This is an editorial opinion by Tim Niemeyer, co-host of the Lincolnland Bitcoin Meetup.
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Maximalists Bitcoin has had a whirlwind year. From taking a browbeat through the recent price drawdown to being apparently prophetic bell-ringers of the dumpster fire that is “crypto,” much has been written on the idea of staying net negative. The problem is that the centralized authoritarian counterpart (referred to here as maximalist fiat) somehow maintains an air of superiority in the mainstream. Strangely, both Bitcoin maxis and fiat maxis have some similarities in structure. But how they each try to achieve their goal where they differ dramatically.
As a child of early gaming systems, I love the “Street Fighter” and “Mortal Kombat” series. I would even consider myself a “Tekken” formidable opponent. From that experience, I often compare the real world using the “choose your fighter” paradigm. Whether I’m choosing the side of a debate that has the best argument, the ideology that provides the optimal outcome or the strategy that best suits the game, I’ll make a list of better mental attributes to choose my actions. .
So, what would Bitcoin maxis scale versus fiat maxis look like? Does one side have a stronger argument? Does one ideology provide optimal results over others? Or is it just one better strategy to win the “game” of monetary dominance? Let’s compare…
The same structure
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Shinobi recently defined Bitcoin maxis as people who focus on Bitcoin, share criticism of other technologies and constantly preach the virtues of Bitcoin. Stephan Livera defines Bitcoin Maximalism as “the view that we will live in the bitcoin standard…” and “maximalists want to clearly distinguish Bitcoin from ‘crypto.'” A potential framing of the toxic aspects of Bitcoin maximalism may be more preachy. out on the spectrum of decentralized (versus centralized), individualistic (versus collectivist) and laissez-faire (versus authoritarian), often confrontational and controversial.
On the contrary, when we apply these terms to fiat maxis, we can see some common themes. They focus on fiat currency, criticize Bitcoin and pseudo-rival technology, and constantly preach the virtues of the almighty dollar or similar coercive currency. Fiat maxi maintains the view that we will all continue with the standard fiat. They also try to lump Bitcoin and “crypto” together. The toxic aspects of fiat maximalism tend to be more on the centralized (versus decentralized), collectivist (versus individualistic), and authoritarian (versus laissez-faire) spectrum. This is what you want to eat bugs, live in a pod, and, as The World Economic Forum stated“having nothing” and “happy”.
When compared to these categorizations, it is easy to see how we are all the same; we all want what we want the way we want it. We are not so different, you and me. We are both sides of the same coin! Time to start singing “Kumbaya”? not? Yes, although Bitcoin and fiat maxis are structurally similar to the monetary system, how they go about reaching it where they contrast starkly.
A stark contrast
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“GFY” is the common song of Bitcoin toxic maxi. If it makes you uncomfortable, take a moment, take a deep breath, and challenge yourself to see why this isn’t a bad thing.
Comments like this are vague, which is a feature not a bug. Tomer Strolight writes “what some people consider a ‘bug’ in bitcoin called ‘toxicity’ is actually a virtue of integrity.” Most comments like GFY are prefaced by those who attack Bitcoin by accident or mistake; toxic Bitcoin maxis draw a line in the sand. Strolight further offers 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.
If something is about to attack me, I want to know that the people around me are willing to help defend it. Furthermore, personal growth occurs when there is a solid foundation to build on. If I’m surrounded by people who are willing to tell me the truth, I’m more likely to make good decisions. As strange as it may sound, GFY is sincere; Bitcoin maxis allows the intended recipient to know that they are full and will not tolerate anything less than the truth, which is the same as the truth provided by the Bitcoin consensus algorithm.
Personally, my BS detector has gotten better since I started learning about the virtues of Bitcoin. While this is an N of 1 observation, I have come across many similar anecdotes from Bitcoiners. That being said, there is value in standing your ground and calmly pointing out people’s inconsistencies in a constructive way. We should all strive to achieve it Michael Saylorability to maintain a positive, collaborative, illustrative and welcoming frame.
In stark contrast to the secretive nature of toxic fiat maximalists. These are people who engage in what George Orwell called “doublespeak,” language that intentionally disguises, disguises, alters or alters the meaning of words. Common to fiat maxi toxic, this language does not show integrity. Often used divisively in order to garner more control; it is insidious in nature.
Whether Nancy Pelosi’s vague “we have to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in there” comment to Elizabeth Warren’s “faceless group of super coders”, it’s all just word salad trying to force the public into an approved mindset; it is optically obfuscatory. Nothing they say offers solid truth; it’s hot air intended to puff up the perceived sense of power. Words are weapons used to disrupt public perception. At least Agustin Carsten was direct when he said that, with a central bank digital currency (CBDC), “the central bank will have absolute control over rules and regulations.”
So, seriously, kudos to you.
Choose Your Fighter
Time to choose your fighter. Who do you want to associate with? Who has a principled approach and presents a clear concept of reality (regardless of political correctness) or wordsmiths with the intention to deceive? Someone who wants to let you be you (regardless of what “you” means) or someone who will try to influence others who have no conception of what they should be?
In a strange way, the preferred monetary medium is irrelevant (at least not in this framing vacuum). What is relevant is the result of human behavior that appears to be generated by each system. I often wonder what the size of the effect of the chosen monetary system is on the individuals within the system. It’s as if Bitcoin is a coercion function for reality while fiat is a coercion function for deception.
This fight continues to play out on the main stage of society. I believe in not only choosing the side of truth and reason, but also sharing that truth with the people you love. A bottom-up, grassroots approach is an ethical way to achieve consensus. Where fiat maxis will force you with doublespeak to continue creating the legacy of the ruling class in their image, Bitcoin maxis will continue to support you with truth and reason.
Bitcoin maxis is the antithesis of fiat maxis; Bitcoin maxis indicates integrity, sincerity and honesty, while fiat maxis indicates corruption, artificiality and equivocation. Bitcoin is to signal what fiat is to noise. In a head-to-head matchup, I pick Bitcoin maxis hands down, every time. A good idea does not require force. Adoption increases. Our time will come. The good news is that Bitcoin is for everyone. Except you, Craig.
This is a guest post by Tim Niemeyer. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.