I came across an excerpt from Niccolò Machiavelli’s book ‘The Prince’ (from 1532) which describes the way real innovation is attacked with such vigor from opponents.
It’s kind of amazing that this element of human nature still works in an identical way 500 years later. To me, this feels like a great description of Bitcoin’s progress and the various attacks it has dealt with so far.
“It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them. Thus it happens that whenever those who are hostile have the opportunity to attack they do it like partisans, whilst the others defend lukewarmly, in such wise that the prince is endangered along with them.”
A few questions for stackers:
- If Niccolò Machiavelli were around today, what would he think of Bitcoin?
- Would he still see it as a “new order of things”?
- If so, what needs to happen for Bitcoin to transition from a “new order of things” to a commonly accepted and widely understood thing?
- Is the fact that Bitcoiners get wealthy every time prices go up a feature that incentivizes Bitcoiners to strongly defend themselves against critics? (because i wouldn’t use the term “lukewarm” to describe bitcoin defenders)
I don't think Macchiavelli would be very happy with bitcoin. It is designed to empower the common man and drain power from those who wish to rule over others.