Introduction: I'm not the first person, nor the last one, who felt something close to "finding the light" when I started studying Bitcoin and the history of money. It showed me an ugly side of the world that I can not unsee anymore, while at the same time, it gave me something that aligns with my way of seeing the world despite its ugliness. And let's face it, many of us share this sentiment. However, this has also attracted a bunch of fanatics who take things to a whole new level of crazy. I think they need to be called out, just like we've called out the cryptobros, and make it clear that we don't want to be mixed up as part of their antics. Let's dive into this mess and bring some rationality back into the Bitcoin scene.

The Lunatic Fringe: Seriously, have you seen these people? They've not only made Bitcoin their entire personality but they've gone off the deep end, spouting off conspiracies and embracing the weirdest ideologies you can imagine. This includes, but is not limited to: carnivorous diet freaks, climate change deniers, extreme Christians, anti-vaxxers, doomers, alt-right supporters, and my favorite ones, those who dismiss psychiatry and psychology as "FIAT sciences." It's like either they've been expecting the world to end for a long time and found in Bitcoin a new kind of monetary salvation, or they were a bunch of virtue signallers who found in Bitcoin a new virtue to signal on because, of course, they are geniuses for finding Bitcoin before the rest of the world. Newsflash: Bitcoin is awesome, but it doesn't make you a genius or the only enlightened soul on this planet. If the world ends tomorrow, you won't be saved because you have Bitcoin, Christ, grass-fed steaks, you're unvaccinated, and you own a bunch of guns. Nobody will come begging on their knees for your Bitcoin or for you to teach them "the right way of living". We all know the government is a cartel and should not be blindly trusted, but guess what? Everyone knows that, not just us. Following stupid ideas just to be anti-establishment is as idiotic as following them because it's what the establishment says and "they are the people who know". To me it looks as if people take "Don't trust verify" to a whole new level where they take as verification anything that assures them that what they've been taught is a lie, no matter how ridiculous.

Tainted Perception: The extremist faction within the Bitcoin community has had a detrimental impact on how the wider public perceives us. Their loud voices and outrageous beliefs have led outsiders to label us all as a bunch of nutjobs. It's incredibly frustrating. We need to make it clear that we're not all conspiracy theorists. We're just regular people who see the potential of Bitcoin for various reasons. Some of us view it as a financial revolution, while others consider it the best asset available or are fascinated by its resilience despite its flaws. However, these extremists have caused skeptics to believe that we're all drinking the same Kool-Aid. Let's face it, explaining Bitcoin is no easy task, and we often come across as maniacs when we try to convey its intricacies to others. Additionally, we may engage in mocking the cryptobros, which can inadvertently make us appear elitist. But the truth is, most of us have simply arrived at the conclusion that Bitcoin is the best choice based on our own considerations. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't make it a universal solution or elevate anyone to the status of genius. What's even more amusing is that we all know it. We're well aware that these extreme views held by some individuals within the community are utterly ridiculous. We all laugh at it, we make fun of them, and when people call us any of those things, we usually try to own it and use it as a flag to ridicule them. But there's a big difference between that and really believing any of it.

Rejecting the Lunacy: Personally, I don't want to be associated with those people. Sure, I can appreciate the humor and proudly display my laser eyes and "Delinquent Bitcoiner" tag on my Twitter profile, and all the Bitcoin merch I've bought or have been given by others because I love Bitcoin, but I do so despite them, not because of them. Bitcoin is a neutral form of money, and it's no surprise that the tinfoil hat-wearing lunatics are drawn to it. However, we should not allow them to define the image of the Bitcoin community. The majority of us value common sense and critical thinking, not fanaticism, virtue signalling, and apocalyptic prophecies. It's true that extremism often emerges alongside notions of freedom and independence, which is why some individuals are attracted to Bitcoin like moths to a flame. But that doesn't mean we should tolerate or embrace their idiocy.

Conclusion: Bitcoin deserves better than the extremist circus that has taken over the community. It's time we distance ourselves from those who propagate irrationality and conspiracy theories. Bitcoin is simply a tool for trade, but one with immense potential. The Bitcoin community shouldn't be defined by the fringe, but by individuals who value rationality, common sense, and open dialogue. While some may find humor in the exaggerated antics and ironic behaviour, it's important to differentiate between those engaging in playful banter and the genuine extremists who believe in their absurd ideologies. We understand that not everyone is on board with Bitcoin, and that's perfectly fine. People have the right to be skeptical and critical. We shouldn't dismiss their concerns but instead engage in respectful discussions and provide well-reasoned arguments. So let's make it clear: we don't endorse the extremists. We don't align ourselves with their outlandish beliefs. We laugh at them, mock them, and separate ourselves from their misguided notions. We are a diverse community with a range of perspectives, motivations, and reasons for being involved in Bitcoin. Bitcoin may have exposed the flaws of the current financial system, but we're not the only ones who see it. Let's encourage rationality, critical thinking, and open dialogue not just within our community, but also with those who hold different viewpoints.