I believe that it is an educated investment, that has paid off. The white paper was released at the inception of the technology, so literally any interested party could have learnt about what Bitcoin is prior to it being worth anything. Myself, not understanding the nuance of cryptography and the way it is used to secure Bitcoin, did understand the concept behind it and the benefit of a de-centralized currency. I only wish, I had bought in with a greater sum in the beginning. I knew in my heart that I agreed with the whole concept of being your own bank, I just did not understand whether or not bitcoin would ever be worth anything at the time.