The first block of a blockchain is called the genesis block. Think of a blockchain as a chain of boxes put one on top of each other. Each box has records of transactions in it. The first box in this chain is called the genesis block. You can trace every block that comes after this one back to the genesis one. The genesis block doesn’t point to anything, but all the other blocks do. It is permanent, giving everyone on that blockchain a common reference point they all agreed on.
There was a secret message in the genesis block of the Bitcoin Blockchain that said, “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.” Many people think this is a clear jab at government bailouts and a reference to the 2008 financial crisis. A lot of people think that the message shows why Bitcoin was made: to give people a way to do their banking without having to go through a bank.
For Bitcoin, the Genesis block is like a building’s cornerstone: it marks the starting point of the building, provides a solid foundation, and remains in place as long as the building stands.
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