The best resources to start getting familiar with Bitcoin

Bitcoin embodies a revolutionary philosophy of liberty and independence, freeing individuals from centralized financial control. Its decentralized nature ensures that no single authority—be it governments or banks—can manipulate or confiscate funds, empowering users with true ownership. Built on cryptographic security, Bitcoin offers a robust shield against fraud and theft, fostering trust in a trustless world. Its transparent blockchain promotes accountability while preserving privacy, striking a balance long sought in monetary systems. By eliminating intermediaries, Bitcoin reduces costs and barriers, championing financial inclusion.

My journey into Bitcoin began with curiosity, diving into online forums and whitepapers, unraveling its potential layer by layer. At its core, it’s a tool for self-sovereignty, aligning with ideals of freedom and resilience in an uncertain global economy. Let me help you with the best no-nonsense content out there:

Books

1. “The Bitcoin Standard” by Saifedean Ammous

A seminal work explaining Bitcoin as sound money and its role in the history of economics and finance.

2. “The Bullish Case for Bitcoin” by Vijay Boyapati

An easy-to-understand yet profound exploration of Bitcoin’s value proposition and potential.

3. “Layered Money” by Nik Bhatia

An insightful look at the evolution of money and Bitcoin’s place as a foundational layer in the global monetary system.

4. “Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can’t F* With” by Jason A. Williams**

A practical and entertaining guide to Bitcoin’s value and culture.

5. “Mastering Bitcoin” by Andreas M. Antonopoulos

A technical but approachable guide to understanding how Bitcoin works under the hood.

6. "Inventing Bitcoin" by Yan Pritzker

The best way to truly understand from a core perspective the functionality and engineering behind Bitcoin.

 

Articles/Blog Posts

1. “Bitcoin is Time” by Gigi

A philosophical dive into how Bitcoin redefines the concept of time and trust in money.

(Find it on DerGigi’s blog or Bitcoin-focused sites.)

2. “Bitcoin’s Energy Usage Is Not a Problem. Here’s Why.” by Lyn Alden

A comprehensive breakdown of Bitcoin’s energy consumption and its economic implications.

3. “The Origins of Bitcoin” by Nick Szabo

A retrospective analysis connecting Bitcoin to the history of digital and physical money.

4. “The Price of Tomorrow” by Jeff Booth (Excerpt)

Focuses on Bitcoin’s deflationary nature and its role in the modern economic paradigm.

5. “21 Lessons” by Gigi

A reflection on the life lessons learned through studying Bitcoin.

 

Other Resources

1. “What is Bitcoin?” Video by Andreas M. Antonopoulos (on YouTube)

A foundational explanation of Bitcoin’s core principles.

2. The Satoshi Nakamoto White Paper

“Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” is the document that started it all.

3. Lyn Alden’s Bitcoin Research (lynalden.com)

Economic and macro-level insights into Bitcoin’s role in global finance.

4. “Bitcoin Audible” Podcast by Guy Swann

Deep dives into Bitcoin content, including reading key articles and essays aloud.

5. The Nakamoto Institute Archives