![Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies is Changing the World [Paperback] [Jun 14](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81y33HrERDL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
There are two steps you need to go through in order to understand cryptocurrency.
The first thing you have to do is ask yourself a series of questions "what is money?" "What is value?" "What is a payment?" "How does our payment system work?" "How does our money work?" "How does Bitcoin work?" "How well does Bitcoin conform to how we understand money/payments/assets/value as working?" "What are crypto-currency's strengths/weaknesses? And how do these strengths/weaknesses compare to the system we are using now?"
It is only once you have taken the time to thoroughly examine these questions that you can move on to the second step and begin to look at the second half of the equation and start talking to the people involved. Here you ask the Bitcoin Fanboys why they like it. You ask the doubters and trolls why they hate it. You ask the critics what they would change. You ask the intellectuals what they are impressed with or what they have doubts about. And all the while you must ask yourself "how objective is the person I am talking to?"
Jeffery Robinson's book Bitcon was deeply flawed because he basically skipped over the first part. He created a narrative of opinions without ever asking how objective those viewpoints were. And while he quite correctly divided the crypto currency space up into true believer and doubter, he failed to recognize that those doubters tend to be every bit as fanatical, unbalanced, and uninformed (on the subject) as the cult-like faithful.
Vigna & Casey do not fall into this trap. "The age of cryptocurrency" is intelligent, thought provoking, and well researched. This book provides an easy context to understanding this very important technology. Reading this will make you begin to appreciate why many people believe this protocol may change the world of finance in a way similar to how the internet changed communications.
The only complaint I have is that sometimes I think they have fallen a little too much under Bitcoin's spell. While they do bring up problems, talk about the scams, thefts, and libertarian/anacho-capitalist fanaticism that a lot of us find so ugly about the space, I'm not entirely sure they spent enough time on these problems. As an example they spend time examining how Bitcoin might help the unbanked without really stressing how the crazy volatility is a serious detriment to this.
But I'm nitpicking. If you read this with an open mind you will finish the book informed (even if you still have legitimate doubts). If you come to it with a bias firmly closing your mind (either for or against) then I'm sure you can find something in this book that will let you keep your mind safely closed.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery
