Crypto: The Lifeboat for a World Gone Mad?

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Balaji Srinivasan, the guy who left Coinbase to write a book called The Network State, is now telling us crypto is the “code-based order” we need because, you know, the world’s falling apart. Apparently, blockchain is the duct tape holding our future together. Who knew?

Crypto: The Lifeboat for a World Gone Mad? Balaji Srinivasan Thinks So

So, this Silicon Valley genius-entrepreneur, investor, and X poster extraordinaire-decided to school us all after some rando questioned whether crypto is good for anything besides making rich people richer. Instead of ignoring it like a normal person, Balaji doubled down with a post so sweeping it could clean your floors. His thesis? Crypto isn’t just money-it’s the new world order. Code-based, of course. Because who needs governments when you’ve got blockchain?

“The purpose of crypto is to build a code-based order,” he wrote, because apparently the rules-based order is as reliable as a New York City subway schedule. Blockchain, he claims, can do everything from protecting property rights to verifying your identity-all without those pesky courts or governments getting in the way. It’s like Uber, but for justice.

According to Balaji, this code-based order guarantees “property rights, smart contracts, rule-of-code, privacy, secure voting, and user accounts across borders.” Even if your bank freezes your account or your country kicks you out, your onchain currency and identity will still be there. Handy, right? Unless, of course, you forget your private key. Then you’re just screwed.

He also admitted that crypto is partly fueled by speculation, comparing it to state lotteries. “Lotteries fund states. Lotteries also fund networks,” he wrote. So, basically, blockchain is just a fancy casino with better marketing.

But hey, the real question is whether we get anything better in return. As nationalism and socialism rise, Balaji says blockchain keeps the global market open, letting people transact without caring about “race, religion, accent, ancestry, or other likely irrelevant attributes.” Because nothing says unity like a decentralized ledger.

When someone pointed out that physical property still relies on legal systems, Balaji countered with smart locks and cryptographic access controls. “With smart locks, we can extend cryptographic property rights to anything secured by a door,” he said. So, your front door will soon be smarter than your neighbor’s kid. Progress?

In his July 2025 essay, Balaji went full sci-fi, claiming that “all property becomes cryptography.” Digital gold, tokenized stocks, even your car-everything will be onchain. Because who needs a title deed when you’ve got a private key?

His vision is bold, no doubt. As Western institutions crumble and Eastern states tighten their grip, blockchain offers a third way-a neutral, internet-native framework for property and identity. “That’s what cryptocurrency was built for,” he wrote. “If and when your state fails, or turns against you, the Internet will be there for you.” Unless, of course, the power goes out. Then you’re just a guy with a ledger and a dream.

Whether this becomes mainstream or stays a niche obsession, it’s definitely added some spice to the crypto debate. Because nothing says “serious discussion” like comparing blockchain to a lifeboat for a sinking world.

FAQ ❓

  • What did Balaji Srinivasan say about crypto?
    He said it’s here to save us with a “code-based order” that protects property and identity via blockchain. Because who needs lawyers when you’ve got algorithms?
  • What is a code-based order?
    It’s a system where software and cryptography replace courts and governments. Basically, Skynet but with fewer robots.
  • How does this apply to physical property?
    Smart locks and cryptographic keys could let blockchain control your house, car, and maybe even your toaster.
  • Why is this debate significant now?
    Because people are finally asking if crypto is anything more than a glorified Ponzi scheme, and Balaji’s here to say, “Yes, it’s the future. Probably.”

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2026-02-22 01:57