15. Running a Full Node

15. Running a Full Node

Private keys determine Bitcoin ownership. Full nodes defend Bitcoin’s rules.

If we truly want to give back to Bitcoin, beyond making ourselves “strong nodes,” the second thing we can do is run a full node.

Bitcoin’s ultimate goal is to become the world’s best store of value. One of its most important features is its fixed supply. By holding Bitcoin, you never again need to pay the hidden tax of inflation.

But how do we ensure Bitcoin’s rules can’t be changed? Could someone alter its total supply?

That’s where full nodes come in.

Full nodes verify transactions and blocks across the Bitcoin network. Any transaction or block that violates the consensus rules is automatically rejected. Because Bitcoin’s total supply is controlled by block rewards and halving events, if full nodes don’t agree, the rules cannot be changed.

In fact, every rule modification in Bitcoin requires the consent of full nodes. Since anyone can run their own node, the rules of Bitcoin ultimately rest with its users.

Everyone is Satoshi. We each define the Bitcoin we recognize by the rules our nodes enforce.

Developers can release clients with new rules, but they must persuade full nodes to upgrade; otherwise, those rules won’t be adopted. This means nodes protect against developers unilaterally changing the system.

If we worry about supply changes, we should run full nodes ourselves to signal our stance. As long as others do the same, no change can take effect without widespread consensus. Nodes that “play dumb” and follow invalid rules only fork themselves off into irrelevance.

This is why developers prioritize forward-compatible changes — soft forks — since non-backward-compatible upgrades expand the rule set and risk rejection by nodes.

Miners can also attempt to break rules by producing invalid blocks, but nodes will reject them, causing miners financial losses.

Thus, full nodes are the highest authority Bitcoin grants to users — a sword in every holder’s hand. By running the node we choose, we ensure “our Bitcoin” is always the one we recognize.

Conversely, anyone wishing to change the rules must first convince the full nodes. Otherwise, they’ve only forked themselves into a separate chain.

Some miners try to mislead users into giving up their right to run full nodes. This is foolish and self-defeating. Those who could be fooled aren’t running nodes anyway, while those who do run nodes understand their power and won’t put down their sword.

It’s like bodyguards trying to rebel by tricking people into laying down their weapons. But those who use swords know their value and won’t surrender them. The would-be rebels are left powerless.

Private keys grant ownership. Full nodes guard the rules. Holding keys is empowering, but holding a node carries its own thrill: whenever I see bad actors spreading lies or trying to undermine Bitcoin, I check my node’s status and feel a deep sense of “you can’t touch me.” The louder their shouting, the clearer it is that they’re powerless.

Even if we don’t run a full node, we should preserve the right to do so. Owning a sword but choosing not to use it is fundamentally different from having no sword at all.

From a personal standpoint, not running a node may not impact much. But then you must trust others’ nodes. Trust is your choice — but you must also preserve the ability not to trust, or you lose your freedom.

Running a true full node today can be costly — renting a server may cost thousands per year. A Bitcoin Core wallet at home is useful but often doesn’t qualify as a full node in the strictest sense.

Still, if we store significant wealth in Bitcoin and want to give back, we should run nodes. On one hand, our node helps others synchronize the blockchain. On the other, every additional node strengthens the network against attacks, even those from nation-states.

Bitcoin’s goals are grand. It should be expected that it will face attacks of every scale. Buying coffee was never its mission.

So pick up your sword. Defend your wealth. Protect Bitcoin.

By becoming the strongest version of ourselves while also running a real Bitcoin full node, we maximize our contribution.

We are Bitcoin’s contributors. When others need trust, we provide a backbone. When others don’t need trust, we defend their right to verify independently.

It is thanks to countless contributors that Bitcoin stands where it is today. Critics who dismiss its value don’t understand who stands behind it, or how great their vision truly is.

Don’t trust. Verify.