116. Bitcoin from First Principles, Saifedean interviewed by Lex Fridman

<p>In perhaps his most comprehensive interview to date, Saifedean talks to Lex Fridman about the history of money, the foundations of economics, and why bitcoin represents a pathway to a more peaceful and prosperous world. Starting from Lex’s question “What is money?”, Saifedean draws on insights from his most recent book, The Fiat Standard, to take the listener on a four-hour historical journey. He explains how money emerged as a market good; why the gold standard developed in Britain and spread across the world; and the intriguing historical circumstances that led to government-controlled fiat money becoming the global medium of exchange. By asking fundamental questions about money, the purpose of economics, and the technical foundations of bitcoin, Lex prompts Saifedean to present a first-principles case for free exchange, non-aggression and bitcoin. Their conversation also includes Saifedean’s reflections on his upbringing in Palestine, how to make the most of our short time on earth, and advice to younger generations. <br/><br/><b>Resources<br/></b><br/></p><ul><li>Lex Fridman on <a href='https://twitter.com/lexfridman?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor'>Twitter</a>.</li><li>Lex Fridman’s podcast <a href='https://lexfridman.com/podcast/'>website</a>.</li><li>Carl Menger’s <a href='https://mises.org/library/principles-economics'>Principles of Economics</a>: the founding text of the Austrian School, published in 1871.</li><li><a href='https://mises.org/library/human-action-0'>Human Action</a> by Ludwig von Mises, published in English in 1949.</li><li><a href='https://mises.org/library/keyness-general-theory-solution-search-problem'>Critical overview</a> of John Maynard Keynes’ The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money in the Journal of Libertarian Studies.</li><li>Saifedean <a href='https://twitter.com/saifedean/status/1419921751975288833?s=20&amp;t=JSpPYRY6qZmcrR8AJqg2sQ'>Twitter thread</a> on scientists who dismissed flight as impossible at the time the Wright brothers were in