The Annual Call for Recognition
In a recurring tradition, Bitcoin enthusiasts on social media have renewed their petition to award the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences to Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. This comes on the heels of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announcing the 2022 prize recipients on October 10, which included former Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke and economists Douglas Diamond and Philip Dybvig, recognized for their research on banks and financial crises.
Criticism of Awarding Bernanke
Many in the crypto community have expressed disapproval over Bernanke’s recognition, citing the financial measures he implemented during the 2008 financial crisis, which they argue benefited traditional banking systems. Crypto artist Lucho Polleti articulated a popular sentiment when he tweeted, “In 2008: Bernanke printed money to bail out banks who proliferated a subprime debt bubble that caused a global financial crisis. Satoshi created #Bitcoin, a money system that gives all humans economic freedom through the separation of money & state. Satoshi deserves a Nobel Prize.”
Broader Support for Satoshi
The discussion around Satoshi’s deserving nature for the award is widespread, with figures like Anthony “Pomp” Pompliano previously stating that Nakamoto is entitled to the Nobel Peace Prize as well, arguing that Bitcoin allows for achieving global reserve status without violence. Other proponents on social media, like McKenna, echoed these views, stating, “Satoshi Nakamoto deserves the Nobel Peace prize and the Nobel prize for Economics.”
Contrarian Views on Nobel Prizes
Conversely, some critics, including former Blockstream chief strategy officer Samson Mow, voiced their belief that neither award is appropriate for Satoshi, declaring, “No, Satoshi shouldn’t win the Nobel Prize because it’s a fiat construct used to prop up the legacy financial system.” Mow advocated instead for honoring Nakamoto through direct engagement with Bitcoin, stating, “If you want to honor Satoshi, run a #Bitcoin node.”
Eligibility and Alternative Honorees
The question of whether Nakamoto would be eligible for such honors remains murky. Given the anonymity surrounding Nakamoto’s identity, some believe it might be more fitting to recognize known early contributors to the Bitcoin ecosystem, such as former BTC core developer Gavin Andresen or Hal Finney, the recipient of the first Bitcoin transaction, who passed away in 2014. It’s worth noting that the Nobel Foundation statutes stipulate that prizes cannot be awarded posthumously.
Cultural Legacy of Satoshi
Though Nakamoto did not win the economics prize this year, they continue to receive homage from the crypto community through various expressions. For instance, in September 2021, a bronze statue commemorating Nakamoto was erected in Budapest. The identity and impact of Nakamoto remain subjects of fascination and speculation, as they continue to inspire art, memes, and discussions in the cryptocurrency narrative.
Conclusion
As discussions about Satoshi Nakamoto’s contributions to the creation of Bitcoin and its implications for the global financial system continue, the ongoing call for recognition by the Nobel committees reflects both a desire for acknowledgment and a commitment to honoring the principles of decentralization and financial independence fostered by Bitcoin.
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