4 ms·

Time-preference (and therefore a non-zero interest rate) is an inherent feature of being a human being, for the simple reason that we all have a limited amount

by ef4 14y ago

Time-preference (and therefore a non-zero interest rate) is an inherent feature of being a human being, for the simple reason that we all have a limited amount of time to live. Present goods really are worth more than future goods, and interest is just a reflection of that difference. Anybody who really "value[s] present and future holdings equally" is advised to try eating next year's crops this year.

maaku 14y ago
But that is precisely the point - we each have our own time preferences. I'd rather have 1 apple a day for 1,000 days than 1,000 right now, but if I was a baker making apple pie, I don't know what I would do with just one fresh apple a day. However both inflationary (USD) and deflationary (BTC) currencies force an external influence on our time valuations. With inflation I'd rather buy things now if possible because the price could go up at any time, whereas deflation results in the opposite: exchanges are delayed as you can get a better price in the future. Demurrage allows interest rates to drop to zero, which eliminates the influence monetary policy has on time preference, allowing me to be free to choose when and how much I buy without penalty.