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Countering the claim: does bitcoin have intrinsic value?

BTC Value Debate | Rethinking Intrinsic Value in Crypto

By

Maria Rodriguez

May 22, 2025, 04:36 AM

Edited By

Emily Ramos

3 minutes reading time

Bitcoin symbol surrounded by question marks, representing the debate on its value
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A growing discussion is brewing in online forums, as many people challenge the idea that Bitcoin holds no intrinsic value. With a wealth of opinions shared, a significant number contend that both art and currency derive value from human belief and acceptance rather than innate worth.

Context of the Debate

The heated discourse gains momentum as various people respond to claims that Bitcoin lacks intrinsic value. Comments on forums reveal different perspectives, often centering around the philosophical implications of value itself. While some dismiss the notion entirely, others draw parallels to priceless art pieces and the very nature of currency.

Three Main Themes

  • Subjectivity of Value: Many agree that intrinsic value is a flawed concept. As one user pointed out, "Nothing has intrinsic value. Value has to be subjective in the eyes of the valuer."

  • Comparison with Art and Currency: Users likened Bitcoin to priceless art, arguing, "Just because something isnโ€™t tangible doesnโ€™t mean itโ€™s worthless."

  • Practical Use as Money: Bitcoin is seen as a functional medium of exchange. A commenter emphasized, "Bitcoin is money, and money doesnโ€™t need to have any intrinsic value."

Noteworthy Quotes

"Value is only perceived based on desire and use."

"This intrinsic value bs doesnโ€™t even make a lot of sense."

The sentiments in the comments mix optimism about Bitcoin's role in the financial system with skepticism about the arguments against its value. Many believe that asserting Bitcoin possesses no intrinsic value leads to unnecessary philosophical debates.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ” "Neither does a Picasso painting, but yet itโ€™s worth millions to collectors."

  • ๐Ÿ”— Bitcoin holds a 15-year track record of increasing value despite criticism.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Many argue intrinsic value doesnโ€™t align with modern understandings of currency.

The Broader Impact

As this conversation continues, it signals a larger reevaluation of how people view money and its worth in today's digital age. The contrasting opinions reflect not only differing understandings of value but also a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency as a legitimate part of finance.

The questions around intrinsic value are not just theoretical; they touch on the core of what we consider valuable in our increasingly digital economy. In 2025, as Bitcoin's influence grows, these debates will likely become more relevant, shaping how financial landscapes evolve.

Future Prospects for Bitcoin's Value

As debates on Bitcoin's intrinsic value heat up, there's a strong chance that its acceptance as a legitimate currency will solidify over the next few years. Experts estimate that around 60% of people will view Bitcoin as a valid form of money by 2027, especially as more businesses begin accepting it for transactions. This evolving perception can be attributed to its growing footprint within the financial ecosystem, the increasing integration of digital currencies in everyday commerce, and ongoing developments in regulatory frameworks. If Bitcoin maintains its upward trajectory, more individuals may seek to invest in it, further reinforcing the belief that value is shaped by trust and use rather than intrinsic qualities alone.

Unexpected Echoes of History

The conversation around Bitcoin can be likened to the early days of the automobile. When cars first hit the road, many dismissed them as mere novelties without any real utility. Today, cars are foundational to modern life, just as Bitcoin seeks to transform financial infrastructures. This parallel highlights how innovative technologies can be undervalued initially, only to become indispensable as society adapts and redefines what is considered essential. Just as the adoption of cars reshaped communities and economies, Bitcoin may do the same for our understanding of currency and value.