Vitalik Buterin urges Ethereum to proactively adopt quantum-resistant cryptography before quantum computing becomes a real security threat. He argues that Ethereum's core protocol should be robust enough to pass the “walkaway test”—remaining secure, stable, and valuable even if future development slows or stops. Buterin warns that waiting for practical quantum computers could leave blockchains vulnerable, since elliptic-curve cryptography used in platforms like Ethereum can be broken by quantum algorithms. Although quantum computers are not yet capable of such attacks, Buterin stresses that Ethereum should aim for long-term cryptographic safety as a point of pride and future-proofing, rather than risk a last-minute scramble. He acknowledges that quantum-resistant cryptography is currently less efficient, echoing critiques from others such as Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson, but insists early adoption is essential. Buterin also highlights long-term technical priorities, including scalable transaction throughput, durable protocol designs, stronger denial-of-service protections, sustainable proof-of-stake systems, and censorship resistance. He advocates for completing foundational upgrades within a few years, after which innovation should primarily occur via minor parameter changes rather than frequent disruptive upgrades.