[rax0m]

Can one "own" a number?

A private key is simply a number < 2^256. Knowing the specific number gives control of the bitcoin.

Either one cannot really own bitcoin, or bitcoin has proven that knowing is owning.

[AndrewDucker]

Can one own a shape? Locks have shown that knowing the right shape can let you in any door, so either knowing a shape is access to a property, or locks don't really prevent access.

[maxerickson]

The capability to control something is not the same as the legitimate right to control something.

[dncornholio]

If knowing is owning then stealing becomes impossible, because bitcoin don't know who owns (knows) a key. You need a 3rd party.

[matt-attack]

> then stealing is impossible

Uh don’t forget that Big Media had altered the definition of stealing such that your statement is now wrong. Stealing (as in “don’t steal a movie”) no longer implies you’re depriving anyone of the thing you stole, and now just means you’ve made a copy of a thing someone owns.

[chii]

if you can just know the shape of a key to a lock, do you now own the contents of the thing being locked up?