- Nassim Taleb says Bitcoin’s value is effectively zero and unsuitable for hedging systemic risk due to its volatility.
- Jordan Peterson backs Bitcoin amid Australia’s reduction of cash services, sparking pushback from Nassim Taleb.
- Warren Buffett warns of potential de-dollarization; Bitwise urges investors to consider Bitcoin as a hedge.
The cryptocurrency debate intensifies regarding Bitcoin’s future worth in finance after Nassim Taleb sustained his digital currency rejection alongside his clash with Jordan Peterson in public discourse, while monetary changes and shifting power dynamics propel Bitcoin-related discussions to prominence again.
The economist Nassim Nicholas Taleb now strongly opposes Bitcoin by describing it as an unsuccessful currency. Taleb presented evidence that the combination of Bitcoin’s unregulated nature and unstable prices makes the digital asset unsuitable for protecting money value. Taleb stated that Bitcoin has no real economic worth because it lacks effective capabilities during market downturns.
Since describing Bitcoin as the first organic currency Taleb has developed a changed perspective toward the cryptocurrency. Taleb released a statement in 2021 which showed his complete departure from Bitcoin-related activism. According to some experts Taleb changed his stance on Bitcoin because of his disagreement with Saifedean Ammous who wrote The Bitcoin Standard and received a foreword from Taleb.
Peterson and Taleb Clash Over Digital Currency
The economist recently engaged in a dispute on social media with Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, who had suggested Bitcoin could be a financial alternative as access to physical cash declines. Peterson remarked in response to news that ANZ, a major Australian bank, plans to restrict cash withdrawals and reduce its number of ATMs nationwide.
Taleb responded critically, advising against following Peterson’s recommendation and accusing him of being part of the “Bitcoin cartel.” The exchange underscores the divide between those who view digital currencies as solutions to monetary centralization and those who question their reliability and long-term viability.
Buffett Dollar Warning Adds to the Debate
The discussion around Bitcoin’s utility coincided with remarks by Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, during the company’s March 3 shareholder meeting. Buffett warned about potential risks facing the U.S. dollar and hinted that circumstances could arise in which holding foreign currencies becomes necessary. His comments led Teddy Fusaro, President of Bitwise Invest, to encourage investors to consider adding Bitcoin to their portfolios as a potential safeguard.
Australia Cash Shift Raises Digital Currency Appeal
Australia’s ANZ bank has announced that some of its branches will stop offering cash withdrawal services and plans to reduce its ATM footprint. Critics argue that the move may negatively impact older individuals and people with disabilities who rely on cash. Meanwhile, Bitcoin adoption continues to rise in Australia. An Independent Reserve survey in late 2022 found that 92% of Australians were aware of Bitcoin, with 25% holding cryptocurrency assets.
Peterson’s comments reflected the growing trend of exploring digital alternatives amid such banking transitions, though Taleb’s counterarguments highlight the ongoing skepticism from segments of the academic and financial communities.
b’s counterarguments highlight the ongoing skepticism from segments of the academic and financial communities.
