Think of Bitcoin being a 2 person raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the current economic and monetary system as a huge ocean liner or aircraft carrier that can't even feel a wave hit them.  That's where we're currently at with Bitcoin.  Wild price swings and lots of volatility.

Once we get more merchant adoption, more investing, more development, more consumers and people using it, the raft or boat will get bigger and bigger.  Once we're at Ocean Liner status you'll see only mild price fluctuations and wild celebrating.