Bitcoin: The New Kid on the Monetary Block 🤑

by

“People argue that Bitcoin can’t be a medium of exchange because it’s not widely used in retail settings,” Alden explains. “But they overlook the fact that store-of-value usage nearly always comes first in the monetization of an asset. Like, duh.”

In a sweeping analysis of Bitcoin’s adoption path, Alden highlights its transition from a niche experiment to what she calls “portable capital.” Unlike fiat currencies or even gold, Bitcoin offers a unique combination of liquidity, divisibility, and sovereignty—all without relying on centralized infrastructure. It’s like having a digital piggy bank that no one can touch, not even your nosy roommate.

Alden argues that Bitcoin is already outperforming most national currencies in terms of cross-border salability. In her view, it now ranks among the top ten global bearer assets in terms of usefulness for international value transfer—an astounding feat for something launched just 16 years ago. “It’s like Bitcoin went from being a tech bro’s pet project to a global financial superhero in the blink of an eye,” she adds.

This growth, she says, is part of a long, necessary arc: “Bitcoin isn’t going to become ubiquitous money overnight. First, people hold it. Later, they may choose to spend it—once volatility and barriers like capital gains taxes are reduced.” It’s like waiting for the perfect moment to cash in on your lottery ticket, but with a lot more tech jargon.

She also stresses that holding Bitcoin is, in itself, a form of monetary use. “It provides optionality,” Alden writes. “The ability to move wealth globally, without a credit intermediary, is a feature—not a flaw.” It’s like having a secret stash of cash that can teleport anywhere in the world, no questions asked.

For now, stablecoins may dominate short-term crypto payments. But Alden sees Bitcoin steadily expanding its role as a durable, apolitical store of value—and eventually, perhaps, much more. “Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll all be buying our lattes with Bitcoin. Stranger things have happened.”

Read More

2025-07-07 19:05