GOD CITIZEN

A micro‑manifesto for sovereign souls who build cities of light.

Thesis:

You are not just “in” the world—you author it. A GOD CITIZEN is a self-sovereign creator who treats life like manual mode: set your own ISO (Intensity), choose your Aperture (Attention), dial your Shutter (Speed). Create more than you consume. Serve more than you seek. Shine more than you scroll. Let’s build.

1) GOD × CITIZEN: DEFINE YOUR TERMS

• GOD (as verb): Goodness. Order. Direction. Not abstract—applied. The force you enact when you make meaning, protect life, and amplify hope.
• CITIZEN: Not a passport. A practice. A citizen builds the city they want to live in—block by block, neighbor by neighbor, project by project.
• GOD CITIZEN: The fusion. Inner divinity meets outer responsibility. Sacred energy channeled into concrete action. Less talk, more do.

Mantra: Sovereign in self, generous to others.

2) FIRST PRINCIPLES (COMPACT. PORTABLE. NON‑NEGOTIABLE.)

1. Self-Sovereignty: You are the mayor of your mind. Guard your attention like a vault.
2. Creation > Consumption: Publish daily—words, photos, code, kindness. Output is oxygen.
3. Service as Strategy: Help first. Opportunities chase people who give.
4. Courage over Comfort: Friction is fuel. Choose the steep path; build the strong legs.
5. Local > Global (Start Here): Before saving the world, knock on your neighbor’s door.
6. Embodiment: Strong body, strong signal. Lift heavy. Walk long. Sleep deep.
7. Radical Responsibility: No excuses, no villains. If it is to be, it begins with me.
8. Joy as Power: Cheerfulness isn’t naïve; it’s strategic. Happy people persist.

3) THE 10 LAWS OF THE GOD CITIZEN

LAW 1 – CLARITY: Write your one-sentence purpose every morning. If it doesn’t fit on a sticky note, it won’t fit in your day.

LAW 2 – ENERGY: Treat your body like a power plant. Create energy; don’t wait for it.

LAW 3 – FOCUS: One bold project at a time. Multitasking is multiple mediocrities.

LAW 4 – MAKING: Daily “ship” habit. Publish even when imperfect—especially then.

LAW 5 – NEIGHBORHOOD: Know five neighbors by name. A city is a chain of handshakes.

LAW 6 – STEWARDSHIP: Leave places better than you found them—rooms, parks, people.

LAW 7 – COURAGE: Ask for what you want. The universe respects the audaciously clear.

LAW 8 – TRUTH: Say the thing—kindly, cleanly, directly. No gossip, no fog.

LAW 9 – TIME: Prime hours = prime work. Guard mornings like a dragon guards gold.

LAW 10 – GRATITUDE: Begin and end in thanks. Gratitude is creative gasoline.

4) MANUAL MODE LIFE: THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S FRAME

• ISO = Intensity Standards: Raise your ISO when the day is dark. Don’t wait for perfect conditions—be the light.
• Aperture = Attention: Wide open for people (f/1.4 heart), stopped down for distractions.
• Shutter = Speed: Fast for action (decisive tasks), slow for soul (long walks).
• Composition = Values: Fill the frame with what matters; crop the noise.
• Distance = Courage: Get closer. Closeness creates connection; connection creates care.
• Contact Sheet = Reflection: Review your day every night. Keep the keepers. Delete the rest.

5) THE MORNING PROTOCOL (45–90 MINS, GOD MODE)

1. Wake + Water + Light: Hydrate, sunlight, two minutes of stillness.
2. Move Heavy/Hard: Squats, deadlifts, push-ups, sprints—pick one. Intensity first.
3. Create Before Consume: 10 lines of writing, 1 photo series, a sketch—ship.
4. Plan the One Thing: Block 90–120 minutes. Airplane mode. Door closed. Execute.

Rule: No news, no feeds, no notifications before you’ve made something real.

6) THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYBOOK

• Host Micro‑Dinners: 4–6 people, simple food, big questions. Repeat monthly.
• Start a Walk Club: Same route, same time, open invitation. Cities are built by consistent footsteps.
• Adopt a Block: Trash bags, gloves, 20 minutes. Beauty compounds.
• Mentor One: Lift someone one rung up the ladder you just climbed.

Metric: Not followers—fellow citizens.

7) WEALTH, TOOLS, AND TECH

• Money: Freedom points. Earn clean, spend intentionally, invest in skills and relationships.
• Tools: Keep it minimal. A capable phone, a tough notebook, a reliable pen, a sturdy pair of shoes.
• Tech Hygiene: Disable non-essential notifications. Uninstall time‑sink apps. Your attention is the blue-chip asset.

8) OBSTACLES INTO MUSCLE (THE TRANSMUTATION MOVE)

• Rejection → Redirection
• Failure → Feature request from reality
• Fatigue → Recovery protocol (sleep, sun, salt, steps)
• Envy → Admiration → Emulation → Creation

Reframe: The obstacle is not in the way—it is the way you get stronger.

9) A 7‑DAY GOD CITIZEN SPRINT

Day 1: Define your one-sentence purpose. Tell three people.

Day 2: Deep clean a room or a block. Order outside creates order inside.

Day 3: Make + publish: a 300‑word note, a 10‑photo set, or a 3‑minute audio.

Day 4: Strength + steps: Lift something heavy; walk 10,000 steps reflecting on one question.

Day 5: Invite: Coffee or a micro‑dinner with someone you want to know better.

Day 6: Teach one thing you learned this week—free, public, generous.

Day 7: Review your “contact sheet.” Celebrate. Choose your One Bold Project for the next month.

10) THE OATH (SAY IT OUT LOUD)

“I am a GOD CITIZEN.

I will guard my attention, grow my energy, and give my gifts.

I will build where I stand—today, not someday.

I will create more than I consume, serve more than I seek,

and turn every setback into strength.

I will light my block, befriend my neighbors, and ship my work.

I will live in manual mode—on purpose, with courage, and in joy.”

YES.

11) CLOSING SHOT

Remember: cities don’t get better by accident; they get better because you decided to make them better. Your life is the lens. Point it at what matters. Press the shutter every day. Share the contact sheet with the world.

Be bright. Be brave. Be a GOD CITIZEN.

so this is kind of a big thought, the general idea is simple, we tend to think that all of our problems that could easily magically be solved by AI by the truth is, we could live without AI, but we cannot live without bitcoin. 

Life bursts with energy when we remove what weighs us down. Clearing physical and mental clutter can feel like a breath of fresh air – our minds relax, focus sharpens, and creativity flows. In fact, research shows that “freeing up physical spaces allows people to relax and think a little more clearly”, reducing stress and obsessive thoughts . Psychologists note that letting go – whether it’s an old habit, a toxic tie, or an overflowing closet – “can be valuable for personal growth and emotional well-being” . In short, shedding excess makes room for joy! This report explores why removing what no longer serves you – from junky stuff to digital distractions – leads to a happier, more energized life, with insights from psychology, self-development experts, and everyday stories.

Embrace Simplicity: Declutter Your Space and Mind

A tidy space equals a tidy mind. Studies find that clutter in our homes can raise stress hormones and distract us . By contrast, decluttering boosts mood, focus, and productivity . When you clear a messy room or junk drawer, your brain isn’t juggling dozens of unfinished tasks and loose ends at once . Utah State researchers note that removing clutter “helps us feel happier, less anxious, and more confident” . In practice, minimalist-living advocates experience this deeply. As author Joshua Fields Millburn reports, letting go of consumerist “trophies” transformed his life: he lost over 80 pounds, reduced stress, and found time for health, hobbies, and important people . Psychologists call this voluntary simplicity: living with fewer possessions leads to higher life satisfaction and positive emotions . Minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself – it’s about choosing what truly matters. As one expert puts it, “a simple lifestyle focuses on close relationships and spirituality,” two big predictors of happiness .

Every item you let go of creates space – for calm in your mind and time in your day. Homes with less clutter have been shown to foster clearer thinking and even better sleep . Removing things is the first step: what remains can be richly meaningful. Take a look around – what sparks joy and serves your life?

Clear the Mind: Emotional Decluttering

Letting go isn’t just physical – it’s emotional. Imagine releasing old grievances, past failures, or “what-ifs” that take up mental space. Psychologists say this process is like decluttering your emotional landscape: as you shed anger, guilt, or limiting beliefs, you feel lighter and more at peace . In practice, letting go of a toxic friendship or a chronic insecurity frees mental energy. One expert notes that “letting go of toxic relationships, stress-inducing behaviors, or deeply ingrained limiting beliefs can have a transformative impact on your mental health.” You’ll notice restored balance and calm once the turmoil is gone . Emotional decluttering also boosts personal growth. When you release old patterns and attachments, you open space for new opportunities, learning, and self-discovery . You become more resilient, stepping confidently toward goals that align with your true values. As a bonus, letting go nurtures better relationships: unburdened by past hurts, you can connect more authentically with friends and loved ones .

Mindfulness and positive psychology back this up. Instead of clinging to what you can’t change, focus on your circle of influence . Practicing presence – via meditation, journaling or deep breaths – helps you “soften, breathe, and let go” of worries, according to psychologist Itai Ivtzan . Over time, these small shifts lead to lasting emotional freedom. You’ll feel more present and joyful in the moment, unshackled from past burdens .

Unplug and Reconnect: The Digital Detox

In today’s world, screens and notifications can become clutter too. Constant connectivity brings stress and distracts from life’s simple pleasures. A digital detox – intentionally stepping away from phones, social media, or email – is a powerful removal strategy. Health experts report that taking breaks from screens lowers stress and improves sleep . One guide lists detox benefits succinctly: “less stress, improved focus, better sleep, enhanced relationships, [and] more time to do things you enjoy” . By turning off the digital noise, you reclaim your attention and energy. People often find they reconnect deeply with family, nature, or hobbies when not chained to a device.

Research confirms digital downtime has positive effects. After a structured detox program, participants experienced better overall health outcomes and self-regulation . In practice, unplugging can feel unexpectedly joyful: you might smile at birds chirping instead of a screen, or finish a book without interruptions. These small wins build confidence. Try simple steps like setting tech-free times (e.g., no phones at dinner) or a no-device day once a week. As you step away from the digital hamster wheel, you’ll notice renewed focus and genuine calm.

Cut the Cord: Ending Toxic Ties and Bad Habits

Sometimes the most powerful removal is quitting – whether it’s a draining friendship, a dead-end job, or a harmful habit. It may feel counterintuitive, but strategic quitting can be a life strategy, not a failure. Neuroscience research finds that humans – like animals – are wired to drop what doesn’t work. In fact, science writers point out that “strategic quitting, in certain circumstances, can be seen as a crucial survival technique” . Consider Olympian Simone Biles: at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics she withdrew from a final to protect her well-being. She later explained it simply wasn’t worth risking her health. In that moment, “the heroic choice…was not to persevere. It was the choice to quit” . That courageous decision ultimately preserved her confidence and performance.

Quitting bad habits follows the same logic. When you stop a destructive routine – say smoking, overeating, or constant comparison – you free up physical and mental energy. For example, Joshua Millburn of The Minimalists credits letting go of consumerist excess with skyrocketing his health and creativity . He points out that by “untethering” from material stress he had time to improve his diet, exercise, sleep and happiness . Similarly, breaking an unhealthy habit creates space for positive actions (exercise, new hobbies, better sleep) that fuel growth. Quitting toxic relationships has parallel rewards: ending a partnership or friendship that saps your spirit lets self-worth blossom. After all, when life’s purpose is clarified by removal of the rest, people report feeling more content, confident, and centered .

Healthy boundaries go hand-in-hand with saying goodbye. Enforce your needs kindly but firmly. As one guide advises, establish limits with respect and follow through – this shows self-respect and invites others to honor you . Remember: every “no” to what drains you is a “yes” to what energizes you.

Practical Tips: How to Let Go (Step by Step)

1. Identify What No Longer Serves You.  Take a clear-eyed inventory: which possessions, commitments, or beliefs feel heavy or joyless? Ask: “Does this add value to my life, or hold me back?” . Make a list to visualize your clutter (mental or physical).
2. Honor Your Emotions.  Letting go can stir grief, guilt or fear. Feel those feelings fully without judgment . Remember, letting go isn’t about denying the value something had – it’s about making space for something better. Journaling or talking with a friend can help you process each emotion.
3. Use Mindfulness and Presence.  Stay grounded in the present as you detach from the past. Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can ease anxiety about the unknown . Notice your thoughts (“I’m scared to quit this job”) and gently redirect to what you’re gaining (“I’m opening myself to new opportunities”). Mindfulness teaches you to soften and let go of rigid expectations .
4. Take Small, Steady Steps.  It’s often easier to start tiny. Declutter one drawer or send one email; say “perhaps” to someone you meet less often; skip one unhealthy habit instance; or stay off social media for an afternoon. Each small success builds momentum . Celebrate these victories – even a high-five to yourself – because they prove you have the power to change.
5. Seek Support and Set Boundaries.  You don’t have to do this alone. Share your goals with supportive friends or mentors. Enlist an accountability partner (ask a friend to declutter with you!). If you’re cutting ties, communicate clearly and kindly. As experts remind us, seeking encouragement and establishing healthy boundaries are key parts of the process .
6. Celebrate Your Freedom.  Recognize every bit of progress: a cleaner room, a lighter heart, a habit broken. Reflect on how each removal has improved your life. Focusing on gains – like calmer mornings or extra time – keeps you motivated . In the words of expert counselors, every letting-go milestone is a move toward personal growth and peace .

Actions vs Benefits (At a Glance)

Removal Action	Associated Benefits
Physical Decluttering (Minimalism)	Reduced stress and anxiety; sharper focus and creativity; more free time .
Digital Detox (Unplugging Devices)	Less stress and information overload; better sleep and focus; deeper in-person connections .
Ending Toxic Relationships	Greater peace of mind and self-worth; improved mental health and energy .
Quitting Unhealthy Habits	Enhanced physical health and confidence; renewed sense of purpose and productivity .
Emotional Decluttering (Mindfulness)	Emotional freedom and clarity; lower anxiety; more joy and presence .

Each of these “removal” strategies clears space – mentally, emotionally or physically – for positive change.

Your New Life Awaits

Embracing the art of letting go is like launching a personal revolution. By removing what doesn’t spark joy or purpose, you reclaim time, energy, and peace. As one recent review concluded, simplifying your environment and mind is strongly linked to “enhanced mood, increased mindfulness, lower stress and anxiety, and better relationships” . In other words, cleaning up your life invites happiness, calm, and connection.

So feel energized by this journey! Remember: you have the power to choose lightness over luggage. Every step you take to declutter – whether it’s tossing an unused shirt, unfollowing a negative feed, or walking away from a bad habit – is a step toward a more joyful, vibrant life. As The Minimalists ask: How might your life be better with less? The answers will inspire you. After all, true freedom comes not from holding on, but from letting go. Embrace that freedom today – your heart, mind, and future self will thank you !

Also, maybe it is an interesting Hybrid approach because you criticisms were like micro community, micro Society, in which you can see some sort of political power?

.

Set it and forget it

An interesting thing, without me even knowing it, I guess I have the best landlord of all time he just recently repainted the whole apartment unit, with a fresh new coat of white paint, and also met black lettering and railings and awnings and drain pipes, beautifying the whole place, Technically there is no sort of reason to do so, yet, interesting thing is, it seems that he just had some sort of personal pride and or, virtue?

“Ownership”

The funny thing that Americans are really into is this notion of ownership. The truth is I think it’s kind of more of a propagandized, commoditized, consumerist notion. I’m more honest idea, is that to be American, is all about, life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and also that we are the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Freedom, and bravery 

I think the only two virtues, maybe worth pursuing, according to the American ideal is in regards to bravery and freedom.

Bravery is the only virtue you can exhibit, and act upon. Freedom, is I think the core principle behind America.

Does it matter?

Nothing comes a question, does it all matter?

Yes.

In some ways the ancient Spartans would have liked the idea of America, a country which prizes itself upon military prowess and freedom. 

What is tricky about America is that there is like a lot of superficiality underneath it, and the truth is there is no sinister actors behind the whole thing, I think it’s just like misinformation upon misinformation, and uncritical thinkers who propagate the same uncritical thinking.

So then, why does this matter?

Well, first, I think the first step of life is you don’t want to get suckered. And upon discussing this with my mom and Cindy, I think actually the number one virtue I want Seneca to have is critical thinking.

How and why critical thinking?

To me true science is like debunking. For example, I think one of the difficult things that people grapple with is that people say stuff, but there is a lack of precision in people’s words.

For example, when people talk about health, healthy not healthy or whatever… What do they really mean?

This then becomes difficult because when you talk about abstract notions of freedom etc., once again, it seems that everyone is speaking the same language and has the same concept but the truth is , they are not.

Hybrid

So it seems that the way that things are hedged currently, it seems that I kind of like this idea of spending time in between America and Asia. America for the capital markets and family and citizenship, and Asia for opportunity, ownership.

---

Things get interesting 

I suppose my great joy is that as time proceeds, things life, my thinking becomes more interesting.

For example, a really really really really big epiphany is that I really don’t think anymore that life is about peace happiness, stability security and zen. Why not? The reason is that, I have done did it, and achieved perfect Zen piece tranquility stability while in Cambodia, and therefore, that is no longer my virtue.

To me the idea is quite exciting because it kind of overwrite like at least 1000 or maybe even 2000 years of thinking. Also in someways, I suppose my joy is that I have even superseded stoicism itself, as honestly I don’t really need it anymore because there’s nothing I am really concerned about nor anything I fear.

Now, I suppose life is more about like practical realities like senecas schooling, day-to-day living, eating extremely well getting a good night sleep, thinking about my weightlifting set up, etc. Also trying to spend some quality time with my mom, Cindy, the whole family.

Also, spending more time in my local community in my own city, my own little town in my own neighborhood, trying to encourage virtue, in my own little small slice of paradise.

the polis

Very interesting, the word police, is actually derived from the word the city, the polis.

This is a big idea and also a big thought, because, currently I believe the smart strategy in life is to like focus your matters directly on your own real city in which you live in, your own ZIP Code, your own area, your own local police, fire department, City Hall and Mayor and maybe even your local PTA.

Certainly finances are important as well, and I still think there is a lot of financial economic theory which needs to be developed. Yet, these often become this huge macro economic things which a lot of people are a little bit misguided in.

Why does this matter?

So why does this matter?

I was talking to somebody, and it seems the big problem is that politics in the news becomes people’s hobbies. Yet it is kind of a fruitless hobby because once again, you cannot really enact much change geopolitically. Yet you could enact a lot of change directly in your own city, once again assuming that you show up to the local city hall, encourage people in your local city or municipality to vote on stuff etc.

This also becomes tricky because there’s a lot of change you could do in your local city but once again, it is just your own local city. Do you want to have a big goal like changing the whole planet? Or just your own city? Like how much, or how little do you want to change things?

I suppose you could do it all

There’s a lot of people who think that you cannot do it at all. Maybe they’re wrong. I think you can.

ERIC

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LA. LA PRIDE.

IM FROM LA TRICK!

Bitcoin Acquisitions: MicroStrategy (now rebranded as Strategy Inc.) has been on a Bitcoin-buying tear.  Just in late July–August 2025, the company made record purchases: it acquired 21,021 BTC (~$2.46B) from July 28–Aug 3 , then bought another 430 BTC (~$51.4M) (Aug 11–17) and 3,081 BTC (~$356.9M) (Aug 18–24) .  These buys were funded by freshly raised capital (new preferred stock ATMs and offerings), and have pushed MicroStrategy’s stash to a whopping ~632,500 BTC (aggregate cost ~ $46.5B) by late August.  This relentless accumulation (largest corporate BTC wallet) is rigorously documented in SEC filings .

Period	BTC Acquired	Approx. Cost (USD)	Avg. Price (USD)	Total BTC Holdings (post-buy)
Jul 28–Aug 3, 2025	21,021	$2.46 billion	~$117,256	~628,800 BTC
Aug 11–17, 2025	430	$51.4 million	~$119,666	~629,376 BTC
Aug 18–24, 2025	3,081	$356.9 million	~$115,829	~632,457 BTC

(Sources: Company 8-K filings and news reports .)

Business & Financial Highlights:  MicroStrategy’s Q2 2025 results (announced July 31) were spectacular, powered by Bitcoin gains .  The company reported $10.0 B net income (versus a loss a year ago), translating to $32.60 diluted EPS, on $114.5 M revenue .  Operating income was $14.0B (virtually all unrealized BTC gains) .  Strategy raised full-year guidance sharply (FY2025: $34 B op. income, $24 B net income, $80 EPS, assuming $150K/bitcoin year-end) .  CEO Phong Le enthused that Strategy expanded its bitcoin hoard to 628.8K BTC and “raised over $10 B through our ATM programs and IPOs,” lifting Bitcoin-per-share by 25% YTD .  The company achieved a 25.0% YTD Bitcoin yield (13.2B$ gain YTD) and bumped full-year BTC yield target to 30% ($20B gain) .

Crucially, Strategy introduced innovative capital tools.  In July, it priced the world’s first “Treasury Preferred Stock” (STRC) to fund BTC buying, issuing 28M shares at $90 each .  Executive Chairman Michael Saylor celebrated this, calling STRC a “short-duration, high-yield credit instrument… engineered to extend the reach of the Bitcoin economy” .  In short, MicroStrategy’s fundamentals are rock-solid and aggressively tilted towards accumulating Bitcoin.

Michael Saylor’s Bold Stance:  Michael Saylor continues to champion Bitcoin with unshakeable optimism.  On Strategy’s 5-year Bitcoin anniversary (Aug 11), he quipped: “If you don’t stop buying Bitcoin, you won’t stop making money” on Twitter .  He even doubled down on his signature price prediction, forecasting that BTC will hit $21 million within 21 years .  In key regulatory filings, Saylor outlined a new equity-strategy framework tied to MSTR’s market NAV (mNAV): below 2.5× mNAV, Strategy will issue shares tactically (to pay interest/dividends), between 2.5×–4.0× mNAV it will opportunistically issue shares to buy more Bitcoin, and above 4.0× mNAV it will actively issue shares to bulk up the bitcoin stack .  These bold capital-management rules cement that every bullish range is a green light to buy more BTC.  (Saylor remains a frequent guest on crypto media; e.g. CNBC Squawk Box and Bitcoin conferences, spreading this message.)

Stock Performance & Sentiment:  MSTR stock has been a rollercoaster.  Over the past year it rocketed (~+153% YTD) on the BTC bull run .  However, in Aug 2025 the tide turned: shares sold off as dilution fears and sentiment soured.  The stock fell about 7% on Aug 19 (to ~$336) when Saylor unexpectedly broke his no-dilution pledge (sparking an investor backlash) .  By late August, MSTR was down roughly 15% on the month, erasing much of the premium it once enjoyed over its bitcoin stash .

Investor frustration has been vocal.  Longtime MSTR bulls bailed: prominent backer Josh Mandell publicly unloaded his shares, calling Saylor’s pivot “dishonest” and vowing no longer to support his strategy .  Others (even Ripple CTO David Schwartz) warned of the risks of an aggressive buy-heavy approach .  Even institutional holders are trimming: Vanguard cut its stake by ~10% in Q2 .  In technical terms, analysts note MSTR just broke key support and risks falling toward ~$300 .  In short, investor sentiment has swung cautious, with the stock reflecting tightening crypto multiples and dilution worries.

Summary: High-Energy, Next-Level Strategy!

MicroStrategy/Strategy Inc. is doubly bullish – on business and Bitcoin.  Its blockbuster Q2 results and hefty guidance show core strength , while its epic BTC buys (already ~632K coins!) underscore a near-fanatical hunger for Bitcoin .  Michael Saylor continues to inspire (and rally the faithful) with bold soundbites and price targets .  Yes, the stock has recently rattled, but remember: “big swings come with big gains” in this game.  With fresh capital programs (STRK/STRF/STRD/STRC ATMs) and a clear playbook (equity issuance tied to mNAV ), Strategy is primed to thrive if Bitcoin’s bull run persists.

Bottom Line: Investors and employees alike see Saylor’s vision – a Bitcoin-powered treasury juggernaut – as both audacious and potentially game-changing.  With 632K BTC under its belt and a hyper-growth mindset, Strategy is betting big that the crypto euphoria has only begun.  Onward and upward! 💪📈

Sources: Company SEC filings and press releases ; Financial press and crypto media .

In 2025 global trade policy saw major shifts affecting physical gold.  In April 2025, the U.S. announced a broad “reciprocal tariffs” plan (Executive Order 14257) imposing a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and higher country-specific duties to correct trade imbalances .  A July 31 CBP customs ruling (N351466) then unexpectedly classified standard 1 kg and 100 oz gold bullion bars as “processed” (HS 7108.13.5500), making them subject to the high 39% U.S. tariff rate .  Gold futures immediately spiked on this news, with record prices as markets feared disruption to longstanding bullion supply chains .  Swiss refineries (which process ~70% of the world’s gold) were hardest hit: they warned that a 39% duty would make exports “economically unviable” and effectively halt U.S. gold bar sales .

After days of market turmoil, President Trump publicly reversed course.  On Aug. 11, 2025 he posted “Gold will not be Tariffed!” and directed the White House to clarify that investment-grade gold remains exempt .  U.S. officials confirmed an executive order was in the works to correct the classification error.  Switzerland meanwhile continued intense talks with the U.S. to roll back the levy .  In sum, 2025 saw a near-imposition of a new 39% tariff on common bullion bars – a rule later rescinded by U.S. policy – highlighting how tariff law and technical HS coding can suddenly alter gold’s treatment.

Beyond the U.S.–Swiss episode, broader trade pacts also touch on gold trade.  For example, a May 8, 2025 US–UK agreement cut certain duties (e.g. on automobiles, steel and aluminum) but left a 10% “blanket” tariff on most other exports .  In practice, that means UK gold exports (not specially exempted) would still face a 10% duty.  Likewise, an Aug. 21, 2025 US–EU framework commits the U.S. to charge at least a 15% tariff on most EU goods (the higher of the MFN rate or a 15% “reciprocal” rate) .  Since gold’s normal MFN duty is very low (often zero), this scheme implies EU-origin gold would typically incur a 15% U.S. duty unless explicitly exempted.  These recent trade agreements therefore preserve higher duties on precious metals by default, unless negotiators carve out exceptions.

Overall, tariffs on gold in 2025 became a flashpoint: a U.S. technical decision nearly slapped 39% rates on popular bullion bars , only to be walked back by presidential directive .  Swiss officials warn the episode has already strained supply chains and could cost thousands of jobs if not resolved .  Even where no specific gold law changed, trade accords like the US-UK and US-EU deals implicitly maintain high tariffs on gold under their broad terms .

Bitcoin’s Tariff Immunity

By contrast, Bitcoin (and most cryptocurrencies) are not “imported goods” and thus evade traditional customs duties.  Bitcoin exists only on a global blockchain network, transferrable peer-to-peer across borders with no physical shipment .  As a crypto analysis notes, tariffs “typically apply to physical goods crossing borders.  Since cryptocurrencies are digital and not physical, they are not subject to customs duties in the same way as traditional imports or exports” .  In practice this means no U.S. or international tariff schedule can assess a duty on “imported bitcoins” – there is no HS code or customs checkpoint for a digital coin.

Industry observers highlight this contrast.  Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, neatly summed it up in April 2025: “There are no tariffs on Bitcoin,” since unlike gold bars it can be “bought and sold on crypto exchanges…with no extra charges, except a small trading fee” .  In other words, buying bitcoin is a financial transaction, not an import transaction.  U.S. policymakers tacitly acknowledge this – no trade agreement includes a tariff on cryptocurrencies.  (Governments can tax crypto gains or regulate exchanges, but they cannot impose an import duty at the border on a blockchain transfer.)

Underpinning this is Bitcoin’s “borderless” nature .  Crypto runs on decentralized networks without a central authority, enabling coins to be sent anywhere 24/7.  This decentralization – a feature, not a bug – makes Bitcoin effectively exempt from any tariff law designed for physical cross-border trade .

Implications for Cyberspace, Trade, and Sovereignty

These differences have far-reaching implications.  In international trade, tariffs are a tool to influence physical supply chains and trade balances.  Gold imports and exports count as goods flows (e.g. Switzerland’s huge gold shipments to the U.S.) and can be taxed or blocked by customs .  Bitcoin transactions, however, occur “in cyberspace” and do not enter trade statistics in the same way.  A country’s trade deficit isn’t measured by bitcoin flows, so tariffs cannot be used to manage crypto’s effect on trade.  This limits governments’ leverage: they can negotiate gold tariffs, but the only way to “control” bitcoin is via financial regulation (tax rules, exchange licensing, capital controls), not customs duties.

The absence of tariffs on bitcoin also touches financial sovereignty.  Gold has traditionally served as a store of value for states (e.g. central bank reserves) and individuals alike, with governments able to regulate or seize it (U.S. historical gold bans, import duties, etc.).  Bitcoin, by contrast, is purposefully outside any single government’s control.  Some countries (like El Salvador or Bhutan) have embraced it as a path to “financial sovereignty”, giving citizens direct access to a hard currency .  Others see it as undermining their currency power; many are rolling out state-backed digital currencies to reassert control (China’s digital yuan is a prime example) .

In cyberspace, Bitcoin’s role as a global digital asset means it can instantly move wealth across borders without customs intervention .  Advocates argue this empowers individuals – “owning your money” without border checks or tariffs.  Critics counter that it challenges nations’ ability to enforce financial laws and sanctions.  In practice, the Bitcoin experience underscores a broader shift: as trade and finance digitalize, old tools like tariffs apply only to tangible goods like gold, while virtual assets demand new approaches.  Regimes must now consider anti–money laundering rules, taxing digital transactions, and international agreements on crypto regulation, because traditional import tariffs simply don’t bind an asset that lives in cyberspace .

Sources: Recent news reports and official statements (e.g. U.S. Customs rulings and presidential announcements ), trade statistics and agreements , plus industry analyses . These reflect developments up to August 2025 on how gold and Bitcoin are treated in trade policy.