Vitalik recently wrote a very interesting article about the direction of Ethereum, and I find it extremely noteworthy. He uses two metaphors to explain Ethereum's vision—comparing it to Linux and BitTorrent.

What’s fascinating here is Linux. It’s open-source software, free, and has never compromised its principles. It quietly gains the trust of billions of people, businesses, and even governments worldwide. But Linux isn’t focused on convenience—it empowers users. That’s exactly the model Ethereum aims to pursue.

Additionally, Ethereum is also like BitTorrent—a peer-to-peer network combining decentralization with scalability. But the difference is that Ethereum has a consensus mechanism, meaning it’s not just a data-sharing network but also a trustworthy financial system.

Vitalik emphasizes that Ethereum Layer 1 needs to be the global financial homeland—not just for transactions but also for identity, social interactions, governance, and much more. It must serve individuals and organizations seeking greater autonomy—those who want direct access to the power of the network without relying on any intermediaries.

What’s remarkable is that the Linux example proves this is entirely feasible. You can deliver value to billions of users simultaneously and still be trusted by global institutions. That’s the lesson Ethereum is trying to apply to the financial sector.