Ethereum's Dual Identity: From BitTorrent to Linux, Vitalik Discusses L1 Purity and Scalability

【Blockchain Rhythm】Vitalik Buterin recently shared in-depth thoughts on the vision of Ethereum, using two classic analogies to illustrate the unique positioning of this blockchain network.

He first compares Ethereum to BitTorrent—a paradigm of peer-to-peer networks. But unlike BitTorrent, Ethereum integrates decentralized network features and consensus mechanisms to maintain openness at scale. This positioning means Ethereum must go beyond mere technical architecture to become a truly infrastructure capable of supporting complex applications.

More interestingly, he draws a parallel with Linux. As an open-source operating system, Linux is silently relied upon by billions of people and institutions (including governments) worldwide, yet it has never compromised on user-friendliness. Meanwhile, highly pure and minimalist Linux distributions like Arch gain loyal followers by empowering users to the maximum. This shows that maintaining technical quality and achieving widespread adoption are not mutually exclusive.

Vitalik’s logic is clear: Ethereum Layer 1 (L1) must become a home for individuals and organizations seeking the highest degree of autonomy, allowing them to directly control the full power of the network without being bound by intermediaries. This means preserving the purity of L1—not sacrificing decentralization principles for convenience. Meanwhile, ecosystem prosperity can be accommodated through Layer 2, sidechains, and other solutions, just as the Linux ecosystem includes both minimalist distributions and user-friendly ones.

This is a deep reflection on the balance between steadfastness and expansion: Ethereum is not about abandoning either side, but about making L1 an absolute autonomous fortress upon which infinite possibilities can be built.