point 1:
The wheel was, in fact, one of the first instances of a centralized structure replacing an inefficieint distributed structure.
The central "hub" of a wheel bears the load and the "edge condition" is the substantially reduced "rolling friction".
This is in contrast to ye old "distributed load" way of a zillion poor slaves pulling a load.
So as far as the "wheel" goes, VISA is a chariot, and Bitcoin is an army of slaves pulling a wheel-less load.
And in fact, the "facts", prove this. Almost 400 KWh per transaction, and that at the feeble rate of 7 tx/sec.
That is your "technological wonder".
point 2:
"Technological wonder[s]" of this time -- now -- are Machine Learning, CRISPR, etc. These are the "inventions" to pay attention to, not a thinly disguised play by private wealth to finally fully take out the national governments from the monetary system loop.
That CJW -- Crypto Justice Warriors -- like you fail to see this is the actual "wonder".