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Ander comments on Bitcoin value and small probability / high impact arguments - Less Wrong Discussion

4 Post author: vbuterin 31 March 2015 04:48PM

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Comment author: Ander 31 March 2015 06:59:05PM 1 point [-]

Also, Bitcoin has an advantage over gold in terms of security. Guarding a lot of gold in a vault is expensive, but keeping a Brainwallet is not.

Which brings up another hilarious Bitcoin Pascal's Mugging scenario: "What is the probability that you die, are cryopreserved, and are resurrected at some point in the future. But this future world is a dystopia, and cryoresurrected people are indentured servants of the company that revived them until they are able to pay back their debt. Since most jobs have been automated it is extremely difficult for you to get the money to ever earn your freedom. However, if you had created a Bitcoin brain wallet, you would be able to access it (because the cryoresurrection process is very good), and you would have something of value with which to pay off your debt and live comfortably in the new world".

Good luck trying to come up with numbers for the probability and value of that scenario. :)

Comment author: V_V 01 April 2015 02:52:18PM 2 points [-]

Also, Bitcoin has an advantage over gold in terms of security. Guarding a lot of gold in a vault is expensive, but keeping a Brainwallet is not.

Really?
There is a reason why bank valuts have timed emergency locks.

Which brings up another hilarious Bitcoin Pascal's Mugging scenario: "What is the probability that you die, are cryopreserved, and are resurrected at some point in the future. But this future world is a dystopia, and cryoresurrected people are indentured servants of the company that revived them until they are able to pay back their debt. Since most jobs have been automated it is extremely difficult for you to get the money to ever earn your freedom. However, if you had created a Bitcoin brain wallet, you would be able to access it (because the cryoresurrection process is very good), and you would have something of value with which to pay off your debt and live comfortably in the new world".

They'll just extract the brainwallet from your memories using their advanced brain scan technology. Or a rubber hose.

Comment author: Douglas_Knight 31 March 2015 07:47:15PM 2 points [-]

The odds for that scenario are approximately equal to the odds that quantum computers are impossible.

Comment author: Ander 31 March 2015 07:55:47PM 0 points [-]

Good answer. :)

Comment author: ChristianKl 01 April 2015 03:23:21PM 1 point [-]

Also, Bitcoin has an advantage over gold in terms of security.

Given how often Bitcoins get stolen I don't think the practical security of bitcoin is that high.

Guarding a lot of gold in a vault is expensive, but keeping a Brainwallet is not.

A brainwallet has the problem that you risk forgetting it.

Comment author: Epictetus 01 April 2015 04:07:06PM 0 points [-]

Also, Bitcoin has an advantage over gold in terms of security. Guarding a lot of gold in a vault is expensive, but keeping a Brainwallet is not.

Bitcoin security is much cheaper to implement, but the drawback is that it's a lot more susceptible to fraud and large-scale theft. Such thefts have occurred in the last few years.

Which brings up another hilarious Bitcoin Pascal's Mugging scenario: "What is the probability that you die, are cryopreserved, and are resurrected at some point in the future. But this future world is a dystopia, and cryoresurrected people are indentured servants of the company that revived them until they are able to pay back their debt. Since most jobs have been automated it is extremely difficult for you to get the money to ever earn your freedom. However, if you had created a Bitcoin brain wallet, you would be able to access it (because the cryoresurrection process is very good), and you would have something of value with which to pay off your debt and live comfortably in the new world".

This assumes the future world still values Bitcoin. I'm reminded of a Twilight Zone episode (The Rip Van Winkle Caper) where a group of thieves steal a large amount of gold, then use a form of suspended animation to sleep for 100 years, intending to wake up in a future where no one remembers their crime and they can live in wealth.