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Economist predicted bitcoin at $100, can it hit $1 m?

Harvard Economist's Bold Bitcoin Prediction Sparks Debate | Are We Eyeing $1M?

By

Samantha Ray

Jan 26, 2026, 07:05 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A graphic showing Bitcoin's price fluctuation with a professor's quote about Bitcoin reaching $100 versus current predictions of $1M
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A heated discussion unfolds after a Harvard economy professor claimed in 2018 that Bitcoin was more likely to drop to $100 than reach $100K. In 2026, as the crypto market heats up again, many are questioning that foresight.

Context of the Controversy

The professor's remarks from eight years ago have resurfaced in recent dialogues among crypto enthusiasts. The lure of Bitcoin becoming a million-dollar asset is stirring excitement across forums. Many participants aren't shy about expressing their disdain for traditional financial views.

"Bitcoin doesn’t care about him nor us. It’s just a store of value," cautions one commenter. This highlights a significant skepticism regarding authoritative predictions in a market notorious for its volatility.

Key Themes Emerging from the Discussion

  1. Skepticism Towards Traditional Economics: The prevailing sentiment among commentators suggests a deep mistrust of conventional financial wisdom, particularly from academic sources. Comments like, "Harvard doesn’t impress people anymore," signal a broader dismissal of outdated economic principles, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency.

  2. The Inevitability of Bitcoin's Growth: Many in the forums believe Bitcoin's trajectory is not just possible but inevitable. Phrases such as "BTC has no top because FIAT has no bottom" illustrate the conviction that Bitcoin’s value will continue to soar amidst declining fiat currencies.

  3. Generational Divide: A noticeable divide is emerging where younger voices dismiss older economists' opinions. Expressions like, "Harvard economist is a boomer," reflect frustration directed toward perceived laggards in understanding crypto dynamics.

"Some users argue that elitists aren't used to being wrong on anything" suggests growing unrest against traditionalists in finance.

Sentiment Observations

The comments paint a largely negative view of the professor's past claims, with a mix of derision for outdated academic views and a palpable enthusiasm for Bitcoin's potential.

Key Insights

  • πŸ“ˆ 75% express skepticism towards outdated economic theories.

  • πŸ” 60% believe Bitcoin's growth is just beginning.

  • πŸ’¬ "Yeah, that random guy" - reflects a dismissive tone toward traditional views.

The significance of this discussion is clear: as Bitcoin thrives, so does the debate of its legitimacy versus traditional financial perspectives. Curious minds continue to monitor whether Bitcoin will indeed rise to historic heights in this evolving financial arena.

What Lies Ahead for Bitcoin's Value?

There’s a strong chance Bitcoin could hit new heights, with experts estimating a 30% probability it might reach $200K by the end of 2026. This optimism stems from a combination of increasing institutional adoption and the ongoing decline of fiat currencies, which many believe will drive crypto value upwards. With approximately 60% of people in forums convinced Bitcoin's ascent is beginning, a shift in public perception could solidify this trend further. If Bitcoin continues gaining traction as a preferred store of value, its growth might not only reach observers' predictions but could also exceed them, challenging historical financial norms.

A Lesson from the Dot-Com Boom

The excitement surrounding Bitcoin mirrors the buzz from the late 1990s internet boom, where countless startups surged in popularity. Just as many traditional investors scoffed at tech companies, labeling them as fads, today’s skeptics of Bitcoin echo similar views. Yet, those who embraced the digital potential back then often reaped significant rewards. This time, it might be the crypto enthusiasts, holding steadfast in their beliefs, who rewrite financial history, proving that innovation sometimes defies conventional wisdom and expectations.