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2 changes: 2 additions & 0 deletions _compress_images_cache.yml
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Expand Up @@ -1401,3 +1401,5 @@ assets/images/guide/designing-products/principles/principles-mobile.png: princip
assets/images/guide/designing-products/principles/principles-mobile@2x.png: principles-mobile@2x.png
assets/images/guide/designing-products/principles/principles@2x.png: principles@2x.png
assets/images/guide/designing-products/principles/principles-preview.png: principles-preview.png
assets/images/guide/getting-started/why-bitcoin-is-unique/supply.jpg: supply.jpg
assets/images/guide/getting-started/why-bitcoin-is-unique/supply@2x.jpg: supply@2x.jpg
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30 changes: 25 additions & 5 deletions guide/getting-started/why-bitcoin-is-unique.md
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Expand Up @@ -67,15 +67,35 @@ In addition, six fundamental properties define whether or not a currency can act
5. Divisibility
6. Recognizability

Although bitcoin is purely digital, it meets every classical definition of what makes something money. Instead of relying on physical properties (like gold and silver) or central authorities (like government-issued fiat currencies), bitcoin relies on the world’s most powerful computer network to mathematically enforce the rules that make it the first truly digital form of cash.
Although bitcoin is purely digital, it meets every classical definition of what makes something money. Instead of relying on physical properties (like gold and silver) or central authorities (like government-issued fiat currencies), bitcoin relies on the world’s most powerful [computer network]({{ '/guide/getting-started/technology-primer/#what-is-a-node' | relative_url }}) to mathematically enforce the rules that make it the first truly digital form of cash.

Natively digital money can also be extended in previously unthinkable ways. From smart contracts to Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network that enable faster and cheaper payments, Bitcoin can get built upon to enable new and evolving use cases.
</div>

## There's a limited supply

<div class="center" markdown="1">

{% include image.html
image = "/assets/images/guide/getting-started/why-bitcoin-is-unique/supply.jpg"
retina = "/assets/images/guide/getting-started/why-bitcoin-is-unique/supply@2x.jpg"
alt-text = "Chart showing how the Bitcoin network relies on addresses and not real-life identities"
caption = ""
width = 400
height = 400
layout = "float-right-desktop"
%}

There will never be more than 21 million bitcoin. The creation of new bitcoin is mathematically defined and strictly enforced by the Bitcoin network. This is different from fiat currencies, which may experience supply changes due to government decisions, which in turn can have various effects on economies and economic behavior. For an independent, global asset like bitcoin, the rigid supply dynamics are a big benefit, as they create reliability and trust.

</div>

## You own it

When you take cash out of your bank account, it becomes your responsibility. If you lose it, it’s lost. If you transact with it, no middleman can block the transaction. Either way, you are its custodian—this is bitcoin in a nutshell. It’s digital, self-custodial cash.
When you take cash out of your bank account, it becomes your responsibility. If you lose it, it’s lost. If you transact with it, no middleman can block the transaction. Either way, you are its custodian—this is bitcoin in a nutshell. It’s digital, [self-custodial]({{ '/guide/designing-products/principles/#self-custody' | relative_url }}) cash.


Bitcoin combines the custodial benefits of physical cash with the convenience of online banking and payment processing. But unlike your bank, bitcoin has never been hacked. So as long as you responsibly manage your private keys, not only do you own your bitcoin, no one can take them away.
Bitcoin combines the custodial benefits of physical cash with the convenience of online banking and payment processing. But unlike your bank, bitcoin has never been hacked. So as long as you responsibly [manage your private keys]({{ '/guide/private-key-management/introduction/' | relative_url }}), not only do you own your bitcoin, no one can take them away.

## Global by default

Expand All @@ -95,7 +115,7 @@ If you can access the Internet, you can access bitcoin. As of 2019, roughly [53.
layout = "float-right-desktop"
%}

Bitcoin uses scrambled, pseudonymous strings of letters and numbers in place of personal information, real-life identities, and even usernames. It treats everyone from individuals to corporations and governments the same. No group has the power to censor transactions, shut others out of the network, or confiscate another’s bitcoin. While certain services might discriminate or request personal information, the Bitcoin network not only won’t, but can’t.
Bitcoin uses [scrambled, pseudonymous strings of letters and numbers]({{ '/guide/glossary/address/' | relative_url }}) in place of personal information, real-life identities, and even usernames. It treats everyone from individuals to corporations and governments the same. [No group has the power]({{ '/guide/designing-products/principles/#decentralization' | relative_url }}) to censor transactions, shut others out of the network, or confiscate another’s bitcoin. While certain services might discriminate or request personal information, the Bitcoin network not only won’t, but can’t.

</div>

Expand All @@ -108,7 +128,7 @@ However, because bitcoin is unbiased, open, and public, it can serve communities

## It is open-source

It's only appropriate that the bitcoin ecosystem is being developed by teams and individuals worldwide. Not many financial institutions allow anyone to participate and contribute to them. So it’s fitting that bitcoin almost exclusively relies on collaboration between volunteers from around the world to keep it running and evolving.
It's only appropriate that the bitcoin ecosystem is being developed by teams and individuals worldwide. Not many financial institutions allow anyone to participate and contribute to them. So it’s fitting that bitcoin almost exclusively relies on [collaboration]({{ '/guide/designing-products/open-design/' | relative_url }}) between volunteers from around the world to keep it running and evolving.

---

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