Lessons from "The Mandibles" by Lionel Shriver and the Role of Bitcoin in Shaping the Future
When fiction gets a little too plausible...
Lionel Shriver's novel, "The Mandibles," offers readers a glimpse into a dystopian future where the collapse of the United States economy leads to a society struggling to survive. There are some spoilers in here, so if you haven’t read the book I’d suggest you do so first, but I promise not to ruin the whole story for you! While the story presents a grim outlook, it provides us with valuable lessons that are applicable to our current social, political, and financial environment. This book has become iconic in the Bitcoin space and is often quoted by Bitcoiners. This post examines ten important lessons from the book, highlighting their relevance and how they relate to ongoing trends. Additionally, we'll explore how Bitcoin, despite the novel's portrayal of its failure, could potentially help us avoid or overcome such a dystopian future, and why it's considered a superior monetary asset to traditional forms like gold.
1. Interdependence of Economies: "The Mandibles" underscores the interconnectedness of global economies. The collapse of the US economy in the book is exacerbated by worldwide financial dependencies. This reflects the real-world situation where economies are closely intertwined through trade and finance, amplifying the impact of economic shocks. Indeed, the adoption of the gold-backed “Bancor” currency by the rest of the world in the book is already planned according to today’s headlines.
2. Fiscal Responsibility: The reckless fiscal policies depicted in the novel, leading to hyperinflation and economic collapse, reflect the importance of responsible economic management. In the current US environment, mounting debt levels and expansive fiscal policies resulting in massive government deficits are concerns that need careful consideration to avoid similar outcomes.
3. Generational Equity: The generational tension in the book, with younger generations inheriting the consequences of their elders' actions, mirrors contemporary discussions around issues like entitlement programs and intergenerational equity. In particular, the elder family members’ failure to prepare properly resulted in the destruction of their significant paper wealth in the financial collapse, leaving the entire family (along with many others in society) destitute after being part of the 1% previously. Also, how the younger generations will be physically and financially saddled with caring for a much larger, destitute elder population is concerning.
4. Technological Vulnerability: The vague depiction of Bitcoin's failure due to a massive internet outage highlights the vulnerability of technology-dependent financial systems. While such an apocalyptic event capable of completely wiping out the decentralized Bitcoin network is unlikely, protecting against cyber threats and ensuring resilient infrastructure is paramount.
5. Importance of Real Assets: The emphasis on gold as the ultimate store of value in the book reflects a historical belief in precious metals as tangible assets during crises. This aligns with the enduring appeal of gold as a safe-haven investment, especially in uncertain times.
6. Currency and Trust: The collapse of the US dollar's value underscores the importance of trust in a currency. In today's world, the rise of Bitcoin brings the concept of sound money to the forefront, including the importance of being able to save and have stable purchasing power across time. Bitcoin also encourages discussions about trust, decentralization, transparency and privacy. There’s now even a theme song that touches on how “your dollar ain’t shit.”
7. Geopolitical Relationships: The geopolitical tensions in the novel leading to the US's financial downfall serve as a reminder of how political relationships impact economies. Current global dynamics emphasize the need for diplomacy and cooperation in maintaining stability. Unfortunately, our global leaders seem more interested in perpetuating conflict and chaos in order to preserve power and control.
8. Inequality and Social Fragmentation: "The Mandibles" portrays a society grappling with inequality and social fragmentation. These themes resonate with ongoing discussions about wealth distribution and the potential consequences of disparities becoming unsustainable.
9. Family and Resilience: The resilience displayed by the Mandible family in the face of adversity highlights the importance of family bonds during crises. In our world, strong communities and support networks play a crucial role in resilience. For more on becoming resilient, check out my recent post here:
10. Adaptability and Innovation: The characters' attempts to adapt and find innovative solutions to the challenges they faced underscore the significance of adaptability in tumultuous times. This reflects the need for flexible strategies and forward-thinking solutions in our ever-changing landscape. In particular, the book highlights the importance of being able to defend your family and property in extreme circumstances when everyone is forced into criminal behavior to survive and this reinforces the importance of our Second Amendment rights.
Bitcoin's Role in Avoiding Dystopia:
While "The Mandibles" portrays Bitcoin's failure, it's important to note that its potential to reshape our financial future remains significant. Unlike traditional fiat currencies and even gold, Bitcoin offers unique attributes that can help us avoid or overcome a potentially dystopian future:
1. Decentralization and Resilience: Bitcoin operates on a decentralized timechain, making it less susceptible to single points of failure. This feature addresses the vulnerability to massive internet outages portrayed in the book.
2. Limited Supply and Store of Value: Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million coins addresses concerns of hyperinflation. Its digital scarcity and attributes similar to gold make it a superior store of value in the digital age.
3. Global Accessibility: Bitcoin is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, transcending geographical boundaries. This inclusivity can help avoid economic exclusion and foster financial empowerment.
4. Transparency and Security: The transparency of Bitcoin's timechain ensures verifiable transactions and reduces the risk of fraud and corruption, fostering trust in a digital monetary system.
In conclusion, "The Mandibles" provides valuable lessons that resonate with our current social, political, and financial environment. The novel's portrayal of a dystopian future offers insights into potential pitfalls and emphasizes the importance of responsible governance, technological resilience, and adaptability. While the book suggests Bitcoin's failure, its unique attributes position it as a superior monetary asset compared to traditional forms like gold. By embracing these lessons and leveraging the potential of Bitcoin, we can work towards a more secure and sustainable future.
Not financial or legal advice, for entertainment only, do your own homework. I hope you find this post useful as you chart your personal financial course and Build a Bitcoin Fortress in 2023.
Always remember: freedom, health and positivity!
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