This evening, I spent about an hour talking with my wife about the potential for our cryptonized future and where things might be headed. I was trying to explain various aspects to her about what I am doing and how I spend the time, what kinds of applications and things I am using and what kinds of streams are incoming and outgoing, - but mostly, I was trying to get her to understand the ramifications of all of this as a whole, not just on our lives, but everyone's.
While she kind of listened, she doesn't really find any part of it interesting and added, that I shouldn't talk about it with anyone, as most people aren't interested. Fair call, she is right - however I also find it a strange thing that she is right, because the things I am talking about, are important to pretty much everyone. When I talk about them with friends, it isn't because I am trying to get them into an MLM scam, nor get them to buy any particular token. In fact, there is nothing in it for me at all, other than more work that I know they aren't interested in.
I listen to people talk about their houses, their cars, what they watched on TV, their mundane work, their crappy boss, their crappy colleague, the latest phone they bought, what they read in the news, their thoughts on the latest social movement, the meme they saw on Twitter, the restaurant where they didn't like the service, the concert that disappointed them, their kid's recital, a stomach ache.
But I mention my hobby...
Perhaps it is because talking about "money" is a taboo topic, even though we all generally feel we need more of it and it weighs on our minds, especially when we have others for which we are responsible. Maybe it is because people don't want to talk to their friends about this kind of thing, as it is too personal, even if they have told you in the past that they cheated on their partner. It could be about authority too, where I don't carry enough in the field of finance to be worth listening to. There are many reasons to not want to talk about it with me, but there is one reason for me to talk about it with them - I want the best for them.
I was talking to a friend a couple years ago who has been in crypto for a long time and doesn't have to work again out of necessity, leaving them to pick and choose their life path. What he mentioned was in the early days of Bitcoin when he was espousing the future, his friends essentially told him to Eff the Eff off, with that shit, but a few years later when BTC was sitting around 20K, they were pissed off that he didn't help them get in, and now they are not friends with him, because they missed their opportunity. But then it went back to 3000 - and they didn't buy then either, because of course, Bitcoin is dead, and it is already too late for them - the hype is over. Up to 64K, down to 28K, up to 60K today - I wonder if any of them have bought yet?
But I think that mostly, people just feel uncomfortable talking about financial opportunities openly, as if everything money-related has to be some big secret. It is silly, but part of our social and cultural conditioning, where we have been so convinced and encouraged not to talk about money that we avoid learning about finance at all, even as we struggle to pay our bills and send kids to their hobbies due to a lack of available resources.
Weird isn't it?
People are happy to complain about how expensive something is that they have to pay for, yet aren't interested in ways of easing their burden. People don't want a cure, they just want a pill to easy the pain - that way they can still have an excuse to fallback on. Hearing about opportunities makes them uncomfortable, because they know they aren't going to take them. It is far easier to ignore or criticize instead of putting some skin in the game.
One of the reasons that most people don't invest into crypto is, because they don't participate in crypto conversations with people already in crypto and take their advice to try it. Back in the past, "trying meant buying" for most people, but that is not the case now and there are plenty of ways to try before you buy, wit no risk - but, how many do?
I have a few colleagues that are into gaming and one of them got into crypto about two years ago and has since ramped up. However, from when we started talking about it together three years ago, I have mentioned Splinterlands as something he should look at, since he likes that kind of thing. I have talked about it many times and shown him the site and sent him the links a couple times, even though I didn't play myself. Did he pay 10 dollars for a starter pack?
No.
If he had, he would have been using his investment rather than just staring at a Bitcoin chart thinking he is in the game. If he had, he would have likely bought a few packs, played some games and when I bought in four months ago, he would have been one of the larger accounts in the waters, because, it is the kind of game he would enjoy and he would have got a taste of what utility in crypto is like, not futility, which is staring charts and waiting for moon.
"Don't tell me about it" seem to be people's go to attitude with opportunity if it means that they have to do something to take it. If it doesn't fall into their lap, if it isn't handed to them on silver platter, they'd rather not hear.
But it is disappointing when friends don't listen. Not just because they are missing an opportunity I think they would benefit from and be able to improve their lives and empower others, but because they are not interested in hearing about what I am obviously very enthusiastic about. While people expect to have an interest taken in what they are interested in, whether it be their latest diet or the course they are doing on flower arrangement, they aren't willing to give any reciprocity. Even the people who are interested in investing and finance and will harp on about the gold they hold or the "high percentage" they got on their blue-chip stocks - when it comes to crypto, or anything crypto related, they ask no questions and their ears close, because they have heard it all before.
They know all about it. They know it is a scam, has no utility, uses a lot of energy, will never be adopted by the mainstream, is too complicated for normal people to use, is illegal, is banned in China, is unable to scale, is slow... the list goes on. Why listen when you already know everything you need to know about it? When people know so much about crypto and don't see the opportunity - the people who do see opportunity in it are obviously not worth listening to, because they are wrong.
One day... I'm gonna have to buy new friends.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
It could literally be a matter of life and death, but unless it's affecting them personally, people exclusively care about what they're interested in and actively resist anything and everything else XD
Which is 100% their fault but given that I have literally watched mental gymnastics happening for people to be able to hold themselves completely innocent of everything that's going wrong with their lives and somehow having it be entirely everyone else's fault, this doesn't surprise me.
Just out of curiousity what was the reasoning given for you? I remember being told some combination of "it's just rude" to "people who turn out to have more are bragging" and "people who have less will feel bad/inferior" as the reasons why it's considered rude/taboo and I guess it makes sense when "saving face" is more important than anything else could ever hope to be but logically is idiotic.
Oh of course, this too. Ain't nobody got time for that XD
Some friends just bought a summer place that requires renovation. It is a bit of a risk for them, but they have the money, yet are stressing a little of how they are going to handle it. They are tech people - but not interested in learning about how this connects to their daily lives.
Doesn't surprise me either. There are still smokers in the world who demand treatment when they get lung cancer. Educated people.
The reason is more indifference and choosing to ignore. I am not rude about it, I don't really talk about the potential of the gains, but of course mention that it is possible. These people have seen (and played an active role) in the development of internet-based products - yet don't want to be part of the next stage of evolution? They aren't that old!
I remember reading a book about Ned Kelly to eldest some years back when he was still young enough to like bedtime stories, and there was a line wherein one of the "characters" (historical figures) said something along the lines of feeling sorry for subsequent generations having nothing left to discover because the telegraph was the pinnacle of humankind's inventiveness and there could be nothing greater or something to that effect.
Maybe they're suffering a little bit of that.
@bunny11
Call off the bunny! :)
😆 😋
its crazy isn't it, the thing which kinda blows my mind is when these people moan about things, their lives, their finances etc. They think anyone who makes money out of it is just lucky but maybe they understand that someone being rich is just a reason to not like someone, its like a guttural reaction to someone with obscene wealth. The impact of crypto is like the internet x100. Its crazy what is possible now all you can do is wait until these same people come and start asking you about crypto and how to use it.
A few years ago, a friend visited from Australia (mid-2018) and I was showing him what I was doing on Steem and in crypto in general and suggesting he look into it. He told me about another friend of ours (a nerd) who invested into Atlassian early and made a fortune - the friend had said "crypto is a scam" and that was the end of it. I am not an IT nerd and IT nerds know all there is to know about crypto.
What he missed was, our mutual friend, someone we grew up with, went to school with, and got drunk with on the weekends for years - failed to mention the opportunity at all. And, for him to make a fortune at that point, he had to have gone into some kind of very early round of investment, before listing.
Atlassian has done well. but the friend who visited didn't have any, because he didn't know about the opportunity prior and it was "high" already.
BTC was coming of its 20K and was sitting around 6000 when I was talking with him and dropped to 3500 a couple months later. I wonder if he has some Bitcoin yet.
My friend is in corporate finance.
They'll all buy something eventually.
My friend has a facebook message from 2012, from me, telling him to buy bitcoin because it was surging past 100 dollars. I told him he was missing the boat and that all he needed was one bitcoin to set himself free. Im sure he cries himself to sleep every night because in his words it could all implode.
You can lead a horse to water but you cant make them drink it.
I had someone ask me a couple days ago, if I give you some money can you buy me a Bitcoin.
Hmm, ok sure. Clearly someone who doesn't get it.
I spent some time explaining a few things and whilst she seemed keen I could tell she was sceptical even after I showed her a few of my own scenarios I've created over the last four years. She was most concerned about how do I spend it (her, not me).
I think many like the concept of it but the reality is another thing. I rarely talk about it as it often falls on deaf, or warped* ears and I don't see the point. Anyway, that's just my 0.00000017 sats worth.
Most people jump ahead, wanting to know how they can spend (something they have no issues with ever doing generally) before how can I buy, earn, make, use...
Yeah, and I have to do all the heavy lifting. Hmm, nope.
I gave up convincing my friends long ago. After years of spreading the word, I don't care anymore. Waste of time.
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
It is strange though isn't it? It is okay to talk about all kinds of other things - except financial wellbeing.
I have this one friend with an economics background (which might be more a hindrance than a help at this point). He remembers me telling him to buy bitcoin at $50, but still doesn't listen.
His go-to is 'Quantum computing is going to destroy crypto; and we don't know when, so get out now'.
All talk, no listen. Somebody authoritative told him it's not worth investigating, so he doesn't.
Why am I not authoritative?
I called it. I nailed it. I was exactly right. Maybe I know something.
No one wants to listen, because they don't want to take the risk of looking foolish if they are wrong - better to be wrong with the masses, than right with the few.
Also, the economists should remember that a year ago they were saying that printing more money isn't a problem and inflation being a problem for the economy is "old thinking"
Quality post.
This may as well be my life, family and friends.
I haven't related to an article that I've read on LeoFinance more than this one :)
My partner is the same - Extremely supportive, yet wary and uninterested in getting involved herself.
While I'm seriously passionate about a future decentralised internet/economy, my interactions with friends on the other hand, have just become a joke.
There is no point even trying to have a serious conversation, so I just joke about buying magic chicken cards while stacking, creating and building over here.
Like your friends, I'm not talking about tech morons here either.
IT, bankers, insurance etc etc - All industries that are on the cusp of mainstream disruption thanks to decentralisation, yet there's just no interest.
When I stop and think about this, it does highlight how early we are in the space, simply by being here.
Anyway, very cool and relatable post.
Cheers for sharing :)
Posted Using LeoFinance Beta
I was thinking about this today as I got some messages from colleagues about BTC price. They hold some, however, while they are well up since they finally started buying based on our discussions, I am more of a joke to them in many ways, due to my openness and passion. But, it must make them feel uncomfortable to have made more from me over the last year than they did from their jobs. And, it must make them feel strange when other colleagues tease me about it, knowing this.
The terminally ill, seem to be the last to know they are dying.
Thank you :)
Btw,
It pains me to put the "z" in things, but I have been doing it on Hive for years since so many were US-based users (at the start). However, it worked out well since the company I work for is Finnish, but its second head office is in the US, so most use US spellings :)
Most people have no interest whatsoever in crypto. It boggles my mind. I can see the glazed-over look in their eyes before I even say its name.
I am trying to grasp how this will become mainstream when people won't even give it the time of day. I can see it happening in finance and the commercial world, but, everyday spending? It gives me chills thinking about the people that roll their eyes at the mere mention. I am looking forward to that day, but. also, worry about those left behind.
People don't talk about money, dah-ling... that is so gauche. (My great aunt) It is especially awkward when two people from different money etiquettes meet. Inherited wealth is in a class by itself. Wealth isn't discussed as it could embarrass you or themselves. Who has got more or less? It's all about looks, you know.
Eyeroll
Haha! You may have to buy new friends. I will say my biggest disappointment is family that isn't interested. :( They have watched since the beginning and are still not interested. They just feel like it's another investment that they aren't willing to risk money on.
I know that look...
As it happens in finance, they will push it mainstream to drive their "early adopter" gains. Because the banks push it, people will buy, but in the end - it becomes a trojan horse for the paradigm shift for the new economy to take hold.
I am always "low-class" in the money conversation - especially in Finland. Here, they are all so highly educated, that foreigners are often seen as people who have no education, especially if they have a little color in their cheeks. It is conditioning. Even with my friends, they seem to not realize the bias. It is somewhat warranted though, as economically, many people move country and start off with very little and get no "family bonus" - so have to build. I have been here 18 years, but I think my daughter will be the one who benefits the most. Though, a little pump in the markets will go a long way ;)
:P
The very thought is a non sequitur or should be. The very image of that brings up all sorts of indignities with it. I agree that they do not see it for what it is, it just is present, without question. Americans do not see foreigners as less than or greater than, especially in the business sector. In the public arena, whatever the conversation, there is no differentiation. Perhaps because most are merely one of two generations from being a foreigner themselves? Maybe.
You are anything but low-class in the money conversation. Finland or not. There are many that leave home here in the States with their nests already feathered, but, times are changing and debt is building and loans are being called in. The family bonus may become a thing of the past, with education still steadily rising, no such thing as free University here. Warning: Money talk ahead: my first child going to a private University: Tuition: For the students who were admitted in Fall 2021, the estimated 4-years is $330,030. 00 And they wonder why we are poor. Now, I have to add a few more kids to my payroll... But, you know what? Thank you to people very much like you and my parents, for showing me the way, everything will be paid for. So, while these conditioned people may look down their noses at you, just know that there are people like me that are very grateful that there are people like you in the world. Sharing and caring that others don't miss out.
Yes. Yes. I got off track and left the point a long time ago. But, thank you, from all the people that don't realize you even helped them.
I find it interesting, too. Culture is a messed up thing. Ever was. But also awesome. But also...messed up.
Anyway.
I have the habit of following video makers who make lists or top 10 charts, etc. on interesting topics...and when the title resonates with any of my interests, I occasionally at least go through their subtitles to see what they put on the list. Curiosity is the one thing I have already learned to rely on and use in my favor...
So, recently, I stumbled upon this "15 reasons millionaires lose their friends" title and although I had not watched it yet...I guess I can kind of guess the direction it goes.
The way I like to think about this stuff and some of my otherwise intelligent and talented friends is...
Someday, I might find a good way to use your talents.
Because missions, I have them aplenty, and while I might not be able to dedicate my time to each one of those (not even close to half of those, in fact), my current goal is to someday be in the position to employ others who would be happy to work for those same missions.
Until then...I'm sorry I'm not able to share this most pleasant and interesting burden but I'll have to carry it on myself.
It is sometimes futile to try and change the minds of others. It might be better for everyone if one can just give support where it's needed, deserved, effective, or just...satisfactory to oneself.
It is how we get into trouble - and how we get out.
This is right. One day, I will be able to "employ them" in some way. I already have a couple I am grooming in various ways (with their knowledge) to have some skills I think will complement what they hold now, so they can be supercharged in a few years - I get paid to do this, why wouldn't I do it for my friends for free?
While my goals might remain a dream, they are still worth working towards. I just like chipping at Entropy's shell.
Ttue true true.... Though I must say: It's getting the time again peeps having no understanding of crypto's, approaching me with questions how to get into crypto and/or what to do. usually from peeps not having too much knowledge of any financial instrument. That said, I hardly talk about crypto with my friends, including my closest of closest friends. They are not interested, as you wrote. But, they do know I'm in crypto, but never ask a question, so I leave it like that.
If it is the financial side of things that we don't discuss this topic, I'm not sure. This may have something to do with it. What I notice with many peeps, including my own friends, is the unwillingness to discuss 'big' topics. With 'big' I mean anything from climate changes, the influence of AI, future economic models we need to have etc etc etc. Sure, some are interested, but conversations usually stay high level. I suppose, most peeps are not interested in thinking (and talking) about topics that they think is far from their own influence. And/or peeps think the future will be more like today and the past. To be honest, all these peeps may have a point in that they are not concerned about all these topics. They may live a happier life because of that :)
This is easier in many ways - harder in others :)
I think some would be shocked at what is going on in this space.
Yeah... it saddens me. I am lucky, I have half a handful I can talk about these things with, but even then, most don't want to get practical. By practical, I mean economically involved, as that generally means - crypto. :D
Yes and no. Ignorance is bliss, but I also get the sense that many people are chasing meaning and purpose, consuming all they can to find it. I don't think they are happy, I think many are empty.
I do agree. So many just chasing and chasing, with schedules of all they have to do and in their busy schedule reserve some time for eg yoga or whatever hip and the trendy thing is around to pause and reflect a little. Wondering though how meditative this is for those who just follow the hype. I do hope, slowly the number of peeps in our societies that do take a different approach to life will grow. The other day I was watching a TV program with interviews with 8 youngsters. They all go by the FIRE movement. Financial Independence something. They all have the goal to be financially independent by 30 years of age. Damn... On one hand, this sounds cool, these peeps taking the right direction since they all plan to do go with pension really really in their lives, but on the other hand, most of these peeps seem to me next level capitalists chasing dreams and thinking everything can be bought with money. Two of them not, they just skipped their jobs, without savings and started living in tents and travelling the country like nomads. They gave me a totally different feel to the other 6 peeps trying to get millions and millions in their own back accounts within a few years. Am really anxious to see how the world looks like in let's say 2 to 3 decades from now. I do hope, much better than today, but lets see. Sometimes I'm not that hopefully...but today I am :)
My brother rang yesterday to ask me about that Bitcoin thing and wanted me to help him buy. I long ago stopped trying to convince people to look into crypto as It did feel like I was trying to sell them something.
I'll help my brother, sure, but I do believe it is a personal journey that each of us has to begin and travel by ourselves. I don't want any responsibility
Took him a while.
I don't do much for anyone in this regard, they have to take the first steps at least. This is about ownership - they have to take responsibility for themselves. I can help them in understanding why though.
Honestly, I'm guessing it's the lack of knowledge on the matter that makes people want to avoid the subject. Crypto is still very vague for most people, and indeed, it takes passion and active interest to really get into it. We listen to things like crappy colleagues, or jobs, or whatever, 'cause those are easy to compartmentalize for the listener. You nod. You hum. You commiserate. That's pretty much it. Doesn't require active listening, or an effort to comprehend since most job or colleague or family stories are the same, essentially.
That's why I think people are "bored" by crypto. Obviously, I'm sure some people are genuinely not bored by it, as I don't think this is the case with your lovely wife. But generally speaking, from what I've seen, you know ;)
but money and economy is not and for most of my friends, neither is technology. These people are not randoms, yet as soon as crypto comes up, they get more defensive. If i was talking about some other "latest tech" they would be interested. Weird.
I recommend a beagle.
I am partial to wire-haired Dachshunds. They are my type of personality - a bit weird.
@cryptoandcoffee usually mentions how he keeps his crypto portfolio away from friends and family. I think the reason is simple: they'll simply try to talk you out of it.
Money may be a general interest topic but crypto isn't for now (although it is changing rapidly) and am very okay with that. You just keep doing your thing, eventually you'll win converts without even saying a word.
If you need a place to talk about your hobbies you've always got us here on Hive
Or want a piece of it :)
This is my hobby! :D
For many, money and finances are still a private thing, not to be shared with others. I get it and understand the multiple views on this. But sometime it hurts when others refer to it as a mere hobby. Not everyone has the same sentiment for all things crypto.
This is what many don't get though - they see it as "invest or don't" but it can be a hobby when people are actually using it. many don't want to learn to use it though - they just want to keep it simple and act like it has no usecase.
I guess I’m lucky I have friends who are very different.
Even a number of my coworkers are quite into crypto. So, in that sense, I don’t feel so alone in the subject.
I have some colleagues into it now, but they still don't seem to want to actually use anything - they are buying and waiting for the moon, without wanting to see the ecosystem forming. It is strange, especially considering their backgrounds and professions. Each to their own of course and I don't push it, but it is tiring when the only question is, "Wen moon?"
Haha yeah, “wen moon” is a common question. My colleagues are more old schooled. They are looking for retirement portfolio.
The most exciting prospects of blockchain they are looking forward to are things like trading derivatives without borders.
One of the guys has a decent sized portfolio already, so I suspect he is looking for a little more risk - but these guys aren't young.
Though is 40s old?
I feel old at least...
Maybe you can hire a "YES Man" for a few hours a week for starters?
The Yes Man
Isn't that what comment votes buy? :D
I dont want yesses, but I wouldn't mind some half intelligent questions.
Do you want someone to talk to about crypto when you are drinking at the dinner table? That's cheesy.
!PIZZA
PIZZA Holders sent $PIZZA tips in this post's comments:
@tarazkp(1/20) tipped @manniman (x1)
Learn more at https://hive.pizza.
I remember in 2012 when first time i talked to my relative about bitcoin then they almost thought me about MLM scheme scamster 😁. It used to be like a farting problem but can not discuss in open air .
I hardly speak to people about finances and cryptocurrencies because here in Nigeria anything that isn't understood is considered a scam so I just keep to myself.
Sometimes it is better to stay silent, but what happens in 5 years and you are wealthy?
You become envied and everyone thinks your wealth is illegal
I simply believe that it is the lack of necessity, actual economic necessity, that keeps people reluctant to listen to and learn about cryptocurrencies. If they really were in economic and financial trouble, I highly doubt they would refuse to at least listen with major interest and attention on the matter.