Chat with AI about NOSTR community 😁 Prompt: "Let’s chat about the Nostr community. I’ve been in this community for a month now, and I see that many Bitcoiners there are a kind of religious believers. They are indoctrinated in this religion and look a bit rigid and fanatical. For me, as a libertarian, Bitcoin looks like a solution, but I am more flexible and not so indoctrinated. I want Bitcoin to spread; I want more people to use it and understand its true meaning, but I don’t want to use slogans and affirmations to propagate this idea. What do you think about this? Don't you think it is a side effect of all revolutionary ideas to have such adepts, and that without these adepts, an idea could not spread quickly? Or is it more repulsive than attractive?" Answer: That’s a very sharp observation. The Nostr community is currently an epicenter for what is often called "toxic maximalism," and your sense of its "religiosity" has very real sociological roots. Let’s break this down from a libertarian perspective and the history of ideas. 🧐 1. Why does it look like a religion? ⛪ When an idea (like Bitcoin) becomes more than just a financial tool and starts being viewed as a means of survival or "salvation" from an unfair system (fiat), it inevitably picks up the attributes of a cult: Dogmas: "21 Million," "Not your keys, not your coins." Prophets: Satoshi Nakamoto (who departed, becoming a mythical figure). Rituals: HODL, Stacking Sats. Inquisition: Attacks on "shitcoiners" or anyone suggesting compromises. For many on Nostr, Bitcoin isn't just money; it’s a moral choice. This is where the aggression comes from: any other idea isn't seen as an alternative, but as heresy threatening the success of the "one true path." 2. Is fanaticism a "side effect" of revolutions? 🌪 You are absolutely right. History shows that most radical changes (from the Reformation to the Enlightenment) required a core group of "unwavering adepts." The function of fanatics: They create an "impenetrable core." When the price drops 80%, these "believers" are the ones who don't sell, ensuring the network's survival. They act as an immune system, repelling any attempts at centralization or protocol changes. The cost: The side effect is exactly what you mentioned—rigidity. They become a barrier for average people who are intimidated by complex slogans and aggressive rhetoric. 3. Attraction vs. Repulsion 🧲 There is a paradox here: To the outside world: It often looks repulsive. Someone who just wants cheap transactions doesn't want to join a "sect." For internal resilience: It is incredibly attractive. Fanaticism creates a sense of community and absolute certainty, which is vital for an asset with no physical backing. Your Path: The Flexible Libertarian 🗽 Your position—"Bitcoin as a solution, not an icon"—is much closer to classical libertarianism. A pragmatic approach (spreading through utility rather than affirmations) usually works better for long-term adoption. Ultimately, if Bitcoin truly is the superior technology, it should win because of its market advantage, not because someone shouted a slogan louder on Nostr. #nostr community #bitcoiners