Bitcoin Book Club: The Deficit Myth

Join the Bitcoin District Book Club! We meet every month to explore new and exciting rabbit holes by reading books that are popular with bitcoiners.

Join us for a deep dive into The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy by Stephanie Kelton. In this session, we’ll explore one of the most controversial and influential economic ideas of the past decade—and what it means for government spending, inflation, taxation, and the future of money.

Kelton challenges the conventional view that governments must balance their budgets like households. Drawing on the principles of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), she argues that countries that issue their own currency are not constrained by tax revenue or borrowing in the same way individuals, businesses, or local governments are. Instead, the real limits on government spending are inflation and the availability of real-world resources.

We'll discuss the core claims of MMT, including whether deficits are actually harmful, why governments issue bonds, the role taxes play in the economy, and how policymakers should think about public investment. We'll also examine the major criticisms of MMT and consider how Kelton's ideas relate to Bitcoin, sound money, inflation, and fiscal policy.

Whether you view MMT as a revolutionary framework or a dangerous justification for endless money printing, The Deficit Myth provides one of the clearest explanations of the ideas shaping modern debates about deficits, inflation, and government spending.

For those interested in economics, monetary systems, public policy, and competing visions of how money works, this book offers a provocative challenge to many widely held assumptions.

Buy the book on Amazon

Event Notes:

* Discussion Starters: We'll kick things off with a few key questions around deficits, inflation, government spending, and Modern Monetary Theory, but feel free to bring your own perspectives.
* Future Reads: Let us know if you have recommendations for future book club selections! We'll add them to the list posted on our website.
* Afterwards: Feel free to join us at PubKey after the meeting to hang out, continue the conversation, and grab some food!

Getting There:

* 📍 Teaism – Penn Quarter
* 🔴🟢🟡 Gallery Place/Chinatown + 2 min walk
* Parking: Street & garage parking available nearby