The Rise of Permissionless Capital Markets and Historical Parallels to Speculation
Andrew Carnegie’s skepticism toward speculative ventures in the 1890s mirrors contemporary debates around permissionless capital markets. The industrial magnate dismissed Federal Steel as a manufacturer of stock certificates rather than steel—a critique that resonates with modern scrutiny of speculative assets.
While some monopolistic trusts in oil, sugar, and tobacco proved viable investments, others in rope and wallpaper collapsed under their own weight. This historical precedent underscores the importance of distinguishing between value creation and mere speculation—a lesson equally relevant to today’s crypto markets.