The cypherpunk manifesto from 1993 got it right: "Privacy is not secrecy. A private matter is something one doesn't want the whole world to know, but a secret matter is something one doesn't want anybody to know."
This distinction is crucial for Bitcoiners today. When you use Lightning, run your own node, or practice self-custody, you're not hiding criminal activity—you're exercising your fundamental right to selective disclosure.
Why this matters now:
- KYC exchanges are surveillance honeypots
- Chain analysis firms sell your transaction history
- Governments increasingly weaponize financial data
Practical steps every Bitcoiner should take:
- Learn to use coin control and UTXOs management
- Run your own Lightning node (start with Start9)
- Practice transaction privacy with coinjoin tools (Ashigaru)
- Educate yourself on legal privacy rights in your jurisdiction
Privacy isn't about hiding—it's about maintaining the power to reveal yourself on YOUR terms. The cypherpunks understood this 30 years ago. Bitcoin gives us the tools to finally achieve it.