Reflections after 4 years (one Bitcoin cycle) rabbit hole journey
What has changed in the last four years? Quite a lot. I see the world from a different perspective.
In early 2022, I decided to leave the bank after more than eight years. I had planned to do so at the start of 2020, but when COVID-19 hit, I stayed two more years.
I put off retirement planning for too long and realized I need to do much more after leaving the bank. Stocks, ETFs, savings plans, gold—they all make sense. But then there’s Bitcoin, a risky asset class that could make you rich, right?
I wanted to learn more about Bitcoin, so I started watching the first explanatory videos and listening to podcasts. I was looking for an investment opportunity and wanted to diversify my portfolio with a new asset class. Nothing more.
I think my head had cleared when I made the decision, and I was ready to break out of the confines of the bank skyscraper and seek new horizons. Back to real life, you might say, or beneath the surface and down the rabbit hole. I quickly realized that Bitcoin is more than just a new asset class and wanted to dive deeper.
After four years, I can say that I have never gone so deep. According to Jules Verne, it’s a “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” That describes it well. And I’m still on the journey…
What’s up with the 4-year cycle
This is a question that is currently being widely discussed in the Bitcoin space. As is often the case with chart analysis, attempts are being made to explain the present and the future using the past.
I’m afraid I have to disappoint you. I won’t be joining the discussion. My four-year cycle is completed, and the next one is coming. That’s it. End of story!
I’m sure that my first cycle was unique and that the second one will be different. The world is changing, my thoughts are changing, and so is Bitcoin. It is transforming. Let’s move forward into the future.
At the beginning of 2030, I will give an update on the second cycle. I promise!
Is Bitcoin more than an investment?
For me, definitely. And for others? It depends on who you ask.
Since the introduction of ETFs in the US two years ago, they have become increasingly attractive to a wider range of investors, including family offices and wealthy individuals. As a portfolio addition of 2-5% or even more. And as a hedge against risks such as the devaluation of the dollar, and a degree of independence from the FIAT system and its schemes.
For someone in Africa, it is the only way to escape devaluation and robbery by the local government and to protect themselves and their families. Here, it is not an investment but money in its purest form.
For a day trader, it is an opportunity to profit from volatility and speculation. If you are really the kind of trader who operates profitably.
For me, Bitcoin is an EXIT strategy. Escape from the existing system of exploitation, dependencies, and coercion.
And what is it for you? Ever thought about it?!
How many rabbit holes are there?
A lot. One of the most interesting is the story of money. What is money, and why do we need it in our daily interactions?
Did anyone teach you about this in school or college? Or did you voluntarily delve into the subject beforehand? If so, congratulations. Smart move.
I worked at a bank for over 8 years and had no idea how the existing financial system worked in depth. I was clueless and had been working for the current system without even knowing it. An entity that can create money out of thin air and play by its own rules.
You also studied economics at university and found it somewhat confusing. Welcome to the club. You thought Keynesianism was the only true theory, as no other school of thought was taught. A surprise from the state school system? Hardly.
Immerse yourself in the Austrian school of economics around Ludwig von Mises or F.A. von Hayek. Never heard of them? That’s no coincidence either! Ask ChatGPT or Gemini about it.
“I don't believe we will ever have good money again unless we take it out of the hands of the state.” ― Friedrich August von Hayek
The great thing is that everyone can find a discipline around Bitcoin that suits them. If you are knowledgeable about many topics, you will realize what a wealth of knowledge Bitcoin entails.
Knowledge is and remains power. You, too, can acquire this power. You simply have to invest your time and energy.
Living in the Matrix?
"Unfortunately, no one can tell you what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself" - Morpheus
Okay, calm down and rant less. I really don’t want to lecture anyone.
I myself was ignorant and have only been able to acquire a small fraction of the knowledge over the last four years to form my own opinions.
Many people have no desire or need to concern themselves with our financial system, let alone Bitcoin.
The existing system preoccupies them and has repeatedly instilled certain beliefs. These are so deeply ingrained that “other” ideas cannot find their way in. Like a closed system, intact, stable, resilient.
I believe that more and more people will discover Bitcoin, because they will be searching for answers. Answers to unanswered questions and problems that will pile up as the world continues to develop in this strange direction.
What’s going on with the world? What’s the problem?
That’s not an easy question to answer. Many people sense that something is wrong and wonder what the reason is. What can help here is an examination of the history of the rise and fall of nations, as well as the trajectory of debt cycles.
Both of these topics are discussed in detail by Ray Dalio, an investment professional who has recently been analyzing global developments and sharing his illuminating insights. Explore his findings to gain a deeper understanding and form your own perspective.
Not only is the US on the decline, but most of the world is too. We are in the final phase of money, where we trade paper bills as money without backing them with a hard asset such as gold. It’s like the money in the game of Monopoly. It’s actually crazy when you think about it for a while.
Exorbitant debts, money printing for every problem and major crisis, such as in 2020.
This system has an expiration date, and we are getting close to the end. I’m currently reading a new book about debt cycles and will discuss it in one of the next articles.
I don’t want to spread fear, but everyone should be aware of what’s going on, how to protect themselves, and take the right steps.
Stay positive. You determine your own destiny.
Only when you understand the connections can you act accordingly and position yourself correctly for the future.
Last year, I stopped watching television. Actually, it was much too late. The local newspaper, the mass media—you can forget about them.
For the second cycle (2026-2029), I have decided to consume much less news and instead focus more on reading, writing, and myself. There is still so much to work on, but time is limited.
The first cycle has given me so much, and I am grateful to have taken everything in.
Over the next four years, I will continue to develop what I have learned and tackle new projects and challenges. Even outside of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin will not solve all your problems, but it will support and help you on your way. To lead a self-determined and free life and take on more responsibility.
The journey continues...
The second cycle begins, and I am on my way to the center of the Earth. New challenges and surprises await. My survival kit is well-equipped. The coordinates are clearer than they were four years ago. The adventure can begin. I will make mistakes, but I will learn from them and return to the right path. I am keeping a diary and will report back. Not just at the beginning of 2030.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
I hope you have discovered a new rabbit hole and want to explore it.
If you want to support me, you can use my code MAREK to buy Tickets for BTC Prague 2026. Link: http://btcprg.me/MAREK
Feel free to use my code MAREK to get discounted fees for your savings plan at 21Bitcoin and make it even easier to get started* with Bitcoin.
https://21bitcoin.app.link/invite/?code=MAREK
If you’re a Bitcoiner, you can also send me some sats to support me.
Thanks!
- marosbi@strike.me
See you in the next article.
Marek
*This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a request to buy or sell financial instruments. Investments are associated with risks.
nice to read! good to see how humble you are to admit that even after working in the bank for years, and taking economics classes in university, you still didn’t fully know how the monetary system worked :)