From Academia to Crypto Philosophy

Hu Yilin’s transition from teaching philosophy at Tsinghua University to becoming a vocal advocate for Bitcoin wasn’t just a career shift—it was a philosophical evolution. ‘I’ve always believed philosophy shouldn’t be compartmentalized,’ he explains over virtual coffee in his new Singapore home. ‘Bitcoin represents the most fundamental philosophical question of our time: what is real value?’

Singapore: The Boring Choice for Radical Thinkers

The contrast between Beijing’s intellectual intensity and Singapore’s ‘boring stability’ fascinates Hu. ‘For innovation? Maybe not ideal. For raising children during turbulent times? Perfect.’ His description of Singapore’s climate—’consistently hot like its politics’—reveals his characteristic dry humor about geopolitical realities.

Bitcoin as Philosophical Tool

Hu’s approach to cryptocurrency stems from his doctoral work on media philosophy. ‘When I saw Bitcoin crash in 2018, I realized: fiat currencies are the real virtual currencies.’ He draws parallels between Heidegger’s concept of ‘being’ and blockchain’s immutable ledger—both attempt to answer fundamental questions about existence and authenticity.

The Coming Monetary Reformation

‘The Federal Reserve changes interest rates with decimal points—that’s the true financial fantasy,’ Hu argues. His vision of Bitcoin replacing national currencies isn’t about technology but restoring what money should be: ‘neutral ground where all economic actors meet equally.’ He predicts demographic shifts will make Bitcoin’s fixed supply increasingly attractive as aging populations strain pension systems.

Crypto’s Cultural Paradox

Despite Bitcoin’s technical elegance, Hu acknowledges the irony that today’s crypto ecosystem thrives on memecoins and speculation. ‘It’s like Renaissance Florence funding cathedrals through gambling dens,’ he quips. Yet he sees value even in this chaos: ‘Every revolution needs both philosophers and street fighters.’

Advice for Navigating Web3

For newcomers, Hu offers characteristically simple guidance: ‘Buy what you believe in, use what you buy, and always ask why you’re doing it.’ In an age of financial abstraction, his call for intentionality feels refreshingly concrete.