Had a thought today while running...
There has been much discussion over the value of a Bitcoin when one removes its use as a money. There are issues with the regression theorem, etc.
Gold clearly has value beyond its use as money. Primarily, it looks pretty and is thus perpetually desired for ornamentation. There are other uses, but this is where gold originally got its value - from its pretty shine. Observers of gold are fascinated by it - attracted to it due to its properties.
Well... is this not also true with Bitcoin? When Bitcoin was first discovered and released, was it not initially desired for its curious nature? Were initial adopters not attracted to it due to its strange properties, much like ancient man was attracted to gold? Of course, it's the geeky crypto people who were initially attracted, but I think it's a fair point that they picked up these early bitcoins purely because "they were cool to look at and hold" - albeit on a digital drive.
Even for those like me who don't fully understand the cryptography, Bitcoins are damn cool. They are intrinsically interesting and attractive. Gold is also intrinsically interesting and attractive. Both commodities attract the observer, and their monetary usage subsequently sprang forth in like manner because both commodities possess those properties which make them great forms of money (scarcity, divisibility, authenticity, etc.). Does this not satisfy the regression theorem?
During ancient times where gold is a form of treasure and a medium of exchange because there are no paper money that time, it also serve as a form of power. When. Reading some stories about the past, especially the pirate area where they are looking for treasures, those who have a lot of treasure hold the most power. Gold also bacame a decoration of kingdom and clothing as well as plates of weapons. Because of being physically gifted that don't rust and shines through the years, gold have became one of the most beloved treasure of humanity.
In the 20th century where Bitcoin is introduced, only the one who understand the system is the one who got attracted. Yes we are attracted because of its independency to government and being tax free but it's characteristics to the spectrum waves and complication of codes are still unknown to most bitcoins users.
Metal and frequency (digital) are two different things. But the uses it can give (Bitcoin and gold) are the same.