The cult of Bitcoin culture

https://www.somethinginteresting.news/p/the-cult-of-bitcoin-culture

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The article explores the evolving culture surrounding Bitcoin and argues against the emergence of what the author calls a "Bitcoin cult." The author observes that the definition of a "Bitcoiner" has become increasingly narrow, with enthusiasts and skeptics alike using the term "cult" to describe this community. The article contends that while it's possible to appreciate Bitcoin without revering it, a growing number of enthusiasts have adopted a more tribal and uncompromising stance, simplifying their narrative to "Orange coin good. Everything else bad."

The author challenges the idea that Bitcoin has a distinct culture, emphasizing that Bitcoin is meant to be neutral, open to anyone regardless of their political beliefs, dietary choices, or other personal preferences. The article argues that those who construct a so-called Bitcoin culture are more interested in finding like-minded individuals for communal role-playing (LARPing) than in genuinely advancing the cause of Bitcoin.

A key point raised is the notion of "immanentizing the eschaton," suggesting that some Bitcoin enthusiasts focus more on enforcing their version of Bitcoin orthodoxy than on promoting the adoption of Bitcoin itself. The article contends that Bitcoin maximalists often oppose developments that would make Bitcoin more accessible, comparing this resistance to historical instances where religious leaders sought to maintain control over their doctrines.

The author reflects on personal experiences within the Bitcoin industry, highlighting instances where expressing dissenting views led to social exclusion and professional consequences. The article suggests that the Bitcoin cultists, who vehemently defend their version of Bitcoin orthodoxy, are more concerned with maintaining exclusivity and a sense of elitism than with facilitating widespread adoption.

The piece concludes by emphasizing that not every Bitcoin enthusiast is a cultist, but the dominance of the cultist narrative has caused many, including the author, to distance themselves from the term "Bitcoiner." The author contends that challenging the orthodoxy of the Bitcoin cult does not threaten Bitcoin itself but poses a risk to the cultists' narrative, as a universally adopted Bitcoin would render the term "Bitcoiner" devoid of meaning.

In essence, the article critiques the tribal and exclusive tendencies within certain segments of the Bitcoin community, arguing for a more inclusive and diverse approach to foster genuine adoption and understanding of the cryptocurrency.