As everybody in the Bitcoin/crypto space knows, securing your private keys is one of the biggest hurdles to adoption and one of the most fear-inducing processes.
This article will explain a novel, far simpler method for remembering your seed phrases. I will also explain why self-custody is a problem that can be overcome, even if it never becomes easy.
I want to preface this article by stating that memorising your seed phrase should not be the only method you rely on. You should also have it written down on paper or engraved into metal. One cannot rely solely on memory. Please also ensure you do not recite your seed phrase aloud or enter the words into an online device. When handling the physical backup of your seed phrase, ensure that no cameras can capture it.
A simple method to memorise your seed phrase
After you have generated and written down your 12, 18, or 24-word seed phrase, you should separate it into 3-word chunks. I have included a sample 12-word seed phrase below.
tumble derive despair crystal long rhythm fat cradle arrest rebel hawk vast
Let’s take the first 3 words: tumble, derive & despair. You should add a fourth word that rhymes; in this case, I will choose the word repair.
tumble derive despair repair
Repeat this sequence in your head at least 10 times.
Now move on to the next 3 words in your phrase and add another rhyming word.
crystal long rhythm schism
Add on the first four words.
tumble derive despair repair crystal long rhythm schism
Repeat this sequence in your head at least 10 times.
Continue this process until you have used all the words in your seed phrase.
tumble derive despair repair crystal long rhythm schism fat cradle arrest detest rebel hawk vast last
Test yourself over the next few days and weeks. You will be surprised at how easy it is to remember them, even after a lot of time has passed.
Advantages to memorising your seed phrase
Memorising your seed phrase confers many advantages. For one, it is an additional backup method. Second, it gives you complete self-sovereignty, as your coins are available at any moment and place.
It also enables you to flee your country with your money without anyone being able to find it on your person or in your belongings.
Why I think self-custody will be overcome
An often-heard criticism of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is that they will never be suitable for mass adoption so long as self-custody is challenging.
While it is true that self-custody is a challenge and a paradigm shift for most people, I strongly believe that this hurdle will be cleared because the use case of Bitcoin as a store of value and inflation hedge is so compelling that people will learn to adapt.
Think about cars. When cars came out, they were incredibly dangerous and required many hours of practice to operate properly. Even today, cars are still dangerous, especially if you do not know how to drive or are impaired. Did this prevent mainstream adoption of cars?
I believe the same will happen with Bitcoin. People will learn how to self-custody their funds, as the alternative is holding an ever-debasing currency or being at the mercy of a counterparty.
What do you think about this method? Do you memorise your seed phrases? Leave your comment below.
