What Does It Mean to ‘Zoom Out’?
When the crypto market skyrockets or takes a nosedive, the phrase “zoom out” becomes crucial. It’s all about easing off the constant price checks that can turn even the calmest investor into a nervous wreck. Spend a moment to look back at Bitcoin’s performance over five years instead of obsessing over the last 18 months. It’s like standing at the foot of a giant mountain and noticing all the beautiful valleys below instead of just staring at your own sore feet.
Lowering Your Time Preference: A Lesson in Patience
“Lower your time preference” has gone from being a niche phrase used by Bitcoin enthusiasts to a term that even your grandmother may learn over time (after she finally gets around to explaining her love for knitting). Essentially, it’s about valuing future gains over immediate gratification. Think of it as the philosophical cousin to the concept of HODLing. If you’re waiting for your investment in Bitcoin to flourish, it implies holding onto that investment for the long haul while resisting the urge to cash out during market dips. It’s the investment equivalent of skipping dessert for a week to fit into those old jeans.
Fangorn’s Journey: From Crypto Newbie to Tree-Planting Advocate
Fangorn, a self-proclaimed Bitcoiner and tree enthusiast, discovered Bitcoin during the summer of 2017. He was that kid at school who read the footnotes of history books, diving into a well of knowledge all thanks to a random Twitter thread. Fast forward to the COVID-19 market crash of 2020, and he found himself deep in the rabbit hole, absorbing everything he could find about Bitcoin. After reading Gigi’s insights, he exclaimed, “Holy sh*t, this is way more than just digital gold!” His ambitions morphed into a passion for delaying gratification, akin to the patience of a gardener planting seeds rather than just a stock market gambler.
The Parallels Between Bitcoin and Sequoia Trees
Just as Sequoia trees grow tall and mighty, so too does the vision for Bitcoin’s future. Fangorn draws a mesmerizing parallel between them: planting a tree today is like deciding to invest in Bitcoin. Just as a tree will stand for thousands of years, so too could a smart Bitcoin investment. Fangorn is convinced that in a few centuries, his grandkids will thank him for planting trees and securing their financial future through sound investments. Do you see where we’re going here? The science of growing a tree is much like the process of investing—both require nurturing, effort, and a long-term viewpoint.
Bitcoin and the Environment: A Contradiction?
Environmental concerns often find their way into Bitcoin discussions, forming a memorable rivalry that could put even Batman and Joker to shame. Fangorn flips this narrative on its head by advocating for tree planting, counteracting environmental fears associated with Bitcoin. Planting a tree can help people visualize the idea of lowering their time preference, essentially saying, “Hey, I’m in this for the long run, just like this tree is going to be here for a while!” Each seed planted today echoes a commitment to a sustainable future, and by 2140 when the last Bitcoin is mined, these trees will not just be a symbol of patience but also an act of stewardship.
Conclusion: A Future Vision Rooted in Patience
As we think about our future—both in terms of investments and the environment—it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day noise of market volatility. Staying grounded can provide clarity. Fangorn reminds us that whether through planting trees or investing in Bitcoin, the greatest rewards come from cultivating patience and a long-term vision. So, the next time the market takes a turn, maybe staring at a seed you planted could help keep you grounded; lest we forget, future generations will need us to think ahead!