Ethereum's white paper, first shared by co-founder Vitalik Buterin in November 2013, has turned 11 years old. This document introduced the world to blockchain-based smart contracts, setting the stage for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications like lending and staking. DeFi now rivals traditional banking by offering trustless and transparent services without intermediaries.

Ethereum's impact extends beyond finance, benefiting industries like travel by streamlining processes with smart contracts. As Ethereum continues to evolve, challenges like cross-chain interoperability and security remain crucial for its future growth and adoption.