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.
Eye Devil
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience!
Shimmy Shammy
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth.
QuestQuill
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use – it's a reader's dream come true. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are excellent additions. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Red Hot Kevorkian
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. This app's compatibility with various devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. ListenBook is hands down the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The interface is clean, intuitive, and packed with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timers. It supports all formats, which is a huge plus for me. Highly recommend!
Lucky Martian
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Cumulo
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! 👩🍳 Cooking up a storm while enjoying thrilling stories – this app adds flavor to my meals! 🍳🎧 ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Insane SweepKick
💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧 Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook! Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Jelly Momentum
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Bad Bond
This app has given me the joy of reading even when my hands are full. This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. No more interruptions – the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening.
Pigeon Woman
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to connect over shared interests. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Black Hole Necromancer
The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Y0dler
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Badger the Burglar
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Evil Smith
The selection of classics is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 The playback controls are so responsive. No lag at all.
Necromancer
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling.
King Panther
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. I'm addicted to this app's seamless performance and impressive library. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app! An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
NexusNavigator
I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats! Flawless playback.
Uncle Buddy
This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience.
ThoughtTrailblazer
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
ManMaker
I can finally tackle my reading list while stuck in traffic – what a win! The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
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