Nick Szabo is a cryptographer who created a precursor to Bitcoin and is a prominent member of the cypherpunk community. As an important figure in Bitcoin’s history, many speculate he could even be Satoshi Nakamoto.
Throughout Bitcoin’s history, many have tried—and continue to try—to uncover the identity of its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.
These theories often point to individuals who had a significant impact on Bitcoin and were forerunners of the cryptocurrency, such as Nick Szabo.
Nick Szabo is a cryptographer, legal scholar, and member of the cypherpunk community who has made and continues to make a significant impact on the Bitcoin community.
He is also the creator of Bitgold, a precursor to Bitcoin and an inspiration for Satoshi Nakamoto.
Additionally, Szabo is the visionary behind smart contracts, which are now widely used in digital currency projects and tokens.
Let’s explore who Nick Szabo is, his background, and his contributions to shaping Bitcoin into what it is today.
“Inspired” is an interesting way of putting it ;)
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Don't forget his article: Shelling Out: The Origins of Money
It's absolutely fascinating and really relevant to bitcoin. Here's a quote:
Practically all human cultures, even those that do not engage in substantial trade or that use more modern forms of money, make and enjoy jewelry, and value certain objects more for their artistic or heirloom qualities than for their utility. We humans collect necklaces of shells and other kinds of jewelry – for the sheer enjoyment of it.
For the evolutionary psychologists an explanation that humans do something for “the sheer enjoyment of it” is not an explanation at all – but the posing of a problem. Why do so many people find the collection and wearing of jewelry enjoyable? For the evolutionary psychologist, this question becomes – what caused this pleasure to evolve?
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Nick hasn't written much lately, and he also seems to have disappeared from social media. I was very honoured to have him as one of my followers back in the days when I was on Twitter. I really admired his direct, no bs, and unapologetic style.
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I have heard his name popping up lately. Was it on SN earlier?