Simplifying Ethereum Key to True Trustlessness, Says Buterin
Vitalik Buterin argues that Ethereum must better explain its features to users in order to achieve true trustlessness—where protocols run without reliance on developers due to transparent, enforceable code. If only a few people can understand a complex protocol, others are effectively forced to trust this select group, compromising decentralization. Buterin suggests simplifying Ethereum, even at the expense of reducing features, to make the protocol more accessible and understandable. This issue extends across blockchain protocols, with user confusion around technical terms and processes cited as barriers to wider adoption. Privacy-focused projects like INTMAX echo that trustlessness requires understandable architectures, not just advanced functionality only a handful can audit. To address usability, Ethereum’s roadmap focuses on lowering barriers, including developing smart contract wallets to handle gas fees and key management, and making node operation possible on common devices. The Ethereum Foundation also invests in educational initiatives to foster broader comprehension and adoption.
