Don't Trust, Verify

"Don't Trust, Verify" is a foundational mantra within the Bitcoin community emphasizing the value of self-verification over blind trust. In traditional financial systems, users rely on banks and other institutions, trusting them to manage and report their funds accurately. However, Bitcoin offers a revolutionary approach, enabling individuals to verify transactions on the blockchain themselves. The phrase underscores the shift from relying on third parties to a system where anyone can validate their transactions. This empowerment is facilitated by running one's own Bitcoin node, a program that checks the integrity of past transactions, ensuring transparency and eliminating the need for trust.