I run a node because I'm a bitcoiner. Don't trust, verify. Running a node means I can know for myself. Running a node means I don't need to trust someone else's node. It means they aren't logging my IP address when I validate a transaction. Running my node strengthens the network. Another version of the blockchain is out there. Understanding how bitcoin works is valuable knowledge. I've learned many things while running a node. I don't want to be a passive part of bitcoin. I wanna understand it and be a part of its growth and success. There are many ways to prove you value bitcoin and running a node is one of them. Everyone should run a node.