TLDR:
- Vitalik Buterin states that the current ecosystem finally aligns with the decentralized ambitions set forth in 2014.
- The transition to Proof of Stake and the boom of Layer 2 networks were decisive in solving scalability issues.
- The network’s focus now centers on long-term stability and strengthening its Web3 infrastructure.
According to Vitalik Buterin, the Ethereum ecosystem has successfully managed to fulfill its initial ambitions. In a recent reflection, the co-founder stated that the technological evolution of the network now coincides with the original vision of Ethereum proposed more than 10 years ago.
A fundamental achievement for the ecosystem to reach this state was the definitive shift to the Proof of Stake model. This transition undoubtedly resolved criticisms regarding energy consumption, but it also laid the groundwork for a more efficient structure. Thus, the system ceased to be a theoretical promise and became a tangible reality.
The Role of Layer 2s in Decentralization
Unlike the early years, characterized by a congested network and high fees, today scalability solutions are the main protagonists. Buterin highlights that the parallel development of Layer 2 networks allows the original vision of Ethereum to remain intact without saturating the base chain.
On the other hand, the emergence of technologies such as the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and the Waku network fill technical gaps in storage and messaging. These are external components that operate in harmony with the main network, completing the necessary stack for a Web3 truly free from centralized intermediaries.
Finally, Buterin ensures that the protocol is heading toward an “ossification” phase, seeking a stability that allows it to operate without constant disruptive changes. Consequently, future growth will depend more on the ecosystem’s applications than on radical modifications to its core. Currently, the original vision of Ethereum is sustained by daily wallet activity that is brushing against all-time highs.
