The departure of Max Resnick, a prominent contributor in the Ethereum community, is not just a personal story but also exposes deep-seated cultural issues within the ecosystem. Ethereum, once renowned for its innovation and openness, now seems to be limiting itself through exclusion and maximalism.
Maximalism is gradually transforming Ethereum from a flexible symbol into a conservative system. Constructive criticisms, like those from Resnick, are often seen as threats. He openly criticizes Ethereum's scalability and governance, but instead of dialogue, he faces personal attacks and negative labeling. This is not an isolated case. Jon Charbonneau, another key figure, has also called for the community to focus on long-term principles rather than blindly defending decentralized values, through his famous article "Ethereum's North Star."
Although proud of its decentralized governance, Ethereum faces risks from this very factor. Influential voices on Twitter sometimes have an excessive impact on important decisions. Unconventional opinions, such as those of Resnick, are often dismissed, leading to a loss of multidimensional perspectives and limiting innovation. Meanwhile, Bitcoin, though conservative, has built a strong socio-economic narrative that helps the community bond and conveys messages to governments, organizations, and the public clearly.
Ethereum needs to reflect on itself. If it only relies on technical progress while neglecting to build an open culture and social connections, the ecosystem risks losing the foundational elements that help the community develop sustainably. The Ethereum community stands at a crossroads: to continue protecting the purity of decentralization or to expand discussions, encompassing diverse voices.
The ability to adapt is Ethereum's greatest strength. A more open culture will not only retain key players but also reinforce Ethereum's leading position in the blockchain ecosystem. The future of Ethereum depends not only on technology but also on how the community faces and overcomes disagreements. Building a culture of collaboration and innovation will be key for Ethereum to continue leading in the global blockchain revolution.
TL;DR:
Cultural discipline: Instead of dismissing 'contrary' opinions, view them as opportunities to improve the project.
Clearly define goals: Decentralization is not the only destination; a long-term goal framework is needed to create sustainable consensus.
Emphasizing inclusivity: The community thrives when all perspectives — including critiques — are heard and constructively responded to.
