Bitcoin: The first entropy-reducing life form to solve the Byzantine Fault.

The Proof of Work mechanism proposed by Satoshi Nakamoto is the first true solution to the long-standing consensus problem known as the Byzantine Fault in human history.

The Byzantine Fault can be simplified as: how to reach a consensus action among a group of generals from different backgrounds and with different goals, especially in cases where some generals may betray. The essence of this problem is to establish order amidst chaos, that is, to achieve Consensus.

From a thermodynamic perspective, this is a process of entropy reduction, moving from disorder to order. The PoW mechanism achieves network consensus by incentivizing miners to participate in the computational power competition, thereby solving the consensus problem among nodes. This consensus mechanism is known as Byzantine Fault Tolerance.

The Proof of Work mechanism creates a continuously growing entropy reduction system. In the universe, most things follow the law of increasing entropy, ultimately leading to heat death. But life is an exception; it forms order and achieves entropy reduction by digesting negative entropy.

From this perspective, the Bitcoin system is essentially a constantly growing organism. It sustains its growth by absorbing global computing power through mechanical Consensus. In this system, BTC is just a reward symbol that drives its growth, rather than the entirety of the system.

Bitcoin, as an independent entity, possesses not only autonomy but also sociality. It can utilize its life energy to serve purposes beyond the Bitcoin system, just as individual lives collaborate with others in society to create greater value.

In the past, many people equated BTC with the entire Bitcoin network, a perception that is limited. After 16 years of development, Bitcoin continues to grow, while most so-called blockchain projects that imitate Bitcoin are already or are in the process of declining.

After Ethereum transitioned to a Proof of Stake mechanism, it abandoned the evolutionary system that sustained its growth by absorbing global computing power, instead relying on ETH staking rates to create Consensus. This mechanism may have limitations, which could be a deep-seated reason for Ethereum gradually falling behind Bitcoin.

These phenomena prompt us to rethink the essence of Bitcoin: as a living entity driven by mechanical consensus, how does it continue to exert its social value in human digital civilization? How can this living entity better integrate with human society and unleash greater life energy?

This could be a more meaningful exploration and entrepreneurial direction for the next phase in the field of cryptocurrency.