Bitcoin: The Financial Singularity with Austin Hill - WBD447

Location: New York
Date: Wednesday 8th December
Company: Former CEO of Blockstream
Role: Entrepreneur, VC & Cypherpunk


It is a common refrain that we are living in unprecedented times.
Yet, the most inconceivable changes to society are ahead of us. A
confluence of exponential forces could see our species either
flourish or wither. The changes that these forces will bring are
fast approaching.


A technological singularity is predicted to occur in a
generation: innovations will bring rapid change that is both
bewildering and uncontrollable. These technologies will become
increasingly cheaper and ubiquitous such that the risk profiles
associated with misuse will grow significantly.


At the same time, we risk seeing the traditional financial
systems shatter as exponential growth in debt finally becomes
unsustainable and deflationary pressures finally dominate to
destroy traditional credit systems. 


Bitcoin can’t solve all these problems, but it is a central part
of the toolbox of solutions. 


In the second of two interviews, I talk to Austin Hill, the
entrepreneur, cypherpunk & venture capitalist. We discuss the
singularity and vulnerable world hypothesis, how technology can
strengthen totalitarianism and the role of Bitcoin in harm
reduction.