Thanks for all the great comments. My belief that blockchain technology will save humanity is reinforced.

I really think that there is a future for Bitcoin except that I fear it may crash because of the ever increasing need for power to keep the blockchain going. Is my fear justified?

I am an 81 year old guy who is trying to understand this thing.

I am surprised that I see so little discussion on energy consumption.  I love the concept of bitcoin but hate to see so much energy spent to maintain it.  I don't think bitcoin can survive unless a way is found to consume less.