Book Review: The Bitcoin Standard

Oct 22

Written By Jim R.

Ever stumbled across a book that completely shifts how you think about something as fundamental as money itself? That's exactly what happened when I picked up The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking by Saifedean Ammous. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Jim, a book about Bitcoin? In a cozy little bookstore?" But trust me on this one. Whether you're crypto-curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this book offers something fascinating for anyone who's ever wondered why our money works the way it does.

What's This Book Actually About?

Don't worry, you won't need a computer science degree to follow along! Ammous takes a refreshingly different approach than most crypto books. Instead of diving headfirst into blockchain technical jargon, he starts with a story we can all understand: the history of money itself.

Think about it: humans have been figuring out ways to trade and store value for thousands of years. From shells and beads to gold coins and paper bills, we've always needed something that holds its worth over time. The Bitcoin Standard walks you through this entire journey, showing how we got from bartering cattle to swiping credit cards, and why Bitcoin might be the next logical step.

Availability note: The Bitcoin Standard is not available in-store at our Nassau shop right now—we currently stock it online only. You can purchase it through our Amazon storefront (affiliate link): Buy The Bitcoin Standard on Amazon.

he book is beautifully organized into three digestible parts. The first section explores how money evolved naturally from human needs (spoiler: it wasn't invented by governments!). The middle chapters dive into the rise and fall of the gold standard, that period when currencies were actually backed by real, physical gold. Finally, the last section introduces Bitcoin as what Ammous calls "digital gold" for the modern age.

The Big Ideas (Explained Simply!)

Here's where things get really interesting. Ammous argues that the best money throughout history has always had one key quality: scarcity. Gold worked for centuries because you couldn't just create more of it out of thin air. But what happens when governments can print money whenever they want? Well, according to the author, that's when things start getting messy.

Bitcoin, he suggests, brings back that scarcity. There will only ever be 21 million bitcoins: that's it, no more, no exceptions. It's like having a digital version of gold, but one that can't be controlled by any single government or institution.

Now, I'll be honest: some critics point out that Ammous leans pretty heavily on Austrian economics (that's a particular school of economic thought, not just economists from Austria!). The book definitely has a perspective, and it's worth reading with that in mind. But even if you don't agree with every argument, the historical journey alone is absolutely fascinating.

Who Should Read This?

You might be wondering if this book is for you. Here's the beautiful thing: you don't need any background in economics or cryptocurrency to enjoy it. Ammous writes in a clear, accessible style that welcomes newcomers while still offering plenty of depth for those who want to dig deeper.

This book is perfect if you:

Find yourself curious about Bitcoin but overwhelmed by technical explanations
Love learning about the history of human innovation and trade
Enjoy books that challenge conventional thinking about everyday things
Want to understand what all the crypto fuss is about without getting lost in the weeds
Are interested in Austrian economics or libertarian perspectives on money

Even if you're skeptical about Bitcoin (and that's totally fair!), the historical sections about money and the gold standard offer valuable insights into how our current financial system developed. Plus, understanding these concepts helps you navigate conversations about digital currencies with more confidence, whether you're a believer or not.

Why This Makes for Such a Unique Read

What sets The Bitcoin Standard apart from other books in this space is its scope. Rather than just focusing on Bitcoin's technology, Ammous places it within the grand sweep of human monetary history. It's like getting an economics education wrapped up in an argument for digital currency: even if you don't buy the argument, you'll come away understanding money in a completely new way.

The book has clearly struck a chord with readers. With over 8,000 Amazon reviews and translations in 39 languages, it's become something of a phenomenon in the crypto world. Michael Saylor, the CEO of MicroStrategy, even credited this book with influencing his company's decision to purchase hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin!

But here's what I appreciate most about it: Ammous doesn't shy away from addressing common concerns. The final chapters tackle questions like "Doesn't Bitcoin mining waste energy?" and "Isn't Bitcoin just for criminals?" He provides thoughtful responses that help readers form their own opinions.

Is the book perfect? Not quite. Some historians argue that Ammous's view of monetary history is a bit narrow, focusing mainly on one school of thought while overlooking other important perspectives. And the book definitely leans toward Bitcoin maximalism: the belief that Bitcoin will ultimately become the dominant global currency. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but it's certainly an interesting thesis to consider.

Special Offer: 25% OFF In-Store When You Pay with Bitcoin!

Now here's where things get really fun! As someone who believes in putting money where my mouth is (pun absolutely intended), I'm excited to announce a special offer that bridges the gap between this fascinating book and real-world Bitcoin adoption.

Here's how it works: Pay with Bitcoin in-store and get 25% off your purchase with no extra steps. Just show up, pay with Bitcoin at our Nassau shop, and the discount is yours!

It's really that simple! We accept Bitcoin payments through our point-of-sale system, making the whole process as smooth as paying with a credit card. Just let us know when you're ready to check out that you'd like to pay with Bitcoin, and we'll walk you through it step by step. No stress, no complicated procedures: just a fun way to try out digital currency while supporting your local independent bookstore.

When you post on social media, feel free to share what drew you to The Bitcoin Standard or any other books you discovered during your visit. Tag us @foragewithmebooks so we can see your posts and celebrate your literary finds! We love seeing our community share their reading adventures.

This offer perfectly captures what makes book browsing so special: the intersection of ideas, community, and a little bit of adventure. Whether you're a Bitcoin enthusiast wanting to support adoption or simply someone curious about trying digital payments for the first time, we're here to make it an enjoyable experience.

The Bottom Line

The Bitcoin Standard offers something valuable regardless of where you land on cryptocurrency: a thought-provoking journey through the history of money and a compelling argument for why digital scarcity matters. Ammous manages to make complex economic concepts accessible while telling a story that spans centuries of human innovation.

Will Bitcoin become the global monetary standard Ammous envisions? That remains to be seen. But understanding the arguments and historical context he presents will definitely make you a more informed participant in conversations about the future of money. And in our rapidly changing world, that kind of knowledge feels pretty valuable: whether you store it in gold, dollars, or digital wallets.

Where to Buy The Bitcoin Standard

Looking to add The Bitcoin Standard to your collection? You can purchase it through our Amazon affiliate link. It’s no extra charge for you, and it helps the shop out.