Will Bitcoin go to Zero?

Bitcoin's intrinsic value due to scarcity and growing ecosystem of services and applications make it a compelling alternative to traditional assets. However, it is important to consider the possibility of a catastrophic event, what will this be?
by Yoaquim Boom
February 3, 2023

Will Bitcoin go to Zero?

Bitcoin, the world's first decentralized digital currency, has been the subject of much debate and speculation in recent years. One of the most common questions surrounding the cryptocurrency is whether or not it will go to zero.

In this article, we will explore the arguments for and against the likelihood of Bitcoin going to zero and examine the factors that could potentially lead to its demise.

Firstly, it is important to note that Bitcoin has already proven to be a resilient and durable asset. Despite numerous market downturns and regulatory challenges, Bitcoin has managed to maintain its value and continue to attract new investors.

One of the reasons for this is its global reach and decentralized nature. Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin is not tied to any one particular economy or political system, which makes it less vulnerable to local economic or political instability.

Additionally, Bitcoin's decentralized architecture makes it much more difficult for any single entity to control or manipulate the currency, which further adds to its resilience.

Another factor that suggests Bitcoin is unlikely to go to zero is its intrinsic value due to scarcity.

Unlike fiat currency, which can be printed at will, there is a finite supply of Bitcoin that will ever be created. The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million, and as of January 2023, more than 18 million have already been mined.

This scarcity gives Bitcoin an underlying value that fiat currency lacks, making it less susceptible to inflation and more likely to hold its value over time.

Bitcoin also has a number of other value propositions that further strengthen its case for long-term viability. For example, Bitcoin can be used as a store of value, a medium of exchange, and a hedge against inflation.

  1. Store of Value

    One of the main reasons why Bitcoin is considered a store of value is because of its finite supply.

    The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million, and as of January 2023, more than 18 million have already been mined.

    This scarcity gives Bitcoin an underlying value that fiat currency lacks, making it less susceptible to inflation and more likely to hold its value over time.

    Additionally, Bitcoin is decentralized, meaning it is not controlled by any government or institution, which makes it less susceptible to manipulation or seizure.

  2. Medium of Exchange

    Bitcoin can be used as a medium of exchange, meaning it can be used to purchase goods and services.

    Bitcoin transactions are fast, secure, and can be done without the need for intermediaries, such as banks.

    Additionally, Bitcoin is accepted by a growing number of merchants and businesses around the world, which increases its usefulness as a medium of exchange.

  3. Hedge against Inflation

    As a decentralized currency that is not controlled by any government or institution, Bitcoin is not subject to the same inflationary pressures as fiat currency.

    Additionally, Bitcoin's finite supply ensures that its purchasing power will not be diluted over time, making it an effective hedge against inflation.

Furthermore, Bitcoin has a growing ecosystem of services and applications that make it more useful and accessible to people around the world.

These factors, combined with its global reach and decentralized architecture, make Bitcoin a compelling alternative to traditional assets and suggest that it is unlikely to go to zero.

However, it is important to consider the possibility of a scenario in which Bitcoin could go to zero.

One potential scenario is the fall of all great empires. If the world were to experience a catastrophic global event, it is possible that traditional financial systems and economies could collapse, leaving Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without a market to operate in.

In such a scenario, it is likely that the value of Bitcoin would plummet and it could even become worthless.

Despite this, it is important to note that even in this scenario, Bitcoin's decentralized architecture could be a key factor in its survival. Unlike centralized financial systems, which rely on a single point of failure, Bitcoin is built on a decentralized network of nodes that could continue to operate even in the face of a global catastrophe.

Additionally, the decentralized nature of Bitcoin makes it much more difficult to seize or destroy, which could further increase its chances of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.

In conclusion, while it is impossible to predict the future with certainty, it is unlikely that Bitcoin will go to zero.

Bitcoin has proven to be a resilient and durable asset, with a global reach and decentralized architecture that protects it from local economic or political instability.

Furthermore, its intrinsic value due to scarcity and growing ecosystem of services and applications make it a compelling alternative to traditional assets. However, it is important to consider the possibility of a catastrophic event that could lead to the fall of all great empires and the end of traditional financial systems, in this case, Bitcoin's decentralization could be the key factor in its survival.