- The cryptocurrency world has witnessed unprecedented highs and dramatic lows in recent years.
- Books by Zeke Faux and Michael Lewis dissect the intricate tales of crypto’s influencers and the smart set who believed in the pixelated promise.
- From FTX’s crash to the celebrities’ fascination with NFTs, the crypto saga is more than just a financial trend.
A deep dive into the world of cryptocurrencies, revealing the blend of optimism, ambition, and societal influence that drove its global impact.
“Number Go Up” – A Chronicle of Crypto’s Whimsical Journey
Zeke Faux’s book, “Number Go Up,” serves as a testament to the bizarre world of cryptocurrency from Bitcoin’s inception to FTX’s crash in 2022. Faux gives readers an inside look into the mechanics of cryptocurrencies and shares personal anecdotes, including his encounter with FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried in the Bahamas, a visit to a cryptic “Chinatown” in Cambodia, and his own tryst with nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in New York. His observations in El Salvador, the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender, add another layer to the crypto narrative, depicting a nation divided on the adoption of this digital currency.
Michael Lewis’s “Going Infinite” – A Glimpse into the Life of Sam Bankman-Fried
“Going Infinite” provides a more personal and sympathetic account of Sam Bankman-Fried’s journey, highlighting his early days at MIT, his career at Jane Street Capital, and his rise and fall as the founder of FTX. Michael Lewis delves into SBF’s unique approach to life, characterized by his passion for “effective altruism” and his unparalleled rationality that borders on the robotic. Lewis narrates riveting moments, including an amusing Zoom interaction between Bankman-Fried and fashion icon Anna Wintour, providing readers a sense of the dissonance between the crypto genius and the traditional elite.
FTX’s Downfall and the Big Questions Left Unanswered
FTX’s staggering loss of approximately $8 billion raises eyebrows and instigates discussions about its management’s intentions and capabilities. While the federal government slaps charges of fraud and money laundering, Lewis contemplates alternative explanations. But the pressing question remains: How did the crème de la crème of American society, including influential politicians, entertainers, and billionaires, get lured by this intriguing yet elusive world, led by a cargo-shorts-wearing, jargon-spewing tech prodigy?
Societal Dynamics and the Crypto Fascination
The interplay of politics, ambition, and the allure of new-age finance converged to create the crypto mania. It’s a saga where smart sets, driven by diverse motivations, from being on the trend’s cutting edge to political affiliations, became part of a financial whirlwind that was as unpredictable as it was influential.
Conclusion
The cryptocurrency universe, with its enthralling highs and jolting lows, has been a roller-coaster ride, influencing not just financial markets but societal behaviors and beliefs. Books like “Number Go Up” and “Going Infinite” encapsulate the essence of this phenomenon, offering readers a mirror to the times when pixels became treasure and logic often took the back seat. As the crypto story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of finance, technology, and human aspirations.
