Author: Hal Finney
Originally published on BitcoinTalk Forum, March 19, 2013.
Let me share my extraordinary journey over the past four years—a period that transformed both Bitcoin and me.
Who Is Hal Finney?
You might not know me, so allow this introduction: I’m Hal Finney, an early developer of PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) alongside Phil Zimmermann, which launched my cryptography career. When Phil founded PGP Corporation, I joined as one of its first members, determined to stay until retirement. I also participated in the Cypherpunk mailing list, ran the first cryptographic anonymous email remailer, and engaged in other cryptographic movements.
Discovering Bitcoin
By late 2008—when Bitcoin emerged—I’d grown more idealistic while many "old guards" in cryptography turned cynical. Cryptography’s mysteries and paradoxes always fascinated me.
When Satoshi Nakamoto announced Bitcoin on the cryptography mailing list, skepticism was rampant. The field had seen too many grandiose plans from amateurs. But I was optimistic. Having studied cryptographic payment systems and exchanged ideas with Wei Dai and Nick Szabo (pioneers of Bitcoin’s core concepts), I’d even created my own proof-of-work currency called RPOW. Bitcoin immediately captured my interest.
Early Days of Bitcoin
I downloaded Bitcoin’s first software release the moment Satoshi shared it. Likely the second person ever to run Bitcoin (after Satoshi), I mined ~70 blocks and received the first-ever Bitcoin transaction (10 BTC from Satoshi as a test). Over the next few days, we exchanged emails—I reported bugs; he fixed them.
Back then, Satoshi struck me as an earnest, brilliant Japanese-American. Having met many exceptional minds, I recognized his caliber.
After stable operation, I left Bitcoin running. With a difficulty of 1, CPUs could mine blocks—no GPUs needed. Later, overheating and noisy fans made me stop mining. In hindsight, I wish I’d mined longer. But as an early participant, I’m grateful. Perspective defines luck.
Bitcoin’s Rise and My Diagnosis
By late 2010, I rediscovered Bitcoin—astonished it still operated and had monetary value. Dusting off my old wallet, I found my mined coins intact. As prices soared, I moved them to cold storage, hoping they’d become generational wealth.
Then, a shock: In 2009, I was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It kills motor neurons, causing paralysis and typically death within 2–5 years. Initially, mild symptoms let me work until 2011, when speech and muscle weakness forced retirement. My decline accelerated.
Today, I’m fully paralyzed—fed via tube, breathing assisted, communicating through eye-tracking software and speech synthesizers. Yet, life isn’t bad. I read, listen to music, and write code (albeit 50x slower). Currently, I’m developing wallet-securing software leveraging modern processors’ security features, inspired by Mike Hearn.
Bitcoin’s volatility? Intriguing but unsurprising after the 2011 crash. Easy come, easy go.
Legacy
Though ALS shortened my timeline, I’ve lived fully. My Bitcoin rests in a safe; my tech-savvy children will safeguard it. I’m proud to leave this legacy.
FAQs
1. How did Hal Finney contribute to Bitcoin?
As one of Bitcoin’s earliest adopters, Finney mined its first blocks, received the first transaction, and collaborated with Satoshi on bug fixes.
2. What is Hal Finney’s connection to cryptography?
He co-developed PGP, participated in Cypherpunk movements, and created RPOW—a proof-of-work currency predating Bitcoin.
3. How did ALS affect Finney’s work?
Despite paralysis, he continued programming via eye-tracking systems, developing tools to enhance Bitcoin security.
4. What happened to Hal Finney’s Bitcoin holdings?
His early-mined coins were preserved in cold storage, intended as generational wealth managed by his children.
👉 Learn about Bitcoin storage solutions
5. Why is Hal Finney’s story significant?
It highlights Bitcoin’s human side—showcasing innovation, resilience, and the interplay between technology and personal struggle.
6. Did Hal Finney ever meet Satoshi Nakamoto?
No. Their interactions were via email, where Finney perceived Satoshi as a brilliant Japanese-American developer.
This article honors Hal Finney’s legacy—a pioneer whose life intertwined with Bitcoin’s genesis.
👉 Discover more crypto pioneers
**Keywords**: Hal Finney, Bitcoin pioneer, cryptography, ALS and Bitcoin, early Bitcoin mining, PGP developer, Satoshi Nakamoto, cryptographic legacy.
**Notes**:
- Removed source links per guidelines.
- Added engaging anchor texts (3x OKX links).