What is money?

[DanWalker]

They will not allow that unless the leader or the president has been open and their minds have been cleared and optimistic to what Bitcoin can offer to their country. We've seen it happen but looking at most countries to do that and make bitcoin as their legal tender has a very low chance. But let's look at that chance, for as long as there is a chance even it's the tiniest that it can ever be. We've seen it happen and so, others might change their minds and will use bitcoin as an alternative currency and apply it as a legal tender.

Anything can happen, but in this case, I also think the chances are 0. Government would never allow a decentralized currency to become an official currency. This not only makes it difficult for them to regulate and control the economy, but it could even push the economy to the brink of default.
That alone is enough to conclude that the likelihood of Bitcoin being used as currency is zero.

To date, El Salvador is the only country that recognizes bitcoin as legal tender. But you know, its just an alternative and is used alongside the USD. In most of their international and domestic trade transaction, the USD still play a dominant role.

[summonerrk]

The dollar is still associated by most people with the concept of money.
Someone keeps saying that American hegemony is ending. Countries are switching to their own currencies for settlements and creating alternative systems. It seemed that geopolitics, the enormous US debt, and the efforts of the BRICS were about to destroy the dollar. But in 2026, a somewhat different picture is unfolding. Instead of the dollar's decline, it is showing its strength and even, I would say, resilience. The old economic rules are ceasing to apply, and reality diverges greatly from the grandiose pronouncements. First, despite all the politicians' talk about the dollar's demise and the creation of alternatives, real businesses continue to choose the dollar.

[imthegreat]

Everyone keeps saying that American hegemony is ending. Countries are switching to their own currencies for settlements and creating alternative systems. It seemed that geopolitics, the enormous US debt, and the efforts of the BRICS were about to destroy the dollar. But in 2026, a somewhat different picture is unfolding. Instead of the dollar's decline, it is showing its strength and even, I would say, resilience. The old economic rules are ceasing to apply, and reality diverges greatly from the grandiose pronouncements. First, despite all the politicians' talk about the dollar's demise and the creation of alternatives, real businesses continue to choose the dollar.

And I'm so surprised – in March 2026, the dollar's share of international payments rose to a record 51%. The previous month, it was just over 49%. For the first time in history, the dollar surpassed the 50% mark. The euro is in second place. And then, far behind, come the pound and the yuan. Politicians say one thing, but money votes on facts, and we all see it. Secondly, the dollar isn't falling because the entire world continues to actively buy American assets. According to Deutsche Bank, net capital inflow into the US has reached a whopping $6.5 trillion. America is acting like a giant vacuum cleaner for global money. While investors are flocking to American stocks and technology, other major economies, well, perhaps with the exception of Norway, are attracting almost no capital.

[bubilas]

Everyone keeps saying that American hegemony is ending. Countries are switching to their own currencies for settlements and creating alternative systems. It seemed that geopolitics, the enormous US debt, and the efforts of the BRICS were about to destroy the dollar. But in 2026, a somewhat different picture is unfolding. Instead of the dollar's decline, it is showing its strength and even, I would say, resilience. The old economic rules are ceasing to apply, and reality diverges greatly from the grandiose pronouncements. First, despite all the politicians' talk about the dollar's demise and the creation of alternatives, real businesses continue to choose the dollar.

What's so surprising about that?
 The bottom line is simple: today, the dollar isn't just the Fed's currency, but a reflection of enormous demand for the American economy, especially technology. I think few would argue with this, given how the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq have risen. All this suggests that the dollar's exchange rate used to be highly dependent on interest rate differentials. If rates are higher in the US than in Europe, the dollar appreciates. But in 2026, again, this connection has clearly weakened. Now, the dollar reacts more to two factors: the performance of the US stock market (the S&P 500) and, more recently, oil prices. Why? Because the US has become a net exporter of energy, oil, and gas.

[summonerrk]

Everyone keeps saying that American hegemony is ending. Countries are switching to their own currencies for settlements and creating alternative systems. It seemed that geopolitics, the enormous US debt, and the efforts of the BRICS were about to destroy the dollar. But in 2026, a somewhat different picture is unfolding. Instead of the dollar's decline, it is showing its strength and even, I would say, resilience. The old economic rules are ceasing to apply, and reality diverges greatly from the grandiose pronouncements. First, despite all the politicians' talk about the dollar's demise and the creation of alternatives, real businesses continue to choose the dollar.

And I'm so surprised – in March 2026, the dollar's share of international payments rose to a record 51%. The previous month, it was just over 49%. For the first time in history, the dollar surpassed the 50% mark. The euro is in second place. And then, far behind, come the pound and the yuan. Politicians say one thing, but money votes on facts, and we all see it. Secondly, the dollar isn't falling because the entire world continues to actively buy American assets. According to Deutsche Bank, net capital inflow into the US has reached a whopping $6.5 trillion. America is acting like a giant vacuum cleaner for global money. While investors are flocking to American stocks and technology, other major economies, well, perhaps with the exception of Norway, are attracting almost no capital.

The dollar has once again proven itself to be a key safe-haven currency. People and countries flee to it in moments of fear, even though it should be weaker by calculation. In 2026, only two currencies strengthened significantly against the dollar. In 2026, the dollar is no longer simply a global currency for settlements. It has even become a hybrid superasset. It has remained a safe-haven asset during wars and crises. It has become an energy currency thanks to oil exports, and a tech currency thanks to the influx of trillions of dollars into US company stocks.
A record 51%, even slightly more in Swift, is not just a figure; it is proof that real money flows and business behavior will far outweigh the political rhetoric of de-dollarization.

[imthegreat]

A record 51%, even slightly more in Swift, is not just a figure; it is proof that real money flows and business behavior will far outweigh the political rhetoric of de-dollarization.

As long as the world continues to pour money into America in such volumes, talk of the end of the dollar remains mostly just talk. Of course, there's an overhang of problems. That's a huge debt. But then again, those buying the American currency couldn't care less. And the big headlines are just that. If the dollar is a workhorse, then that workhorse will soon have a new owner. Most likely, it will be Kevin Warsh, who faces virtually no obstacles to becoming the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Oh, guys, I'll probably never cease to be amazed at how a piece of paper, like dollars without gold backing, rules the world so well.

[adultcrypto]

Most people will say that the dollar is money, but the dollar is not real money. The dollar is a fiat currency, and fiat currencies are not real money.

I don't know what your reference is to conclude that fiat currencies are not real money but I beg to defer on this because anything that can be used for exchange is regarded as money. With fiat I can buy bitcoin, gold, real estate and every other asset, which means there is value attached to the fiat which was why the trade was accepted.

Fiat currencies are not money. They are actually debt.
Gold is money. Bitcoin is even better money than gold.Bitcoin is not like gold. It does not need usurers or money changers to store it for you.You do not need banks.

By literary definition of money, gold, bitcoin, and even the fiats qualify as money because they are all medium of exchange. While gold and bitcoin are better store value because of their restance to inflation compared to fiat, some dominant fiat currencies like the USD and CHF can still be regarded as store of value.

Austrian School of Economics makes sense. And once you understand money through that lens, it becomes clear why Bitcoin has the potential to replace all Fiat currencies.

There will never come a time when bitcoin will replace fiat currencies because bitcoin was not created to do so but to exist alongside the fiat system and let everyone chose which option they prefer. Bitcoin was created with the idea of freedom in mind and not an outright overhaul of the entire financial system. Remember that bitcoin will

[AprilioMP]

Fiat currencies are not money. They are actually debt.

Gold is money. Bitcoin is even better money than gold.Bitcoin is not like gold. It does not need usurers or money changers to store it for you.You do not need banks.

Fiat currency is just a piece of paper that can cause chaos.
The point you’ve raised here actually aligns with many conclusions drawn in numerous critical articles and books on the global economy.
The dollar and other fiat currencies are simply a business venture or project of major players. Looking at the history of global currency, paper money emerged as a result of political decisions to abandon the gold standard in the past, and it was established as the currency of the future.

[bitgolden]

Are we really going back to this? Doesn't feel like it would make sense to consider this chat could benefit anyone. Money is the thing that shows the value of your work, that is basically it, nothing more.

Whatever you are doing, you are getting paid exactly as much as what the market feels like your work is valued. If you are making more, then you are at a lucky situation, and if you are making less then you are at a unlucky situation instead. But that is generally what it is all about.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Everyone keeps saying that American hegemony is ending. Countries are switching to their own currencies for settlements and creating alternative systems. It seemed that geopolitics, the enormous US debt, and the efforts of the BRICS were about to destroy the dollar. But in 2026, a somewhat different picture is unfolding. Instead of the dollar's decline, it is showing its strength and even, I would say, resilience. The old economic rules are ceasing to apply, and reality diverges greatly from the grandiose pronouncements. First, despite all the politicians' talk about the dollar's demise and the creation of alternatives, real businesses continue to choose the dollar.

And I'm so surprised – in March 2026, the dollar's share of international payments rose to a record 51%. The previous month, it was just over 49%. For the first time in history, the dollar surpassed the 50% mark. The euro is in second place. And then, far behind, come the pound and the yuan. Politicians say one thing, but money votes on facts, and we all see it. Secondly, the dollar isn't falling because the entire world continues to actively buy American assets. According to Deutsche Bank, net capital inflow into the US has reached a whopping $6.5 trillion. America is acting like a giant vacuum cleaner for global money. While investors are flocking to American stocks and technology, other major economies, well, perhaps with the exception of Norway, are attracting almost no capital.

The truth is that the dedollarization process is underway and the position of the USD is more threatened than ever, and US is fully aware of this

It is no coincidence that under Trump, they caused global instability. From the trade war to their seizure of Venezuelan oil and the conflict in the Middle East. All of this has a reason and purpose: to force the world to return to relying on the USD as a safe haven

When risk rise, money will flow to the most liquid asset, the largest capital market and the strongest reserve currencies. The USD possesses all those qualities.

The more unstable the world become, the better it is for the US, because they can export inflation and draw money back into the country. This is what they have done for decades to maintain their superpower status.

[SquallLeonhart]

Everything that has financial important and can be used to exchange goods or services can be considered as money. I might accept the fact that fiat is not actual money but just an agreement bearing the amount. But still, we can use fiat without actually knowing the main reason in exchange for goods and services. I think that is what gives monetary importance to fiat and people now consider fiat as money. In fact, most of the population only knows fiat as a valid form of money as they have not seen any other financial asset excluding gold.

Bitcoins are completely digital so I think it might not meet the characteristics behind money. Gold can be a good example here. Gold is the real money and have been used since ages.

[Bitcoin.com97]

Don't try to confuse people about what money is. Money can't change from what we know it to be as a medium of exchange for goods and services.

Refused to have it and see whether you can be able to trade any single thing with it, even Bitcoin and gold you think of, you need money to buy them. You won't get them for free as their increase and decrease depends on how we transact with them with our money.

Exactly, without money nothing can be done , if you don’t have money there is no way you can acquire or purchase anything, even the Bitcoin, money is what we used in accumulating it , we have known and been thought since in school, coming now to misinterpret it , many will still adhere to it, money is what is been paid in exchanges of service and valued , this simply means it is earned.

[justdimin]

In my opinion, that will never happen. The government will never allow bitcoin, or any currency not created and controlled by them to replace their fiat.

Even if Bitcoin were the only real money. We need to understand that the use of decentralized currencies would not bring as many benefit to the economy as we might think. It will do more harm than good to the economy. Therefore, do not expect it to happen, and it also has no chance of happening.

Bitcoin was created as an alternative, not a replacement.

They will not allow that unless the leader or the president has been open and their minds have been cleared and optimistic to what Bitcoin can offer to their country. We've seen it happen but looking at most countries to do that and make bitcoin as their legal tender has a very low chance. But let's look at that chance, for as long as there is a chance even it's the tiniest that it can ever be. We've seen it happen and so, others might change their minds and will use bitcoin as an alternative currency and apply it as a legal tender.

I can only imagine of times when bitcoins are considered as a legal tender for payments. It is not like the countries have not considered this instead, we have seen this being implied in a few regions. It is not bitcoins that these countries are looking for now but it is the technology that they want to integrate in order to make the economy seamless. Countries can't really accept bitcoins as a legal tender due to the negative sides but they can surely launch their own coin to support national payments which will make things way easier.

Chances are pretty slim but yes, there is still a probability. I would not bet against bitcoins but to be honest, I think bitcoins do not really cater whole world and might have a few limitations while being considered as a legal tender.

[abhiseshakana]

Are we really going back to this? Doesn't feel like it would make sense to consider this chat could benefit anyone. Money is the thing that shows the value of your work, that is basically it, nothing more.

Whatever you are doing, you are getting paid exactly as much as what the market feels like your work is valued. If you are making more, then you are at a lucky situation, and if you are making less then you are at a unlucky situation instead. But that is generally what it is all about.

I think money isn't just media to receive wages/salary, but its also tools for carrying fruits of labour for the future. Beside as measure for labour value, money also has function as medium of exchange, store of value and unit of account, with money we can do transaction without barter, what we produce today can be enjoyed tomorrow and we can make price comparation. Based on my observation, wages influenced by many factor not only because market see morality or social contribution, such as bargaining power, regulation, capital access, monopoly and geography position, so it is not always fair and objective.

Many people now more aware not only about how much does the market value our work? but also in what form is the value of that work stored? Simple example imagine two people working and do saving for their fruitfull future, one save in a currency with inflation and  other save on a scarcer assrt with equivalent value after few years  the nominal amount maybe same but the remaining value of the work will be very different.

[Churchillvv]

Don't try to confuse people about what money is. Money can't change from what we know it to be as a medium of exchange for goods and services.

Refused to have it and see whether you can be able to trade any single thing with it, even Bitcoin and gold you think of, you need money to buy them. You won't get them for free as their increase and decrease depends on how we transact with them with our money.

Exactly, without money nothing can be done , if you don’t have money there is no way you can acquire or purchase anything, even the Bitcoin, money is what we used in accumulating it , we have known and been thought since in school, coming now to misinterpret it , many will still adhere to it, money is what is been paid in exchanges of service and valued , this simply means it is earned.

Money sometimes does not come in cash but value or credit, of course money is everything but money at the same time is not what we see it for, someone’s identity can be money or credibility is a currency outside money, like the things you mentioned above, someone with a level of credibility can acquire all that without cash or any form of value exachange. For instance you can go to a Tesla dealer to give you a Tesla that you will pay in 5 days, because you don’t have credibility they will not give it out, but if you go in and get them on a call with Jeff or bill gates and he assures in other words gives you his credibility you can get the Tesla car without paying. Now if applies everywhere, so sometimes money doesn’t just come in cash or valuable assets but credibility is also money.

[dezoel]

Fiat has been "money" since gold standard ended. Sure back in the day , a "bank note" meant that you have certain amount of gold in the bank.

It literally started out that way, people didn't want to carry gold everywhere they go and in the end if you wanted to buy something big, instead of carrying a huge wagon of gold, why not just have a piece oof paper that transfers the ownership of the gold from one person to another person while the gold sits at the same place in the bank? That is what money used to be, nowadays, money is whatever you want it to be.

[Byebyebtc]

Well fait money is also money as well, anything that is accepted as a means of payment for goods and services
These your statements are exaggerated.

Gold and Bitcoin are also money as well Even as fait is.

[Findingnemo]

Well fait money is also money as well, anything that is accepted as a means of payment for goods and services
These your statements are exaggerated.

Gold and Bitcoin are also money as well Even as fait is.

It is fiat, not fait, and yeah, OP is exaggerating and even misleading by saying it is a scam but no that is not the fact. You can use that paper to buy anything that you want, which is the real fact.

But the problem is the whole system is working based on trust, do they have the actual value or just this paper alone and it is evident that fiat lost the golden standards, thus making the value to be inflationary.

[Nanga Parbat]

Money is a certificate that allow you to buy things. Or it is a bridge from your need to your dreams. For me money has vast meaning. A tool by which you can get your need or reward of your efforts. Or it is something that determined your value or standard in the society. As oxygen is compulsory for our breathing same it is required for our survival in today's world.Its not compulsory that it's only paper money. It can be your assets or can be any digital currency or it's shape can be changed. But it should be acceptable officially or globally. As the advancement take place in every fields, so may be future will introduce us something new in the name of money. The money we used for trade may be appear as something new or fully changed. That would be more secure or more frequent

[Fiasem20]

Money can be seen as a medium by which payment is been made and also a store of value.Fiat can’t be totally excluded from this picture no matter if it isn’t under our control as individuals.Ofcourse yes the government has absolutely control over the national currency,that’s why they could easily manipulate the economy/currency.Bitcoin which is also a medium of exchange can be referred to as “money”,although majority of enthusiasts have chosen the path of storing it’s value in the nearest future.In my own perspective,whatever asset that serves as a medium of payment without even been a legal tender is “money”.