As a long-term crypto investor with a deep appreciation for the industry’s history and values, I wholeheartedly agree with Vitalik Buterin’s caution against basing political support solely on a candidate’s pro-crypto stance. Having witnessed the evolution of the crypto space from its early days, I have come to understand that it is not just about cryptocurrencies or blockchains; it is about individual freedoms, technological advancement, and the protection of privacy.


Vitalik Buterin, one of Ethereum‘s co-founders, cautions against relying solely on a politician’s pro-cryptocurrency stance when considering their support for political causes.

He underscored the significance of encompassing values like personal liberties and tech progress, cautioning against an overly restrictive perspective on cryptocurrencies which may threaten the founding ideals of the digital currency revolution.

Broader Perspective

Buterin pointed out that relying on politicians’ current pro-crypto stances alone is limiting. He reminded us that political beliefs evolve, so a politician seemingly friendly to cryptocurrency now might not hold the same perspective down the line.

According to Buterin, examining a candidate’s past views on encryption matters can help evaluate their dedication to the crypto field. He believes this analysis provides valuable clues about their potential future stances on technological innovation and individual liberties.

When you openly back political candidates based solely on their pro-crypto stance, you inadvertently encourage these individuals to feign support for cryptocurrencies without truly embracing its fundamental principles.

Buterin encouraged the community to carefully examine if pro-crypto politicians truly share the values of the cryptocurrency movement. Do they have a clear, long-term vision for technology and economics that aligns with crypto’s principles? If not, Buterin recommends staying away from such politicians or looking for alternatives who are more in line with crypto’s ideals.

Freedoms and Technological Advancement

Vitalik Buterin cautions against relying solely on a political candidate’s pro-crypto stance when making support decisions, as this might overlook the essential principles of the crypto movement. He underscores that cryptocurrency and blockchains are just parts of the broader industry, reminding us of its origins in the cypherpunk philosophy of the early 21st century. This ideology championed the use of free and accessible technology to safeguard individual liberties.

At the outset, this movement opposed strict copyright regulations championed by corporations, using decentralization as its primary shield.

Bitcoin represents a decentralized approach to financial transactions, rooted in the cypherpunk philosophy. However, the significance of payment freedom as the foundation for all other liberties was recognized later in the crypto community by Buterin, serving as justification for the sector’s focus on finance.

Buterin underscored that technological liberties transcend cryptocurrency. He placed great importance on the freedom and confidentiality of communication, advocating for encrypted messaging and pseudonymity. Zero-knowledge proofs were identified as playing a pivotal role in this regard. Furthermore, he acknowledged the relevance of privacy-preserving digital identities. Although blockchain applications can be beneficial, he suggested that conventional cryptographic techniques are frequently more efficient for achieving these objectives.

In the increasingly intricate relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, there is a pressing need to safeguard individual thoughts from dominance by leading AI corporations. I propose fostering widespread usage of advanced social media platforms that facilitate open access to information, thereby nurturing well-informed perspectives in contentious situations.

Buterin expressed concerns over ongoing pro-crypto efforts, arguing that they overlook essential liberties beyond cryptocurrencies. He specifically mentioned initiatives like StandWithCrypto, which primarily tackle legislative matters related to digital currencies, but fail to consider the significance of broader freedoms concerning cryptography and technology.

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2024-07-19 01:14