@fisto 11 March 2025 edited more from that month

Introducing Bitcoin Bothism A pragmatic move toward economic freedom and financial well-being.

`[Image generated by AI via ChatGPT]` After eight years in the broad Bitcoin ecosystem—after exploring different perspectives, testing various technologies, and going through *pro-The Bitcoin Standard* and *pro-Hijacking Bitcoin* moments—I’ve come to the conclusion that the smartest thing to do is embrace both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. Together, they can offer a higher level of economic freedom and financial well-being. **What is Bothism, and how does it apply to Bitcoin?** Bothism is a concept I pulled from the marketing field, where I’ve built my career. *Mark Ritson* coined the term, calling it *“the rare capacity to not only see the value of both sides of the marketing story but to actively combine them in the right mix.”* He used it for debates like brand vs. performance marketing or long vs. short-termism. But Bothism isn’t just about accepting dualities and avoiding binary choices. It’s about something bigger: the idea that combining both sides leads to superior results. This is true in marketing. It’s true in many other fields too, including Bitcoin. A *Bitcoin Bothist* doesn’t get stuck in camps. *No BTC maximalism*. *No anti-BTC bias*. They see strengths and weaknesses in each network. And they use both to maximize economic freedom and financial well-being. All of it is rooted in two simple truths: each network excels at a specific use case, and both carry failure risks. **How I operate as a Bitcoin Bothist** My approach is straightforward and simple. I follow three guiding principles, which shape three rules of actions. **Guiding Principles** **Both networks should be used where they excel, without compromise**: Each blockchain excels in different ways. Bitcoin is the ultimate savings vehicle, while Bitcoin Cash handles day-to-day transactions seamlessly. Everyone needs operational money, no matter how aggressive their savings strategy is. Rent, groceries, clothes, and other essentials still exist. Even those who allocate 100% of their savings to Bitcoin must spend money on basic needs. Bitcoin Cash can perfectly absorb part of this activity without undermining Bitcoin’s role at all. **Moving away from fiat and adopting a better medium of exchange strengthens financial sovereignty**: Transitioning operational money from fiat to Bitcoin Cash is a major upgrade. It means moving cash from a bank’s IOU to a bare asset, free from censorship and confiscation risks. With physical cash disappearing, Bitcoin Cash is the best alternative to preserve financial privacy and autonomy. Yes, it takes effort to build a network of merchants who accept it, but once it is in place, it is worth it. **Every sound financial strategy includes a hedge against unforeseen risks**: As discussed in my previous posts, Bitcoin is not 100% risk-proof. Holding a small amount of Bitcoin Cash is a strategic hedge. If Bitcoin ever faces a critical issue while Bitcoin Cash continues running smoothly, its value could rise significantly. Given its current low price, securing a Bitcoin Cash saving can act as a cheap insurance against unforeseen disruptions in the $2 trillion giant. **Rules of Actions** **I hold 85% of my savings in Bitcoin**, no matter what. The good old and classic *HODL*. **I keep 10% of my operational money in Bitcoin Cash**, and aim to reach 25% as I discover more merchants. **I allocate 3% of my savings in Bitcoin Cash as a diversifier**, and plan to increase it as network adoptions grow. As a side note, I don’t use the *Lightning Network*. It’s too complex and expensive to run independently, and I’m not interested in custodial options. Instead, I prioritize maximizing on-chain activity to support miners and keep the networks secure.