In its most used meaning, a circular economy is a model of production and consumption that seeks to minimize waste and environmental impact, taking advantage of resources efficiently and sustainably. In the context of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, however, A circular economy is one that uses these technologies to create an alternative financial system, based on direct exchange between peers, without intermediaries or external regulations.
There are people who decide to live together to have an alternative way of life. In many cases, they adopt a different religion or lifestyle. In this case, it is similar, but what you want to use is Bitcoin as the main form of payment. You could say that it is a social experiment. The monks form monasteries. Hippies form communes. Bitcoiners form localities with a circular economy.
There are people in Latin America who are already living like this, using only Bitcoin to buy and sell things. For example, in Bitcoin Beach (El Salvador) you can go to the beach and pay with BTC for your beer and ceviche. In Bitcoin Lake (Guatemala) you can navigate the lake and pay with BTC for your accommodation and food. And in Valle de Galt (Brazil) you can enjoy nature and pay with BTC for your adventure and fun. These communities teach us that Bitcoin is not only good for speculation, but can also work with an alternative payment method.
Since civilization has existed, there have also been those who rebel against it. They are people who do not feel comfortable with the way of life of the majority, and who seek to create their own space where they can practice their values and their system. They are people who want to show that their way of doing things is much better than that of a corrupt and decadent society. Throughout history, we have seen many examples of these splinter groups. Some have taken refuge in the desert, like ascetics or hermits. Others have isolated themselves in the mountains, like the Taoists. Others have settled on islands or remote enclaves, like the utopians or the anarchists. And others have moved to cities or towns where they only use Bitcoin. They all share a dream: to live apart from others to show that their vision of the world is correct.
There is no denying that the bitcoin community is steeped in ideology. After all, this community was born out of discontent. Along the way, many libertarians and anarcho-capitalists arrived, dominated by a strong anti-establishment and anti-state spirit. So for many, Bitcoin is not simply a code with a variable price. Bitcoin is a rebellion against the established system. The aspiration is to build utopia. And like all utopians, they also dream of creating a small-scale model to show that their utopia is possible. And if that utopia can be built with the help of the current government, no matter how contradictory and ironic it may seem, much better. It is a libertarian utopia sponsored by the fist of an authoritarian government.
But what is left for the rest of us? I mean those of us who do not want utopia. People who do not want to be part of the rebellion. That is, the inhabitants of this planet who simply want to put bread on the table, enjoy family, friends, and a trip from time to time. We work, we save, and we simply seek to invest in something with growth potential. In other words, we want to grow financially for our well-being without all the political and ideological paraphernalia. We don’t want enemies. No fights. We just want to make money. Is Bitcoin not for us?
Personally, I find the circular economy stifling and sectarian. In my opinion, it is a form of exclusivism. It’s like a planet that is limited to only one language. It seems to me a totalitarian vision. In particular, I prefer the plurality of mixed and diversified systems. Why use a hammer for everything? The most sensible thing is to have a toolbox. And use the tool that best serves a given situation.
Instead of a circular economy, we can aspire to an open economy. Local currency can be used for daily expenses. Suddenly, we can use cash for some things. We may use debit or credit cards for others. Or we may, if necessary, use payment platforms such as PayPal or Apple Pay in some situations. Why not? We can maintain an emergency fund in dollars or in euros. And, at the same time, we can have a balanced and diversified portfolio of bonds, stocks and cryptocurrencies. Why pay for my vacation with an asset that is going to rise in price over time? It is preferable to pay them with a currency in the process of devaluation. No?
This is the vision of an open economy, which is not closed to a single option, but takes advantage of each option. An economy that adapts to market circumstances and opportunities. An economy that respects the freedom of choice of each individual and that does not impose a single ideology. An economy that encourages innovation, competition and growth. An economy that is not afraid of change, but embraces it. An economy that does not conform to what is established, but rather seeks the best. Isn’t this the economy we all want?
Why should everything now have an ideological overtone? Why can’t we invest in search of money anymore? I have nothing against Uncle Sam. I have nothing against private banking. I have nothing against the Federal Reserve. I have nothing against the dollar. But at the same time, I love Bitcoin. I just want to grow financially. And I see in Bitcoin a great financial opportunity. Am I under an obligation to become one more libertarian? whatShould I mix my finances with my politics? I don’t believe it. I can work, save and invest without sorrow or guilt. I can use the payment method that best suits me. And I have the right not to want to dream of utopias.
Disclaimer: The information and/or opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views or editorial line of Cointelegraph. The information presented here should not be taken as financial advice or investment recommendation. All investment and commercial movement involve risks and it is the responsibility of each person to do their due research before making an investment decision.
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