A USEFUL GUIDE TO THE EVOLUTION, USE, AND FUTURE OF BITCOIN Economist Saifedean Ammous takes a look back at the fascinating history of money, from primitive systems of stones and shells as means of transaction to metals, coins, gold, and the modern financial system. He sheds light on the economic, social, cultural, and political benefits of sound money and proceeds to an in-depth examination of the first digital currency, bitcoin, and its role in the digital economy of the future.  He argues that bitcoin is not suitable for consumer microtransactions; instead, it emerges as a decentralized, politically neutral, free-market alternative to national central banks, with enormous significance for individual freedom and prosperity. The bitcoin standard is an important resource for anyone who wants to better understand the digital currency that dominates the market.