Principles of Bitcoin

Technology, Economics, Politics, and Philosophy
Erscheinungsjahr 2025
ISBN: 978-0-231-22012-5
Verlag: Columbia Univers. Press

Buch, Englisch, 320 Seiten, Print PDF, Format (B × H): 158 mm x 236 mm, Gewicht: 638 g

Principles of Bitcoin presents a holistic, first-principles-based framework for understanding one of the most misunderstood inventions of our time. By stripping away the hype, jargon, and superficial analysis that often surrounds the crypto industry, this book uncovers the true ingenuity behind Satoshi Nakamoto’s creation—and its profound implications for the future of money, governance, and individual freedom.

Vijay Selvam analyzes the technology, economics, politics, and philosophy of Bitcoin, making the case that only through this holistic understanding can we gain an appreciation of its true meaning and significance. Readers are invited to consider Bitcoin as a tool for individual empowerment, a catalyst for economic autonomy, and a challenge to traditional monetary systems. Selvam demonstrates why Bitcoin stands alone in the digital asset space as a path-dependent once-in-history invention that cannot be replicated.

Principles of Bitcoin is an invaluable resource for professionals in the financial world seeking a rigorous and accessible understanding of Bitcoin. Students, curious thinkers, and all who find the technology daunting will also benefit from its clear, foundational approach. Equipping readers with the tools to grasp the many facets of Bitcoin, this book is an ideal guide to exploring its role in shaping a more decentralized, transparent, and equitable future.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Selvam, Vijay

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Finanzsektor & Finanzdienstleistungen Finanzsektor & Finanzdienstleistungen: Allgemeines

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I. The Framework
1. Why Are We Talking About This?
2. Bitcoin and Money
Part II. The Technology
3. Bitcoin’s Architecture
4. Proof of Work Versus Proof of Stake
5. Long-Term Security Budget
6. How Do You Kill Bitcoin?
7. Once-in-History Invention
Part III. The Economics
8. Money and the State
9. Inflation: The Hidden Tax
10. A Store of Value
11. Global Adoption
Part IV. The Politics
12. The Surveillance State
13. “Governments Will Ban Bitcoin”
14. Law and Regulation
15. Bitcoin and Geopolitics
16. Bitcoin and the Environment
Part V. The Philosophy
17. Sovereign Prerogative
18. The Cypherpunks
19. Time Preference
20. Narratives and Memes
21. Bitcoin Is a Mirror
Notes
Index

Über Autor(innen)

Vijay Selvam is an attorney with nearly twenty years of experience in the financial services industry across the United States, United Kingdom, and Asia, including more than a decade at Goldman Sachs. He has also served in different leadership roles in the digital assets industry. Selvam is a graduate of Harvard Law School, Oxford University, and Cardiff University.