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The Bushido of Bitcoin: A Code of Virtue for a World on a New Economic Standard
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hardcover
. – Aleksandar Svetski
What does it take to build civilization?
I spent two years wrestling with this question. Is it enough if Bitcoin wins? How will those who hold it behave when they become the new elite? What are the character and virtues required so that we don’t merely replace an old corrupt ruling class with a new one?
Writing this book changed me. In 2022 I took a hiatus from business to travel, get married and write. I was in a relatively dark place at the time, feeling out of like I was born in the wrong century, as my wife kept telling me. The original version of the book held a more nostalgic desire for a morally superior past that would not return; but two years, eight drafts and more than 130,000 words later, it took on a new energy. A more ascendant tone that has made me more hopeful for the future.
I believe this book to be a major white-pill, in a world full of black, red and blue pills.
The Bushido of Bitcoin is a distillation of what I’ve learned throughout my entire life, and in particular the ideas I’ve absorbed from the great stories of the past. It combines lessons from the great warrior cultures and their heroes with insights from the most insightful thinkers, religions and philosophies of all time, including Nietzsche, Spengler, Hoppe, Christianity, Feudalism and the Austrian School of Economics.
It is a playbook for the new elite with a focus on virtue - not morality. My goal is not to tell you what to believe, but to give you a guide for how the great and noble behave. All warrior cultures of the past lived by such codes of virtue, and it is high time we found ours.
The Bushido of Bitcoin is made up of SIX
It starts with a powerful prelude that sets the tone of the book. It’s followed by a history of the samurai, an explanation of the origins of Bushido and its similarities to other historical codes and religions (Part 1: Origins).
Part 2, the real meat of the book, dives deep into each virtue of this new Bushido:
JusticeCourageLove and CompassionHonorHonesty and IntegrityResponsibilityExcellenceRespectDuty and LoyaltySelf-controlFor each one I provide an extensive etymology of the word, both the English with Latin roots and the Japanese Kanji’s with their Chinese roots - the overlaps which you will find incredibly fascinating. This is followed by an exploration of historical examples and anecdotes from the greats who shaped history. Finally, each virtue-chapter is completed with a short section on its relevance to a world on a Bitcoin standard.
I then go to great lengths to explain how these virtues can be integrated into society (Part 3: Integration) and how we as individuals can practice them (Part 4: Praxis), because true knowledge is embodied in action.
Finally, I close the book out with a vivid vision of the future in the form of a short story (The Sovereign Cross) to paint a picture that theory alone cannot.
I hope these pages inspire you, like writing them did to orient yourself properly, to aspire to greatness and to cultivate a way of being that can bring about a better, bri
What does it take to build civilization?
I spent two years wrestling with this question. Is it enough if Bitcoin wins? How will those who hold it behave when they become the new elite? What are the character and virtues required so that we don’t merely replace an old corrupt ruling class with a new one?
Writing this book changed me. In 2022 I took a hiatus from business to travel, get married and write. I was in a relatively dark place at the time, feeling out of like I was born in the wrong century, as my wife kept telling me. The original version of the book held a more nostalgic desire for a morally superior past that would not return; but two years, eight drafts and more than 130,000 words later, it took on a new energy. A more ascendant tone that has made me more hopeful for the future.
I believe this book to be a major white-pill, in a world full of black, red and blue pills.
The Bushido of Bitcoin is a distillation of what I’ve learned throughout my entire life, and in particular the ideas I’ve absorbed from the great stories of the past. It combines lessons from the great warrior cultures and their heroes with insights from the most insightful thinkers, religions and philosophies of all time, including Nietzsche, Spengler, Hoppe, Christianity, Feudalism and the Austrian School of Economics.
It is a playbook for the new elite with a focus on virtue - not morality. My goal is not to tell you what to believe, but to give you a guide for how the great and noble behave. All warrior cultures of the past lived by such codes of virtue, and it is high time we found ours.
The Bushido of Bitcoin is made up of SIX
It starts with a powerful prelude that sets the tone of the book. It’s followed by a history of the samurai, an explanation of the origins of Bushido and its similarities to other historical codes and religions (Part 1: Origins).
Part 2, the real meat of the book, dives deep into each virtue of this new Bushido:
JusticeCourageLove and CompassionHonorHonesty and IntegrityResponsibilityExcellenceRespectDuty and LoyaltySelf-controlFor each one I provide an extensive etymology of the word, both the English with Latin roots and the Japanese Kanji’s with their Chinese roots - the overlaps which you will find incredibly fascinating. This is followed by an exploration of historical examples and anecdotes from the greats who shaped history. Finally, each virtue-chapter is completed with a short section on its relevance to a world on a Bitcoin standard.
I then go to great lengths to explain how these virtues can be integrated into society (Part 3: Integration) and how we as individuals can practice them (Part 4: Praxis), because true knowledge is embodied in action.
Finally, I close the book out with a vivid vision of the future in the form of a short story (The Sovereign Cross) to paint a picture that theory alone cannot.
I hope these pages inspire you, like writing them did to orient yourself properly, to aspire to greatness and to cultivate a way of being that can bring about a better, bri
529 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2024
49 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 10, 2025
And I quote “you could also make the case that, over time, it was this pathological distortion that opened the door for woman’s suffrage - quite possibly the greatest political mistake the West ever made.” P. 73
September 7, 2025
Inspiring and actionable.
December 15, 2024
A Visionary Guide to Virtue and Excellence in the Bitcoin Era : -
"The Bushido of Bitcoin" is a masterpiece that distills the essence of virtue and excellence for the new elite in the Bitcoin era. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for anyone seeking to cultivate a way of being that can bring about a better future.
The author's focus on virtue rather than morality sets this book apart. A must-read for anyone interested in personal development, philosophy, and the future of humanity.
Highly recommended for its thought-provoking insights and practical wisdom.
The writing is engaging, and the author's passion shines through on every page.
This book has the potential to inspire positive change in readers.
A truly visionary and impactful read!
Thanks for writing this book Aleksander Svetski❤️🤗
"The Bushido of Bitcoin" is a masterpiece that distills the essence of virtue and excellence for the new elite in the Bitcoin era. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for anyone seeking to cultivate a way of being that can bring about a better future.
The author's focus on virtue rather than morality sets this book apart. A must-read for anyone interested in personal development, philosophy, and the future of humanity.
Highly recommended for its thought-provoking insights and practical wisdom.
The writing is engaging, and the author's passion shines through on every page.
This book has the potential to inspire positive change in readers.
A truly visionary and impactful read!
Thanks for writing this book Aleksander Svetski❤️🤗
June 25, 2025
Loved this book. It isn't really about Bitcoin, but rather when those with Bitcoin become dominant economically, what will the world they/we build look like? And it starts with having the right values. This is a philosophy book that I couldn't put down. Last year I reread my college book, Aristotle's Ethics, and although I enjoyed it, it was a slog. This, however, is very readable and loved its message.
July 24, 2025
Must read
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews