Bitcoin Q&A: Block height, syncing, and validation

What is the purpose of the getblock command? Why would you need to know the block height? How do I see the balances of other addresses? Why can't we download a pre-synced copy of the blockchain without validating?
These questions are from the February monthly subscriber session and the fifth session of MOOC 11, which took place on February 23rd and March 1st 2019. If you want early-access to talks and a chance to participate in the monthly live Q&As with Andreas, become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/aantonop
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Andreas M. Antonopoulos is a technologist and serial entrepreneur who has become one of the most well-known and respected figures in Bitcoin. He is the author of “Mastering Bitcoin,” “The Internet of Money" series, and "Mastering Ethereum."
Follow on Twitter: @aantonop https://twitter.com/aantonop
Website: https://antonopoulos.com/
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MASTERING BITCOIN, 2nd Edition: https://amzn.to/2xcdsY9
Translations of MASTERING BITCOIN: https://bitcoinbook.info/translations...
THE INTERNET OF MONEY, v1: https://amzn.to/2ykmXFs
THE INTERNET OF MONEY, v2: https://amzn.to/2IIG5BJ
Translations of THE INTERNET OF MONEY:
Spanish, 'Internet del Dinero' (v1) - https://amzn.to/2yoaTTq
German, 'Das Internet des Geldes' (v1) - https://amzn.to/2LEiyqO
German, 'Das Internet des Geldes' (v2) - https://amzn.to/2VCzse5
French, 'L'internet de l'argent' (v1) - https://www.amazon.fr/Linternet-large...
Russian, 'Интернет денег' (v1) - https://www.olbuss.ru/catalog/ekonomi...
Vietnamese, 'Internet Của Tiền Tệ' (v1) - https://alphabooks.vn/khi-tien-len-mang
MASTERING ETHEREUM: https://amzn.to/2xdxmlK
Music: "Unbounded" by Orfan (https://www.facebook.com/Orfan/)
Outro Graphics: Phneep (http://www.phneep.com/)
Outro Art: Rock Barcellos (http://www.rockincomics.com.br/)
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