town for this? Check out all the Bitcoin events at bitcoinerevents.com.
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