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Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been scrolling through X lately, you might have stumbled across a hot take from Ansem (@blknoiz06) that’s got everyone talking. The post claims, “You’ve never met a single human being that’s ever gotta rich off selling bitcoin because it doesn’t fucking exist. The only people buying bitcoin are rich people that don’t need to sell bitcoin. It’s the same money laundering scheme as NFT’s.” This bold statement, originally echoing Ella’s earlier post, has sparked a fiery debate. Let’s break it down and see what’s really going on!
The Claim Under the Microscope
At first glance, Ansem’s tweet might feel like a gut punch to Bitcoin believers. The idea that no one has ever gotten rich from selling Bitcoin seems wild, especially given its reputation as the pioneer of cryptocurrency. But is there truth to this, or is it just a provocative hot take? To unpack this, let’s dive into Bitcoin’s history and the people who’ve played the game.
Bitcoin’s Early Days and Wealth Creation
Bitcoin launched in 2008 by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, and its early adopters are the stuff of legend. Think of folks like the Winklevoss twins, who invested $11 million in Bitcoin back in 2013 when it was trading at around $120 per coin. Fast forward to today, and their holdings are worth billions. They didn’t just hold—they sold portions along the way, cashing out life-changing sums. Then there’s Roger Ver, an early miner who turned a modest investment into a fortune by selling at the right times. These stories, documented on sites like Vezgo, show that getting rich from selling Bitcoin isn’t a myth—it’s a reality for some.
Even retail investors got in on the action. People who bought Bitcoin under $5,000 in 2020 saw it soar past $60,000 by 2021. Selling even a small amount at that peak could’ve turned a few hundred dollars into a small fortune. The data backs this up: early miners and holders who sold during bull runs have walked away with millions.
The Money Laundering Angle
Ansem’s comparison to NFTs and money laundering stings because it’s not entirely baseless. Bitcoin has been linked to illicit activities—ABC News recently reported on a $245 million Bitcoin theft tied to fraud and laundering charges. Its pseudonymous nature makes it a tool for those looking to move money under the radar. But does that mean it’s only a money laundering scheme? Not quite. Governments like El Salvador have adopted it as legal tender, and institutions use it for inflation hedging. It’s a double-edged sword, not a one-trick pony.
The Counterarguments: A Community Pushback
The X thread shows a lively pushback. Nimona (@RealNimona) calls out the claim, highlighting thousands of early adopters—miners, 2013-2017 retail holders, and 2020 buyers—who’ve cashed out big. Mustard6900 and LexaNigga echo this, pointing to life-changing gains from patient holding and trading. This suggests Bitcoin’s wealth creation extends beyond the ultra-rich, challenging Ansem’s narrative.
Meme Coins Enter the Chat
Interestingly, the thread veers into meme coin territory. Rev Run (@JLKHatesYou) plugs $SAN, suggesting it could outshine Bitcoin, while others like WhipDeeler showcase tokens like $VIRILITY. At Meme Insider, we love tracking these trends! Meme coins often promise quick riches, but their volatility makes Bitcoin look like a safe bet by comparison. Could $SAN flip Bitcoin? That’s a bold call, but history shows Bitcoin’s staying power.
The Bigger Picture
So, is Ansem right? Not entirely. While Bitcoin has its shady corners, the idea that no one gets rich selling it ignores the early adopters who’ve turned it into a goldmine. That said, the “rich buying, not selling” angle has some truth—many wealthy investors use Bitcoin as a store of value, not a cash-out vehicle. As for the money laundering tag, it’s a piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture.
What do you think? Have you met someone who struck it rich selling Bitcoin, or do you lean toward Ansem’s skepticism? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going! For more on meme coins and crypto trends, stick with Meme Insider as we dig into the wild world of blockchain.