I’ve thought a lot about financial systems. Money touches so many parts of our lives.

Understanding financial systems has made me wealthy¹, which makes me happy, but when I think about the rest world, I get sad.

About 10% of the world is still living on less than $2 a day². Millions lack proper nutrition, clean water, basic education, basic healthcare. We’re broken. 🌎

But how do our financial systems play a part? Turns out, they play a big role.

Stepping back and asking myself some first principles questions has opened up my eyes. For example, what is money? What is it today, and what could it be? How is it connected to poverty, politics, to the very real lives of real individuals all around the world? Is it broken? How so? Can we fix it?

In Isaiah 58 of the bible, the author casts a really beautiful vision of caring for the oppressed and needy, and it’s cast as a central aspect of genuine worship to God, going beyond mere religious rituals. Instead, it involves actively engaging in acts of justice and compassion, such as:

1. Breaking the chains of injustice and addressing systemic issues that oppress people.
2. Advocating for the removal of burdens and unfair treatment placed upon the vulnerable.
3. Supporting the liberation of those who are oppressed or marginalized.
4. Demonstrating generosity and providing for those who lack basic necessities, such as food.
5. Offering hospitality, shelter, and clothing to meet basic needs.
6. Acknowledging and addressing the needs of our fellow human beings, showing empathy and solidarity.

So pretty much all of my research on financial systems, money, and bitcoin, are focused on this as the backdrop. How do we accomplish these and bring the vision into reality?