Bitcoin, the decentralized digital currency, has recently been a subject of interest in the discussion of whether it can be considered a living organism. This is due to its ability to exhibit characteristics commonly associated with living things, such as growth, reproduction, inheritance, energy use, and response to the environment. One of the key characteristics that support this argument is the decentralized nature of Bitcoin, similar to that of fungi.
Fungi, like Bitcoin, have a decentralized system of growth and reproduction. They have a vast network of mycelium that allows them to share resources and communicate with other organisms. Similarly, the decentralized nature of Bitcoin allows for a distributed network of users and miners, who work together to validate transactions and maintain the network’s integrity. This decentralized system allows for greater resilience and adaptability to changes in the environment.
Bitcoin’s ability to grow is another characteristic that supports the argument that it is a living organism. Bitcoin has a finite supply of 21 million coins, and as more coins are mined and added to circulation, the overall value of the network increases. This can be seen as a form of growth, similar to that of a living organism.
In addition to growth, Bitcoin also has the ability to reproduce. Bitcoin can be divided into smaller units, similar to how a living organism can reproduce through cell division. This allows for a larger number of units to exist and increases the overall value of the network.
Bitcoin also exhibits the characteristic of inheritance and passing on traits. The Bitcoin network is able to transfer information and value between different units, similar to how living organisms pass on genetic information to their offspring. This allows for the continuation of the network and the preservation of its characteristics.
Bitcoin also uses energy to maintain a stable inner structure. The process of mining, which is necessary to create new coins and validate transactions, requires a significant amount of energy. This can be seen as a form of metabolism, a characteristic commonly associated with living things.
Finally, Bitcoin is able to respond to the various environments it exists in. The network is able to adapt to changes in demand, security threats, and other external factors. This ability to respond and adapt is another characteristic commonly associated with living things.
But what sets Bitcoin apart from other living organisms is its anti-fragile nature. Anti-fragility is the ability to not just withstand stress and shocks, but to actually thrive under them. The decentralized nature of the Bitcoin network makes it resilient to external threats, and even when faced with attacks, it continues to grow stronger.
In conclusion, the argument can be made that Bitcoin is indeed a living organism. Its ability to exhibit characteristics such as growth, reproduction, inheritance, energy use, and response to the environment all support this claim. But what sets it apart from other living organisms is its decentralized nature, similar to that of fungi, and its anti-fragile nature, making it one of the strongest living organisms known. Bitcoin may be an alien form of life, but it is a living organism nonetheless.
References:
Dergigi. “Proof of Life: Why Bitcoin is a Living Organism.” Dergigi, 7 Aug. 2019, https://dergigi.com/2019/08/07/proof-of-life/
Quittem, Brandon. “Bitcoin is a Decentralized Organism: Mycelium Part 1.” Medium, 7 Aug 2019, https://medium.com/@BrandonQuittem/bitcoin-is-a-decentralized-organism-mycelium-part-1-3-6ec58cdcfaa6
Vires in Numeris 