Satoshi Nakamoto - It might make sense just to get some

It might make sense just to get some in case it catches on. If enough people think the same way, that becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

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Our take on this quote:

💡 The Seed of a Revolution: Bitcoin’s Value Lies in Collective Belief

Satoshi’s vision highlights the power of decentralized trust - if people believe in Bitcoin, it grows stronger and more valuable, becoming a movement fueled by individual conviction.

Relevance in modern times

1. Bitcoin as a global movement
   Satoshi’s quote perfectly encapsulates the journey of Bitcoin, from an obscure digital experiment in 2009 to a global phenomenon worth over a trillion dollars at its peak. Its value isn’t derived from traditional metrics like revenue or assets but from the belief of millions who see it as a better form of money.
    

2. The power of collective belief

   • Bitcoin demonstrates a psychological and economic truth: value is subjective and depends on shared trust. Gold, fiat currency, and even stocks rely on this same principle. Bitcoin simply takes it one step further, existing as a decentralized, purely digital asset free from government interference.
   • The self-fulfilling prophecy Satoshi describes has become a reality - each new adopter strengthens the Bitcoin network, increases its liquidity, and solidifies its role as "digital gold."
      

3. Hedging against uncertainty
   Satoshi’s advice - “just to get some in case it catches on” - resonates today as more institutions, corporations, nation states and individuals allocate small portions of their portfolios to Bitcoin. Even skeptics see it as a hedge against inflation, economic instability, or the collapse of fiat currencies. The belief that it might succeed drives adoption, creating a cycle that reinforces its success.
    

4. Mainstream acceptance
   Over time, Bitcoin has gone from a niche experiment to adoption by major corporations (e.g., Tesla, MicroStrategy), payment processors (e.g., PayPal), and even nations (e.g., El Salvador). Each new wave of adoption strengthens its legitimacy, making Satoshi's “self-fulfilling prophecy” all the more prescient.
    

Lessons for investors

1. Early adoption and risk management

   • Satoshi’s quote underscores the value of asymmetric bets - investing small amounts in revolutionary ideas that have the potential to reshape the world. The risk may be small, but the upside could be monumental, as seen with Bitcoin’s exponential rise.
   • Bitcoin offers an example of how being early to a trend, even with skepticism, can yield outsized rewards.
      

2. The role of belief in economics

   • All currencies, whether fiat, gold, or Bitcoin, ultimately rely on trust. Satoshi’s observation highlights that Bitcoin’s success lies not in a central authority but in the collective belief of its users. The decentralized nature of this trust makes it resilient to traditional economic and political forces.
      

3. Decentralization as a paradigm shift

   • Unlike fiat currency, which depends on central banks and governments, Bitcoin thrives on the faith of its decentralized network. This shift represents a new economic model where control is distributed, making it less prone to manipulation. Bitcoin represents an open monetary network, accessible to everybody. Users are free to send money across the world without restrictions and there's no central authority that can block your wallet like a bank account. 
      

Criticism and challenges

1. Skepticism from institutions
   Despite its growth, Bitcoin still faces criticism from traditional financial institutions and governments, which often frame it as speculative, risky, or even harmful due to energy consumption. Banks and centralized systems, which stand to lose the most from Bitcoin’s success, often perpetuate this narrative.
    

2. Volatility:

   Bitcoin’s price volatility is often cited as a barrier to mainstream adoption. While early adopters have been rewarded, many potential investors are wary of its dramatic price swings, which seem to contradict its role as a “store of value.”

3. Regulatory risks

   Governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate Bitcoin. From outright bans to taxation, the regulatory environment poses a challenge to Bitcoin’s adoption. However, these challenges often reinforce its narrative as an alternative to traditional systems.
    

Key applications to the economy

1. Store of value
   Bitcoin is often compared to gold due to its scarcity (only 21 million will ever exist) and its ability to act as a hedge against inflation. Satoshi’s vision of “just getting some” as insurance is increasingly embraced by those seeking to protect their wealth.
    

2. Financial sovereignty
   For people in countries with hyperinflation, unstable governments, or oppressive financial systems, Bitcoin represents a lifeline. Its decentralized nature allows users to store and transfer wealth without relying on intermediaries like banks.
    

3. Decentralized innovation
   Beyond Bitcoin, Satoshi’s philosophy has inspired the broader blockchain revolution, including decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other innovations challenging traditional systems.
    

The human side of Satoshi’s quote

At its core, Bitcoin’s success is about human psychology. People crave alternatives when trust in traditional systems erodes. Satoshi tapped into this instinct, creating a system that thrives on shared belief rather than imposed authority. His quote is a reminder that transformative ideas don’t need immediate universal acceptance - they just need a few believers willing to take the first step.

Satoshi Nakamoto’s quote captures the essence of Bitcoin’s journey: from an uncertain experiment to a global store of value. Its success lies in the power of collective belief, proving that even the most revolutionary ideas start small. In a world increasingly defined by distrust in traditional and centralized systems, Bitcoin stands as a testament to the transformative potential of decentralized trust. 🌍💻💸

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