1. The Origins of Bitcoin
Bitcoin was introduced in 2009 by an anonymous figure (or group) known as Satoshi Nakamoto. The goal was simple yet radical: create a digital form of money that operates without banks, governments, or central authorities—secure, borderless, and open to anyone.
Its launch marked the birth of blockchain technology: a public, tamper-resistant ledger maintained by a decentralised network of computers.
2. Are Bitcoins Worth Anything?
Yes—because people value scarcity, utility, and trust in the system.
Scarcity: There will only ever be 21 million bitcoins. This fixed supply makes Bitcoin a deflationary asset.
Utility: Bitcoin enables global, near-instant transactions without intermediaries.
Trust: Its code is open-source, and the network has never been hacked at the protocol level in 15 years of operation.
Like gold, Bitcoin’s worth is not dictated by a single entity—it emerges from market consensus.
3. BTC Fundamentals: How Does Bitcoin Work?
At its core:
Blockchain: A public ledger recording every transaction.
Mining: Specialised computers validate transactions and add them to the blockchain, receiving new bitcoins as a reward.
Decentralisation: No single point of control; thousands of nodes worldwide keep the network secure.
Proof of Work: The consensus mechanism ensuring all participants agree on the transaction history.
4. How to “Make” Bitcoin
You can acquire Bitcoin by:
Mining: Solving complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and earn BTC.
Buying: Purchasing through exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken.
Earning: Accepting Bitcoin as payment for goods or services.
Peer-to-Peer Trades: Directly buying from or selling to other people.
For most newcomers, buying or earning BTC is more practical than mining, which now requires industrial-scale setups.
5. What Is Bitcoin Used For?
Store of Value: Often referred to as “digital gold.”
Medium of Exchange: Used for global transfers, sometimes in under 10 minutes.
Hedge Against Inflation: Fixed supply makes it resistant to currency debasement.
Collateral in DeFi: Bitcoin can be tokenized and used in decentralized finance platforms.
6. Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?
Bitcoin has delivered some of the best returns of any asset in history, but it remains volatile. Key factors for potential investors to weigh:
Long-Term Scarcity: Fixed supply and increasing institutional adoption support bullish long-term narratives.
Volatility: Price swings of 20–50% are not unusual—this can be a risk or opportunity.
Regulatory Landscape: Rules vary globally, and compliance is evolving.
For many, Bitcoin is best approached as a long-term position within a diversified portfolio, rather than a quick-profit play.
7. Why Learning Matters
Understanding Bitcoin means grasping technology, economics, and market psychology. Whether you’re considering your first purchase or managing a crypto portfolio, a structured course can help you:
Read market trends with confidence.
Understand security best practices for holding BTC.
Evaluate Bitcoin’s role alongside other cryptocurrencies and assets.
Investing without education is speculation—education turns it into strategy.
