Vitalik Buterin has outlined an ambitious long-term vision for the Ethereum network, emphasizing the need for it to evolve into a self-sustaining system that can endure through the next century. In a recent post on X, Buterin introduced the concept of the “walkaway test,” which asserts that Ethereum should be robust enough to continue functioning autonomously even if all current developers were to exit the ecosystem.
Buterin posits that Ethereum should operate more like a tool, akin to a hammer, that remains functional regardless of the company that originally marketed it. This means that applications built on the Ethereum platform should not cease to operate if a company fails or faces security breaches, but rather allow users to maintain control of their data and funds. “Ethereum itself must pass the walkaway test,” Buterin stated, emphasizing the importance of independence from continuous developer updates.
To achieve this vision, Buterin laid out several key goals that Ethereum needs to pursue in the coming years. Firstly, he noted the importance of becoming quantum-resistant to ensure its security remains intact against the potential challenges posed by future quantum computing advances. He expressed confidence in Ethereum’s current cryptographic framework, asserting it is secure for the next hundred years.
Additionally, he highlighted the necessity for Ethereum to advance its capability to handle thousands of transactions per second (TPS) through innovations like ZK-EVM validation and data sampling via PeerDAS. These upgrades are crucial in allowing Ethereum to support increased activity without compromising performance or data storage efficiency.
Among other objectives, Buterin emphasized the need to modernize Ethereum’s account system, enhance the safety of its gas system, ensure the decentralization of its Proof-of-Stake model, and guard against centralization in block building practices. His vision also includes minimizing the frequency of disruptive hard forks, thereby leading to smoother updates and more stable operations.
By advocating for more straightforward parameter changes rather than complex forks, Buterin aims for Ethereum to implement at least one significant upgrade each year, focusing on creating a system that is built right for longevity.
Concluding his remarks with optimistic conviction, Buterin envisions Ethereum as a foundational platform for finance, identity, governance, and social systems— a network of trust that can last for decades to come. This comprehensive outlook suggests that while growth is critical, the survival and resilience of Ethereum in an ever-evolving technological landscape are equally paramount.