The Unstoppable Nature of Bitcoin: Why Information is Hard to Contain

Your private keys for Bitcoin consist of random bits of data, which can be encoded and stored in countless ways, such as DNA.

Storing Data in DNA Bitcoin as Data

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Have you ever imagined converting a Bitcoin seed phrase into a DNA sequence? Well, I did it, just for fun! Using the first four letters of the BIP39 seed words, you can store a 12-word seed phrase in a tiny 48 nucleotides of DNA. To put this into perspective, the average gene consists of several thousand nucleotides, and the complete human genome contains over 3 billion nucleotides! It’s mind-boggling how information can be stored and transmitted in various ways.

But why is information so difficult to contain? Because it’s an integral part of the universe. For centuries, scientists believed the universe was solely made up of matter and energy. However, modern knowledge tells us that information is just as crucial. Information can be stored in matter and transmitted using energy, but it exists separately from both. Just as matter and energy cannot be created nor destroyed, information can be created and destroyed, but doing so is not easy. Once information is created and widely distributed, it becomes increasingly challenging to destroy it.

The Parts of Information

Information is not an abstract concept but something actively sent and received between multiple parties. And it consists of five hierarchical components that work together:

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Fidelity

Although fidelity is the lowest element of information, it is crucial for successful transmission. Think back to those frustrating times when you’d ask “Can you hear me now?” during poor cell phone or internet connections. Fidelity has been a key concern in technology development, with wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) now providing high-quality connections. While we generally don’t worry about fidelity unless it’s lacking, it remains an essential aspect of information transmission.

Syntax (Code or Grammar)

Syntax refers to the code or grammar used to transmit information. A code is a set of symbols that represent interconnected bits of information. These symbols can be strung together in time or space to convey meaning, which leads us to the next level of information: semantics. Symbols used for communication vary widely, including alphabets, hand gestures, musical notes, or even nucleotides in DNA. The selection of symbols depends on the mode of transmission and specific requirements.

Semantics (Meaning)

Semantics is the meaning or intent behind a message. Allocating meaning to symbols is a mental process that happens at the human level. When you read a book, you’re not concerned about fidelity or syntax – you’re interested in the meaning conveyed. Unlike computers that can store and transmit information efficiently, they cannot interpret it as meaningfully as humans do. After all, do Raspberry Pi nodes or ASICs truly understand Bitcoin like we do?

Pragmatics (Action)

Pragmatics refers to the action prompted by receiving information. Meaningful communication aims to spur a response, encouraging the recipient to take action. This level requires genuine intelligence and even a will from both parties involved. We’re yet to see if computers will ever possess such will, which sets humans apart in the realm of information.

Apobetics (Purpose)

The highest level of information involves its purpose – why the sender wishes to prompt a response. Information aims to achieve a specific goal, with the purpose or intention driving its transmission. Whether or not computers can possess a purpose remains a mystery.

In essence, information is a complex web of interconnected levels. From fidelity and syntax to semantics, pragmatics, and apobetics, each component plays a vital role in communication.

Bitcoin as Information

Bitcoin, the groundbreaking digital currency and blockchain technology, is fundamentally information. From the code governing the program to the key pairs used for wallets, it’s all about information storage, transmission, and replication. Bitcoin can be stored in various forms, from flash drives to printed books or even DNA molecules. Once widely dispersed, it becomes almost impossible to destroy.

Politicians and bankers may dislike Bitcoin, but the genie is out of the bottle and cannot be contained. As the saying goes, you cannot ban Bitcoin; you can only ban yourself from using it. Bitcoin’s fidelity and syntax are ensured through the internet, connecting nodes, miners, and wallets in a high-fidelity communication system. Its syntax relies on coding languages utilized by Bitcoin Core and related software. The semantics, pragmatics, and apobetics of Bitcoin revolve around its perfect scarcity, immutability, and the motivation of users seeking to secure their wealth from theft or debasement.

While the internet is now a mature communication system that cannot be easily destroyed, Bitcoin’s idea is so widely distributed that it cannot be defeated. Even if you could somehow eliminate the fidelity and syntax of the network, the concept of Bitcoin has permeated the minds of millions worldwide. Destroying the internet, wiping out hard drives with the blockchain, or shutting down Bitcoin-running computers wouldn’t eradicate the idea. You’d have to track down every last Bitcoiner and possibly even eliminate all E. coli (since, you know, we can store Bitcoin in DNA).

Additional Q&A Content

🔍Q: How can Bitcoin be stored in DNA?

A: Storing Bitcoin in DNA is not a mainstream practice, but it showcases the versatility of information storage. By converting a Bitcoin seed phrase into a DNA sequence, you can compactly store the private key in just 48 nucleotides. While this experiment demonstrates the potential, it’s unlikely to be practical for everyday use.

🔍Q: Is Bitcoin really unstoppable?

A: In essence, yes. Due to its decentralized nature and the widespread distribution of information, it is challenging to halt Bitcoin’s progress. Attempts to ban or regulate Bitcoin on a global scale have been largely ineffective. Its resilience lies in the fact that once information is unleashed, it becomes incredibly difficult to contain. Bitcoin has found its way into the minds of millions worldwide, making it a force to be reckoned with.

Future Outlook and Conclusion

The future for Bitcoin and the unstoppable nature of information seems promising. As technology advances and awareness grows, Bitcoin will likely become an even more integral part of our lives. The decentralized and secure aspects of Bitcoin provide numerous benefits, making it a valuable asset for individuals and institutions alike. If you haven’t already, consider delving into this fascinating world and exploring the potential that Bitcoin offers.

Remember, information is power, and once unleashed, it’s virtually impossible to contain. Embrace the unstoppable nature of Bitcoin and join the exciting journey towards a more decentralized financial future.

🙌 Let’s keep the discussion going! Share your thoughts on Bitcoin and the unstoppable nature of information in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends on social media! 🔥

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References:

1. Chinese Capital Fund Unveils $10B Web3 Investment Fund

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