Bitcoin Explained Like I'm 5: A simple guide

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About the book

In the 1990s, everyone had heard of the internet, but few truly understood it. Today, Bitcoin finds itself in a very similar position. This book demystifies Bitcoin, breaking it down into simple, easy-to-understand terms. Whether you're a beginner or just curious, you'll find the insights you need to grasp this revolutionary technology. Unlock the world of Bitcoin and join the future of finance.

Bitcoin is a term that many have heard of, but few can easily explain. Even for someone like me, who has spent the past decade deeply involved in various aspects of Bitcoin—from running an exchange and mining to contributing code and helping shape regulations—describing it concisely can be a challenge. It's been an incredible journey, one I could never have imagined when I first started.

As Bitcoin continues to gain global recognition and adoption, the question persists: What exactly is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is many things to many people. It's digital money, a ground-breaking technology, a political statement, a philosophical concept, a hedge against inflation, an investment, and a new kind of financial infrastructure. The truth is, it can be all of these things and more.

However, not everyone has the time or interest to delve into the complexities of Bitcoin. Many just want a simple, high-level overview that provides a basic understanding and introduction. Unfortunately, such a resource hasn't been readily available—until now. This educational gap has inspired us to create this book.

I've often said that if you can't explain something in simple terms, as if you're talking to a 5-year-old, then you probably don't understand it well enough yourself. Our goal is to explain Bitcoin in the simplest terms possible, not necessarily for children, but for anyone who doesn't have the time or inclination to explore all the intricacies. We aim to provide a clear and concise overview, offering a basic understanding that is accessible to everyone. We have also provided a glossary at the back of the book to help with this.

Praise for Bitcoin Explained Like I'm 5

"As someone who has travelled all over the world educating people about Bitcoin, I wish Danny and Henry had written this sooner! Bitcoin Explained Like I’m 5 is the perfect follow-up to that initial spark of curiosity or first Bitcoin touchpoint. An easy read, this book makes the case that Bitcoin is not just a monetary technology but perhaps even a revolution that is here to stay. To paraphrase Satoshi Nakamoto, it might make sense to pick up this book in case Bitcoin catches on—whether you're 55 years old or 5."

Joe Nakamoto, Bitcoin Journalist