Book description
A comprehensive and authoritative exploration of Bitcoin and its place in monetary history When a pseudonymous programmer introduced "a new electronic cash system that's fully peer-to-peer, with no trusted third party" to a small online mailing list in 2008, very few people paid attention. Ten years later, and against all odds, this upstart autonomous decentralized software offers an unstoppable and globally accessible hard money alternative to modern central banks. The Bitcoin Standard analyzes the historical context to the rise of Bitcoin, the economic properties that have allowed it to grow quickly, and its likely economic, political, and social implications. While Bitcoin is an invention of the digital age, the problem it purports to solve is as old as human society itself: transferring value across time and space. Author Saifedean Ammous takes the reader on an engaging journey through the history of technologies performing the functions of money, from primitive systems of trading limestones and seashells, to metals, coins, the gold standard, and modern government debt. Exploring what gave these technologies their monetary role, and how most lost it, provides the reader with a good idea of what makes for sound money, and sets the stage for an economic discussion of its consequences for individual and societal future-orientation, capital accumulation, trade, peace, culture, and art. Compellingly, Ammous shows that it is no coincidence that the loftiest achievements of humanity have come in societies enjoying the benefits of sound monetary regimes, nor is it coincidental that monetary collapse has usually accompanied civilizational collapse. With this background in place, the book moves on to explain the operation of Bitcoin in a functional and intuitive way. Bitcoin is a decentralized, distributed piece of software that converts electricity and processing power into indisputably accurate records, thus allowing its users to utilize the Internet to perform the traditional functions of money without having to rely on, or trust, any authorities or infrastructure in the physical world. Bitcoin is thus best understood as the first successfully implemented form of digital cash and digital hard money. With an automated and perfectly predictable monetary policy, and the ability to perform final settlement of large sums across the world in a matter of minutes, Bitcoin's real competitive edge might just be as a store of value and network for the final settlement of large payments―a digital form of gold with a built-in settlement infrastructure. Ammous' firm grasp of the technological possibilities as well as the historical realities of monetary evolution provides for a fascinating exploration of the ramifications of voluntary free market money. As it challenges the most sacred of government monopolies, Bitcoin shifts the pendulum of sovereignty away from governments in favor of individuals, offering us the tantalizing possibility of a world where money is fully extricated from politics and unrestrained by borders. The final chapter of the book explores some of the most common questions surrounding Bitcoin: Is Bitcoin mining a waste of energy? Is Bitcoin for criminals? Who controls Bitcoin, and can they change it if they please? How can Bitcoin be killed? And what to make of all the thousands of Bitcoin knockoffs, and the many supposed applications of Bitcoin's 'block chain technology'? The Bitcoin Standard is the essential resource for a clear understanding of the rise of the Internet's decentralized, apolitical, free-market alternative to national central banks.
Paris Boost
ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Scuffs
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. 🚗 Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures – audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! 🚗📖 Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased.
Miss Murder
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Abyss Tamer
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Sapiens
I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
Queen Ginger
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧 Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Nueva Nova
🏝️ Basking in the sun with an audiobook – relaxation meets storytelling paradise! ☀️📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Fast Draw
This app's compatibility with different formats has made my audiobook collection diverse and enjoyable. Effortlessly switching between stories – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Baked ZD
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm addicted to this app – it's a non-stop journey through captivating tales. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
General Finish
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Dewdrop Doll
ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldn’t stop listening.
Gold Bentley
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
MrOnsTr
I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. I can't imagine my life without this app – it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Looping playback of a single track helps me focus and absorb complex content. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Chapstick
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰
Shivers
🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time.
DollFaceKillah
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is fantastic. Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! The app is perfect for multitaskers. I can listen while working out.
Lady Q
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. 🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Wheels
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. 🎶📚 The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! 🎵🎧 Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Bearded Angler
This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
London Fox
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience