Бесплатный фрагмент - Bitcoin Hamster

Introduction

It’s not how it was imagined when the project began. There were dreams of money, luxury cars, hype, and freedom. Some of these things were achieved, but along with them came losses in scam projects, liquidations of deposits, constant stress, gray hair, and a distrust of people. In the pursuit of gains, the person lost themselves, peace of mind, and the joy of life. It was as if the original purpose was forgotten. Charts, chats, endless discussions of strategies, and entry points became the meaning of life, replacing everything else. Simple joys were no longer noticed: the aroma of coffee in the morning, conversations with loved ones, and walks without a phone. Now, looking in the mirror, the person does not recognize themselves not because of appearance, but because of the gaze. It’s extinguished. The fire of dreams is gone, replaced by anxiety, fatigue, and the question: “Was it worth it?” Perhaps it’s time to take a break, to remember who the person is outside of trades, numbers, and the race for success.

Every day, the crypto market attracts more people with promises of easy money, freedom from the system, and a chance to catch that one coin that will make life-changing money. But behind this bright facade are not only opportunities but also risks that many prefer to ignore. Thousands of newcomers enter the game, dreaming of becoming rich, and leave with empty pockets. The market is the most effective mechanism for taking money. The winner is not the luckiest or smartest, but the one who is cold, patient, and calculating.

This book is not about becoming a millionaire overnight. It is about how to survive in the crypto market, keep your deposit, your sanity, and your sense of humor, even when everything around is collapsing. The book will cover strategies, risks, psychology, and the most common mistakes made in the crypto market. Readers will learn how to earn without chasing the hype and, most importantly, how not to be left with nothing. It is not necessary to be a genius to earn in crypto. It’s enough not to be the most foolish person.

Part I: The Awakening

Chapter 1: Why Bitcoin is the Eighth Wonder of the World

“There are 58 million millionaires in the world, but only 21 million bitcoins.”

The dream of a better world has been changing humanity for centuries. Following the dynamic development of technology, various opinion leaders are questioning existing models of society in terms of their future sustainability. Personal freedom versus coercion and control by the state, or a more comfortable and easier life at the cost of losing privacy. These questions are a metaphor for deep reflections on the digitalization of our world and the interaction of man with technology. Proponents of the crypto-economy view the new model of decentralization, based on blockchain technology, as a possible path to creating a world that promises to be more just and equitable.

On October 31, 2008, a programmer under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto published a short article in a cryptographic mailing list announcing the creation of a “new decentralized electronic payment system” that operates without intermediaries. The article reported a system where all transactions are carried out directly, without the need for trusted third parties. The author provided a brief overview of the article and a link to the full version. The main idea was to create a payment system with its own currency, using complex mathematical algorithms to verify transactions without involving intermediaries. The issuance of this digital currency was supposed to occur automatically, with a set frequency, rewarding users for the computational efforts spent on confirming transactions.

Despite the fact that most previous attempts to create digital money were unsuccessful, the system proposed by Satoshi Nakamoto managed to find its place. At first, it seemed that Bitcoin would attract only a narrow circle of cryptographers, since in its first year only a few dozen users joined the network. They began mining and exchanging “coins,” which at that time had merely collectible value. However, in October 2009, an online exchange completed a transaction selling 5,050 bitcoins for $5.02, which was equivalent to 1 dollar per 1,006 coins. This became the first instance of exchanging digital currency for fiat money, and the exchange rate was based on the cost of electricity spent on mining it. This moment proved critically important for the history of cryptocurrency, as Bitcoin began to be seen not as a programmer’s toy but as a real market commodity with a price people were willing to pay.

On May 22, 2010, another landmark event took place: a user spent 10,000 bitcoins on two pizzas worth a total of $25. This was the first recorded use of Bitcoin as a means of exchanging goods. The transformation of Bitcoin from a commodity into a medium of exchange took roughly seven months. Since then, the number of users and transactions on the Bitcoin network has steadily increased, and computational power has continued to grow. As a result, over the next few years, the cryptocurrency’s price soared to record levels.

Today, we can confidently say that Nakamoto’s invention has become not just a hobby for enthusiasts but a technology that has successfully passed market testing and solves real problems. Bitcoin’s exchange rate is already included in news reports alongside national currency rates. Bitcoin should be viewed as distributed software that enables the transfer of valuable payments through a currency that is inflation-resistant and independent of centralized intermediaries. In other words, Bitcoin automates the functions of modern central banks through code that runs across thousands of machines. This provides near-complete security, as changes to the code can only be made with the consent of all network participants. Thus, Bitcoin became the first viable digital currency, offering reliability and stability. Although it emerged in the computer age, its goals providing a means of payment fully controlled by its owner and nearly immune to inflation have been relevant since ancient times.

To understand Bitcoin, one must first explore the nature of money, its functions, and its history. Food, salt, animal hides, gold, silver, IOUs, and even shiny objects have all served as money at various points in time. The value we now call money can be converted into different goods and services. Clearly, money has undergone many changes throughout history, from physical coins and banknotes to today’s digital forms. This evolution reflects the growth and increasing complexity of society. Currency is the practical embodiment of the concept of money, and to function properly, it must meet three key criteria: it must serve as a reliable store of value, provide an efficient method of transferring value, and act as a convenient unit of account that can be measured and compared. The key element behind these criteria is public trust. This is why many early forms of exchange such as livestock, shells, or shiny objects failed to become established forms of money. They did not meet all the requirements: they were unstable in value, inconvenient to transport, and difficult to measure and compare. Among all forms of currency, gold is one of the oldest and most well-known. It possesses several important qualities that make it an ideal currency:

Rarity and durability: Gold is a rare metal that is difficult to reproduce or mine. It does not decay or change over time, preserving its properties and value. Even when used in jewelry, its characteristics remain intact.

Ease of transport: Thanks to its high density, gold is compact and easy to carry, which is a significant advantage compared to, for instance, livestock.

Uniformity: Gold has high uniformity one ounce of pure gold is equal to another ounce. This simplifies trade and makes gold convenient for exchange, unlike shells or gemstones, which vary widely in value.

The value of gold is based on public trust formed through its rarity, fungibility, portability, and resistance to decay. However, over time, the shortcomings of using gold as currency became evident. Fraudsters began adding less valuable metals to gold, reducing its original worth. People also grew tired of carrying heavy gold bars and sought more convenient alternatives. Dividing gold also proved difficult in everyday commerce. Searching for a better solution, people turned to paper money backed by gold. The principle was simple: you deposited gold (or silver) at a bank and received a document known as an IOU. You could then use this note in the real world just as you previously used gold. Paper money was far lighter, easily divisible, and banks could make it difficult to counterfeit. Thus, paper met all the necessary criteria and, most importantly, had the public’s trust, since the IOU was backed by gold.

But what is wrong with today’s paper money, you may ask? Do you want the bitter truth? In the 1950s, most countries around the world abandoned the so-called “gold standard,” decoupling their money supply from gold. Even the US dollar, the world’s reserve currency, abandoned the gold standard in favor of “free floating” on the open market in 1971. Governments wanted greater control over inflation and deflation by regulating the amount of money in circulation. Suddenly, any central bank could increase or decrease the money supply at will. Money became a commodity worth only what people were willing to pay for it on global markets or as much as it inspired trust domestically. Modern paper money ceased to be a store of value. Paper money is valuable only to you: you cannot print more of it, but central banks can, because money is no longer tied to gold, allowing governments to multiply currency at their discretion.

The government prints money, and as a result of inflation, its value falls. Instead of trusting a gold peg, we now have to trust something entirely new: a central authority that we hope will take care of paper money and make it a good store of value. If what happened could be described in one sentence, it would be this: with the advent of paper money, the monetary system became centralized. In the era of gold, it was decentralized. Anyone could go and mine gold. Anyone could own it. With the emergence of digital money, centralization increased even further. Central institutions were tasked with deciding who could open an account, managing transfer limits, and, most importantly, maintaining people’s balances. Without this control, anyone could simply copy and multiply digital money on their computer as they pleased. Centralization gave money a new function: control over the people who want to use it.

Think about a paper dollar or a physical metal coin. When you hand this money to someone else, they don’t need to know who you are. They simply need to trust that the money they receive from you isn’t counterfeit. Usually, people verify money visually, by touch, or with special equipment, especially for large amounts. Since we live in a digital society, most of our payments are now made electronically through intermediaries: a credit card company such as Visa, a digital payment provider such as PayPal or Apple Pay, or an online platform like WeChat in China. The shift toward digital payments introduces the necessity of a central actor who must authorize and verify every transaction. This is due to the transformation of money from a physical form — something you can carry, transfer, and verify yourself — into a digital form: bits that must be stored and validated by a third party that controls their transfer. By agreeing to exchange the ability to pay with cash for the convenience of digital payments, we also create a system in which we grant exclusive power to those who may attempt to restrict us. The central organization bears responsibility and can dictate what people can and cannot do with their money. And many have wondered: is it possible to have a digital (fully non-physical) monetary system with all its benefits, but without a central trusted party? Bitcoin offers an alternative to centrally managed digital money by using a system that brings back the peer-to-peer nature of cash but does so in digital form.

Bitcoin is perhaps the best tool for preserving value amid inflation and the instability of fiat currencies. In today’s world, where inflation rapidly erodes the purchasing power of traditional currencies, more and more people are turning to alternative ways of preserving their capital. One such solution is Bitcoin. But what earned Bitcoin this status, and what advantages does it have over fiat money? The key difference is its limited supply. Unlike the dollar, euro, and other government currencies — whose supply can be expanded endlessly — the total number of bitcoins will never exceed 21 million. This is mathematically fixed in its code and cannot be changed by governments or corporations. Such scarcity makes Bitcoin a rare asset that cannot be devalued through “money printing.” Moreover, Bitcoin’s issuance is transparent and predictable. Every four years, a “halving” occurs — cutting in half the reward for mining new coins. This reduces Bitcoin’s inflation rate and makes it a fundamentally deflationary asset. Unlike in the fiat system, where decisions are often made behind the closed doors of central banks, Bitcoin’s mechanism is open and independent of political interests.

In times of economic crises, instability, sanctions, and currency devaluation, Bitcoin proves itself to be an independent, global asset available to anyone with internet access. It cannot be frozen, blocked, or seized it exists outside the banking system, making it especially attractive to people in countries with limited financial freedom or hyperinflation. Notable examples include Argentina, Turkey, and Nigeria, where Bitcoin has become for many the only way to preserve savings.

Finally, Bitcoin is digital scarcity. Unlike gold, it is easy to store, transfer, and divide. One BTC can be split into 100 million satoshis, making it convenient even for small transactions and micro-savings. This flexibility makes it not only an investment tool but also a means of financial freedom for millions of people around the world.

Bitcoin is not just a speculative asset or a trendy fad. It is a real tool for protecting your money in a world where trust in traditional financial institutions is decreasing, and fiat currencies are becoming increasingly unstable. In conditions of high inflation and uncertainty, Bitcoin acts as the digital equivalent of 21st-century gold — reliable, scarce, and independent.

There are 58 million millionaires in the world and only 21 million bitcoins. Even if each one wanted just a single bitcoin, there still wouldn’t be enough. Buy Bitcoin every month for a fixed amount — regardless of the price. Do it consistently, year after year, and over time you’ll build capital that can secure your retirement. This strategy is called DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) — one of the simplest and most reliable ways to accumulate wealth in a highly volatile environment. Had a child? Start saving for them — not in inflationary fiat currencies, but in an asset with a limited supply. Buy Bitcoin every month, and by the time the child is 16–18 years old, you will have created a starting capital that can be used for:

College education

A down payment on a home — or even the purchase of one

Starting a business or building an investment portfolio

Or simply giving them a strong foundation in this unstable world, where every financial decision matters

Stability lies in consistency. Confidence in the future lies in the actions you take today.

Chapter 2: The Age of Opportunity and Excuses

“Never has a person had so many reasons to succeed, and so many excuses not to.”

“There was a time when you should have bought Bitcoin back in 2010. Now it’s already too late.”

“I live in a country with few opportunities. We’re not used to taking risks here, let alone believing in some kind of virtual money.”

“We were never rich — why start now, as they say? Besides, it’s all a scam. A bubble. Pure speculation.”

“Now it’s definitely too late — whoever made it, made it. The rest will just keep living as they used to. Not meant to be.”

But all of this isn’t a set of reasons — it’s a set of convenient excuses. Everyone had work, family, loans. Everyone had fear and confusion. Everyone had slow internet and doubts. But some people, despite all that, still tried. They made mistakes, learned, lost money, but kept moving forward. Yes, it would be great to go back with the knowledge we have now. But what’s far more important is not to get stuck in the past — it’s to look at what you can do today. Because new opportunities haven’t disappeared. They’ve simply changed their form. Were you not born rich? All the more reason to start — that’s exactly why you have something to strive for. Because if you don’t start, no one will start for you. And then, ten years from now, you’ll say again: “I should’ve done it back in 2025…”

Never in history have there been so many ways to build wealth — and more importantly, never has there been such a need for it as there is today. Prices rise faster than salaries. Currencies lose value, and stability has become an illusion. Being just “fine” is no longer enough — it’s a risk. An emergency fund isn’t a luxury; it’s a condition for survival. We live in a time when knowledge, reaction speed, and adaptability have become the main currencies. The world has gone digital, borders have become symbolic, and wealth is now made not by those with the best starting position, but by those who adapt the fastest. Becoming wealthy is no longer about yachts and villas. It’s about freedom — the freedom to live without fear, to choose where and how to work, what to do, and where your children grow up. It’s not just a goal — it’s a way to protect yourself from chaos.

Throughout human history, there have been certain periods when individuals or groups could rapidly build wealth thanks to shifts in the economy, technology, discoveries, and social change.

Here are the key historical stages when this was especially possible:

1. The Age of Discovery (15th–17th centuries)

During this period, European states began actively exploring new sea routes and lands beyond Europe. The reasons varied — the search for new trade routes, the extraction of rare goods, and the expansion of influence and territories.

Why was it possible to get rich quickly?

Discovery of new lands and resources. In the Americas, Africa, and Asia, huge deposits of gold, silver, precious stones, and other valuable resources were found. New lands made it possible to create plantations where spices, sugar, and tobacco were grown — goods that were extremely expensive in Europe.

Monopoly on trade in rare goods. Portugal and Spain received exclusive rights to trade with their new colonies. Control over spices (such as cloves and nutmeg) ensured enormous profits.

Slavery and exploitation. The slave trade provided cheap labor for plantations, significantly increasing the income of colonizers. The triangular trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas was an extremely profitable business.

Treasures from the conquistadors. Spanish conquistadors conquered civilizations (the Aztecs, the Incas), seizing gold and silver. Huge flows of precious metals from the New World entered Europe, creating fortunes and strengthening the economies of the mother countries.

Growth of trade and the banking system. With the development of maritime trade came new financial instruments: shares of trading companies, and the financing of expeditions. Merchants who invested in expeditions could receive enormous profits.

Key figures and examples:

Christopher Columbus (Italy/Spain) — discovered America in 1492, initiating Spain’s enrichment.

Ferdinand Magellan (Portugal/Spain) — organized the first circumnavigation of the globe (1519–1522), opening new sea routes.

Hernán Cortés — conquered the Aztec Empire (Mexico), appropriating a vast amount of gold.

Francisco Pizarro — conquered the Inca Empire in South America, bringing immense wealth to the Spanish crown.

Portuguese navigators — opened the sea route to India around Africa, securing control over the spice trade.

Trading companies, such as the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the English East India Company, became powerful trade monopolies with their own armies and fleets.

What were the mechanisms of rapid enrichment?

Successful expeditions and conquests — individuals who financed or led expeditions received a share of the loot.

Monopoly on trade — control over the supply of rare goods allowed for high prices.

Slave trade — cheap labor increased the profitability of plantations and resource extraction.

Investments in ships and expeditions — risky but potentially highly profitable ventures.

Risks and limitations:

Expeditions were expensive and dangerous — many ships sank and crews died. Political conflicts between countries often shifted the balance of power. Colonial wars and uprisings could lead to the loss of wealth and influence.

2. The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th centuries)

This was a period of large-scale economic, technological, and social transformation that began in Great Britain in the 18th century and spread across the world in the 19th century. The main change was the introduction of machine-based production instead of manual labor.

Why was it possible to get rich quickly at that time?

The emergence and development of new technologies. The steam engine (such as James Watt’s version) made it possible to sharply increase the productivity of factories and transportation. Looms, spinning machines, and new metallurgical technologies were invented.

The development of railways, steamships, and the telegraph significantly accelerated the delivery of goods and the flow of information.

Growth of factories and plants. Mass production reduced the cost of goods, which expanded markets.

Industrialization created high demand for capital and investment. People invested money in enterprises and received large profits.

Financial markets developed. The creation of joint-stock companies enabled more people to participate in business. Banks became more active in lending to industrialists.

Increase in urban population and labor force. Cheap labor increased factory profits.

As production grew, so did the demand for goods both within countries and abroad. Colonies became markets for products and sources of raw materials.

Who could get rich, and how?

Industrialists and entrepreneurs — people who opened or bought factories, plants, and mines.

Example: Andrew Carnegie (steel production in the USA), John D. Rockefeller (oil).

Investors and bankers — those who invested capital in new technologies and enterprises and received dividends.

Examples: the Morgan and Rothschild families — financiers who profited from industrialization.

Merchants and owners of transport companies — owners of railways, steamships, and freight transport businesses.

Inventors and engineers — those who patented new machines and technologies and could sell licenses.

Examples of wealth:

Andrew Carnegie — born in Scotland, emigrated to the USA, and built one of the largest steel companies. His fortune resulted from implementing advanced technologies and aggressive management.

John Rockefeller — founder of the Standard Oil Company. He controlled about 90% of the U.S. oil industry, creating the first true oil monopoly.

James Watt — improved the steam engine, turning it into a widespread industrial power source.

Why was this period risky but profitable?

Large capital investments required substantial initial resources. Competition was intense, and new technologies became obsolete quickly. Labor conflicts, strikes, and social problems also posed risks to businesses.

The Industrial Revolution created conditions for rapid capital accumulation for those who knew how to: invest in innovative technologies, create or expand large-scale production, use new markets and resources, and organize efficient management and logistics.

3. The Gold Rush (19th Century)

The Gold Rush was a period of mass migration to areas where large deposits of gold or other precious metals had been discovered. The 19th century saw several such waves, each generating immense hopes for rapid enrichment.

Major Gold Rushes of the 19th Century:

California Gold Rush (1848–1855). It began after the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill (California). It attracted hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.

Australian Gold Rush (1851–1860s). Discoveries in Victoria and New South Wales brought an influx of migrants and rapid economic growth in Australia.

Klondike Gold Rush (1896–1899). It unfolded in the Klondike River region (Canada). It caused a rapid but challenging population increase and an economic boom.

South African Mining Rush (including diamonds). Discoveries in the Kimberley region and other areas spurred the development of the mining industry.

Why was it possible to get rich quickly?

Low entry barrier. Gold mining often required little initial investment — just a shovel, a pan, and luck. Many prospectors started from nothing and quickly grew wealthy.

High price of gold. Gold was always valuable and easy to sell.

Sharp rise in demand for goods and services. Settlements quickly sprang up in gold rush regions, with shops, banks, hotels, and transportation services. People who supplied tools and services to prospectors also became wealthy.

Speculation on land and equipment. Land in gold-bearing areas increased sharply in value. Selling or renting equipment brought high profits.

Who became rich during the Gold Rush?

Successful prospectors. Those who struck rich gold veins.

Entrepreneurs and merchants: sellers of equipment, food, alcohol, and real estate.

Example: Levi Strauss, who began selling durable jeans for prospectors.

Owners of mines and claims. Those who obtained mining rights and hired workers.

Investors. People who funded the development of large deposits.

Examples of success stories:

Levi Strauss — a German immigrant who founded a business producing durable trousers (jeans) for prospectors.

John Sutter — the landowner on whose property gold was discovered, initiating the California Gold Rush.

Risks and hardships:

Most prospectors did not become wealthy — many were left with nothing. Harsh natural conditions, disease, and lack of infrastructure were common. Conflicts over land and resources, along with high crime levels, were widespread. Deposits were quickly exhausted — gold was not endless.

The Gold Rush was a chance to get rich quickly, relying on luck, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit. It was also a time of rapid economic growth in the affected regions and the development of new towns and infrastructure.

4. Industrialization of the United States and the “Era of the Robber Barons” (late 19th — early 20th century)

The “Era of the Robber Barons” is an unofficial name for the period of rapid economic growth in the United States from the 1870s to the early 20th century. During this time, huge corporations and monopolies emerged, and entrepreneurs who accumulated immense wealth were called “Robber Barons” due to their harsh and often ruthless business practices.

Why was it possible to get rich quickly?

Rapid industrial growth.

The United States was undergoing intense industrialization — steel, oil, and railroads were developing rapidly, as were the steelmaking and petroleum industries. New technologies and organizational methods made it possible to drastically increase production.

Expansion of the railway network.

Railroads became the “arteries” of the economy, connecting the eastern and western parts of the country. Control over railroads provided enormous economic and political advantages.

Business consolidation and the creation of monopolies.

Large entrepreneurs bought out competitors or made agreements with them, gaining control over entire industries. This allowed them to set prices and maximize profits.

Low taxes and weak regulation.

The government intervened very little in business activities at the time, which allowed the “Robber Barons” to freely manipulate the market.

Who were the “Robber Barons”?

Andrew Carnegie — steel empire

John D. Rockefeller — Standard Oil petroleum monopoly

Cornelius Vanderbilt — railroads and steamboats

J. P. Morgan — financier and banker, creator of major industrial conglomerates

James J. Hill — railroad magnate

How exactly did they get rich?

Monopolization of industries.

Rockefeller controlled almost the entire U.S. oil market. Carnegie introduced innovations in steel production and reduced costs.

Vertical and horizontal integration.

Vertical integration: control over all stages of production (e.g., raw materials, manufacturing, distribution).

Horizontal integration: buying up competitors to eliminate competition.

Market manipulation and political lobbying.

They secured favorable contracts, drove competitors out through price dumping, and influenced laws and politics to their advantage.

Use of cheap labor. Exploitation of workers, long hours, and low wages increased profits.

Impact on society and the economy

Stimulated economic growth and industrialization

Created giant corporations and the first multinational companies

Increased social inequality — the gap between the very rich and the very poor grew

Led to the rise of the first labor unions and workers’ rights movements

The Era of the “Robber Barons” was a time of enormous opportunities for wealth but also a period of fierce competition, lack of social protections, and widespread corruption. It was during this period that modern American industrial capitalism took shape.

5. After World War II (1945–1960s)

World War II ended in 1945, and the world faced a massive challenge — rebuilding devastated economies. Growth was especially strong in the United States and Western Europe. This period is often called the “Golden Age of Capitalism,” marked by powerful economic expansion and rising living standards.

Why was it possible to get rich quickly?

Economic recovery and growth in countries affected by World War II.

Reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure and industry. Growth in industrial production, agriculture, and the service sector.

Technological progress and innovation.

Active implementation of new technologies derived from military research (aviation, electronics, chemistry).

Development of mass production and automation.

Growth of consumer demand.

A mass consumer market emerged: cars, household appliances, housing. Rising incomes fueled demand.

In the United States, the Marshall Plan helped rebuild Europe, creating new markets. Millions of people rose out of poverty and gained stable jobs and income. This created a new class of consumers and workers.

Who could get rich and how?

Entrepreneurs and business owners.

Companies producing cars (Ford, General Motors), household appliances, building materials.

Construction and real estate developers, driven by a boom in housing construction.

Investors and shareholders.

People who invested in rapidly growing companies and the stock market.

Engineers and inventors.

Creators of new technologies and products that captured the market.

Financiers and bankers.

Lending to businesses and individuals, expansion of the mortgage market.

Key features of the period:

Relative economic stability, increased social mobility, strong government regulation and social programs (insurance, pensions).

The post – World War II period was a time of stable and rapid economic growth, when people could become wealthy thanks to industrial expansion, new technologies, and rising consumer demand. It was one of the most favorable periods for business in the 20th century.

6. Technological Boom (1990–2000) — The Dotcom Era

The Dotcom Era was a period of rapid growth for internet companies and technologies, especially from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. The internet began to penetrate the lives of millions of people, and the first mass web services, online stores, and platforms emerged.

Why could people get rich quickly?

Explosive growth of the internet. The internet became accessible to the general public. New business opportunities emerged: e-commerce, online advertising, digital services.

Rapid increase in internet company valuations. Dotcom company stocks surged in price, even without sustainable profits. Investors poured money in, hoping for quick growth and high returns.

Easy access to venture capital. Venture funds actively financed internet-themed startups. Young companies received large investments for development and scaling.

Creation of new business models. Platforms for e-commerce appeared (Amazon, eBay). Search engines were launched (Yahoo, Google), as well as internet service providers and online services.

Initial public offerings (IPOs). Many startups quickly went public, allowing founders and investors to get rich almost instantly.

Who got rich? Founders and investors of internet companies: Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Peter Thiel (PayPal), Sergey Brin and Larry Page (Google). Funds that invested in the right projects. Traders on the stock market. Speculating on dotcom stocks brought huge profits.

Risks and the dotcom crisis:

The collapse of the dotcom bubble in 2000–2002. Many companies turned out to be unprofitable and closed, and investors lost billions of dollars. But for those who invested in the right projects (Google, Amazon), the Dotcom Era became the start of immense wealth.

The Dotcom Era was a period of incredible growth and opportunity, when rapid wealth was possible through innovation, investment, and going public. It was a time that showed how new technologies can transform the economy and create new market leaders.

7. The Cryptocurrency Boom (to this day)

The cryptocurrency boom is the rapid rise in popularity and value of digital currencies, starting with the emergence of Bitcoin in 2009 and continuing to the present day. This market is characterized by high volatility, innovation, and opportunities for significant profits.

Why could one get rich quickly?

The emergence of Bitcoin (2009): The first decentralized cryptocurrency, opening a new era of financial technology. The opportunity to buy bitcoins early at very low prices. The growth in cryptocurrency values. Increasing interest from institutional and private investors.

Development of blockchain technologies and DeFi: The introduction of smart contracts (Ethereum, etc.) and decentralized financial applications.

Opportunities for passive income through staking, farming, and lending.

ICOs and token sales: Mass initial coin offerings (ICOs) allowed buying new tokens at their launch.

The rise of NFTs and the metaverse: Digital collectibles and virtual assets opened new paths to earning.

Who got rich?

Early investors in Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Founders of crypto projects.

Creators of new blockchain platforms and applications.

Traders and speculators.

Users who entered and exited the market wisely.

Venture capital investors who backed promising projects early.

Risks and problems:

High volatility — huge price swings.

Regulatory risks and uncertainty across different countries.

Scams and fraudulent projects.

Technical risks and security issues.

The cryptocurrency boom is not just another trend. It is a modern era of change, comparable to the Industrial Revolution or the gold rush — and it is still ongoing. The main thing is: you are already living in it. What will you tell your children years from now?

“I’m sorry, son… I was afraid. I didn’t see the opportunity, even though it was right in front of me. We are not rich because your dad thought like a poor man. I trusted the crowd too much — those who always arrive last and always leave empty-handed.”

But it can be different! You can take a broader perspective. Stop seeking approval from the majority, who are always late. Start learning, experimenting, analyzing. Understand that times of change are not a reason for fear, but a window for growth. You don’t have to be a genius to seize the opportunity. You need to be open. Have the courage to ask questions, think for yourself, and most importantly, act before it’s too late. Awaken!

Chapter 3. How Your Capital Is Taken Away: A Story of Stealthy Robbery

“Capital extraction is the art of convincing you that money is dangerous and poverty is a virtue.”

The middle class is an educated, independent, and relatively self-sufficient layer of the population. They read, think, and analyze. They have the time, money, and energy to ask questions, participate in politics, create businesses, and organize. They can influence: vote, invest, change the rules of the game. A system built on inequality and control does not want people to think and unite. It wants consumers, not investors; workers, not employers; dependent people, not free ones.

The middle class as a mass stratum is disappearing; it is being mercilessly erased. You are either given pseudo-stability (a mortgage, loans, a survival job), or you wake up and climb upward, against the system. The richest keep getting richer (capital works on capital). Assets (stocks, real estate) rise in value — those who have them win. Those who don’t fall behind forever. Wages don’t grow at the same pace as prices and the cost of living. Central banks inject money into the system this drives up prices, but not ordinary people’s incomes. The rich know how to minimize taxes; the poor pay everything. “Benefits” keep you on the edge of survival but prevent you from moving up.

What is the expropriation of capital in the modern world? It is a systemic process in which resources — money, assets, time, energy — are taken from the population, small businesses, or inexperienced investors without visible violence. This can happen through economic mechanisms, informational influence, financial illiteracy, psychological and behavioral traps.

Who does this, how, and why?

1. States and central banks

Why? To redistribute resources, control inflation, and bail out major players.

How? Inflation: printing money reduces the purchasing power of the population. Increasing taxes. Pension reforms, where you pay but don’t receive. Devaluations and currency restrictions.

2. Corporations and banks

Why? For stable profits, maintaining power, and controlling consumers.

How? Pushing loans, mortgages, and leases with appealing promises. Subscription services where you never truly own what you pay for. Complex investment products with deliberately unfavorable terms.

3. Stock and crypto markets (including major players)

Why? To enrich themselves at the expense of retail investors.

How? Creating hype → attracting the crowd → dumping → selling assets at the expense of newcomers. Manipulation through media and influencers. “Pump and dump,” insider trading, false news.

4. The education system itself

Why? To keep you an obedient worker and consumer.

How? Financial illiteracy — you don’t know how money works. Propaganda of “stability” and fear of risk. Social programming: “wealth is not for you,” “money corrupts.”

How does this look in practice?

You spend 30 years paying off a mortgage — for an apartment the bank can take away from you. You keep money in the national currency — and watch your savings shrink. You are afraid to invest — and inflation eats your capital. You work for someone else your whole life — and retire with pennies.

What to do about it?

Increase financial literacy. Think strategically, not emotionally. Diversify: don’t keep everything in one basket (currency, assets, knowledge). Learn to spot risks and manipulations before you fall into them.

You are not poor because you have no money. You are poor because someone convinced you that you cannot keep it and do not deserve to be wealthy. Before we move on to crypto specifically, you must understand: no one is genuinely interested in your well-being neither the state, nor your friends, nor your boss. On the contrary, everything around you wants to take what little you have, or what might appear in the foreseeable future. You live in a system where, by default, you are a resource, a slave. You are not taught to earn you are taught to obey, consume, spend, and fear losing your job. You are given the illusion of stability: a salary once a month, a 30-year mortgage, a “free” healthcare plan. But it’s all a trap. The longer you stay in it, the harder it is to escape. And if you suddenly decide to break free start asking questions, studying finance, exploring investments or crypto — you will be called naive, greedy, strange, “too smart.” This is the system defending itself against the crowd. You must understand: the path to freedom does not go through seeking others’ permission. You will not get approval. You will not wait for the “right moment.” You will not be saved by telling yourself: “I just need to endure a little longer.”

Crypto is not just an investment. It is a protest. It is an exit from subjugation. It is a tool that works for you if you are ready to think independently. In the future, people will divide into those who understood and those who laughed and walked past. The only question is which group you will be in.

Mechanisms of Capital Expropriation from the Middle Class and Elites at Different Stages of History:

1. Antiquity (up to roughly the 5th century AD)

How capital was taken:

War spoils and plunder. Victors in wars seized lands, livestock, valuables, and slaves from the defeated.

Debt slavery. If a person could not repay a debt, their property could be confiscated, and they themselves could be enslaved.

Taxes and obligations. City-states collected taxes from the population, taking a portion of wealth.

Example: In Ancient Rome, emperors often confiscated the property of executed or exiled opponents. In Athens, debtors unable to pay lost both freedom and property.

2. Middle Ages (5th — 15th centuries)

How capital was taken:

Feudal system. Land belonged to feudal lords; peasants worked it and gave part of the harvest (rent) or labor (corvée).

Church taxes. Tithes claimed a significant portion of income.

Confiscations for “crimes” against the lord or king. Property could be seized, and titles revoked.

Inquisition and heresy. The Church could confiscate property from those accused of heresy.

Example: In England, after the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror confiscated land from Anglo-Saxons and gave it to his vassals. In Russia, peasants had to pay rent or work for the landowner, effectively losing property rights.

3. Early Modern Period (15th — 18th centuries)

How capital was taken:

Colonial plunder. European powers (Spain, Portugal, England, France) seized lands, resources, and people (slavery) from indigenous populations.

Religious confiscations. During the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, church property was often seized in Protestant countries.

Revolutionary confiscations. After 1789, the French Revolution confiscated aristocratic and church property to finance the revolution.

Example: The Spanish conquest in the Americas seized gold, silver, and land from the indigenous peoples. In France, revolutionaries confiscated noble estates to fund the army.

4. 19th Century

How capital was taken:

Abolition of serfdom. Peasants were freed but often had to buy land, sometimes losing capital in the process.

Nationalization and land reforms. Some reforms redistributed land, sometimes forcibly.

Colonialism. Resource expropriation from colonies continued.

High taxes and levies. States imposed taxes to fund industrialization and armies.

Example: In Russia in 1861, peasants were freed but had to buy land from landlords. In India, the British confiscated lands and resources from local principalities and communities.

5. 20th Century

How capital was taken:

Socialist revolutions. In the USSR (1917), China (1949), and other countries, land and enterprises were nationalized, and private property was abolished.

Repressions and deportations. In the USSR, property was seized from kulaks and other repressed groups.

The Great Depression. In the US and Europe, taxes and regulations redistributed wealth.

Postwar reforms. Nationalizations of strategic industries in Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Corporate takeovers. In the 1980s–90s, transitional economies often experienced raider attacks.

Example: In the USSR, property was confiscated from landlords, capitalists, and church officials. In China, the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution involved mass expropriation.

6. Modern Period (21st Century)

How capital is taken:

Nationalizations and privatizations. Some countries nationalize large enterprises, while others experience corruption and corporate raiding.

Financial sanctions. In international politics, assets of countries or individuals may be frozen or seized.

Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. Assets are confiscated from those suspected of corruption.

Cybercrime. Capital can be stolen by hackers and fraudsters.

Example: Nationalization of the oil industry in Venezuela. In 1990s Russia, corporate raiding of enterprises was widespread.

If you’ve ever wondered how it’s possible to have so many generations behind you and yet today not own a single piece of property as inheritance — not a key, not a corner of land — here’s your answer…

Expropriation of Capital and Savings in Tsarist Russia (approximately until 1917)

Main methods and mechanisms:

Serfdom and corvée labor. Until 1861, peasants were serfs and belonged to landowners. They did not own land and were obliged to work for the landowner, giving a significant portion of their labor (corvée) and harvest (obrok). This effectively limited their economic freedom and prevented them from accumulating capital.

Redemption payments after the abolition of serfdom (1861). When serfdom was abolished, peasants were officially granted freedom, but the land was not given to them for free — they had to pay redemption payments to the state and landowners. This created a form of debt bondage and limited their economic opportunities.

Taxes and obligations. Peasant communities and merchants paid high taxes — poll taxes, trade duties, and military conscriptions. The state extracted a significant portion of their income.

Confiscations and fines. In cases of accusations of treason, uprisings, or other crimes, property could be confiscated. This particularly affected political opponents.

Economic dependence on landowners and state monopolies. Monopolies on salt, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as control over trade and industry, restricted opportunities for accumulation and free disposal of capital.

In Tsarist Russia, capital was expropriated through the system of serfdom, taxes, redemption payments, and strict control by the state and nobility.

Expropriation of Capital and Savings in the USSR (1917–1991)

Main stages and methods:

Nationalization and confiscation after the 1917 Revolution. After the October Revolution, all private property of large capital (land, factories, banks) was nationalized. Landowners and the bourgeoisie lost their property without compensation.

Dekulakization and confiscation from peasants. In the 1920s–30s, during collectivization, so-called “kulaks” — peasants with relatively large farms — were dispossessed, their property confiscated, and many were sent to labor camps or exile.

Repressions and seizures from “enemies of the people.” In the 1930s–50s, during Stalin’s purges, all property of those accused of “sabotage” or political crimes was confiscated: apartments, houses, and savings.

State control over all economic resources. Private property was almost entirely eliminated; all enterprises, land, and housing were state-owned. People could use property and housing only with official permission.

Taxes and mandatory contributions. Although there was formally no private business, the state levied taxes on collective farms, state farms, and workers through centralized planning and distribution.

Personal savings and restrictions. Bank deposits and personal savings were strictly controlled by the state, and depositors often had no freedom to dispose of their capital.

Inflation in the USSR. Although the USSR officially claimed price stability and controlled the economy centrally, inflation still existed in hidden forms. Due to the planned economy, shortages of consumer goods often occurred. People stood in long queues, and the real purchasing power of money fell because it was difficult to buy necessary items.

Devaluation of savings. Due to shortages and control over the money supply, people could not effectively preserve their money, and their savings effectively lost purchasing power.

Denominations in the USSR. The USSR conducted several official currency redenominations, which were often perceived as a way to partially “take away” the accumulated funds of the population. Key cases:

1947: After World War II, the government carried out a monetary reform with a 10:1 redenomination. This meant old money was exchanged for new money at a ratio of 10 to 1. The goal was to fight inflation and the black market, but the population effectively lost 90% of their savings.

1961: Another 10:1 redenomination, but less severe. It was mainly for simplifying currency circulation. Many perceived it as a loss of part of their capital, but the impact was softened because wages and pensions were indexed.