Miguel Lopez Peter Schiff, a distinguished economist and avid supporter of gold, has voiced strong disapproval regarding Bitcoin’s place and functionality in the modern economic landscape. In Schiff’s perspective, Bitcoin serves no practical purpose, and its proponents function akin to a religious sect, zealously encouraging others to invest in Bitcoin after doing so themselves.
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Peter Schiff: ‘Bitcoin Lacks Intrinsic Value’
As the chief economist and global strategist for Europac, Peter Schiff has openly criticized the characteristics often attributed to Bitcoin, such as its utility and supposed scarcity. In a recent update on X (previously known as Twitter), Schiff emphasized that Bitcoin is devoid of any meaningful utility, arguing that its supporters bear striking similarities to a sectarian group.
In Schiff’s own words:
The necessity for Bitcoin is non-existent. Individuals often make the decision to invest in it after being persuaded by someone else. Subsequently, they aim to persuade others to follow suit. This behavior is characteristic of a cult.
These comments came on the heels of a discussion featuring Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz on CNBC’s Squawk Box. In addition to discussing the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF this year, Novogratz asserted that Bitcoin “has always been a financial instrument that is promoted, rather than organically sought after,” with institutions playing a pivotal role in initial customer acquisition and education regarding its essence.
Schiff has a history of criticizing Bitcoin and questioning its economic rationale. He has previously labeled it as a scam, a mere digital collectible, and underscored that there are myriad other means of financial loss beyond investing in Bitcoin.
Scarcity: A Non-Issue
Schiff also called into question Bitcoin’s purported scarcity, challenging the significance of this attribute for the digital asset. Responding to a follower who claimed that Bitcoin was “digital gold” and a “finite resource pursued by limitless fiat,” Schiff retorted:
Bitcoin is not a resource; it is essentially vacuous. Furthermore, there are approximately 2.1 quadrillion Satoshis, providing an abundance of these ‘nonentities.’
When another commentator drew parallels between Bitcoin and gold, suggesting that gold, like Bitcoin, was also primarily sold rather than bought, and that gold traders engaged in similar promotional activities, Schiff summarily dismissed the argument. He contended that such statements demonstrated a “lack of understanding about gold.”
Yet another user highlighted Bitcoin’s value for those residing in countries with high inflation rates, or for individuals who lacked access to traditional banking services. They added, “Possessing gold in such circumstances would make one an easy target. Moreover, evacuating with gold is not only virtually impossible but also utterly impractical.”
We invite you to share your views on Peter Schiff’s perspective regarding Bitcoin and its utility. Please add your comments in the section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Peter Schiff Bitcoin criticism
What is the main argument Peter Schiff has against Bitcoin?
Peter Schiff, a distinguished economist and a supporter of gold, argues that Bitcoin lacks utility and serves no real purpose in the modern economic landscape. He also criticizes the behavior of Bitcoin’s advocates, likening them to a cult.
Does Peter Schiff believe Bitcoin has scarcity value?
No, Peter Schiff disputes the notion that Bitcoin’s value lies in its scarcity. He challenges the significance of this attribute for the digital currency and asserts that Bitcoin is essentially vacuous, with an abundance of Satoshis, or sub-units of Bitcoin.
What platform did Peter Schiff use to express his views on Bitcoin?
Peter Schiff used a social media platform known as X, previously known as Twitter, to make his opinions about Bitcoin public.
How does Schiff respond to the comparison between Bitcoin and gold?
Schiff summarily dismisses any comparison between Bitcoin and gold. He contends that such arguments demonstrate a lack of understanding about the intrinsic value and utility of gold.
Who did Peter Schiff respond to while making his comments?
Peter Schiff’s remarks came in the context of a discussion featuring Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz on CNBC’s Squawk Box. He also responded to various followers and commentators on social media who made claims about Bitcoin’s utility and value.
Does Peter Schiff acknowledge any use-case for Bitcoin?
According to the text, Peter Schiff does not acknowledge any practical use-case for Bitcoin. He even challenges the idea that Bitcoin could be valuable for individuals living in high-inflation countries or those without access to banking, dismissing such claims as impractical.
What does Peter Schiff think about the people who buy and promote Bitcoin?
Peter Schiff believes that people only buy Bitcoin after being persuaded by someone else, and they, in turn, try to convince others to buy it. He likens this behavior to that of a cult.
What has Peter Schiff previously said about Bitcoin?
Peter Schiff has a history of criticizing Bitcoin. He has previously labeled it as a scam and a mere digital collectible, highlighting that there are numerous other ways to incur financial loss.
More about Peter Schiff Bitcoin criticism
- Peter Schiff’s Official Twitter Page
- CNBC’s Squawk Box Episode Featuring Mike Novogratz
- Overview of Bitcoin’s Utility and Scarcity Debate
- Historical Criticisms of Bitcoin by Economists
- Understanding the Scarcity and Utility of Gold
- Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz’s Views on Bitcoin
- Economic Theories Underpinning the Value of Currency
10 comments
British pounds, US dollars, gold, Bitcoin, it’s all the same. People value what others value. Schiff is just stating his opinion like everyone else.
Schiff vs Novogratz would be an epic debate. Old school vs new school. Who’s in for that?
I wonder what Schiff has to say about other cryptocurrencies, or is he just targetting Bitcoin?
Intriguing article, but I’d argue that Schiff overlooks the hedging potential of Bitcoin against inflation and geopolitical uncertainties.
Schiff is just out of touch. Bitcoin is the future man. Its like hes stuck in the stone age with his gold.
Whoa, Schiff really doesn’t hold back, does he? I mean, calling Bitcoin advocates a cult? That’s some strong language right there.
Schiff brings some valid points but the language is a bit too strong. A balanced debate would serve everyone better.
Finally someone speaking the truth. Bitcoin is just a bubble, gold has been valuable for thousands of years.
Anyone notice that Schiff’s comments came after the Galaxy Digital CEO spoke on CNBC? Wonder if there’s a bit of a rivalry there.
Its easy to criticize something you don’t understand. Bitcoin has its flaws but calling it ‘nothing’ is an oversimplification.