I would include coffee as an added commodity above cigarettes and sardines. The human being can withstand going with our cigs and sardines but not coffee.
Just wanted to say I quit coffee cold turkey last year - and life is better without that crutch. More money, less stress and nerves, and profoundly better sleep. Took a few weeks to get used to life without caffeine, but everything seems more level now. I can see more clearly. If that makes sense.
Excellent article, I would like to add the following thoughts. I used perplexity to help me write this, however, I prompted all the ideas in it. I have shared these ideas for quite some time with family and friends. It was nice to read an article with similar thoughts to mine
The Coinage Act of 1792 established the foundation for the United States monetary system, with a particularly striking provision: the death penalty for debasing the currency[1][6]. This severe punishment reflects a profound understanding of money's role in society and its intrinsic connection to human labor and value.
## The Sanctity of Currency
The founders recognized that money represents more than just a medium of exchange; it embodies the stored energy, time, and effort of individuals[7]. When someone works, they exchange their finite resources - their life force, essentially - for compensation. This compensation, often in the form of money, becomes a tangible representation of their labor.
## Stored Human Potential
Money that isn't immediately spent on necessities like food, shelter, and clothing becomes savings - a reservoir of human potential. It's not just paper or metal; it's a crystallization of human endeavor, creativity, and sacrifice. By protecting the integrity of currency so fiercely, the founders were safeguarding the very essence of human productivity and aspiration.
## Debasement as a Violation of Human Dignity
To debase currency is to dilute its value, effectively stealing from everyone who holds that currency. In the context of money as stored human energy, debasement becomes a profound violation. It's not just financial fraud; it's an assault on the dignity and worth of every individual who has exchanged their irreplaceable time and effort for that currency[5].
## A Matter of Life and Death
The founders' decision to make debasement a capital offense sends a powerful message: if you devalue money, you devalue human life itself[3]. This perspective frames currency debasement not as a mere financial crime, but as an existential threat to the social fabric and the individual's right to the fruits of their labor.
## Modern Implications
While we no longer apply such drastic punishments, the principle behind this law remains relevant. In our current era of fiat currencies and complex financial systems, the debasement of currency through inflation or other means still represents a subtle but significant erosion of human value and potential[3]. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of our monetary systems as a fundamental aspect of preserving human dignity and the social contract.
In essence, the Coinage Act of 1792's death penalty clause for debasement was a powerful affirmation of the intrinsic value of human labor and the sacred trust placed in the monetary system to faithfully represent that value. It serves as a stark reminder of the profound relationship between currency, human effort, and the very foundations of a just and prosperous society.
I would include coffee as an added commodity above cigarettes and sardines. The human being can withstand going with our cigs and sardines but not coffee.
Just wanted to say I quit coffee cold turkey last year - and life is better without that crutch. More money, less stress and nerves, and profoundly better sleep. Took a few weeks to get used to life without caffeine, but everything seems more level now. I can see more clearly. If that makes sense.
Excellent article, I would like to add the following thoughts. I used perplexity to help me write this, however, I prompted all the ideas in it. I have shared these ideas for quite some time with family and friends. It was nice to read an article with similar thoughts to mine
The Coinage Act of 1792 established the foundation for the United States monetary system, with a particularly striking provision: the death penalty for debasing the currency[1][6]. This severe punishment reflects a profound understanding of money's role in society and its intrinsic connection to human labor and value.
## The Sanctity of Currency
The founders recognized that money represents more than just a medium of exchange; it embodies the stored energy, time, and effort of individuals[7]. When someone works, they exchange their finite resources - their life force, essentially - for compensation. This compensation, often in the form of money, becomes a tangible representation of their labor.
## Stored Human Potential
Money that isn't immediately spent on necessities like food, shelter, and clothing becomes savings - a reservoir of human potential. It's not just paper or metal; it's a crystallization of human endeavor, creativity, and sacrifice. By protecting the integrity of currency so fiercely, the founders were safeguarding the very essence of human productivity and aspiration.
## Debasement as a Violation of Human Dignity
To debase currency is to dilute its value, effectively stealing from everyone who holds that currency. In the context of money as stored human energy, debasement becomes a profound violation. It's not just financial fraud; it's an assault on the dignity and worth of every individual who has exchanged their irreplaceable time and effort for that currency[5].
## A Matter of Life and Death
The founders' decision to make debasement a capital offense sends a powerful message: if you devalue money, you devalue human life itself[3]. This perspective frames currency debasement not as a mere financial crime, but as an existential threat to the social fabric and the individual's right to the fruits of their labor.
## Modern Implications
While we no longer apply such drastic punishments, the principle behind this law remains relevant. In our current era of fiat currencies and complex financial systems, the debasement of currency through inflation or other means still represents a subtle but significant erosion of human value and potential[3]. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of our monetary systems as a fundamental aspect of preserving human dignity and the social contract.
In essence, the Coinage Act of 1792's death penalty clause for debasement was a powerful affirmation of the intrinsic value of human labor and the sacred trust placed in the monetary system to faithfully represent that value. It serves as a stark reminder of the profound relationship between currency, human effort, and the very foundations of a just and prosperous society.
Citations:
[1] https://www.supermoney.com/encyclopedia/coinage-act-of-1792
[2] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/the-coinage-act-of-1972.asp
[3] https://www.schiffgold.com/commentaries/happy-50th-birthday-to-junk-silver
[4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/briandomitrovic/2025/02/08/the-coinage-act-of-1792-and-monetary-policy-today/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debasement
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coinage_Act_of_1792
[7] https://encyclopedia-of-money.blogspot.com/2010/01/coinage-act-of-1792-united-states.html
[8] https://www.usmint.gov/learn/history/historical-documents/coinage-act-of-april-2-1792