Is the blockchain a critical tool that creates the power behind Bitcoin, or is it a wasteful and unavoidable byproduct, an exhaust, of the system that secures the most sound money in the world?\n\nThis was a fascinating Twitter thread by Udi Wertheimer that explores what I find to be an interesting perspective on the role that "the blockchain" plays in the Bitcoin network. With added input and contrarian opinions from Eric Wall, Meni Rosenfeld, Adam Back, & Justin Moon, we take a short episode to expand on a unique idea.\n\nThe Original Thread:\nhttps://twitter.com/udiWertheimer/status/1087142827346354177\nhttps://twitter.com/adam3us/status/1087315014812348417?s=20\nhttps://twitter.com/MeniRosenfeld/status/1087663298944864256?s=20\n\nOther works mentioned that will shed light on these ideas:\nParker Lewis's "Bitcoin Cannot be Copied":\n\u2022 https://anchor.fm/thecryptoconomy/episodes/CryptoQuikRead_291---Bitcoin-Cant-Be-Copied-Parker-Lewis-e58g11\nNick Szabo's "Money, Blockchains, and Social Scalability":\n\u2022 https://anchor.fm/thecryptoconomy/episodes/CryptoQuikRead_066---Money--Blockchains--and-Social-Scalability-e2ndsj\n\nHelp keep the project alive by becoming a patron! Plus join the Cryptoconomy Telelgram Crew!\npatreon.com/thecryptoconomy\nthecryptoconomy.com\n\n--- \n\nSend in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bitcoinaudible/message