As homeownership slips further out of reach and middle class Americans feel increasingly constrained, Natalie Brunell’s book Bitcoin Is for Everyone: Why Our Financial System Is Broken and Bitcoin Is the Solution provides a strong critique of our current financial system as well as an argument that cryptocurrencies could offer hope in terms of opportunity reclaiming. Pan Macmillan + Indigo.
Brunell opens her work from an overarching premise: that the American Dream isn’t working as promised. Tuition fees, unchecked inflation, housing costs skyrocketing and stagnant wages leave many feeling left behind or forgotten. She contends that at its heart lies a broken monetary system–fiat currency which erodes purchasing power while encouraging consumption over production, shortening time frames for individuals to reach financial independence and forcing individuals into ever shorter timelines of economic life. TradingView.
Brunell believes Bitcoin provides an alternative solution where traditional systems fail. With its hard-cap supply (21 million coins), decentralized network, and permissionless access, she believes Bitcoin offers more than just speculation – it provides economic empowerment, time horizon extension, and individual financial sovereignty for individuals. TrottView + 1
Personalisation of the Promise
Brunell does not view Bitcoin solely from a technological perspective. She highlights its impact on humans: families, individuals and communities whose futures have been diminished due to inflation and weak institutions. By taking control over their money back themselves and setting priorities away from “consume now” toward “invest for tomorrow”, she asserts. In Brunell’s words:
“Saving with Bitcoin (BTC) can encourage reduced time preference, enabling individuals to focus on building generational capital and strengthening communities.”
Brunell asserts a direct correlation between monetary policy and social outcomes and inflation: increased crime, weaker homeownership and worsened mental-health indicators are all consequences of fiat inflation; in contrast to Bitcoin which preserves value through creating space for innovation, craft, art and meaningful long-term investment. TRADINGVIEW
Brunell successfully positions Bitcoin not as the domain of hedge funds or tech bros, but as something accessible by anyone with a smartphone and basic knowledge of seed phrases – making its portability all the more appealing in times of crisis or displacement.
TradingView Her egalitarian view aligns perfectly with her larger message that the American Dream isn’t solely about wealth; rather, it should represent freedom, choice and the opportunity to build for one’s children. When money devalues, inflation, debt and default can destroy agency – something which cryptocurrency reinstates as an option.
Caveats & Considerations Brunell does not dismiss risk. She recognizes Bitcoin’s volatility, regulatory uncertainty and emerging financial infrastructure connections are risks readers should approach with an open mind and not reckless abandon. Her message of empowerment rather than recklessness stands out in this book and she positions Bitcoin as a tool rather than a panacea.
Considerations for the Future
The implications of this book are broad-reaching:
Policymakers: Reimagining our financial systems could help revive the American Dream.
Individuals: Diversification, long-term thinking and financial literacy have become ever more vitally important in the modern financial environment.
Bitcoin may change notions of sovereignty, value, and risk within broader economies.
Conclusion
Natalie Brunell provides an engrossing narrative in The Hijacking of the American Dream: Why Bitcoin Is for Everyone. Our financial system has become unsustainable, jeopardizing our dream, yet Bitcoin presents a way back to individual control and generational stewardship. Whether one embraces or remains cautious towards Bitcoin use, Brunell challenges readers to consider: what future are we saving towards today and how do we reach that future?
