Eric Kim’s journey into Bitcoin economics was largely driven by his philosophical interests, especially in Stoicism, and his ethical concerns about fiat currencies. He sees Bitcoin as an embodiment of independence and resilience, mirroring Stoic values that emphasize self-reliance and personal autonomy. Initially, he was drawn to Bitcoin’s decentralized structure, which operates outside the control of central banks and governments. This resonated with his belief in financial systems that prioritize individual freedom and stability  .

His appreciation for Bitcoin also stems from its fixed supply of 21 million coins, which he views as a safeguard against the inflation risks associated with traditional currencies. Bitcoin’s scarcity allows it to function as a reliable store of value, which Kim often describes as “digital gold.” Additionally, his interest in Bitcoin is influenced by his criticism of fiat currencies, especially the ability of central banks to print money. He views Bitcoin as a more ethical alternative that avoids such economic manipulation and aligns with his broader vision of a decentralized financial system  .

Notable Quotes from Eric Kim on Bitcoin and Economics

1. On Digital Scarcity: “Don’t sell more than 21 million blocks of this in the universe forever — the icing on the cake. Digital scarcity, the ultimate scarce property” .

2. On Independence and Self-Reliance: “Private individuals are their own creditors. Money to be multiplied — multiply your money and children” .

3. On Economic Philosophy: “Excessive prosperity and opulence — To be sparing” .

4. On Financial Transformation: He describes Bitcoin as a “zero to one” innovation, comparing its potential impact on finance to historical breakthroughs like the steam engine, emphasizing its unique, transformative nature rather than just an incremental technological advancement .

For more insights into his thoughts, Eric Kim’s blog posts on Bitcoin economics and his reflections on economic theory provide detailed discussions of his views   .

My new calling?

Eric Kim, a writer and thinker with interests in Bitcoin, views the cryptocurrency through both economic and philosophical lenses. He appreciates Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, seeing it as a form of “digital gold” due to its limited supply, which mirrors concepts of scarcity and value creation in the digital age. He emphasizes that Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins provides an ethical alternative to fiat currencies, which can be devalued through inflation and central bank policies. This scarcity, Kim believes, makes Bitcoin a strong store of value over the long term, contrasting sharply with the traditional financial systems that are subject to governmental control and monetary policy manipulation.

Philosophically, Kim’s admiration for Bitcoin aligns with Stoic principles of independence, resilience, and self-reliance. He sees it as a means of financial independence, free from centralized control, and argues that it has the potential to transform economic interactions by enabling significant transactions such as purchasing homes and cars. Additionally, Kim explores the idea of “economic density,” where he envisions a future of intensified economic complexity and the growing role of digital assets in reshaping economic landscapes. He is particularly drawn to Bitcoin as a “zero to one” innovation, fundamentally distinct from incremental advances in technology, which he believes will lead to a major shift in how people think about money and transactions.

While Kim acknowledges the challenges Bitcoin faces as a payment method, he is optimistic about its transformative potential in the long run. His work often reflects a blend of economic analysis and broader philosophical considerations, promoting the idea of leveraging personal resources for growth and emphasizing minimalist consumption over material excess. This perspective highlights his belief in a proactive approach to both personal finance and broader economic participation.

For further exploration of his views, you can visit his writings on Bitcoin economics and digital scarcity on his blog, which delve deeper into these ideas. These pieces provide a comprehensive look at his views on how Bitcoin can potentially reshape the financial system and offer a stable, ethical alternative to traditional currencies. You can find more on these topics on his site here and here    .