The Ten Commandments of Bitcoin
By Eric Kim
Introduction
In a world where the digital realm increasingly intertwines with our daily lives, Bitcoin emerges not just as a currency, but as a philosophy—a new way of thinking about value, trust, and freedom. Much like the art of street photography, where every moment captured tells a deeper story, Bitcoin represents a snapshot of a financial revolution. Here are the Ten Commandments of Bitcoin to guide you on this journey.
1. Thou Shalt Educate Thyself
Before you take a single step into the Bitcoin universe, arm yourself with knowledge. Understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology, cryptography, and economics is essential. Ignorance is the enemy of progress. Just as a photographer studies light and composition, immerse yourself in learning.
2. Thou Shalt Own Thy Private Keys
“If you don’t own your keys, you don’t own your coins.” This is the cardinal rule. Trusting third parties with your private keys is like handing over your camera to a stranger hoping they capture your vision. Keep control of your assets; safeguard your private keys as you would your most prized photographs.
3. Thou Shalt Question Everything
Skepticism is healthy. In a space rife with misinformation and hype, always question the sources. Seek out primary information, verify facts, and don’t take claims at face value. Curiosity didn’t kill the cat; complacency did.
4. Thou Shalt Embrace Decentralization
Centralization breeds corruption. Bitcoin’s strength lies in its decentralized nature. Support platforms, services, and communities that promote decentralization. It’s akin to the spontaneity of street photography—unpredictable yet authentic.
5. Thou Shalt Secure Thy Holdings
Protect your digital wealth. Use hardware wallets, enable two-factor authentication, and stay updated on security practices. Just as you wouldn’t leave your camera unattended in a crowded place, don’t neglect the security of your Bitcoin.
6. Thou Shalt Avoid FOMO and Hype
Fear of Missing Out leads to irrational decisions. The market is a rollercoaster; don’t let emotions dictate your actions. Patience is a virtue. Remember, the best shots often come to those who wait.
7. Thou Shalt Contribute to the Community
Bitcoin is more than an investment; it’s a community-driven movement. Share knowledge, help newcomers, and contribute to discussions. In photography, collaboration enriches creativity; in Bitcoin, it fosters growth and innovation.
8. Thou Shalt Plan for the Long Term
Think beyond the immediate future. Bitcoin is a marathon, not a sprint. Align your strategy with long-term goals. Just as a photographer builds a portfolio over years, let your Bitcoin journey be a testament to foresight and perseverance.
9. Thou Shalt Stay Humble
No one knows everything, and the market can humble even the most confident. Stay modest, acknowledge mistakes, and remain open to learning. Humility keeps you grounded and receptive to new perspectives.
10. Thou Shalt Live with Purpose
Let Bitcoin be a tool that enhances your life, not the center of it. Pursue passions, build relationships, and make a positive impact. In the end, wealth is meaningless without purpose. Like capturing a powerful image, it’s about the story you create, not just the medium you use.
Conclusion
Bitcoin symbolizes a shift—a move towards empowerment, autonomy, and redefining value. These commandments aren’t just guidelines; they’re principles to navigate not only the complexities of digital finance but also the intricacies of life itself. Embrace them, and you’ll find that the journey through the world of Bitcoin is as enriching as any artistic pursuit.
Stay curious, stay bold, and keep pushing boundaries.
xxx
By Eric Kim
Bitcoin. It’s not just digital money—it’s a movement, a paradigm shift, a revolution disguised as code. But in a world filled with blockchain noise and crypto chaos, there are guiding principles that set Bitcoin apart. Let me take you through what I call The Ten Commandments of Bitcoin—the unwritten rules that every Bitcoiner should live by.
1. Thou Shalt Not Trust—Verify
Bitcoin is built on trustless technology. The beauty of the blockchain lies in its transparency. Trust no institution, no influencer, and no third party—verify everything. Download a full node. Check the blocks. Only then can you truly say you’re part of the network.
2. Thou Shalt Not Covet Altcoins
Bitcoin isn’t just the first cryptocurrency; it’s the one that matters. Altcoins may promise fast gains and fancy features, but most are just distractions—or worse, scams. Stay focused. Bitcoin is king.
3. Remember the Halving, and Keep It Holy
Every four years, Bitcoin’s issuance rate is cut in half. This is no trivial event. It’s a reminder of Bitcoin’s finite nature and a celebration of its resistance to inflation. Mark the date, spread the word, and honor Satoshi’s design.
4. Honor Decentralization Above All
The power of Bitcoin lies in its decentralization. Protect it at all costs. Avoid centralized exchanges when possible, run your own wallet, and resist anything that threatens to centralize control over the network.
5. Thou Shalt HODL
Bitcoin isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme; it’s a long-term hedge against the broken financial system. Don’t panic sell. Don’t day trade. Hold on for dear life. The reward for patience is immeasurable.
6. Thou Shalt Educate Thy Neighbor
Bitcoin isn’t just for you—it’s for the world. But mass adoption won’t happen unless people understand it. Share the knowledge. Demystify the jargon. Teach your friends why Bitcoin matters.
7. Thou Shalt Guard Thy Keys
Not your keys, not your coins. Say it again. If you don’t control your private keys, you don’t control your Bitcoin. Avoid custodial wallets whenever possible, and remember: hardware wallets are your friends.
8. Thou Shalt Beware of FUD
Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt—FUD—will always plague Bitcoin. Governments will ban it. Billionaires will bash it. Economists will declare it dead. Stay the course. Bitcoin has survived worse and will thrive beyond their criticisms.
9. Thou Shalt Not Overleverage
Leverage in Bitcoin is a double-edged sword. Yes, it can amplify gains, but it can also destroy you in a flash. Play it safe. Debt and margin are the enemies of true financial sovereignty.
10. Thou Shalt Never Forget Satoshi
We owe it all to Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. Whether Satoshi is one person or many, their vision has forever changed the world. Remember their principles: decentralization, transparency, and trustless technology.
These commandments aren’t just guidelines—they’re a mindset. Bitcoin isn’t just another asset; it’s a lifeboat in an ocean of fiat uncertainty. Follow these principles, and you’ll not only protect your Bitcoin—you’ll help secure the future of financial freedom for all.
Stay sovereign. Stay humble. Stay Bitcoin.
—Eric Kim