Bitcoin has long been associated with financial disruption, but a recent opinion piece suggests it might have a far-reaching impact on culture and human behavior, potentially even encouraging people to have children again [1]. The author argues that Bitcoin’s inherent scarcity and its ability to preserve value over time could help restore a sense of permanence and long-term thinking, which have been eroded by modern fiat currencies and the culture of instant gratification [1].
The piece explores how traditional money, especially fiat, has changed human behavior. With real interest rates often negative and inflation eroding purchasing power, people have increasingly adopted a mindset of immediate consumption rather than long-term planning. This shift has led to a decline in personal savings and a cultural tendency to prioritize the present over the future. As a result, long-term commitments—such as raising a family—have become less appealing in an environment of economic and social uncertainty [1].
Historically, hard money like gold and silver, which were difficult to produce and scarce, fostered patience and a lower time preference. People were more inclined to save, invest, and plan for the future because they believed their money would hold value. This mindset extended to family and community, with generations making sacrifices for the benefit of those to come. However, the shift to fiat currencies, unanchored from physical constraints, has altered this perception. Money is now seen as ephemeral, and with it, so are long-term commitments [1].
Bitcoin, the author argues, could reverse this trend. By offering a digital form of hard money that cannot be inflated away by central banks, Bitcoin reintroduces the concept of scarcity and long-term value. If people begin to trust Bitcoin as a store of value, they may also begin to believe in the future again. This could lead to a cultural reset, where individuals start planning for the long term, building for future generations, and—perhaps most significantly—rethinking family and legacy [1].
While the author acknowledges that Bitcoin is not a cure-all, it is presented as a catalyst for a shift in mindset. If people can trust that their wealth will not lose value over time, they may also begin to trust in the stability of their futures. This, in turn, could encourage behaviors like saving, investing, and committing—actions that are essential to raising a family in a world that often discourages such long-term planning [1].
The opinion piece draws parallels between Bitcoin and historical forms of hard money, suggesting that the digital asset could help restore a sense of permanence in a world increasingly defined by transience. The author concludes that while Bitcoin may not directly lead to more births, it could create the conditions where having children feels not only feasible but also meaningful [1].
Source:
[1] Bitcoin will make us have children again, maybe | Opinion (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6899d40cf03a483a8427dca1/)
