The Bitcoin Standard

Name: The Bitcoin Standard
Author: Saifedean Ammous

Saifedean Ammous

Explore the case for Bitcoin as sound money through the history of currency, inflation, scarcity, and centralised control.

19 min9 Chapters

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Money & Economics

Society & Culture

Outline

What's it about?

The Bitcoin Standard (2018) explains the history of money and argues that Bitcoin could serve as a form of sound money in the digital age. Saifedean Ammous traces how societies used shells, metals, gold, and government-issued currencies, and discusses why money that is hard to produce tends to hold its value. The book presents the case for Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.

Key ideas

Saifedean Ammous traces money from shells and metals through gold to government-issued currencies, showing how societies have changed what they use as money.
Money that is hard to produce tends to hold its value over time.
The book argues that Bitcoin could serve as sound money in the digital age.
Bitcoin is presented as a long-term store of value, not just a way to pay.

About the author

Saifedean Ammous is an economist and author who writes about monetary economics, Bitcoin, and the history of money. He has taught economics at university level and runs an online learning platform focused on economics. His books include The Bitcoin Standard and The Fiat Standard.

Questions people ask

What is The Bitcoin Standard about?

It explains the history of money and argues that Bitcoin could work as sound money in the digital age. Saifedean Ammous builds the case from how societies used shells, metals, gold, and government currencies.

Is The Bitcoin Standard worth reading?

It suits readers curious about money, inflation, scarcity, and cryptocurrency who want one clear argument for Bitcoin as a long-term store of value. Keep in mind that the book presents a case for Bitcoin rather than a neutral survey.