Hernán Marino is a software engineer, academic, and Bitcoin enthusiast from Argentina. In this episode, he delves into the impact of Bitcoin in Argentina and the local Bitcoin community. Hernan shares his personal journey with Bitcoin and his contributions to Bitcoin Core development, offering advice for aspiring contributors. The discussion also covers Bitcoin maximalism, the acceptance of cryptocurrencies in Argentina, and the challenges of using Bitcoin for payments due to high fees.

This episode was recorded in La Crypta in Buenos Aires, a week before Javier Milei won the presidential elections and during the last debate between the president-elect and Sergio Massa (November 12th 2023). Naturally, we talk a little bit about politics and make remarks about the reactions of fellow bitcoiners who watch the live debate outside of La Crypta.

Season 15 of the Bitcoin Takeover podcast is sponsored by Wasabi Wallet, Cryptosteel, Satochip, and IVPN!

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Introduction (00:00:47) Vlad Costea introduces Hernán Marino and sets the stage for the discussion about Bitcoin in Argentina.

Discovering Bitcoin (00:01:33) Hernán Marino shares his journey of discovering Bitcoin and the economic challenges in Argentina.

Bitcoin’s Utility in Argentina (00:04:46) Hernán discusses how Bitcoin is useful in Argentina due to economic instability and high inflation.

Bitcoin Community in Argentina (00:07:23) The strong and united Bitcoin community in Buenos Aires and the regular events and gatherings.

Hernán’s Contributions to Bitcoin Core (00:11:48) Hernán’s transition from being a user to contributing to Bitcoin Core and his experiences with code reviews.

Getting Started with Bitcoin Core Contributions (00:19:53) Hernán advises on how to start contributing to Bitcoin Core, including recommendations for resources and where to begin.

Challenges and Adoption of Bitcoin in Argentina (00:24:34) Discussion about the challenges of Bitcoin adoption in Argentina and the acceptance of alternative cryptocurrencies like USDT on Tron.

Orange Peeling Argentinians with Bitcoin (00:25:47) Hernán discusses introducing Bitcoin to Argentinians through stablecoins, self-custody, and the advantages of the US dollar.

Toxic vs. Non-toxic Bitcoin Maximalism (00:27:51) Hernán explains the differences between toxic and non-toxic Bitcoin maximalism and his evolving views on the concept.

The Evolution of Bitcoin Maximalism (00:34:26) Vlad delves into the origins of Bitcoin maximalism, its evolution, and the various dimensions and influences shaping the discourse.

Testing Ideas Outside of Bitcoin (00:39:19) Hernán and Vlad discuss the exploration of ideas outside of Bitcoin and the importance of testing new concepts in other blockchains.

Debating Ordinals and Open-mindedness (00:43:39) Hernán shares his evolving perspective on ordinals and the importance of being open-minded in the Bitcoin community.

Connect with Hernán (00:47:57) Vlad invites listeners to engage with Hernán on Twitter and learn more about his work on GitHub and other social networks.

 “We Argentinians understand inflation really well, and most of us who can save have always saved in US dollars because it’s a stronger currency than ours. When I discovered Bitcoin and its value, I fell in love first with the technological aspects and then with the economic aspects.”

Hernán Marino’s Insights from Argentina’s Bitcoin Community

Discovering Bitcoin in Argentina’s Economy

Hernán’s journey with Bitcoin began back in 2011, a time when the digital currency was still in its infancy. Like many, he initially overlooked Bitcoin, but as Argentina’s inflation soared, he recognized its potential as a solution to the country’s monetary woes. Hernán shared how Bitcoin has emerged as a beacon of hope for many Argentinians, offering a stable alternative to their rapidly depreciating local currency.

The Heart of the Bitcoin Community

Buenos Aires is not just Argentina’s capital; it’s also the heart of the country’s thriving Bitcoin community. Hernán highlighted the regular meetups and events that bring together enthusiasts and newcomers alike, fostering a space for education and promotion of Bitcoin’s use. It’s this sense of community and shared purpose that underscores the importance of Bitcoin in Argentina’s challenging economic landscape.

From Academia to Bitcoin Core Contributor

Our conversation took a personal turn as Hernán Marino recounted his transition from university professor to a dedicated contributor to Bitcoin Core. He opened up about the steep learning curve and the gratification that comes with code reviews and enhancing the Bitcoin network. His experiences serve as a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the development of this groundbreaking technology.

Advice for Aspiring Bitcoin Developers

As a host, I couldn’t help but admire the robust Bitcoin community in Argentina and was curious about Hernán’s advice for listeners eager to contribute to the Bitcoin project. He recommended invaluable resources like Chaincode Labs’ and “Mastering Bitcoin” by Andreas Antonopoulos. For beginners, Hernan suggested starting with Python to get a handle on Bitcoin’s codebase, a practical tip for those looking to dive into the technical side of Bitcoin.

The Payment Dilemma in Argentina

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Bitcoin, I expressed my disappointment regarding its limited use for payments in Argentina. Many businesses show a preference for USDT, Tron, or Binance, largely due to lower transaction fees. Hernán acknowledged this reality but remained optimistic about the growing Bitcoin community and the unique instances of BTC acceptance in some local shops.

Bitcoin Maximalism and the Crypto Ecosystem

Our dialogue ventured into the realm of Bitcoin maximalism within the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Hernán shared his perspective on the potential of Bitcoin as a payment method and its role in educating the public about decentralized currencies. We also tackled the concept of toxic maximalism, emphasizing the need for an open-minded and inclusive approach within the crypto community.

The Evolution of Bitcoin Maximalism

As we explored the nuances of Bitcoin maximalism, we discussed its evolution and the varying interpretations that have emerged over the years. The conversation reflected on the shifting dynamics within the Bitcoin community and the influence of prominent thought leaders.

Beyond Bitcoin: NFTs and Innovation

We touched on the significance of exploring new ideas and applications, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), while staying true to Bitcoin’s core principles. The emergence of NFTs and other innovations presents an opportunity to assess their potential impact on the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Prioritizing Privacy and Security

The episode also featured endorsements for Wasabi Wallet and Cryptosteel, emphasizing the critical importance of privacy and security in Bitcoin. These tools are essential for anyone looking to protect their digital assets and maintain financial sovereignty in an increasingly digital world.

Final Thoughts

Our comprehensive exploration of Bitcoin maximalism, the cryptocurrency adoption landscape, and the importance of an open dialogue within the crypto community generated a wealth of insights. It’s clear that the journey of Bitcoin and its community is one of constant evolution and growth. As we continue to navigate this complex and dynamic industry, it’s crucial to foster a deeper understanding and engage in critical thinking.

I hope this episode has captured the essence of our conversation and has provided you with valuable knowledge about the state of Bitcoin in Argentina and beyond. Join me again for more discussions on the Bitcoin Takeover Podcast, where I like to interview interesting people you won’t hear anywhere else!