Roy Sebag
Roy Sebag is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and investor, known for his keen insights in the fields of finance, precious metals, and technology. Born in Israel, he later moved to Canada, where he pursued his entrepreneurial ambitions. Sebag founded Goldmoney Inc., a company that revolutionized the way people invest in gold and precious metals, making it more accessible and secure for investors worldwide. His innovative approach combined traditional investment strategies with modern technology, earning him recognition as a forward-thinking leader in the financial sector. In addition to Goldmoney, Sebag has made significant contributions to the technology sector, particularly in blockchain and cryptocurrency. He is known for his deep understanding of the intersection between finance and technology, often sharing his thoughts and insights through various media outlets and speaking engagements. His investment philosophy focuses on value and sustainability, reflecting his belief in the long-term stability of tangible assets like gold. Sebag's career is marked by a continuous pursuit of innovation and excellence, making him a respected figure in both the finance and tech industries. His ability to foresee market trends and adapt to changing economic landscapes has positioned him as a thought leader and a trusted advisor in investment circles.
Books Mentioned on The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast #330 with Roy Sebag:
Book Title: The Natural Order of Money
Author: Roy Sebag
Book Title: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Author: Robert M. Pirsig
Book Title: The Language of Creation
Author: Matthieu Pageau
Book Title: Super Abundance
Author: Marian L Tupy & Gale L. Pooley
Jordan B. Peterson Podcast #330 with Roy Sebag: Exploring the Essence of Money with Roy Sebag
In episode 330 of the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, the host engages in a profound conversation with entrepreneur and thinker Roy Sebag. This dialogue delves into the intricate relationship between economics, nature, and the concept of money. Sebag, known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his book “The Natural Order of Money,” offers insights into how money can be understood through various lenses – psychological, biological, economic, sociological, and even theological.
The Intersection of Morality and Economics
The podcast begins with a philosophical inquiry into the connection between morality and economics. Sebag and Peterson discuss the idea that engaging morally with the natural world aligns with its rhythms, including the recognition of scarcity and the principles of nature. They suggest that ethical behavior is not just a spiritual endeavor but has practical economic implications. Sebag emphasizes that an ethical approach to economics aligns with nature’s laws, fostering a sustainable and productive economic environment.
The Journey of Roy Sebag: From Value Investing to Understanding Money
Roy Sebag shares his journey from being a value investor, influenced by Warren Buffett, to exploring deeper economic questions. His shift from abstract financial analysis to a focus on commodities like gold, silver, and copper marked a turning point. This transition was driven by his realization that understanding the economy required a grasp of the physical, natural elements at its core.
The Role of Commodities in Understanding Value
Sebag highlights the importance of commodities in understanding value. He explains that commodities like gold have intrinsic properties that make them a measure of other commodities, eventually leading to their use as money. This transition from abstract investments to tangible commodities like metals was crucial in Sebag’s exploration of the true nature of money and value.
Gold: The Exemplar of Monetary Value
A significant part of the discussion revolves around gold and its unique properties, making it an ideal standard for monetary value. Sebag argues that gold’s rarity, durability, and resistance to entropy make it a perfect embodiment of a monetary standard. He explains that civilizations have historically gravitated towards gold not just because of arbitrary social constructs but due to its intrinsic properties and natural rarity.
Delving Deeper into the Nature of Money
In the second part of episode 330 of the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Roy Sebag, an entrepreneur and author of “The Natural Order of Money,” continues to delve into complex economic concepts, discussing the intricacies of money, commodities, and the natural world. This conversation explores the philosophical and practical aspects of economic systems, emphasizing the importance of aligning them with nature’s laws.
The Intrinsic Value of Commodities and Gold
Sebag emphasizes the intrinsic value of commodities, particularly gold, due to their natural properties. He explains how gold’s rarity, durability, and resistance to entropy make it an ideal standard for monetary value. Gold is not just chosen due to social constructs; its intrinsic properties and natural scarcity make it an exemplar of monetary value.
The Flaws in Modern Economic Theories
The discussion critiques modern economic theories, highlighting how they have become detached from the natural world. Sebag argues that economics, once a branch of natural philosophy, has shifted towards abstract mathematics, losing its connection with reality. This detachment, he suggests, has led to economic systems that are unsustainable and disconnected from the rhythms of nature.
Money Rooted in Nature: A Sustainable Economic Foundation
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the idea that sustainable economic cooperation must be rooted in nature. Sebag contends that money, to be effective and sustainable, must have its foundation in the natural world, such as commodities like gold, which are inherently scarce and difficult to extract. This natural grounding, he asserts, is crucial for a stable and prosperous economic system.
Revisiting the Role of Agriculture and Real Economy
Sebag revisits the concept of the ‘real economy,’ stressing the importance of agriculture and production-based industries. He contrasts this with the ‘service economy,’ which he views as increasingly abstract and disconnected from the production of tangible, valuable goods. This shift, he argues, has led to economic systems that are less grounded in reality and more prone to instability.
Gold as the Apex of Monetary Systems
In the final part of episode 330 of the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Roy Sebag, the insightful entrepreneur and author, further expands on his theories presented in “The Natural Order of Money.” The conversation with Jordan Peterson reaches its zenith as they explore the profound implications of gold in the context of sustainable economic systems and ecological accountability.
Gold’s Unique Position in the Economy
Sebag articulates a compelling argument for gold being the perfect embodiment of a sustainable monetary standard. He posits that gold’s rarity, permanence, and resistance to entropy make it an ideal measure and reward in both generative and degenerative economic cycles. Unlike fiat currencies or other assets, gold represents a stable, intrinsic value, aligning the monetary system with the natural order.
Critiquing Modern Economic Practices
The dialogue critiques the current economic practices, emphasizing the problematic nature of fiat currencies and the detachment of modern economies from tangible, natural foundations. Sebag points out the adverse consequences of such detachment, including inflation, wealth inequality, and environmental degradation. He argues that a return to a gold standard could mitigate these issues by reinstating ecological accountability and natural balance in economic activities.
The Role of Gold in Sustainable Cooperation
A central theme in the discussion is the role of gold in promoting sustainable cooperation between people and nature. Sebag suggests that when money is rooted in a natural standard like gold, it ensures stability and sustainability, encouraging a harmonious relationship with the environment. This concept challenges contemporary notions of wealth and growth, advocating for a deeper understanding of prosperity beyond mere financial metrics.
Gold as a Mirror of Ecological Accountability
Sebag concludes by asserting that gold is not just a commodity or a financial asset; it is a reflection of ecological accountability. By grounding the monetary system in a substance intrinsically tied to the natural world, economies can operate in a way that respects and maintains ecological balance. This perspective offers a radical yet profound alternative to current economic paradigms, emphasizing the need for a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with money.
Conclusion: Rethinking the Foundations of Economic Systems
The final part of the podcast with Roy Sebag presents a thought-provoking vision of a monetary system aligned with the natural world. By advocating for gold as the cornerstone of this system, Sebag challenges conventional economic theories, urging a reevaluation of the foundations upon which modern economies are built. His insights offer a pathway towards a more sustainable, balanced, and ecologically responsible economic future.