Bitcoin Magazine Books published the book in 2022. This overview draws on the publisher’s description, the essay of the same name and the author’s account of how the book came about; it does not pretend to be based on reading the entire volume.
The publisher gives the release date as March 10, 2022. In an earlier interview, Gladstein explained that he wanted to gather his writing for Bitcoin Magazine into a book and start a conversation with people outside the Bitcoin community too. [1] [3]
The 2021 essay of the same name contrasts the experience of stable-currency users with that of people facing currency debasement or restrictions. Gladstein argues that the first group can overlook the needs of the second. This is his starting argument, not a price forecast. [2]
In the essay, entrepreneur Aderinokun describes her interest in easier transfers between Nigeria and other countries. Alongside payments, she explains the importance of being able to save outside a weakening local currency. The author thus connects two distinct needs: sending money and preserving it. [2]
The participant identified as Mo describes sending money to his family and the continued unavailability of certain financial services. His story emphasizes practical access to cross-border payments, rather than a change in political leadership alone. [2]
Kassa describes paying collaborators in Ethiopia with bitcoin. He mentions Lightning Network and transfers to graphic designers and translators. In this testimony, Bitcoin serves as payment for work, not merely as an asset to hold. [2]
Alongside Nigeria, the publisher’s description highlights Cuba and El Salvador. These examples introduce currency debasement and money sent to families. The description presents the book’s focus; it is not an up-to-date account of the legal situation in these countries. [1]
Gladstein’s website connects money with human rights, resistance to censorship and open systems. This perspective helps explain why his account follows individual possibilities and institutional power, not just investment returns. [4]
The three stories in the essay of the same name capture particular experiences at the time of publication. They do not establish the same outcome for every user. The book is broader than this essay; the links let readers distinguish the public text from the publisher’s description. [2] [1]
For the clearest picture, read this entry together with Alex Gladstein, Bitcoin and Human Rights, Remittances, Bitcoin and Financial Inclusion, Bitcoin. The reverse links also lead from Alex Gladstein.
01Is the essay of the same name the entire book?+
No. The 2021 essay presents three testimonies from Nigeria, Sudan and Ethiopia. The book came out in 2022, and its description also mentions other countries.
02Why does this overview not discuss bitcoin’s price?+
Its subject is the author’s view of access to money and specific uses. The testimonies are neither a price forecast nor a promise of an outcome.