My Friend, Satoshi?

Regarding the portrayal in the movie, let me tell you about the Len I knew, and why I also find it conceivable that he could have been Satoshi.

Justin Newton serves as the chief executive officer at Netki, a company specializing in identity verification solutions. This article has been reworked from a post originally shared on LinkedIn.

In the living room of history teacher Thomas Ruth at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, I encountered Len Sassaman. On that day, he was dressed casually with a wrinkled jacket and tie. At the time, Len was a junior student, while I, an alumnus working in data center business, had returned from my base in the San Francisco Bay Area for a prolonged weekend visit to Tom.

In another spot, I found myself seated in a chair. Not too far off, Len, a child often assisted by Tom – a mentor renowned for guiding kids with challenging backgrounds or social adjustments – sat on the couch. Similar to many others he helped, Len struggled with maintaining consistent eye contact and tended to undervalue his accomplishments.

Although Len, just 16 years old, demonstrated exceptional potential as a computer scientist, Tom proposed I assist him, acting as a mentor to guide Len through his initial steps in the field. Grateful for Tom’s support, it was an easy decision for me to accept. On our first meeting, we spent nearly three hours in Tom’s living room, sipping tea that packed the energy of Jolt Cola due to its high sugar and double caffeine content typically found in a regular teacup.

Reflecting on our previous chat, it strikes me that several points we touched upon seem remarkably similar to the characteristics often associated with Satoshi Nakamoto – the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. In hindsight, Len’s thoughts appear to align quite neatly with this enigmatic figure.

A mentor of mine once highlighted to me the cyclical relationship between technological advancements and historical events, and how groundbreaking innovations have the power to reshape societies and the world at large. I excitedly conveyed this insightful realization to Len: mastery in technology can serve as a potent force, if utilized effectively, capable of steering the world towards our desired trajectory.

At this pivotal moment in the conversation, Len transitioned from being quiet, timid, and reserved, into an individual filled with fervor and intense participation. Previously, he had navigated a world controlled by the popular crowd; however, discovering an opportunity to influence the future without needing center stage, led to a remarkable and swift transformation in his stance. His posture shifted from slouching to standing tall and leaning forward, while his eyes moved from cast down to wide open and fixed directly on me.

At this juncture, Tom leaned back in his seat, sporting a self-assured grin, occasionally rising to ensure Len and I were well supplied with his renowned ‘rocket fuel’ beverages to sustain our discussion. For several hours, we delved into the significance of free speech, internet anonymity, and dissemination of information. Our dialogue encompassed creating open-source software, encoding our beliefs in code, and crafting software capable of transforming the world, as well as foreseeing potential consequences.

The Silicon Valley Years

Following my relocation to Los Angeles for work at NetZero, an internet service provider, Len transitioned to San Francisco. I facilitated introductions between him and my friends within the North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG) and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), helping him connect with my professional circle as he navigated his own journey.

For approximately ten years afterward, we managed to keep in touch sporadically. Occasionally, we’d go weeks without speaking, and then I’d receive an email or text message saying something like, “Is there a chance we could talk?” with no explanation. Some of these conversations were brief discussions about career guidance as he was weighing job opportunities, or whether he should remain in a position that didn’t fully stimulate him. These talks were typically short because he sought someone trustworthy in the field to affirm his thoughts and perceptions.

In a manner reminiscent of chats held on Tom’s sofa, our extended discussions revolved around the merits of unrestricted and decentralized innovation. We spent considerable time delving into the significance of the platforms that enable individuals to construct without seeking approval, emphasizing their importance.

In our discussion, we pondered over the dilemma of whether it’s wiser to tolerate unscrupulous individuals acting unethically or to enable honest ones to act swiftly, despite potential delays from traditional organizations that prioritize caution.

In the end, we concurred that these networks ought to be entirely accessible, while regulations or controls should ideally be implemented at different levels, preferably through technology when feasible, and through laws when it’s an absolute requirement.

As a Bitcoin analyst, I find that the fundamental principle lying at the heart of this digital currency is arguably its most precious and resilient attribute.

Satoshi? Maybe

As an analyst examining the question of Len’s potential identity as Satoshi Nakamoto, I respectfully disagree with those who present logical arguments against this possibility. From my perspective, these individuals lack a comprehensive understanding of who Len truly is. Allow me to address some common counterpoints:

Some other points:

As a crypto investor, let me clarify: Neither Len nor I ever talked about Bitcoin, and it’s easy to understand why he might not want to discuss it with me or our circle of friends, if indeed he is Satoshi Nakamoto. However, I must admit that given his skills and persona, it’s plausible that he could have been the mysterious creator of Bitcoin. Yet, I remain uncertain because at the end of the day, I have no definitive proof that he was Satoshi Nakamoto.

Regardless, Len was an exceptional individual who truly deserved more than life seemed to offer him. His memory remains radiant within me.

Appreciate Carl Jay Pardini, a good friend from Len’s high school days, for his diligent review and fact-checking efforts on this article.

Important to Note: The opinions shared within this article belong solely to the writer, and they may not align with the views held by CoinDesk Inc., its proprietors, or associated parties.