When I reflect on my years in prison, I often think about the systems and barriers that block people from progress. In a society that claims to value human rights, the way our prison system denies access to education, communication, and tools for self-betterment feels like a contradiction. While I made it my mission to learn and adapt during my time inside, the system isolated all people in prison from many transformative changes taking place in the world—particularly in technology. One such change was the revolutionary idea introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto through Bitcoin.
It wasn’t until more than a decade after my release that I discovered Nakamoto’s Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System. This white paper outlined a new concept of money, offering an alternative to the traditional systems of currency and finance. As I studied it, I became a fan—not just of Bitcoin, but of Nakamoto’s approach. His methodical steps toward introducing Bitcoin to the world mirrored the deliberate strategies I used to advocate for reform in America’s prison system. Both efforts required patience, persistence, and the willingness to challenge entrenched systems.
Understanding Satoshi’s White Paper
In 2008, under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin released a nine-page white paper that changed the financial world. The paper introduced a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, which would allow people to transfer value directly to one another without relying on intermediaries like banks or governments. This concept wasn’t entirely new—cryptographers and computer scientists had been exploring digital currencies for years—but Nakamoto solved a critical problem: how to create trust in a decentralized system.
The key innovation was the blockchain, a distributed ledger that records every transaction transparently and immutably. Using cryptography and a consensus mechanism called “proof-of-work,” Nakamoto ensured that the network was secure and resistant to manipulation. Each transaction is verified by a decentralized network of nodes, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend Bitcoin. This system not only democratized access to financial tools but also laid the groundwork for countless other applications beyond money.
What struck me about Nakamoto’s work was the clarity and simplicity of the white paper. In less than ten pages, he communicated a complex vision in terms that both experts and laypeople could begin to grasp. This approach reminded me of the need to simplify complex ideas when advocating for reform—whether in technology, finance, or criminal justice.
A Deliberate Introduction
Nakamoto’s path to introducing Bitcoin was as revolutionary as the technology itself. He didn’t launch Bitcoin with a marketing campaign or corporate backing. Instead, he shared his ideas with a small group of cryptographers and mathematicians in a cryptography mailing list. He invited them to review his white paper, challenge his ideas, and collaborate on the software that would become the Bitcoin network.
In 2009, Nakamoto released the first version of Bitcoin’s software, mining the “genesis block” and starting the blockchain. The first users were a handful of enthusiasts and technologists who saw its potential. For years, Bitcoin remained a niche project, used mostly in academic and technical circles. It wasn’t until much later, as its adoption grew, that it became the best-performing asset class of the past decade and a household name.
This measured, methodical approach offers a lesson for anyone attempting to introduce transformative change. By starting with a clear vision, testing it with experts, and slowly building momentum, Nakamoto ensured Bitcoin’s resilience. Each step reinforced trust and credibility, essential elements in challenging established systems.
Parallels with Prison Reform
In many ways, Nakamoto’s strategy mirrors the steps I took to advocate for prison reform. During my 26 years of incarceration, I wrote about my experiences and shared my ideas for change through books, articles, and conversations with anyone willing to listen. I focused first on small, meaningful actions—building credibility with those who believed in my vision. Like Nakamoto, I understood that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistent effort, a willingness to learn, and the courage to challenge the status quo.
Lessons for Reformers
Satoshi Nakamoto’s work teaches us that creating change, whether in technology or society, requires a deliberate and methodical approach:
- Start with a Clear Vision: Like Nakamoto’s white paper, articulate your ideas in a way that others can understand and support.
- Collaborate with Experts: Seek out those who can challenge and refine your ideas before presenting them to a wider audience.
- Be Patient: Change takes time. Focus on building trust and credibility in the early stages.
- Anticipate Resistance: Expect challenges and setbacks, but remain committed to your vision.
By following these principles, anyone can work toward meaningful reform—even in the most entrenched systems.
A Question for Reflection
Satoshi Nakamoto’s approach to Bitcoin was methodical and deliberate, starting with a clear idea and building trust step by step.
- What steps can you take today to introduce a transformative change in your own life or community?
- How can you prepare for resistance and remain committed to your vision?
