Control and Chaos
In Control and Chaos: The Perils and Pitfalls of a Cashless Future, I explore the profound transformations that money has undergone, from its earliest forms to today's digital currencies. The book begins with an overview of how monetary systems have evolved, transitioning from barter and coins to the rise of digital transactions. It examines how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have influenced central banks worldwide to develop their own Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). This technological shift is not merely an upgrade but represents a seismic change in how money is created, managed, and controlled.
One of the most critical aspects of CBDCs is their potential to centralise power. In Chapter 3, I explore the dangers posed by government control and surveillance. CBDCs, through programmable features, could allow governments to monitor and dictate how individuals spend their money, possibly limiting purchases or freezing accounts. This scenario raises serious concerns about privacy, economic independence, and personal freedoms, leading to an uneasy balance between efficiency and control.
ISBN: 9798227276025
