The Future is Always Uncertain

Issue #85

Today’s Topics

  • Risk, Reward, and the Future of Money💰

  • An Idea for New Ideas 🤔

    5 Mins Read Time

Risk, Reward, and the Future of Money💰

By Jo

Cryptocurrency has been around long enough to prove it’s not just a passing trend — yet it’s still wild territory for many people trying to figure out if it’s worth the hype, or just another high-stakes gamble waiting to crash.

Let’s be real: the risk is real. Unlike traditional investments, crypto operates in a market that never sleeps, isn’t controlled by any central authority, and is driven as much by social media hype and speculation as it is by technology. Prices can skyrocket overnight and free-fall the next morning. A single tweet can shake billions in market value. For the average person, that level of volatility can feel more like playing the lottery than building wealth.

But where there’s risk, there’s also massive reward — at least for those who do their homework. Crypto has produced millionaires and turned small early investments into life-changing sums. Beyond profit, it represents a shift: a move toward decentralized finance where people have more control over transactions, without needing banks or governments as middlemen.

Is it the future of money? That answer depends on whether governments and global markets decide to fully adopt, regulate, or replace it with their own digital currencies. What’s clear is that blockchain technology — the backbone of crypto — is here to stay. Companies, banks, and even entire countries are exploring ways to use it for faster payments, smart contracts, and secure transactions.

If you’re thinking about diving in, remember: don’t just chase trends or someone else’s success story. Educate yourself. Know your risk tolerance. Invest only what you can afford to lose. Crypto might be the future — but your financial future still depends on the choices you make today.

An Idea for New Ideas 🤔

By Marcus

“The truth is no online database will replace your daily newspaper.”
—Clifford Stoll, Newsweek, 1995

“Netflix doesn’t have a chance.”
—Jim Keyes, former Blockbuster CEO, 2008

“There’s no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”
—Ken Olsen, 1977, Founder of Digital Equipment Corporation

At the time, these individuals held strong convictions. Successful leaders in their fields, trendsetters and trailblazers deserving of recognition for their accomplishments.

But when we look at these statements, they were wrong. Their convictions were eventually replaced by what seemed like “crazy ideas” at the time.

We now consume most of our news digitally. Netflix is a massive success. And even if we don’t have a computer at home, nearly all of us carry miniature versions of one—our smartphones.

A Tale of Two Extremes

Way back in 2013, a random guy on the internet — software developer named Davinci Jeremie — made what became a legendary moment in crypto history. His words:

“Look, for the price of a lotto ticket, you can hold Bitcoin for 10 years and become a millionaire. It’s time you stop living in fear. If it goes to zero, you lose $1. Who cares?!”

In 2013, the price of Bitcoin hit a low of $13.09 and a high of $1,132.

At the time of writing this article, Bitcoin is trading around $104,000. If you spent your lottery ticket money on Bitcoin in 2013 and held, you’d be in pretty good shape financially.

Or… maybe you followed the warning from one of the greatest investors of all time and avoided Bitcoin altogether:

“Stay away from it. It’s a mirage—basically.”
—Warren Buffett on Bitcoin, 2014

A Framework for New Ideas

This isn’t about making a case for or against Bitcoin. These examples simply highlight how we respond to new ideas.

When we encounter something unfamiliar, cognitive biases kick in. Long-held beliefs get challenged, and we rush to resolve that discomfort. That often leads to picking a side which can be a mistake, because not everything is black and white.

Instead of rushing to a conclusion, allow yourself a mindset of exploration. You don’t have to agree, but you can investigate.

Ask yourself: Is this possible? And on what basis am I rejecting or accepting it?

If the idea seems worth your time, give it space. See where it leads.

Many people resist change out of fear. Especially if they benefit from the status quo. But every industry evolves, whether we like it or not.

“There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.”
—Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, 2007

Next time you hear a wild or uncomfortable idea, pause before dismissing it. You might be early, not wrong.

And who knows?

You could be the one who says, “Well, I told you… but you didn’t want to listen.”

Summer.…. Summer.… Summer… Time…

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