Orange-Pilling the Right Way
A Guide to Introducing Bitcoin with Patience and Education
Introduction
The journey into Bitcoin can be transformative, but for those unfamiliar, it’s crucial that the experience starts with education rather than pressure. Orange-pilling—a term used by Bitcoiners to describe the process of introducing someone to Bitcoin—works best when people are empowered with knowledge and given the space to make their own decisions. In this post, we’ll explore how to effectively introduce someone to Bitcoin by focusing on gradual learning, encouraging questions, facilitating their first Bitcoin purchase, and guiding them toward secure self-custody.
1. Education Comes First
Before diving into purchasing or storing Bitcoin, it’s essential to build a foundational understanding. I always recommend beginning with high-quality educational resources, as Bitcoin’s complexities require time to process and appreciate fully. Two excellent books I like to recommend are The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous and Broken Money by Lyn Alden. These books provide not just the technical background on Bitcoin but also explain the economic, historical, and philosophical aspects that make it revolutionary. Both books do a nice job of diving into the concept of money, which is the real starting point of the journey.
Encourage the newcomer to read these resources at their own pace. Letting them digest and revisit the material ensures they’re building a robust knowledge base, and they’ll likely return with questions about concepts they find intriguing or challenging. This question phase is critical; it shows genuine curiosity and readiness to engage further.
2. Facilitating Their First Purchase
Once they’ve developed some understanding and shown interest, the next step is to help them take the plunge. For a beginner-friendly and Bitcoin-only experience, I recommend setting up an account with Strike. Strike is easy to navigate, offers instant purchases, and keeps the process straightforward without overwhelming new users with altcoins or complex trading features. This simplicity helps new users stay focused on Bitcoin’s value without the distractions of speculative assets.
Walking them through their first purchase, no matter how small, is a valuable step. Even owning a modest amount of Bitcoin can make the learning journey more tangible and spark a deeper interest in understanding what they now own.
3. Guiding Them to Self-Custody
Once they have accumulated enough Bitcoin to feel confident, it’s time to introduce them to self-custody. Explain why self-custody is a foundational principle in Bitcoin—it’s about true ownership and freedom from reliance on intermediaries. Using a hardware wallet is one of the safest ways to store Bitcoin independently, so recommend a reputable wallet, such as Ledger, Trezor, or Coldcard.
Guide them through the basics of setting up a hardware wallet and securing their private keys. Encourage them to take this step slowly, ensuring they understand the importance of security protocols, such as storing their seed phrase in a secure location. This process not only secures their Bitcoin but also reinforces their ownership and autonomy within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
4. Letting Them Make Their Own Decisions
Bitcoin is a personal journey, and it cannot be forced. The beauty of orange-pilling someone gradually is that it respects their autonomy. Bitcoin’s power to change lives is most effective when individuals choose it for themselves. Educate, provide resources, answer questions, and guide them through the first few steps, but ultimately, allow them the freedom to decide whether Bitcoin is for them.
Conclusion
Introducing someone to Bitcoin isn’t about convincing or pressuring; it’s about offering them a new perspective on money and freedom. By prioritizing education, answering questions, guiding them through their first purchase, and encouraging self-custody, you set the stage for a lasting, self-driven relationship with Bitcoin. Bitcoin is a tool for individual empowerment, and fostering an orange-pilling experience based on respect and patience can help them embrace this tool on their own terms. In the end, the most impactful orange-pilling journey is one where curiosity is the driving force, and Bitcoin ownership is a natural conclusion.
This structured approach ensures that people have the knowledge, confidence, and desire to be part of the Bitcoin network, making their journey both informed and fulfilling.
Not financial or legal advice, for entertainment only, do your own homework. I hope you find this post useful as you chart your personal financial course and Build a Bitcoin Fortress in 2024.
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