# 151 - Why Are We Here? with Erik Voorhees

*Author: Ryan Sean Adams, David Hoffman*
*Published: Jan 2, 2023*
*Source: https://www.bankless.com/151-why-are-we-here-with-erik-voorhees*

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In this episode we talk about his legendary debate with SBF—this is the first time we’ve caught up with him since. What are his reflections now? We also dive into how this bull/bear cycle is similar and different from previous ones, how do we preserve crypto’s core principles, and most importantly—why are we here? Why crypto? Why now? Why stay?

Erik doesn’t waste a word in this episode. Happy New Year everyone. Let’s keep building.

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### TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro

6:17 Where Did Crypto Go Wrong?

8:43 Crypto Labels 

12:30  Responsibility 

14:26  Accountability 

18:19 FTX Collapse From Erik’s POV

24:05 SBF’s Headspace

28:45 Potential Alternative Realities 

30:50 SBF’s D.C. Relationship

34:47 Was this Cycle Unique? 

38:58 Lessons From Past Cycles

43:36 Learning Through the Pain?

48:33 Why is Individual Empowerment Correct? 

50:20 Coordination & Order 

54:26 Power 

1:02:22 The U.S. Constitution 

1:07:13 Code Enforcement

1:08:07 Why Are We Here?

1:09:49 Baked-In Crypto Principles 

1:13:03 Perserving Core Crypto Values 

1:16:48 Is Erik Radical? 

1:21:44 Will Crypto Ever Go Mainstream?

1:25:53 Cycle Common Denominators

1:28:19 Bear Market Advice

1:29:31 Erik’s Bull Market Forcast 

1:32:00 Action Items & Disclaimers

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#### RESOURCES
- [SBF vs Erik Voorhees episode](https://youtu.be/Ytaa_5liwMA)
- A Response to SBF and Principled Crypto Regulation
[https://www.moneyandstate.com/blog/response-to-sbf](https://www.moneyandstate.com/blog/response-to-sbf)
- Sophistry and the Savior
[https://www.moneyandstate.com/blog/sophistry-and-the-savior](https://www.moneyandstate.com/blog/sophistry-and-the-savior)
- [24 - Exploring the Frontier | Erik Voorhees](https://youtu.be/rLsOHOvUOpM)
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