The debate over how blockchains should survive for decades is intensifying as industry leaders outline sharply different strategies. Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko has openly rejected the idea that a blockchain should eventually become static, instead arguing that constant adaptation is essential for survival. His comments highlight a growing philosophical divide with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who advocates for long-term self-sustainability with minimal ongoing developer intervention.
Yakovenko believes a blockchain that stops evolving risks becoming irrelevant. According to him, Solana must continuously upgrade its architecture to meet developer and user demands, without relying on a single team or leader. He stressed that innovation should be ongoing, warning that stagnation could ultimately cause the network to fail.
Yakovenko stated in a post to X on Saturday;
A notable part of Yakovenko’s vision is the potential use of network fees to fund AI-assisted development, enabling future tools to help write, audit, and improve Solana’s codebase. This approach reflects his belief that there should always be a “next version” of Solana.
In contrast, Buterin has argued that Ethereum should eventually pass a “walkaway test,” meaning it can operate securely for decades even if its original developers step back. He has acknowledged, however, that Ethereum is not yet ready, citing the need for improvements in quantum resistance, scalability, and decentralization safeguards.
The disagreement underscores a broader industry question: Should blockchains prioritize stability over speed, or adaptability over permanence? As competition among layer-1 networks grows, these opposing philosophies may shape which platforms thrive in the long run.
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