This is an opinion editorial by Tim Niemeyer, host of the Lincolnland Bitcoin Meetup.
Bitcoin maximalists have had a whirlwind year. From the recent price crash to seemingly prophetic bells of the dumpster fire that is “crypto,” much of what has been written in the mainstream remains net negative. Interestingly, their centralized, authoritarian counterparts (referred to here as fiat maximalists) somehow maintain an air of superiority in the mainstream. Ironically, both Bitcoin maxi and fiat maxi have some similarities in their structure. But How Each attempt to achieve their goals differs dramatically.
As a child of early gaming systems, I loved the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat series. I would even consider myself a huge Tekken competitor. From these experiences, I often make real-world comparisons using the “pick your fighter” paradigm. Whether I choose which side of the argument has the best arguments, which ideology produces the optimal outcome, or which strategy is best suited to the game, I create a mental list of attributes by which I can better choose my course of action. .
So what does it look like to measure Bitcoin maxi against fiat maxi? Does one side have a stronger argument? Does one ideology produce optimal results over another? Or is it simply a strategy better suited to winning the “game” of monetary advantage? Let’s compare…
Structurally Similar
Shinobi recently defined Bitcoin maxi as those who focus on Bitcoin, share criticism of other technologies, and constantly promote the virtues of Bitcoin. Stephan Livera calls Bitcoin Maximalism “the idea that we will live on the bitcoin standard…” and “maximalists want to clearly separate Bitcoin from ‘crypto’.” A potential framework for the toxic aspects of Bitcoin maximalism may be more propagandists. decentralized (vs. centralized), individualistic (vs. collectivist) and laissez-faire (vs. authoritarian), often on a conflicting and controversial spectrum.
Conversely, when we apply these terms to fiat maxis, we can begin to see some common themes. They focus on fiat currencies, criticize Bitcoin and pseudo-competitive technologies, and constantly promote the virtues of the mighty dollar or similar mandatory currencies. Fiat maxi holds the idea that we will all continue with the fiat standard. They are also trying to merge Bitcoin and “crypto”. The toxic aspects of fiat maximalism tend to be more on the centralized (vs. decentralized), collectivist (vs. individualistic), and authoritarian (vs. laissez-faire) spectrum. It’s the ones that ask you to eat bugs, live in a pod, and the like The World Economic Forum reports“have nothing” and “be happy”.
When compared to these categories, it is easy to see how we are all alike; we all want what we want the way we want it. We are not so different, you and me. We are two sides of the same coin! Is it time to start singing Kumbaya? No? Although Bitcoin and fiat maxis are structurally similar monetary systems, How they go to achieve where they are sharply at odds.
Stark Contrasts
“GFY” is the common anthem of the toxic Bitcoin maxi. If this bothers you, take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and challenge yourself to see why it’s not such a bad thing.
Comments like this are obvious, it’s a feature, not a bug. Tomer Strawlight wrote: “What some people consider a ‘flaw’ in bitcoin, which they call ‘toxicity’, is actually a virtue of honesty.” Most of the GFY-like comments are preceded by those attacking Bitcoin sincerely or mistakenly; the toxic Bitcoin maxi draws a line in the sand. Strolight further proposes the concept of “principle-based toxicity,” which he considers “an intolerance of what Bitcoiners consider a fatal compromise for Bitcoin.” This includes giving up decentralization, sound engineering or security, all in exchange for some form of acceptance.
If something I value is under attack, I want to know that people around me are ready to help defend it. It also happens when there is a solid foundation on which to build personal growth. I’m more likely to make good decisions if I’m surrounded by people who want to tell me the truth. Strange as it may sound, GFY is sincere; Bitcoin maxis allows the intended buyer to declare that they are full of it and will not tolerate anything other than the veritable truth provided by Bitcoin’s consensus algorithm.
Personally, my BS detector has improved dramatically since I started learning the virtues of Bitcoin. Although this is N of 1 observation, I have come across many similar anecdotes from bitcoiners. That said, there is value in standing your ground while constructively calmly calling out someone’s disagreements. we must all strive to achieve Michael Saylorability to maintain a positive, collaborative, illustrative and welcoming frame of mind.
Contrast all this with the hidden nature of the toxic fiat maximalist. These are people who engage in what George Orwell called “doublespeak,” language that deliberately hides, obscures, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. Common to toxic fiat maxi, this language shows no integrity. It is often used divisively to gain more control; cunning by nature.
Whether it’s Nancy Pelosi’s comment to Elizabeth Warren’s divisive “shadowy wireless group of super coders” that “we need to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it,” it’s all word salad trying to coerce the public. a pre-approved way of thinking; it is an unfathomable optic. Nothing they say presents solid truths; it’s hot air meant to inflate their perceived sense of power. Words are the weapons they use to influence public perception. At least Agustin Carsten was direct when he said that with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), “the central bank(s) will definitely control the rules and regulations.”
Thank you very much for that.
Choose your fighter
It’s time to choose your fighter. Who would you like to communicate with? Someone who is principled and has a clear picture of reality (regardless of political correctness) or a wordsmith who intends to deceive? Someone who wants to let you be yourself (whatever “you” means) or try to influence others who don’t share their view of what should be?
Oddly enough, the preferred monetary environment is irrelevant (at least in the vacuum of this framework). What is relevant are the consequences of human behavior seemingly created by each system. I often wonder how much influence a chosen monetary system has on the individuals in that system. It’s like Bitcoin is a binding function for facts and fiat is a binding function for lies.
This struggle continues to manifest itself on the main stage of society. I believe it is important not only to choose the side of truth and reason, but also to share these facts with your loved ones. A bottom-up, grassroots approach is an ethical way to build consensus. While fiat maxis will force you to constantly create your own ruling class legacy in its image, Bitcoin maxis will continue to defend truth and logic.
Bitcoin maxis are the antithesis of fiat maxis; Bitcoin maxi shows integrity, sincerity and truth, while fiat maxi shows corruption, artificiality and ambiguity. Bitcoin is to say what fiat is all about. I pick Bitcoin maxi low every time in a head to head match. Good ideas don’t require force. Adoption is on the rise. Our time will come. The good news is that Bitcoin is for everyone. Except you, Craig.
This is a guest post by Tim Niemeyer. The views expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.