The Bushido Of Bitcoin

Alexander Svetski’s “The Bushido of Bitcoin” explores how the samurai code’s virtues of honor, discipline, and resilience align with Bitcoin’s proof-of-work ethos — offering a vision for a meritocratic, excellence-driven future.

In this episode of The Bitcoin Libertarian, we sit down with Alexander Svetski — author, entrepreneur, and long-time Bitcoin advocate — to explore his personal journey into Bitcoin, the philosophical foundations of his book The Bushido of Bitcoin, and why he believes Bitcoin is a framework for excellence rather than equality. From the loss of honor in modern society to the virtues required for responsible wealth, Svetski offers a vision of Bitcoin’s role in shaping a more meritocratic civilization.

Table of Contents

From Gold & Silver to the Bitcoin Standard

Svetski’s path to Bitcoin began with skepticism toward the traditional financial system. In the late 2000s, after losing money in the stock market, he turned to gold and silver as safe-haven assets. Bitcoin first crossed his radar in 2009–2010 but didn’t spark immediate interest.

It wasn’t until 2015, through a casual conversation about online drug purchases and a friend’s sudden crypto wealth, that curiosity pushed him deeper. Influenced by Andreas Antonopoulos’ early work, Svetski quickly evolved into one of Australia’s first Bitcoin maximalists, founding a Bitcoin-only meetup and rejecting the broader “blockchain” hype of the time.

The Bushido Code Meets Bitcoin

The seed for The Bushido of Bitcoin was planted during the pandemic, when Svetski immersed himself in historical fiction like Shogun by James Clavell. The samurai’s unwavering code of honor — Bushido — resonated deeply, especially in contrast to the complacency he observed in modern life.

Drawing parallels between Japan’s Bushido, Europe’s chivalry, and other historical virtue systems, Svetski saw a philosophical bridge to Bitcoin: a decentralized monetary system demanding discipline, responsibility, and resilience from its participants.

Honor in Decline — and How Bitcoin Could Revive It

Modern society, Svetski argues, has traded honor for financial gain. In ancient Rome, he notes, the shift from “fighting with iron” (virtue) to “fighting with gold” (corruption) signaled decline. Today’s fiat system rewards expedience and comfort, not discipline.

Bitcoin’s proof-of-work ethos, by contrast, doesn’t forgive mistakes or laziness. Lose your keys, and your coins are gone. This unforgiving structure, Svetski believes, could help revive a culture of honor and responsibility — but only if individuals have the character to handle wealth wisely.

Character Before Capital

A recurring theme in Svetski’s work is that Bitcoin amplifies who you already are. It doesn’t “fix” people automatically. Without the right virtues — justice, courage, compassion, responsibility, and excellence among them — sudden wealth can corrupt rather than empower.

In The Bushido of Bitcoin, each virtue is explored through its linguistic roots, historical examples, and its connection to Bitcoin’s principles. The book challenges readers to develop the character necessary to wield capital effectively.

Bitcoin as a Framework for Excellence

Svetski rejects the idea that Bitcoin will create an egalitarian utopia. Instead, he sees it as a merit-based filter:

This hard standard, he says, will lead to a more hierarchical society, rewarding competence and punishing mediocrity. Far from a flaw, he believes this hierarchy will drive civilization upward.

The Road to Meritocratic Feudalism

In his long-term vision, Bitcoin could give rise to what Svetski calls meritocratic feudalism. Those who climb the mountain of effort, study, and discipline — and accumulate Bitcoin along the way — will naturally hold influence. This influence, unlike today’s fiat-enabled political power, will be earned rather than granted through corruption or cronyism.

The result? Clearer rules, fewer parasites, and leadership rooted in merit rather than manipulation.

The Future: Bitcoin in the Background

For Svetski, Bitcoin’s ultimate success will come when it fades from conversation entirely — becoming as invisible and essential as the air we breathe or the plumbing in our homes. When no one needs a “Bitcoin podcast” because it’s simply the monetary layer of life, that’s when the mission will be complete.

Until then, the work is to build, educate, and strengthen the character of those who will inherit the system.

Conclusion

The Bushido of Bitcoin is not a self-help manual or a technical guide to cryptocurrency. It’s a philosophical blueprint for living in a Bitcoin world — and a challenge to become worthy of the wealth and power this new monetary order could bring.

FAQs

What is The Bushido of Bitcoin about?

It’s a philosophical exploration by Alexander Svetski that connects the samurai code of Bushido with Bitcoin’s principles. The book argues that Bitcoin rewards excellence, discipline, and honor — and could form the basis of a meritocratic future society.

Does Bitcoin “fix” people?

Not exactly. Svetski believes Bitcoin amplifies your existing character. Without virtues like responsibility and self-discipline, sudden wealth can lead to corruption rather than growth.

How does Bushido connect to Bitcoin?

Bushido emphasizes virtues such as honor, courage, and duty. Svetski draws parallels between these values and Bitcoin’s unforgiving, proof-of-work ethos — where laziness and carelessness are penalized, and only effort and excellence succeed.

What is meritocratic feudalism?

It’s Svetski’s vision of a Bitcoin future where leadership and influence go to those who have earned it through skill, discipline, and value creation — not through corruption or political manipulation.

Why does Svetski reject Bitcoin egalitarianism?

He argues that Bitcoin won’t flatten society but will make it more hierarchical, rewarding excellence over mediocrity. In his view, that’s essential for civilization to progress.

When will Bitcoin have “won”?

When it becomes background infrastructure — so embedded in daily life that people no longer talk about it, just as no one discusses the air they breathe or the plumbing in their homes.

That's all for today, see ya tomorrow! If you want more, be sure to follow our X (@croxroadnewsco), Instagram (@croxroadnews.co), Youtube (@thebitcoinlibertarian), Tiktok (@croxroadnews) and nostr - [email protected]

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

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