Who was Satoshi Nakamoto?

[nullama]

~snip~
If you don't know, Satoshi Nakamoto used to post his real name and address in Bitcointalk.

What was the reason to do that?

Was it in a specific post?, was it in general?

I remember reading a post where they were discussing about whether to post their real names or pseudonyms, but I don't recall reading Satoshi Nakamoto in that thread.

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[JamesADonald]

I am now tempted to tell you all who is Satoshi ?

I am James A Donald. I was with Satoshi Nakamoto when he first published the E-Cash Paper in the online forum and mailing list.

I am a Cryptographer, Cipherpunk and Computer Engineer. I developed an interest in e-cash in the early nineties.  I am a professional expert in financial cryptography. When I encountered Satoshi Nakamoto  online I thought he was a young Japanese man of 24 to 30. Later I discovered that he knows much more about financial cryptography and computer science than myself. So I got involved in discussing many things. Never wanted to tell me anything about his real identity.  We exchanged all the information online by forum post and P2P foundation, also in the mailing list.

One day by chance I spotted his IP address. He was careless at the beginning. I used to work for an agents in those days. This agent were interested to find out his real identity.  He found his connection to the Cipherpunk. He just made only one post in the Cipherpunk forum.

First, I thought he was from Russia but later I was convinced that He was a young Japanese man but I was wrong.  Thereafter Hal Finney jumped on in our discussion. Hal and I were in the forum for many years, I mean in the mailing list.

He wrote me more than 270 emails over the two years.  I collected all his posts as I was assigned to do that by my agent. Satoshi called himself Cyberpunk instead of Cipherpunk. He was not happy with the traditional financial system, mainly the banking services.  On one occasion he mentioned that he wanted to borrow just £20 thousand Pound Sterling to set up a business but the bank didn't give him the loan. On another occasion he told me that he was sending about £50 Pound to one of his relatives and the bank charged £19 pound fees from him. I was convinced he was from a commonwealth country and migrated to the UK or was a student in the UK.

I was right in my assumption. I discovered his IP and I was sure about his identity. When I told him about my finding, he did not reply to me for two weeks. I thought was angry with me and got offline but that was not correct. I was wrong. He was on a holiday in his native land. He was from the Asian Continent. But not from Japan. On another occasion he told me that He has a close connection to Hokkaido Island.

Then I was confused. Later Satroshi told me a story. A story of World War II. Hisd grandfather was a strategist who fought in World War II. He never told which side his grandfather fought and where he was in the war ?  Satoshi told me that he was a student of political economics and he was involved in the creation of a single currency called Euro which was launched in 1999.  I have no clues in what capacity he was involved in the creation of the Euro ?  But later I discovered that Euro was created by him as a EuroBond first in the year 1994. Later it was accepted in the Madrid EEC convention and adopted as the EU Single currency in 1995 and it took 4 years to launch in 1999. Satoshi Nakamoto is a British and a commonwealth citizen.
It means he is not English but has a close link to the British commonwealth. On one occasion he asked me if I was interested to know more about the commonwealth ?  I  was not interested.

Yes, ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’ is not his real name but it is his pseudonym. He never told me his real name but  I managed to find his identity as I was working for an agent, who was paying me for information. I was wrong for disclosing his identity to an agent. I regret the mistakes I made. I am really sorry for my own mistakes and I told Satoshi about it in November 2010. Then Satoshi asked me to contact him no more. Later he gave the project to Gavin Bell (Andresen) and others who were more trusted by him.  He moved and asked me to retire from active discussion online. Thereafter we discuss all things privately. Satoshi is still surrounded and sometimes visits the forum and mailing list.

Satoshi will come back again but may not be in the forum but some whereelse online.

[dzungmobile]

 

(what an iconic/legendary photo.

It is an iconic party and a historic photo. After 7 years, it is my first time I know about these ones. Thank you.

Including our  own forum mod Greg Maxwell.  If you haven't read his posts, or his blog, I highly recommend it.  We are very lucky to have him here!

I highly recommend everyone to read his interview too.

gmaxwell's interview in 2020. It's 4 years ago but it is worthy to read many times.

[oktana]

Think about it though: if someone wanted to really be anonymous, would he put in small hints on who he/she is through his/her  anonymous monicker? Obviously not as it would totally be a bad idea. The S-N thing is likely just a coincidence.

Exactly what came into my mind. The name is too straightforward because even complex names get deciphered. And for someone who wants privacy to the extent we haven’t heard from him since the beginning? The story may sound good and interesting but I don’t trust anything because people have different theories on about who Satoshi is. In fact all the confident claims is just enough already. For me, it’s as simple as that Bitcoin exists.

[reagansimms]

Many people are trying to solve the mystery of who is behind the scenes or the person/group acting in the name of Satoshi Nakamoto. From the start, Satoshi Nakamoto was committed to hiding his identity and remaining anonymous, it was impossible for him to provide any clues that could give other parties room to identify things that could reveal him.
Until now, no one knows for sure whether he was a man or a woman, an individual or a group consisting of several people. Various investigations have been carried out by several parties trying to reveal who the person behind the name Satoshi Nakamoto is. Even though the media and community have provided many results about who the real figure hiding behind the name Satoshi is, in reality nothing has been confirmed.

[nullama]

Think about it though: if someone wanted to really be anonymous, would he put in small hints on who he/she is through his/her  anonymous monicker? Obviously not as it would totally be a bad idea. The S-N thing is likely just a coincidence.

Exactly what came into my mind. The name is too straightforward because even complex names get deciphered. And for someone who wants privacy to the extent we haven’t heard from him since the beginning? The story may sound good and interesting but I don’t trust anything because people have different theories on about who Satoshi is. In fact all the confident claims is just enough already. For me, it’s as simple as that Bitcoin exists.

Yeah, I agree.

That's how humans brains work though. They are always trying to explain what they perceive, even if it doesn't make sense.

I think that is what is happening here. People are looking for patterns where there aren't any.

[Smack That Ace]

But why are we always trying to find out Satoshi's real identity when he decided to remain anonymous forever? Haven't we always said that we respect him, we respect his decisions and that he has chosen to remain anonymous forever but we are always hunting him? Do we really respect him? Furthermore, if we find out his true identity and if that puts him in danger (if he is still alive). So what do we do next? Personally, I hope none of us know who he is, that's what he wants and I'll respect that.

Satoshi is a legendary figure already, however not enough time has passed for people to really realize how big of a legend he is and how big he will become, take a look at the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, almost 90 years have passed since she disappeared and there are still people looking for her, Satoshi in my opinion will be way bigger than her as I have no doubts that at some point in time he will become the richest person alive and maybe even the first trillionaire, so I can assure you that there will always be someone looking for Satoshi trying discover his real identity for the foreseeable future.

Maybe you're right, people will always be looking for him and his identity will be discussed even more during this bull cycle as bitcoin sets new ATHs. We can't or do something to stop people from looking for him. But like I said, many long-time bitcoin investors always say they respect his decision and won't bother him, but the topics about Satoshi's identity have never stopped on this forum. People are still curious and still want to know who he is, they don't want to let this go. It can be said that no one has given up their intention to stop searching for Satoshi's identity as they said.

[9TONNN]

I just saw this thread trending on CryptoCurrency subreddit and found this reply by a guy who says he's one of the OG on Bitcoin Talk forum.
According to him:

The Satoshi Nakamoto who submitted the Bitcoin whitepaper was Nick Szabo. Japanese name is written in reverse so it's Nakamoto Satoshi. He picked this name as to get the same initials NS on the whitepaper while not having to reveal his full name.

Give it a read, I think I am kind of convinced, I always thought Satoshi was Hal Finney. I would love to know what you guys think about this.
Would love to hear some more stuff from OG members.

No one truly knows the real world identity of Satoshi. These are all wild speculations having no basis in reality.

Think about it though: if someone wanted to really be anonymous, would he put in small hints on who he/she is through his/her  anonymous monicker? Obviously not as it would totally be a bad idea. The S-N thing is likely just a coincidence.

Exactly what came into my mind. The name is too straightforward because even complex names get deciphered. And for someone who wants privacy to the extent we haven’t heard from him since the beginning? The story may sound good and interesting but I don’t trust anything because people have different theories on about who Satoshi is. In fact all the confident claims is just enough already. For me, it’s as simple as that Bitcoin exists.

Yeah, I agree.

That's how humans brains work though. They are always trying to explain what they perceive, even if it doesn't make sense.

I think that is what is happening here. People are looking for patterns where there aren't any.

Patterns for me are everywhere

[cUfZz8]

But why are we always trying to find out Satoshi's real identity when he decided to remain anonymous forever? Haven't we always said that we respect him, we respect his decisions and that he has chosen to remain anonymous forever but we are always hunting him? Do we really respect him? Furthermore, if we find out his true identity and if that puts him in danger (if he is still alive). So what do we do next? Personally, I hope none of us know who he is, that's what he wants and I'll respect that.

Satoshi is a legendary figure already, however not enough time has passed for people to really realize how big of a legend he is and how big he will become, take a look at the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, almost 90 years have passed since she disappeared and there are still people looking for her, Satoshi in my opinion will be way bigger than her as I have no doubts that at some point in time he will become the richest person alive and maybe even the first trillionaire, so I can assure you that there will always be someone looking for Satoshi trying discover his real identity for the foreseeable future.

Satoshi is alive, not for sake of richness, but in happiness and for the better good for this world

[red4slash]

~snip~
If you don't know, Satoshi Nakamoto used to post his real name and address in Bitcointalk.

What was the reason to do that?

Was it in a specific post?, was it in general?

I remember reading a post where they were discussing about whether to post their real names or pseudonyms, but I don't recall reading Satoshi Nakamoto in that thread.

It's just for verification and it's true that if he really wants to be Satoshi I think he just has to activate the account and make a thread that he is Satoshi if he really wants to be recognised because after all we must know that for now what supports being recognised as Satoshi is an account that is on bitcointalk at this time so if indeed people out there including some big names who always adorn the media by claiming or being considered Satoshi they only need to activate the account by writing that he is Satoshi then there will definitely be no arguments about it.

But until now it cannot be done which means that people who claim or are considered Satoshi will in fact remain faketoshi because no matter how hard they try to prove themselves on some social media or with evidence that is claimed to be able to convince that they are Satoshi, it will still be considered a doubt because there will definitely be many cons that occur.

[southerngentuk]

Over the years, folks have pointed fingers at everyone from tech bigwigs to cypherpunks, but none of the claims have been proven. It's like playing a guessing game with no clear answer in sight.

This whole mystery adds a layer of intrigue to the crypto world, but let's be real – the technology behind Bitcoin is the real story. It's the innovation, the potential, and the impact on finance that matters, not who invented it.

Who cares who invented the wheel, right? It's the impact it had on transportation that changed the game. Same thing with Bitcoin. The tech is the revolution, and the creator's identity is just a side quest in the grand scheme of things.

[Ale88]

But why are we always trying to find out Satoshi's real identity when he decided to remain anonymous forever? Haven't we always said that we respect him, we respect his decisions and that he has chosen to remain anonymous forever but we are always hunting him? Do we really respect him? Furthermore, if we find out his true identity and if that puts him in danger (if he is still alive). So what do we do next? Personally, I hope none of us know who he is, that's what he wants and I'll respect that.

I totally agree with you. Maybe at first when you learn a few things about bitcoin you wish you could knew who Satoshi is/are but then if you actually understand all the ideas behind bitcoin and how it can really change the way we manage money, you should simply respect his/their decision to be anonymous and left alone. I know some people love trying to solve these types of mysteries, I hope they'll never succeed.

[JollyGood]

Even though many of the names in the photo are unknown to me, that is an historical image because of several names that are present there at the same time. For most part I have believed Satoshi was the work of more than just one person and I still believe that.

I have seen posts by Greg Maxwell but never knew to which extent he was involved with cryptography. What I am reading about him now is impressive.

No one knows for sure, period.  No we do know that its not Craig Wright, but outside that it could be a combination of quite a few cryptographers. 

Here's an interesting story I read recently/happened to randomly come across.  Now no one knows for sure who Satoshi is, which is part of his genius.  I personally think it's Nick Szabo for many reason.  I've actually spoken with Craig Wright and Szabo individually on twitter, and Craig jut doesn't give me that vibe.

Szabo created bitgold /coined the term smart contracts etc.  He' an economist, cryptographer, etc..and he just fits the bill.  Plus Szabo is a bit of an asshole, and I hear Satoshi was much the same in forum PMs.  You could tell he was a bit brash just from his forum posts too.


   

(what an iconic/legendary photo.  Including our  own forum mod Greg Maxwell.  If you haven't read his posts, or his blog, I highly recommend it.  We are very lucky to have him here!!

https://www.experiencelab.info/2018/06/unveiling-bitcoin-team-led-by-nick.html?m=1  (for the record I believe this article to be total bullshit, but who knows).

[apogio]

I have seen posts by Greg Maxwell but never knew to which extent he was involved with cryptography. What I am reading about him now is impressive.

Greg Maxwell is undoubtebly one of the most knowleadgeable people on the field. I really enjoy reading his posts. I have learnt a lot from him. We are lucky to have him. Of course the list is not limited to him.

If I had to choose one of his papers that I really liked (to the point at which I could understand it):

Simple Schnorr Multi-Signatures with Applications to Bitcoin
G. Maxwell, A. Poelstra, Y. Seurin, P. Wuille,
IEEE Designs Codes and Cryptography, 2019.

[umbara ardian]

The question of Satoshi Nakamoto's identity remains one of the most enduring mysteries in the cryptocurrency world. While theories abound, the true story behind the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin continues to elude us.

The argument that Satoshi would have revealed himself to maintain Bitcoin's decentralization holds some weight. By remaining anonymous, they prevented any single entity from wielding undue influence over the network. However, it’s important to acknowledge that anonymity doesn't guarantee decentralization. The success of Bitcoin rests on the strength of its distributed ledger technology and its underlying network of users, not the identity of its creator.

The claim that governments would have easily discovered Satoshi's identity if they were two individuals seeking to obfuscate their tracks is also a possibility. However, attributing absolute power to government agencies in their pursuit of information can be an oversimplification. The complexity of international cooperation, the limitations of technology at the time of Bitcoin's inception, and the inherent anonymity of online transactions all contribute to the possibility that Satoshi could have remained hidden, even with concerted efforts to find them.

[Z-tight]

What if he is still amongst us in the forum? What if he is watching us through a guest or probably a secret account? I guess we will never know.

They could be doing that or maybe not, but the good thing is that they created BTC in such a way that it does not matter what they do, the network runs perfectly without the creator or any central authority; that is the beauty of BTC. Satoshi is a genius to create something like BTC, and if he wanted to be around and make himself known for all the praises, he would have done that, but he instead completely protected his privacy and never exposed it, and so it is better if we respect that.

[DaNNy001]

But why are we always trying to find out Satoshi's real identity when he decided to remain anonymous forever? Haven't we always said that we respect him, we respect his decisions and that he has chosen to remain anonymous forever but we are always hunting him? Do we really respect him? Furthermore, if we find out his true identity and if that puts him in danger (if he is still alive). So what do we do next? Personally, I hope none of us know who he is, that's what he wants and I'll respect that.

I totally agree with you. Maybe at first when you learn a few things about bitcoin you wish you could knew who Satoshi is/are but then if you actually understand all the ideas behind bitcoin and how it can really change the way we manage money, you should simply respect his/their decision to be anonymous and left alone. I know some people love trying to solve these types of mysteries, I hope they'll never succeed.

That's the nature of man and it's practically what everyone would be thinking, @curiosity. Believe me no one is eve content with the story that a genius is hiding himself but the truth is that we all should try and just let it be as this idea is probably for the best interest of the survival of this forum and also Bitcoin at large because I know for sure that if Satoshi was to be known by the government officials am very sure that the survival and control of Bitcoin will be something that is going to be hanging by a thread.

[bluebit25]

This is always an issue that receives a lot of our attention, and it will be more exciting when the market is showing signs of positive activity, curiosity and suspicion about Satoshi Nakamoto keep recurring.
I had my share of opinions and didn't really want to commit myself to detective work  Re: Who is Satoshi Nakamoto?

Even if someone comes out now and claims to have complete proof of Satoshi, the crowd will not believe that it is really the person we expect. Sometimes it really feels like life is clouded by doubts, find for the truth and doubting the truth.

[GreenInk]

Hal Finney was the creator of BTC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Finney_(computer_scientist)#

[JollyGood]

Greg Maxwell is undoubtebly one of the most knowleadgeable people on the field. I really enjoy reading his posts. I have learnt a lot from him. We are lucky to have him. Of course the list is not limited to him.

I had a look at the Blockstream website and some other things he was involved with, I have to say his CV is impressive. In his own way he has contributed a lot to the crypto community.

Hal Finney was the creator of BTC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Finney_(computer_scientist)#

That certainly is one of the many rumours out there. Hal and several others have been named as Satoshi but I guess we will never know for sure who was behind Satoshi Nakamoto.

There is a possibility that any government agency that was determined to unravel the mystery behind Satoshi had already done it because of all the powerful tools at their disposal but again, we do not know.