Cryptocurrency has become one of the most talked-about financial tools in the world. From Bitcoin and Ethereum to new digital tokens and stablecoins, people are turning to crypto for investment, savings and even daily payments. But as exciting as it may sound, crypto also carries high risks — something even the biggest crypto believers admit.
One such believer is Michael Saylor, the American tech billionaire and executive chairman of MicroStrategy, a company that has invested billions of dollars in Bitcoin. He’s known worldwide for his bold support of Bitcoin and his influence in bringing big institutions into the crypto space.
Yet despite his confidence, Michael Saylor once said, “Only invest in Bitcoin the money you cannot afford to lose.”
At first, this might sound confusing — why invest something you can’t afford to lose? Isn’t it the other way around?
Let’s unpack what he really meant — and what it means for us in Papua New Guinea.
Michael Saylor – Chairman of MicroStrategy
Understanding the Quote: A Matter of Perspective
What Michael Saylor actually meant is this:
If you believe in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, like digital gold, then don’t just treat it like a gamble. You shouldn’t invest in it lightly or with your “extra” money like betting on a horse race. Instead, he encourages people to treat Bitcoin like something essential and important — worth holding onto even in hard times.
On the other hand, many people interpreted the statement the other way around: “Only invest what you’re willing to lose.” This version is a more common risk warning, often used in crypto advice to remind people that prices can go up or down very fast and they could lose their money overnight.
So, what’s the difference?
Both views are valuable — and they highlight the balance between caution and conviction when it comes to cryptocurrency.
Why Michael Saylor Believes in Bitcoin
Michael Saylor’s company, MicroStrategy, started buying Bitcoin in 2020 as a way to protect its cash reserves from inflation. He believes that Bitcoin is:
He once called Bitcoin the “most efficient store of value ever invented.”
For people in countries with weak currencies or poor banking systems, Bitcoin can act as a global, independent financial tool. And in this view, you shouldn’t treat Bitcoin like a casino — you should treat it like property.
What This Means for Papua New Guinea
In PNG, the idea of crypto is still new for most people. Many have heard of Bitcoin but few understand how it works or how volatile (changeable) it can be. There are a few important lessons we can learn from Michael Saylor’s words:
1. Do Your Research First
Don’t jump into crypto just because someone told you it’s “quick money.” Learn how it works, how wallets operate, and what risks are involved. The prices can go up — but they can also fall suddenly.
2. Don’t Use Money You Need Tomorrow
Never invest your school fees, food money, or emergency funds into crypto. This applies to any investment, but especially one as unpredictable as Bitcoin. If it goes down, you may not be able to get your money back in time.
3. Think Long-Term, Not Get-Rich-Quick
Saylor’s view is that Bitcoin is not a short-term gamble — it’s a long-term strategy. For those who want to use crypto for savings, the idea is to hold it for years not just days or weeks.
4. Use Secure Platforms
In PNG, few local options exist for crypto trading. If you do use crypto, make sure to store it safely and avoid scams or promises that sound “too good to be true.” Use wallets and platforms that allow you to keep control of your own private keys.
A Middle Ground: Balance Between Hope and Caution
Michael Saylor believes in Bitcoin so strongly that he invested over $5 billion USD through his company. That’s a level of belief few people can match — and he has the resources to survive if the price drops.
But for ordinary people, it’s still wise to be careful. Many experts recommend this simple rule:
“Start small, stay informed and only invest what you’re okay waiting years to see grow.”
That’s the best way to treat crypto — especially in PNG where banking access is low, digital skills are still developing, and price volatility can be overwhelming.
Michael Saylor’s message wasn’t about throwing all your money into crypto and hoping for the best. It was about treating Bitcoin seriously, like you would with land, property or gold. But for people in PNG, especially first-time investors, it’s important to:
Central Bank (BPNG) Associate Governor George Awap posted on this LinkedIn account and I quote below “the traditional definition of money has changed significantly over time. Virtual currency given proper legal frameworks have the room to breathe and it cannot be ignored by developing nations. It is high time to embrace the growing trend rather than to slap it out completely.”
PNG’s carbon-backed stable coin like the T4G Token (TGT) on the T4G Pay platform is coming soon. You can watch out for its launch and start to plan to invest in crypto for your future. The most obviously benefit is when the Kina value drops, what you invested in crypto will increase instead in a couple of years. If you wish to buy crypto in PNG, WhatsApp 71929331. Thank you.
