Issue #34 - What’s the Point of Wealth If You’re Not Living?
Welcome to the latest issue of The Qi of Self-Sovereignty. The newsletter exploring what it means to be free in an increasingly not-so-free world.
Whether you're looking to locate your authentic self or investigate sovereignty, you're in the right place! In each post, with just a few minutes of reading, I aim to expand your awareness through a quote and a piece of content that made me go hmm...
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Thought-Provoking Quote:
“Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.” – P.T. Barnum
Controversial Opinion Incoming…
I often see people proudly declare, “I’ll never sell my Bitcoin.”
At first, it sounds noble—like unwavering conviction. But here’s my take: this is a fiat mindset in disguise. It’s wealth for the sake of wealth. You're making financial accumulation your ultimate goal, not life.
To me, life is about finding balance. It’s about walking that tightrope between living your best life now, while still planning for the future.
Now, I believe in Bitcoin’s potential more than just about anything else. But nothing in life is certain. The fallacy of hoarding is that Bitcoin is not infallible. It can fail— as much as it pains me to say that.
So here’s the big question: If we spend years accumulating Bitcoin, sacrificing everything else along the way, only for Bitcoin to fail—or worse, for us to never truly live—what was the point?
Finding this balance is key. Life isn’t black or white. Spending some Bitcoin doesn’t mean you have a “high-time preference” or you’re trapped in a fiat mindset. And on the flip side, hoarding Bitcoin indefinitely doesn’t mean you’re winning the long game. Freedom comes from striking a balance between:
- Immediate needs (being present, spontaneity, meeting short-term desires)
- Long-term security (planning for the future and for generational wealth)
We must live for today without neglecting tomorrow.
Don’t fall into the fiat trap of grinding endlessly for a financial cushion you might not use. By the time retirement rolls around, you may find yourself with money you can’t fully enjoy—lacking the energy, health, or time to live life to the fullest or make a meaningful impact on the world.
I, therefore, want to pose a question to you: What are you really working for?
Figure this out to figure out your number.
- Define Your Ideal Life: Write down what your ideal life looks like. Where do you live? What do you eat? How often do you travel? What luxuries matter to you?
- Calculate the Cost: Add up what this life would cost.
Consider taking some off the table when Bitcoin approaches/reaches your number. Reinvest those proceeds—not in assets, but in life.
Sovereignty is about more than just financial security. It’s about choice. If you’re simply accumulating wealth for its own sake, you’re not truly free—you’re stuck in the fiat flywheel of growth for growth’s sake. True sovereignty means having the ability to live your best life.
To end, life isn’t about holding onto Bitcoin forever—it’s about using it to build the life you want. Don’t let the fear of missing out (FOMO) on wealth accumulation keep you from living your best life. Define what freedom means to you, take actionable steps toward it, and remember: wealth is a tool, not the destination.
Side Note: The same is true for any asset. Don't chase wealth. Chase life!
Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of The Qi of Self-Sovereignty. I hope you found it insightful.
I always welcome feedback and thoughts. So, do not hesitate to respond to the newsletter email, comment on the article or reach out via Twitter.
Seb
