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Hi Niall,

I read The Square and the Tower and enjoyed it very much. In the book you only mention cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin and Ethereum) towards the end. Can you elaborate on what you think the possible futures of cryptocurrencies are for business as usual? Could you also give your opinion on the potential for smart contracts to disrupt traditional fiat currencies such as the US dollar? Do you think national governments are beginning to worry about cryptos competing with their own established currencies?

Fair enough. It was a pretty broad question. Some cryptos use encryption and are money (though not value stable). You should take a look at Cardano. Your answer is very interesting regards China but I was thinking about the possibility of ordinary people using cryptos more and more in spite of the policies of their respective governments. You have previously admitted that you underestimated the potential of Bitcoin. I think decentralised networks, specifically in the form of blockchains/cryptos, do pose a threat to centralised power structures, why else would so many people gamble on them if it wasn't for the hope that they represent something new and revolutionary? Liquid democracy for the win.