Oddbean new post about login | logout History shows that this is not the case. Most people are easily led by fear and populism, and spend little time questioning authority, even under the worst circumstances.
Hard disagree just based on life in Cuba Fear and populism worked for the takeover but it wasn't too much longer when people saw communism for what it was. Was it too late to get out of it? Sure... But did everyone adopt every tool available to them, no matter how "hard" yes, yes they did
That’s a very good point, but I think we are actually talking about two different things. Cuba is a failed state under an embargo with a devastated economy and widespread lack of essentials. In a society where most people have conveniences and their every day needs met, they will most likely seek the easy route that doesn’t require them to think too much as long as they have their panem et circenses.
Yep, so my original point stands? If the water gets hotter more will find the need to use these
It depends on where in the world you are. The original post is really referencing countries where people still have the illusion of democracy and freedom.
Are a large % of Cubans currently using BTC? 🤔
I was just listening to the part of @gladstein's book about Cuba. Hard to know what % are using it if they’re maintaining good opsec, but there are quite a few. I have mad respect for Cubans who have resisted their authoritarian leaders, given the severe penalties for doing so.
some but not a huge amount from last I read, internet/phone availability isn't as high as everywhere else: What I mean is on the island you use everything available to you whether it gets you in hot water or not... some examples: side businesses, illegal but most people tried to have them (selling tupperware, selling stuff other people can send you from outside, growing food, illegal, people tried to have gardens/connections/animals using dollars: on and off illegal, everyone tried to get their hands on dollars at all times outside news, illegal, everyone pirated satellite feeds from neighbors or used government accounts to try to access internet This is why the more freedom tools we have the better off we will be. In case of censorship and government overreach we can continue to fight back and get creative as a people. Do I hope Bitcoin just wins and everyone uses it and the future is awesome, sure, but I lean less likely.