"Most people are mirrors, reflecting the moods and emotions of the times. Few are windows, bringing light to bear on the dark corners where troubles fester. The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." - Sydney J. Harris.

This quote really sticks with me, as I consider what it is I am doing here. I don't necessarily mean here as in SN, but more broadly speaking: here at 1am at my computer a bit over caffeinated and contemplating my place in the universe.

Now that was a bit melodramatic. But bear with me as I explain how it happened.

I went to a market tonight where there were local vendors peddling their wares. I don't usually bother, being somewhat of a misanthrope, but I dared ask a few if they accepted Bitcoin. I approached a couple with one of those clothing stands where they pay to put clever sayings on t-shirts, hats and pins.

"I do." A look askance. "Ha-Ha! Kidding. I used to have some."

What a dumbass. For such a stupid answer, I couldn't think of anything to respond. This is why I don't usually bother.

"It's up now, I guess."

"yea, I bought it when it was low, sold high," he said nonchalantly.

"Well I'm never selling."

"I wouldn't either," he laughed nervously.

What the hell? Well, I should have been able to judge position on the bell-curve from the nature of his business. I bumbled along to the next vendor.

"Do you accept Bitcoin?"

"Noooo," said she, A tall Russian woman selling gemstone jewelry. "I used to have some and then I sold it."

Two for two. Just then, I was beginning to lose hope. People just want me to think they were smart enough to buy it early on. "Well, why not?" I pressed on.

"Like all stocks, it's volatile."

"Actually, Bitcoin isn't a stock because it is not controlled by a company," I told her.

"Well, the thing is a company controls it, so that's why so many people lost theirs. There was that one, in China. What was it called..."

"Mt. Gox? That only happened because those people weren't smart with theirs. You can avoid that if you self-custody. Besides, you don't need to own any Bitcoin to accept it to do business. Look, I have this wallet. If you downloaded it you can generate an invoice, like this, and I'd send it to you practically for free. No banks, no exchanges involved."

I took enough of her time explaining how it works that I though the least I could do is buy a turquoise beaded bracelet. I paid with my debit card.

Mirrors, reflecting whatever ideas and preconceptions they already had. Windows let in the light. Mirrors just show us own own reflection, sometimes darkened by the lies told us by fiat-truth-makers.

I much prefer to be surrounded by windows, then I can see the outstretched hills and green glades yawning near the horizon.

FR