In this episode, Nik Bhatia welcomes Bitcoin anthropologist Natalie Smolenski to explore the profound connection between Bitcoin, human liberty, and peaceful society through an anthropological lens. Natalie unveils how the historical relationship between money and state has shaped human cooperation, and why Bitcoin represents a transformative technology of peace. They examine the evolution of monetary systems, Bitcoin's unique position as a jurisdictional commodity money, and its potential to reduce societal violence through voluntary exchange. Together, they chart a vision for how Bitcoin's technological revolution can reignite the human spirit of liberty and peaceful cooperation in an increasingly divided world.
📊 The Bitcoin Layer is a bitcoin and global macroeconomic research firm.
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Nik Bhatia's Twitter: https://twitter.com/timevalueofbtc
Creative Director Matthew Ball's Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewrball
Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin Anthropology with Natalie Smolinsky
00:03:37 Understanding Bitcoin's Impact on Society
00:07:03 The Unique Value of Liberty in American History
00:10:49 The Role of Bitcoin in Modern Governance
00:14:43 The Legal and Psychological Aspects of Settlement
00:18:30 Bitcoin as a Self-Settling Network
00:22:15 Texas Blockchain Summit Success
00:25:46 U.S. Bitcoin Policy in 2025: Key Considerations
00:29:29 Political Manipulation and the Crisis of Liberty
00:33:15 A Message of Individual Hope and Liberty
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.