Femi Longe
Social Entrepreneur, Educator & Service Designer Contributing at the Intersection of Technology, Learning, Design & Social Change.
Day 6 - Walking Away Was Satoshi's Genius Move
Femi Longe

Picture this...

Imagine a startup founder building a company poised to become a unicorn, then suddenly walking away—leaving all control, shares, and rights to the community. That’s exactly what Satoshi Nakamoto did with Bitcoin, and it’s the key to Bitcoin’s genius.

A simple act that made all the difference...

Satoshi didn’t just create a groundbreaking digital currency—he removed himself from it, ensuring Bitcoin’s true decentralization. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, where founders hold power or influence, Satoshi’s decision to step away made Bitcoin a currency that belongs to no one and everyone.

Centralization kills money...

Money is a unique public good. It’s something society collectively agrees to use as a representation of value. Our blood, sweat, time, and effort is captured in the value of our money.

Historically, we’ve given governments the power to create and issue money, but this has often led to misuse. Central banks print money excessively, diluting its worth, and ultimately reducing the value of our collective time and effort.

On the other hand, transferring control over money creation to private companies is equally risky. Corporations, driven by profit, can compromise the public good in their pursuit of shareholder gains. We’ve seen this with social media and big tech platforms, where profit motives often lead to exploitative practices.

Centralized control—whether governmental or corporate—isn’t the answer.

A truly decentralized form of money...

This is where Bitcoin stands out.

It is decentralized, peer-to-peer, and immune to both government and corporate control. It has been algorithmically designed with a hard cap of 21 million - no more, no less. No single entity can manipulate Bitcoin’s supply or use it for political or financial power.

By stepping away, Satoshi Nakamoto ensured Bitcoin remains for the people, governed by its community and network, rather than any central authority, not even the currency's creator.

In a world where the management of money has often been flawed, Bitcoin offers a new, decentralized approach—one that’s transparent, secure, and ultimately belongs to everyone.

That’s the true genius of Satoshi Nakamoto.

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