“... As a social theory, it means advocating the freedom of individuals as opposed to the power of a collective, especially the state. As a personal matter, it means people make their own peaceful choices, especially the choice to say “no.”
A Less Obvious Lesson from Satoshi
A cooperative system is immensely valuable to individuals. In the case of Satoshi, he provided it for free because he wanted to change the world for the better, and freedom is the path to that destination.
The revolution offered by Satoshi Nakamoto is a perfect illustration of how genuine individualism works in society. Economic control is vested in the hands of individuals, where it firmly remains. People can store their wealth in private wallets and conduct international trade, without going through a banking system that is an extension of the state. Trusted third parties, such as banks, are replaced by individuals, such as miners. It does not matter if the miners are part of a collective effort. It only matters that each one participates voluntarily and can say “no” at any point. If that is the case, then they remain full individuals who choose to function within a cooperative effort.
The decentralization of economic control is reinforced, not contradicted, by the cooperation of a network of people—all of whom act in their own self-interest. That’s as it should be. And, yet, all of the strangers benefit each other, even though they are strangers who might not care for each other should they ever meet. That is true society...”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” –Margaret Mead
Disclosure.
This is a synthesis of this article
