The Journey of Charles Hoskinson: From Ethereum to Cardano and Global Political Vision

In over a decade of development in the cryptocurrency industry, few have sparked as much debate as Charles Hoskinson. From his early days at Ethereum to building Cardano through an academic approach, Charles Hoskinson has left a profound mark on blockchain history. While some praise him for his technical vision, many criticize his direct communication style on social media.

Pioneering Role at Ethereum: When Charles Hoskinson Was the First Leader

Charles Hoskinson’s story began when blockchain was still in its infancy. In 2013-2014, when Ethereum was just a project with a founding team that wasn’t fully aligned, Charles Hoskinson served as the project’s first CEO. At that time, sharing his vision with Vitalik Buterin about building a platform for decentralized applications, Charles Hoskinson aimed to shape Ethereum’s direction.

However, disagreements over governance mechanisms quickly arose. When Charles Hoskinson proposed a profit-driven structure to raise venture capital, others, especially Vitalik Buterin, supported a non-profit model. This difference ultimately led to Charles Hoskinson’s departure in 2014, marking a turning point in his career.

Cardano: Blockchain Built on Scientific Principles

Not stopping at Ethereum, Charles Hoskinson proved that his vision extended further. In 2015, he partnered with Jeremy Wood to establish Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), an organization dedicated to blockchain research and development. Their flagship project was Cardano, a blockchain designed based on scientific principles and formal methods.

Launched in 2017, Cardano was built to address the limitations Charles Hoskinson saw in Ethereum: insufficient scalability, security issues, and unsustainable governance. A key feature of Cardano is its use of the Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism, a system that consumes only a fraction of the energy used by Bitcoin, making it a more sustainable choice amid concerns about energy waste.

By the end of 2024, Cardano had become home to over 1,000 projects, with new initiatives continuously joining the ecosystem. This is clear evidence of Charles Hoskinson’s efforts to build sustainably and methodically.

Strong Personality: Divisive Views on Charles Hoskinson

Charles Hoskinson’s character has always been a topic of controversy. On one hand, his technical vision is admired by many supporters. On the other hand, his straightforward and sometimes blunt communication style on social media makes him an easy target for critics. Some call Cardano a “zombie chain,” arguing that it lacks the excitement of Solana or Ethereum.

Charles Hoskinson has expressed disappointment with this perception, saying he is like “a Rorschach test for humanity.” He also doesn’t shy away from criticizing the crypto industry, especially its focus on speculation rather than substance. He even conducted a Twitter poll asking the community: “Am I cancer for Cardano?” The results showed 51.6% of the 50,501 voters answered “Yes,” highlighting the divided opinions about him.

From Crypto to Politics: Charles Hoskinson’s Global Influence Campaign

Recent activities by Charles Hoskinson show that his vision extends beyond technology. In early 2025, he entered the political arena, publicly supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for U.S. president, calling for leaders with a deep understanding of cryptocurrency.

Charles Hoskinson also openly criticizes previous government policies on crypto, especially efforts to restrict crypto companies, which he sees as harmful to innovation. He proposed a “Bill of Rights” for crypto users, covering aspects like taxation, consumer protection, and clear asset classification.

In November, Charles Hoskinson expanded his influence with the “Basic Campaign,” aiming to identify inefficiencies in the U.S. crypto market and promote actionable regulations. He even suggested Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong as a potential “Crypto Czar” under the new administration.

On the international stage, Charles Hoskinson met with Argentine President Javier Milei to discuss integrating blockchain technology into government systems. His support for aligning crypto laws with global standards like Switzerland and Singapore demonstrates his ambitions beyond national borders.

Legacy and Future: Reassessing Charles Hoskinson’s Role

No matter how Cardano develops, Charles Hoskinson’s relentless efforts show that sometimes, being misunderstood is the price leaders must pay. With a net worth of around $1.2 billion, he has invested in projects most people can only dream of—from renewable energy technology to the search for extraterrestrial life.

At the core of these activities is a belief in the power of decentralization to improve systems. Charles Hoskinson once said, “Crypto doesn’t want to burn the world; it just wants to light a fire in your heart.” While this statement may sound idealistic, it’s undeniable that his actions have made a tangible impact on the industry and are now extending into global politics.