Now, let’s talk about Robin Hood, shall we? You know, the running boy in tights who rode through Sherwood Forest, robbing the rich to feed the poor? That’s a big story. But when you think about it, Robin Hood’s modus operandi was outdated. I mean, why steal from the rich when you can just create your own magic money and make the rich useless? Enter: Satoshi Nakamoto, the digital age’s answer to Robin Hood… without all the uncomfortable wardrobe choices.
Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with Satoshi, he (or he, or they, or maybe your nan—who knows?) is the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. And instead of sticking it to the man by robbing carts full of gold, Satoshi played the long game: they created a new financial system. One who is national, peer-to-peer who doesn’t trust any bank, government, or stocky sheriff who wants his cut. How’s that for 21st century development?
Here’s the best part: Satoshi didn’t steal from the rich. No no. It is very predictable. It’s so cliché. Instead, Satoshi “stole” them. You see, they could stick around for credit as the genius creator of Bitcoin—maybe even get a cameo in another Netflix documentary, complete with dramatic music and keyboard clicks. But they didn’t. As a modern-day hero with no interest in knighthood (or any “hood,” for that matter), Satoshi simply disappeared. He left behind the keys to the financial revolution and fed us faster than someone with bad Wi-Fi on a Zoom call.
And what’s even funnier? 1.1 million Bitcoin Satoshi mined in the early days are still sitting there. It doesn’t move. Untouched. Satoshi didn’t even cash out like some reality show contestant after winning a lifetime amount of anonymity. No. They just let the wealth accumulate as if it were the biggest in the world “Take a penny, leave a penny”. Talk about self-control—though, if we’re being honest, it’s the last resort, right? “Here’s a gazillion dollars. But you won’t have it, and I won’t get it either. Ha!”
Now, let’s talk about the Robin Hood analogy. Robin Hood, bless his heart, had the best of intentions, didn’t he? Steal from the angry, the greedy rich, give to the poor. What a guy. But have you ever tried to steal from the rich? They’re very good at sticking to their stuff—legal teams are devoted to it, in fact. So instead of playing that game, Satoshi created a program where everyone can participate—rich, poor, and that guy down the street who’s always trying to sell you “old” VHS tapes. And no one is the wiser who Satoshi is. The ultimate “one for all, and all for one” situation, without the faff of crossbows and happy men.
And that’s where Bitcoin comes in. It’s like Robin Hood’s treasure chest, but with a lot less horse riding and a lot more math. Instead of relying on big banks to tell you what you can and can’t do with your money (cheeky, right?), Bitcoin puts the power back in your hands. You don’t need permission. You don’t need a bank account. Heck, you don’t even need to wear green tights. (Although if you want to wear blue tights, go ahead—I’m not here to judge you. More.)
So, while Robin Hood ran around with a bow and arrow, Satoshi gave us all a digital sword. Sure, it’s invisible and works on blockchain technology rather than real coins, but it processes the nonsense of financial gatekeepers just the same. Want to send money to a spouse around the world without paying a middleman? Done. Do you want to get off the show where the rich get richer and we all just watch? Here is your ticket.
But the pièce de résistance, the true work of genius here? Satoshi didn’t wait for the applause. No book tours, no TED Talks, no Vanity Fair distribution. You just put down the microphone (or laptop, as it were) and disappeared into the digital night like a true unknown legend. Satoshi is the Robin Hood we deserve—and maybe didn’t even know we needed. The hero who created the financial revolution, did not take a single penny, he disappeared.
It’s the kind of modern Robin Hood story that gets you thinking: Why steal from the rich when you can steal from yourself—and let everyone see the loot?
Well played, Satoshi. Well played.
This article is a Take it. The views expressed are entirely those of the author and do not reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.