Does "Don't tell anyone you own bitcoin" hurt adoption?

Many Bitcoin advisors repeat the same rule: never tell anyone you own Bitcoin — for security reasons.

I get the logic. Privacy matters. But here’s what I keep wondering: if Bitcoin holders never talk about Bitcoin, how does Bitcoin ever become popular?

Adoption doesn’t happen in silence.

• If people don’t talk about it, fewer people become curious.
• If fewer people are curious, fewer people buy or use it.
• If fewer people buy or use it, demand stays low.
• If demand stays low, price stays low — and Bitcoin remains easy for governments to marginalize or shut down.

On the other hand, wider awareness and discussion lead to more users, more merchants, more legitimacy — and yes, higher prices.

So where’s the balance? How do we reconcile personal security and privacy with the need for adoption and public awareness? Is total silence actually helping Bitcoin — or quietly holding it back?

Curious to hear how others think about this.