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Final Capstone Challenge

Demonstrate your mastery by explaining Bitcoin from first principles. Choose your format, articulate your understanding, and earn your badge.

The Challenge

You've journeyed through 5 stages and 15 modules, building understanding from the laws of physics to the future of civilization. Now it's time to synthesize that knowledge and articulate why Bitcoin exists.

Your challenge: Explain Bitcoin to someone who has never heard of it—using only first principles.

Your Response Should Answer:

• Why does money need to be scarce?
• What happens when trust layers increase?
• How does Bitcoin prevent corruption?
• Why is proof-of-work necessary?
• What makes Bitcoin inevitable?

Guidelines

Start from first principles (energy, entropy, incentives)
Avoid technical jargon—explain concepts, not code
Connect ideas across stages (thermodynamics → game theory → emergence)
Make it understandable to someone with no Bitcoin knowledge
Show why Bitcoin must exist, not just how it works

Choose Your Format

Select the format that best suits your learning style. Each format requires demonstrating the same depth of understanding—just in different ways.

📝

Written Essay

30-45 minutes

Write a 1000-1500 word essay explaining Bitcoin from first principles. Perfect for those who think best through writing.

🎤

Video Explanation

5-10 minute video

Record yourself explaining Bitcoin to a friend. Use whiteboard, slides, or just talk. Great for verbal communicators.

🗣️

Teach-Back Session

10-15 minutes

Teach Bitcoin to someone who hasn't learned it yet. Record or document the conversation. Best for interactive learners.

Visual Diagram

45-60 minutes

Create an illustrated diagram connecting first principles to Bitcoin. Include annotations. Ideal for visual thinkers.

Earn Your Badge

Your capstone work demonstrates your level of mastery. Complete formats to unlock higher badge tiers.

🥉

Bronze: Foundational

Complete all 15 modules

🥈

Silver: Articulate

Bronze + Pass 1 capstone format

🥇

Gold: Principled Thinker

Silver + Pass 3 capstone formats

💎

Diamond: Original Insight

Gold + Contribute 1 original insight

Ready to Begin?

Take your time. The best explanations come from deep understanding, not rushed thinking. When you're ready, choose your format and begin your capstone challenge.

Tip: Review your Socratic question responses from each module. Your reflections contain the seeds of your capstone explanation.

Coming Soon: Submission portal with AI-assisted feedback and peer review. For now, complete your capstone work offline and save it—submission functionality will be added soon!

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