Bitcoin Back to Basics: What is Money?

What is money? Before we can understand Bitcoin, we need to go back to the fundamentals. In this session, we’ll explore the nature and purpose of money — how it evolved, what makes it work, and why it fails.

The first 30 minutes will be a talk unpacking the history and characteristics of money — from shells and gold to paper and code — and how Bitcoin fits (or challenges) that definition. We’ll examine money as a social technology, a store of value, a medium of exchange, and a unit of account.

After the talk, we’ll open the floor for a discussion. Bring your questions, doubts, and perspectives — whether you’re a Bitcoin veteran, a skeptic, or just curious about the roots of our financial system.

Let’s strip it down to the basics and rebuild our understanding of what money is — and why Bitcoin might be the next logical step.