peaceofbtc on Nostr: Ok I tried my hand at long form writing for the first time today…so here goes. ...

Ok I tried my hand at long form writing for the first time today…so here goes.

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The Infinite Ripple of Money…ahem, Currency Printing

Today marks 53 years since the U.S. government removed the dollar from the Gold Standard, a decision that unleashed the infinite ripple of currency printing.

At first glance, printing more currency seems like a straightforward solution to economic problems. Need more cash to stimulate the economy? Just print it! But like most things that seem too good to be true, the consequences are far from simple. What begins as a quick fix sets off a chain reaction that echoes through time, affecting not just today’s economy but also the future for years and generations to come.

So, what happens right after they hit the “print” button?

When a government or central bank creates currency out of thin air, it injects fresh liquidity into the economy. In the short term, this can kickstart economic activity, make debt more manageable, and fund public projects. Businesses may find it easier to invest, consumers might feel more confident to spend, and unemployment could even drop. On the surface, it looks like a win-win. Right?!

What about the costs we don’t see?

That immediate boost comes with a hidden cost. As more currency circulates, the value of each dollar starts to slip. This is inflation at work, gradually eroding the purchasing power of the currency. Suddenly, goods and services cost more, and those with savings or fixed incomes feel the pinch the most. Inflation is like a stealthy thief, slowly robbing people of their wealth without them even noticing. This lost wealth doesn’t just disappear—it gets redistributed, often from savers to borrowers and spenders.

And the longer-term effects?

The consequences don’t stop there. As rising inflation becomes the norm, it distorts the signals that guide our economy—like interest rates and prices. These distorted signals can lead businesses to invest in projects that seem profitable in an inflationary environment but are unsustainable in the long run. Meanwhile, consumers might start spending more recklessly, assuming their debts will shrink as inflation rises. This triggers a dangerous cycle of rising debt and financial instability, leading us into what some call “The Death Spiral.”

As inflation runs rampant, trust in the currency starts to erode. Once people lose faith in their money, it’s a slippery slope to economic instability—hoarding, a rush to buy alternative assets, and speculative bubbles. Rebuilding trust in a devalued currency is incredibly difficult. The endgame? Economic stagnation or collapse.

Beyond these economic effects, deeper issues are at play. Currency devaluation stifles innovation and progress by increasing the cost of creating knowledge. Research, education, and innovation require significant investment, and when money loses value, these pursuits become more expensive. In essence, devaluing currency turns progress into a costly endeavor, making every step forward more difficult and every setback more devastating.

Not only does it increase the cost of creating knowledge it also increases the cost of creation, the creation of life. Worldwide, growth rates have plummeted, and it’s hard not to see the relentless printing of money as a major factor. Economic instability makes people feel less secure about their financial futures, leading many to delay or forgo having children. This declining birth rate adds another layer to the crisis—an economic landscape that discourages growth, both financially and literally.

So here we are, 53 years later…

Currency printing isn’t just an economic decision; it’s a force with a life of its own, triggering a cascade of consequences far beyond any immediate benefits. Inflation, economic distortion, loss of trust, degrowth—these are just the beginning. The true cost of currency inflation is infinite because it reshapes the economic landscape in ways that can’t easily be undone. It affects not just today, but tomorrow, and the very fabric of society.

And then I talk about how Bitcoin is here to fix everything jada, jada, jada, but you guys already know that. Fix the money (supply), fix the world!

Peace! ✌️