Who decides the rules of Bitcoin? In this episode, Staci speaks with Brian, known online as Fundamentals, about BIP 110, Bitcoin Core, Bitcoin Knots, mining power, node power, and the growing debate over Bitcoin governance.
Can ordinary Bitcoin nodes determine the rules of the network, or do they primarily give users the power to resist rules they reject? What happens if BIP 110 activates without broad miner support? Could the disagreement create a chain split or even lead to a proof of work change?
Staci and Brian explore both sides of this complicated debate, including concerns about spam and permanent data on the Bitcoin blockchain, censorship resistance, Bitcoin Core development, miner signaling, decentralized governance, and the difference between having a vote and having a veto.
They also discuss why Bitcoin conversations become so hostile online, the importance of communicating across disagreements, and why technical knowledge gives Bitcoin users greater sovereignty.
Later in the episode, Brian introduces Magic Internet Math, his educational project designed to help Bitcoiners understand the mathematics and cryptography behind Bitcoin. The conversation explores elliptic curve cryptography, the secp256k1 library, verifying Bitcoin for yourself, and why protecting your mind matters just as much as protecting your private keys.
Brian hosts several podcasts, including Rock Paper Bitcoin, Magic Internet Math, Back on the Chain, Sound Coffee, and Fundamentals of Fundamentals.
Learn more about Brian and his work:
Magic Internet Math: [ADD LINK]
Fundamentals of Fundamentals: [ADD LINK]
Rock Paper Bitcoin: [ADD LINK]
Bitcoin Commons: [ADD LINK]
What do you think? Does running a Bitcoin node give you a vote, a veto, or something else entirely?
This conversation is for education and discussion. It does not constitute financial advice.
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