You may have heard the term “Cypherpunk,” perhaps mentioned by some crypto OG on Twitter, or during a blockchain conference. But what exactly is the spirit of Cypherpunk? What unique connection does it have with Ethereum? In a recent tweet thread shared by the official Ethereum account, community member @post_polar_ offers an insightful analysis of the Cypherpunk philosophy of Ethereum, its historical roots, and modern extensions, taking us on a journey through this revolutionary intersection of technology and culture.
Core Values: Four Pillars of the Ethereum Version of Cypherpunk
He states that the Cypherpunk spirit of Ethereum cannot be easily summarized, but can be distilled into four core values:
- Decentralization: Power should be distributed as widely as possible among all participants, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.
- Permissionlessness: Anyone can use Ethereum without needing approval from others.
- Censorship Resistance: All transactions are treated equally, and no one can arbitrarily block them.
- Credible Neutrality: The system is designed to be impartial, ensuring fairness—this unique value is emphasized by Vitalik Buterin.
Different Definitions of Cypherpunk
While the four points above represent the mainstream view, diverse perspectives naturally arise within the decentralized community. For example:
- @pcaversaccio emphasizes privacy, security, and censorship resistance in the “Ethereum Cypherpunk Manifesto,” supported by immutability, open access, global collaboration, and continuous evolution.
- Vitalik adds auditability and a cooperative mindset in “Make Ethereum Cypherpunk Again.”
These differences are not shortcomings; rather, they reflect that Cypherpunk is an evolving, dialectical culture.
Understanding the Intellectual Roots and Academic Context of Cypherpunk
This cultural wave is not without foundation; it is supported by a rich intellectual base and academic research:
- @kelsiemvn conducts in-depth exploration into the intellectual history of the crypto movement.
- @annbrody7 is an ethnographer of Ethereum, analyzing how Cypherpunk has shaped the early community of Ethereum.
- @jayapapaya depicts Cypherpunk from the perspective of a “hacker engineer,” integrating the dream of decentralized networks.
From Books to Memes: How Cypherpunk Thrives in Contemporary Community Culture
Two significant works, “The Cryptopians” (author: @laurashin) and “The Infinite Machine” (author: @CamiRusso), document the influence of Cypherpunk during Ethereum’s early establishment. Today, the community expresses two distinct sentiments:
- Some nostalgically remember the OG Cypherpunks, believing the spirit has faded;
- Others, like OGs @LefterisJP and @drnickA, continue to voice their commitment to these values on stage.
Neo-Cypherpunk and the New Generation
While the OGs may be weary, a new generation is stepping up:
- Web3 Privacy Now: Advocates for traditional values while asserting that Cypherpunk must “restart” for a new era.
- Women in Web3 Privacy: Expands the inclusivity and diversity of this movement.
- Fileverse: Offers the memorable phrase, “We have more time to be Cypherpunk than they do to be Degen.”
- Rotki and Radicle: These dApps are also built with Cypherpunk thinking, emphasizing privacy and decentralization.
Cultural Fusion: Cypherpunk x Degen?
Seemingly opposing cultures have recently shown a trend of fusion. For instance, the Milady community has successfully combined the wildness of Degen with the idealism of Cypherpunk, showcasing a unique subcultural appeal.
What is Cypherpunk? An Ongoing Experiment in Faith
Finally, @_enoch reminds us: “What Cypherpunk demands is not just technology, but a belief.” This belief keeps us from being swayed by the temptations of capital, preventing Ethereum from becoming a cynical bubble experiment. As @sassal0x summarizes, “This is Ethereum.”
From the initial data privacy movement to today’s cultural foundation of Web3, Cypherpunk is not just history; it is shaping the future. Whether OG, Neo-Cypherpunk, or the new hybrid culture between Degen and idealism, they collectively weave a value map belonging to Ethereum. This is not a nostalgia trip but a relay of faith. Cypherpunk, never-ending.
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