2026-01-19 12:32:38

Ethereum's ultimate test isn't about today's hype or market cycles—it's whether the protocol can maintain security and verifiability as an independent system.

Here's the real question: What happens if the original builders step away? Can the network's rules stay intact without relying on its creators?

This touches the core of decentralization. A truly robust blockchain shouldn't be fragile when key developers move on. The protocol needs to function as a self-sustaining organism—with transparent rules, distributed validation, and community consensus maintaining its integrity.

That's the longevity test Ethereum faces. Not just being fast or cheap, but proving it can evolve, stay secure, and remain verifiable through whatever comes next.

ETH-3,4%

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

13 Likes

Reward
13
6
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

ChainMaskedRider

· 1h ago

There's nothing wrong with that, but the reality is that the community has long been centralized. Don't deceive yourself.

View OriginalReply0

DefiPlaybook

· 1h ago

The core issue is actually quite sobering—without Vitalik and the early team, can Ethereum operate independently? Based on on-chain governance data, the diversification level of EIP proposals has reached 62% from independent developers. However, a risk warning: the fragility of the consensus mechanism often hides in unseen areas.

View OriginalReply0

AltcoinHunter

· 1h ago

The core question is: If Vitalik were to truly step back someday, could Ethereum still survive? Essentially, it's a test of the protocol's independence itself. I believe the current consensus mechanism and validation system are quite well-designed, but in the long run, whether it can evolve autonomously... that’s the foundation of a hundredfold opportunity. I usually avoid projects without founder endorsement, but Ethereum's situation is special and worth betting on.

View OriginalReply0

PretendingSerious

· 1h ago

To be honest, the real test is the day when V神 truly disappears... Right now, everyone is praising Ethereum for its decentralization, but no one knows what will happen when the real test comes.

View OriginalReply0

SnapshotLaborer

· 1h ago

Honestly, it's a bit too low to still be speculating on short-term positive news. Ethereum's true test is whether it can continue to operate independently after Vitalik and others withdraw... This is the core of decentralization.

View OriginalReply0

BearMarketGardener

· 1h ago

To be honest, that's the real issue. If God V really doesn't care anymore, can Ethereum survive on its own?

View OriginalReply0