Welcome to the ECO104 course!

● A mere 20% of people reside in societies deemed "democratically free." Yet, even within this privileged fraction, human rights violations are increasingly commonplace— from frozen bank accounts to censorship. The remaining 80% find themselves grappling with the encroachment of authoritarian rule. Just two decades ago, nearly half of the world's population enjoyed the most basic freedoms.

● 1.4 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, while countless others are restricted to limited banking services.

● By the end of 2022, nearly half the world faced double-digit inflation rates, eroding the value of hard-earned money. To put this in perspective, with an inflation rate of 10% over a decade, you would lose a staggering 65% of your purchasing power.

● And even without sustained periods of such inflation, the USD, arguably the strongest global currency, has witnessed a 96% loss of purchasing power over the last century.

These are some of the harsh truths of our global economic environment. Our financial systems fall woefully short of meeting the needs of the majority of the population. These systems perpetuate inequality, exclude many, and disempower billions of people globally.

If you find yourself burdened by the relentless pressures of rising prices or the lack of financial inclusion in our current system, if it's any consolation, know that you are not alone. These are the by-products of our present-day monetary system.

Despite our seemingly gloomy outlook, our focus with this course is not to fixate on the challenges of our present circumstances. Instead, we want to redirect our attention toward achieving liberation and financial empowerment.

That said, this course isn't solely for those facing rampant inflation or limited access to financial infrastructure or banking services. Whether you are already somewhat familiar with these issues or simply eager to expand your knowledge, this course is designed to benefit anyone looking to enhance their understanding and acquire the tools necessary to overcome these barriers and regain financial sovereignty.

With this in mind, our mission is to bring you up to the forefront of change in our current financial landscape, challenge the existing norms and offer alternative solutions. By delving into the history of money, demystifying Bitcoin, and exploring Tether and the world of stablecoins, we aim to inspire individuals to reimagine their financial future.

Module 1: The Price of Progress - A Closer Look at Our Financial System We begin our exploration by peering behind the curtains of our current financial system, where financial censorship, wealth inequality and inflation plague our daily lives. Through a brief history of money, we will look at how we found ourselves where we are, shedding light on some of the primary pain points we're all experiencing.

Module 2: Financial Liberation - An Introduction to Bitcoin This module will demystify Bitcoin, transcending the jargon to help you understand what differentiates Bitcoin from traditional fiat currencies. From how it works to how to use it, we guide you through the functionality and ways of interacting with Bitcoin.

Module 3: Stability Amidst Chaos - An Introduction to Tether & the World of Stablecoins In this module, we take a look under the hood of the leading stablecoin, Tether, exploring how this digital currency maintains its value and has the potential to give freedom to those facing an overbearing government, lack of financial services or rampant inflation.

Module 4: Overcoming Doubts - Debunking Common Misconceptions & Real-World Use Cases To finish, we will challenge the common misconceptions surrounding Bitcoin and stablecoins and offer real-world use cases of individuals who have already embraced and are benefiting from these technologies.

By the end of this course, you will not only have gained powerful knowledge and invaluable tools for navigating our complex financial landscape, but you will also better understand how Bitcoin and stablecoins, such as Tether, empower users by enabling them to opt into an alternative monetary system— one that prioritises the individual, giving anyone greater control of their financial situation. With this understanding, you will be better equipped to pursue financial freedom, personal empowerment, and liberation.

We are excited to have you join us on this journey into the depths of our monetary system.