14 years old - Still a teenager but growing up fast - Bitcoin: time to be very very serious

As a technologist, I have been watching the growth of the crypto market for 14 years, both from the sidelines and from the inside. This includes the main players like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as the crazy alt-coin market, NFTs, and any number of pump and dump meme coins. Despite the volatility and skepticism, it's clear that Bitcoin and the broader crypto market are here to stay.

One of the main reasons for this is the traditional banking sector's hostility towards cryptocurrencies. The Federal Reserve in the US is particularly intent on destroying the whole idea of Bitcoin, seeing it as a time bomb for the Dollar and the current fiat banking system. However, the more the FED cracks down on crypto exchanges and related businesses, the more it highlights the true power of this new digital world.

As the saying goes, "if you can't beat them, join them." I believe we are close to a turning point where the FED will have to acknowledge the legitimacy and potential of cryptocurrencies and join in to save the Dollar. This will create a sea change of ideology across all markets, including China, Russia, and other BRIC countries.

It's becoming increasingly clear that Bitcoin and decentralized blockchain-driven assets and solutions are ready for the future. The finite supply of Bitcoin, its ease of transfer, and the transparency and security provided by blockchain technology make it an attractive option for investors seeking a store of value and individuals seeking a fast, safe, and efficient way to move value around the world.

As a technologist, I see the potential for blockchain technology to revolutionize not just finance, but many other sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and supply chain management. Decentralized solutions that provide greater transparency, security, and efficiency are the future, and the crypto market is just the beginning.

So here are a few facts and thoughts:

Bitcoin has come a long way since its inception in 2009. From being dismissed as a speculative bubble to being recognized as a legitimate investment vehicle, the world's first cryptocurrency has proven its staying power. In recent years, Bitcoin has emerged as a new store of value, with proponents comparing it to gold as a safe haven asset.

Bitcoin's finite supply is one of its most appealing attributes as a store of value. Unlike fiat currencies, which can be printed endlessly by central banks, Bitcoin has a fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins. This scarcity has been compared to gold, which also has a limited supply, making it valuable as a store of value.

As economist Saifedean Ammous writes in his book "The Bitcoin Standard": "Gold and Bitcoin are similar in terms of their monetary properties. Both are scarce, both are divisible, both are portable, both are recognizable, both are durable, and both have a long history of being used as money.

But what sets Bitcoin apart from gold is its ability to be easily transferred and stored digitally. Unlike gold, which can be cumbersome to transport and secure, Bitcoin can be sent anywhere in the world with just a few clicks. This makes it a particularly attractive option for those seeking to move value around the world quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, Bitcoin transactions are not subject to the same fees and regulations as traditional fiat currency transactions. As Bitcoin investor and author Andreas Antonopoulos notes: "Bitcoin is not subject to government control, manipulation, or inflation. It doesn't require a bank account or payment processor. It's censorship-resistant and can't be frozen or seized."

One of the key features that enables Bitcoin to function as a store of value and a fast way to move money is its underlying technology: blockchain. Blockchain is a distributed ledger system that records transactions on a decentralized network of computers. This means that no single entity, such as a government or bank, has control over the network.

As blockchain expert Don Tapscott writes in his book "Blockchain Revolution": "Blockchain represents a profound technological shift that could transform the way we organize society. At its core, blockchain is a decentralized and distributed ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. The technology enables a new form of trust, where multiple parties can agree on the state of a shared database without the need for intermediaries."

Bitcoin's use of blockchain technology makes it a particularly appealing option for those seeking a safe and secure way to store and transfer value. The decentralized nature of the blockchain network ensures that no single entity can manipulate or control transactions. This provides a level of security and transparency that is not available with traditional fiat currencies.

In conclusion, Bitcoin should be taken seriously as a new store of value, and should be seen as the new gold in addition to acting as a safe and fast way to move value around the world. Bitcoin's finite supply and ability to be easily transferred and stored digitally make it a particularly attractive option for those seeking to diversify their investment portfolios. And its use of blockchain technology ensures that transactions are secure, transparent, and decentralized. As more and more people recognize the benefits of Bitcoin and blockchain, we can expect to see continued growth and adoption of this revolutionary technology.