I Know You're Scared

I Am Too

I feel like this quite often these days. Photo credit: Michelle Tresemer

We’re living in trying times.

And I think these times will get even more trying in the coming years.

This frightens me.

And sometimes I underestimate how much it might frighten you, the reader.

Plus, if you’re reading this and you’re new to Bitcoin, then you’re probably not only frightened but confused, as well.

Bitcoin can be a very difficult thing to understand.

I do the best I can to try to explain what it is in this newsletter, but I have known for quite some time that I don’t reach everyone who reads this.

This is part of the reason I began bringing other voices into the conversation, like these two incredible ladies I interviewed on Thursday:

(Also, shout out to my friend Jeph in Uganda. Here’s a link to some of his written work on Bitcoin: The Fiat curtain (Medium))

From what I’ve noticed, people seem to be getting more from the podcast than I think they have been from the newsletter, which is great.

I hope these conversations make you want to learn more about what Bitcoin is and that they catalyze your own further exploration of the technology.

And, if they don’t, that’s okay, too.

You don’t have to like, invest in or use Bitcoin.

It’s something I’m obviously enthusiastic about, in part because I think it’s one of the most exciting inventions since the printing press.

I also deeply agree with how Noelle Acheson, a thoughtful writer in the Bitcoin space, thinks about Bitcoin:

While I recommend your clicking on the link above to listen not only to the words she delivers but how she delivers them, I’ve transcribed some of her words below if you don’t.

“For the first time — for the very first time — there is a new technology on the scene now, a new tool in the box, that is more powerful in the individual than in the hands of the authorities. We’ve never had that before, and I don’t know what the impact of that is going to be, but I really want to find out.” -Noelle Acheson

But to get back to my original point, I am still quite scared about what’s happening in the world, in part because I understand very well that Bitcoin doesn’t fix everything.

Sometimes my fear comes out in the form of anger or frustration in this newsletter. Sometimes it comes out in the form of aggressive sarcasm or antagonism.

I’m here today so say that I apologize for none of this, just as I don’t apologize for any of the following things:

• Sharing opinions you disagree with

• Providing an alternative perspective to dominant mainstream media narratives

• Challenging your worldview

I’m also not here to do the following things:

• Be your financial advisor

• Be your guru

• Manage your emotional reactions to my work

I fully expect that some of what I write won’t sit well with some people. In my very humble opinion, good writing has this effect.

Please keep in mind that you don’t have to:

• Agree with everything I write or say

• Write, speak or behave the way I do

• Continue reading this newsletter or listening to my podcast

I started writing this newsletter almost three years ago, because I was petrified of what the effects that printing so much money back in 2020 would have on the world, and I was trying to let people know that there was an alternative financial system out there.

I originally came at this and continue to come at this from a place of love. I wanted to share what I understood in hopes that it would help others. And for those of you who’ve reached out to me to let me know it has helped, I deeply appreciate it. This brings me joy.

I plan to move forward continuing to be motivated primarily by love.

When and if I fall from grace at certain moments, I’m going to ask you to accept that I’m human, and a deeply flawed one at that.

And if I see you fall from grace at certain moments — especially given how scary the world feels right now — know that I accept you as a flawed human, too.

Thank you as always for reading, and I look forward to continuing on this wild and bumpy ride together.

Best,

Frank

Nostr | X | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Fountain

Currently reading: Human Action: A Treatise on Economics, by Ludwig von Mises & The Boron Letters, by Gary Halbert

(And now let’s go to markets…)