Quinn Friedman

Jean-Léon Gérôme’s 1872 painting Pollice Verso depicting the passing of judgement on a fallen gladiator through the downturned thumb. Note that this painting is subject to great historical debate, with some scholars claiming that the closed fist signalled life and an upward thumb death. Beyond specifics, the policy remains true—and imagery powerful. In ancient Rome, as the triumphant gladiator towered over his defeated opponent, the colosseum would turn its gaze to the emperor and his...

Stablecoin issuer Circle’s United States Digital Coin (USDC) stacked high, reflecting the growing market for stablecoins following the passage of the GENIUS Act. In June 2025, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took to X, proclaiming that the GENIUS Act, the first federal framework for stablecoins, “could grow [stablecoins] into a $3.7 trillion market by the end of the decade.” That same month, a New York Times opinion piece appeared under the headline: “The Genius Act Will Bring Economic...