This exchange highlights a fundamental tension in the philosophy behind Bitcoin: while they offer empowerment and financial freedom, they also enable individuals—regardless of their moral standing—to operate outside traditional systems of control.

The response captures the dilemma that comes with decentralization: the same tools that can liberate some can also be used by those we might find objectionable. It raises important questions about accountability and the ethical implications of a system that prioritizes freedom over oversight.

Your point about the “statist temptation” is also interesting. Many people feel a strong instinct to want to control or punish behaviours they deem unacceptable, and that’s a natural human impulse. It’s tough to reconcile that with the ideals of a fully decentralized system, where everyone has equal access to the benefits, regardless of their intentions.

Ultimately, it suggests that with freedom comes responsibility—and the challenge of navigating a world where our choices can empower anyone, for better or worse.

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." ~ Viktor E. Frankl

Witnessing the injustices in the world can indeed feel overwhelming, which is why it’s essential to focus on what we can control. While we can’t solve all the world’s problems, we can make a meaningful impact within our own spheres of influence. By taking small, purposeful actions—whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simple acts of kindness—we can cultivate a sense of purpose and progress. Thank you, nostr:npub1lr2zzf989mvf393y0tv39ara6a4vddkd6y87z784up9vl6ks6j3qtudl6a, for sharing your story and for reminding us that making a difference, no matter how small, is part of creating positive change.

One of the most impactful books I've read is Broken Money by nostr:npub1a2cww4kn9wqte4ry70vyfwqyqvpswksna27rtxd8vty6c74era8sdcw83a. I’ve lost track of how many of her interviews I’ve watched. Lyn is one of the most knowledgeable and insightful individuals in the field. I’ve learned an incredible amount from her, and I’m deeply grateful for her generosity in sharing her time and expertise. Her willingness to educate others, especially on topics like her macroeconomic outlook and Bitcoin, has been invaluable to my understanding of these subjects.

#Bitcoin, for me, is more than just a digital currency—it's an expression of personal freedom, an extension of my values and identity. My journey in Bitcoin is a constant reminder of the profound importance of the choices we make each day, and how those choices shape our path toward self-sovereignty.

Choosing Bitcoin is not just a financial decision; it’s a conscious stand for freedom. It's a deliberate rejection of systems of centralized control, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and where economic manipulation is a daily reality. For the first time, I find myself in possession of money that is immune to devaluation by governments, shielded from the whims of policy-makers, and resistant to the inflationary forces that erode wealth over time. This, in itself, is an incredibly empowering realization.

What’s most liberating is the internalization of the fact that freedom is a choice we make every day. Beyond just financial decisions, I recognize that I am free to choose my thoughts, my friends, my values, and how I respond to the world around me. I am free to decide where I focus my energy and attention, and how I cultivate my mindset. This shift in perspective, from viewing freedom as something given to understanding it as something I can actively claim, has been transformative.

While the value of a house increased by 50%, the value of #Bitcoin increased by 15000%.