Words: Bram Kanstein, Block unicorn

Compilation: Foreword by Block unicorn

In today's rapidly changing world, millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are facing unprecedented economic and social challenges. The rapid development of technology has brought convenience and efficiency, but at the same time, the flaws of the fiat currency system, the accumulation of debt, and the increasing economic uncertainty have left many people feeling confused and even hopeless about the future. By delving into the nature of money, Bitcoin for Millennials reveals how Bitcoin provides a tool for this generation to break free from the constraints of the traditional financial system and regain control of their personal economic destiny.

Combining key ideas from the show, this article explores how Bitcoin can provide millennials with economic autonomy and time space to thrive in an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered future. From the critique of the fiat currency system to the transparent rules design of Bitcoin, to its potential synergies with AI technology, this article will systematically explain why Bitcoin is not only an investment tool, but also a philosophical and lifestyle transformation.

Millennials' disillusionment fits with Bitcoin

Millennials grew up on a wave of tech-optimism, taught to believe that studying hard, getting into college, and getting a well-paying job would lead to financial freedom. However, reality is the opposite of this narrative. It is mentioned in the show that millennials have experienced multiple economic crises – from the subprime mortgage financial crisis in 2008 to the banking crisis in 2023, to ongoing inflation and debt issues. These events have exposed the fragility of the fiat currency system: the currency is constantly depreciating, pensions are being misappropriated, house prices and the cost of living are soaring, and many people are even giving up their dreams of starting a family due to financial pressure.

The presenter used his own experience as an example to share that he realized at the age of 30 that bank deposits were not really his/her own, a discovery that stemmed from his knowledge of the partial reserve system. This disillusionment led him to delve into Bitcoin and ultimately conclude that Bitcoin's decentralization, fixed total supply (21 million), and transparent rules make it an ideal tool to combat the flaws of the fiat system. Millennials, as "digital natives," have witnessed the transition from analog to digital, and their adaptability to technological change has made them more receptive to Bitcoin, an innovative form of blockchain-based money.

Bitcoin is not just an investment, it's a mindset shift. It encourages people to question the status quo and re-examine the core question of what money is. As the show says, "No one really understands how money works, but that's exactly what the fiat system is designed to do – to keep its 'Ponzi scheme' running through complexity and information asymmetry." Bitcoin, with its simple, transparent rules, offers millennials a chance to break free from this "magic".

The "high-speed garbage economy" and the obstacles to innovation

of the fiat currency system The program describes the fiat currency economy as a "high-speed garbage system", the core problem of which is short-termism caused by inflation and currency depreciation. As the purchasing power of fiat currencies continues to decline, people are incentivized to spend immediately rather than save or invest in long-term goals. This incentive structure not only hinders individual planning, but also stifles innovation. As quoted from the book "The Price of Tomorrow", technological progress is supposed to have deflationary effects (lower prices, higher efficiency), but the fiat system has offset these dividends through artificial monetary expansion.

Take, for example, future projections in the 1960s, when the media generally believed that by the year 2000, technological advances would bring universal wealth and leisure time. However, the reality is that most people work longer hours and have a higher cost of living, and single-income households are almost a thing of the past. The root of this gap lies in the incentive distortion of the fiat currency system: it forces people to chase more "units" (e.g., dollars, euros) while the real value of those units shrinks.

In contrast, Bitcoin's fixed total supply and decentralized nature make it a more reliable store of value. Because the scarcity of Bitcoin (forever only 21 million) makes it an "absolutely finite" asset, similar to human time and energy. This scarcity not only preserves purchasing power, but also provides individuals with the "time and space" to think, experiment, and innovate without being driven by short-term existential pressures.

One

of the core values of Bitcoin is that it gives individuals economic autonomy. The show repeatedly emphasized that Bitcoin's "trustless" mechanism (based on rules rather than rulers) allows users to avoid relying on banks, governments, or other intermediaries. This autonomy is especially important for millennials as they are at a critical stage in their career and family life and need to plan for retirement or other long-term goals over the next 30 years.

The showrunner shared his personal experience: by accumulating bitcoin during his college years and early career, he was able to have enough time and financial buffer to explore his career direction while unemployed, and eventually created a media business. This concept of "time and space" permeates the entire show – Bitcoin is not only a store of value, but also a liberation tool that allows people to escape the "quiet despair" (Henry Thoreau) and pursue a more meaningful life.

In addition, Bitcoin's decentralized design creates a "positive incentive cycle". As stated on the show, "In Bitcoin, everyone follows the rules because they know everyone else is following the rules." This transparency and verifiability eliminates the problem of asymmetric information and concentration of power in the fiat currency system, providing a fair opportunity for individuals to participate.

The Synergy Effect of AI and Bitcoin

also delves into the potential synergies between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Bitcoin, noting that the rapid development of AI will further amplify Bitcoin's importance. As AI technology reshapes the labor market, many traditional occupations, such as knowledge jobs, may be replaced by automation. Because advances in AI are accelerating at an alarming rate, AI tools allow the average person to accomplish technological innovations in a fraction of a period of time that would otherwise take years to achieve. For example, the presenter shared his own experience of using AI to develop a Bitcoin-based file encryption protocol in 12 hours, demonstrating how AI can empower non-specialists to create breakthrough results.

However, the rapid development of AI also poses challenges: the concept of intellectual property (IP) can become blurred, as AI can quickly replicate and recreate any overtly published idea. This means that traditional business models and profit windows can be significantly shortened. In this context, Bitcoin, as an immutable and decentralized store of value, has become the key to protecting personal wealth and coping with technological disruption. Because Bitcoin's fixed supply makes it an ideal unit for measuring AI-driven productivity growth, while the inflationary nature of fiat currencies negates the dividends of technological advances.

In addition, the popularity of AI will force people to rethink their careers and life goals. The program quotes a conversation between Tim Ferriss and Chris Sacca, pointing out that the future of education and career paths may be completely different from what they are now. Parents need to prepare their children for an uncertain future, and Bitcoin provides an economic foundation that gives people the time and space to adapt to this change and explore the profound questions of who they are and what they can contribute to the world.

From "Red Pill" to "Orange Pill": Awakening and ActionThe

process of Bitcoin acceptance often requires a "red pill" moment – that is, realizing the fundamental flaws of the fiat currency system before accepting the "orange pill" of Bitcoin. This awakening is not only about financial literacy, but also a philosophical shift: from passively accepting social narratives to actively questioning and acting. According to the show, many millennials are unhappy with economic issues (such as the Occupy Wall Street movement) but lack effective tools to change the situation. Bitcoin offers a simple yet powerful path of action: transfer wealth from fiat to Bitcoin and exit the predatory financial system.

This action is not complicated, as it is said in the show: "You just need to replace one currency with another and wait." However, there is a profound meaning behind this simplicity: by choosing Bitcoin, individuals are not only protecting their wealth, but also contributing to broader social change. As more and more people become aware of the "magical" nature of fiat currencies, the adoption of Bitcoin will create a positive feedback loop that will eventually weaken the control of the fiat system.

SummaryBitcoin

is not only a currency, but also a philosophical tool to combat economic uncertainty and social pressures. For millennials, it offers a path to financial freedom and personal autonomy. In a fiat-driven "high-speed junk economy", Bitcoin's transparent rules, fixed total supply, and decentralized nature create the "time and space" for people to think, build, and pursue meaningful lives. Especially in the context of AI technology reshaping the world, Bitcoin, as a reliable store of value, will help individuals deal with career disruption and economic uncertainty, redefining the possibilities of the future.

Through in-depth discussions and personal stories, Bitcoin for Millennials reveals how Bitcoin is fundamentally changing millennials' perceptions of money, future, and self-worth. As the moderator put it, Bitcoin frees people from "quiet despair" and moves towards an autonomous and optimistic future. Whether it's in response to the coming technological changes or to protect their wealth in a volatile world, Bitcoin provides a solid foothold for millennials.

In these fast-changing times, researching Bitcoin, understanding the philosophy behind it, and taking action to bring it to life is not just a financial strategy, it's an investment in the future. As the show ends, the optimistic outlook is that through the combination of Bitcoin and AI, humanity may be able to usher in a new renaissance that will refocus on human connection, community building, and meaningful creation. Whatever the future holds, millennials embracing Bitcoin are already paving the way for a more autonomous and brighter future.