In a reflective piece titled The End of My Childhood, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin shared insights into his personal and intellectual evolution. Among his observations, he outlined four distinct yet interconnected roles that shape the crypto and blockchain landscape. According to Buterin, these groups, though often critical of one another, engage in a symbiotic relationship that drives the ecosystem forward. Understanding and appreciating these roles, he argues, is essential for achieving a balanced and collaborative environment.
Let’s explore these four personas and how they collectively contribute to the crypto world.
A Complex Intersection of Idealism and Pragmatism
The blockchain and cryptocurrency space is a dynamic and multifaceted environment. It brings together participants with vastly different goals, ideologies, and methods. This diversity creates a rich—and at times tense—ecosystem where idealists and pragmatists coexist and co-create.
Below, we break down the four core roles that Vitalik identifies as foundational to this world.
1. The Token Holders and DeFi Enthusiasts: The Financial Backbone
Token holders and decentralized finance (DeFi) users form the economic engine of the crypto space. By providing capital and liquidity, they fund innovation and support the development of everything from consensus mechanisms to zero-knowledge proof systems. Their participation—driven by profit, utility, or pure interest—supports project sustainability and growth.
This group’s financial engagement helps transform theoretical concepts into real-world applications.
2. The Intellectuals: The Ideological Compass
Intellectuals are the thinkers and visionaries who infuse the crypto world with meaning and direction. This group includes researchers, critics, and thought leaders who challenge assumptions, foster debate, and generate the big ideas that ensure the ecosystem remains purpose-driven.
Whether through academic papers or social commentary, they serve as a moral and ideological guide for the entire industry.
3. The Builders: Bridging Theory and Practice
Builders are the engineers and developers who turn abstract ideas into functional products. They work in startups, open-source projects, and development studios to create applications that are both useful and aligned with the visionary ideals of the crypto space.
This role is essential for translating innovation into tangible user experiences and infrastructure.
4. The Pragmatic Users: The Heart of the Ecosystem
Pragmatic users are those who engage with crypto out of necessity or clear practical benefit. Often from underserved or lower-income backgrounds, they may use stablecoins for savings, trade NFTs, or participate in play-to-earn platforms because existing financial systems fail to meet their needs.
These users represent the ultimate beneficiaries of the technology—the people the ecosystem aims to serve.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Crypto Roles
While each group has distinct motivations, they are deeply interdependent. Token holders fund the builders; intellectuals inspire roadmaps; builders create products for users; and users generate network effects that increase token value and attract more intellectuals and builders.
This doesn’t mean the relationship is always harmonious. At times, incentives may misalign. For example:
- Token holders might prioritize short-term gains over long-term utility.
- Intellectuals may become detached from real-world usability.
- Builders could favor features that attract speculation over genuine users.
- Users might reinforce platforms that don't serve their best interests.
Still, these four groups form a闭环 (closed-loop) system where each supports—and relies on—the others.
The Path to Mutual Understanding and Respect
Vitalik emphasizes that a healthier crypto ecosystem depends on mutual understanding and conscious effort to avoid extreme behavior. Recognizing the value each group brings can reduce friction and encourage collaboration.
This perspective isn’t just about creating internal peace—it’s also about how the crypto community interfaces with broader society, including regulators, traditional finance, and the general public.
A culture of respect and shared vision can help blockchain technology mature responsibly and inclusively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four crypto roles according to Vitalik?
Vitalik Buterin describes them as: Token Holders & DeFi Users (financial motivators), Intellectuals (idea generators), Builders (product creators), and Pragmatic Users (everyday adopters). Each plays a unique part in the ecosystem's growth.
Why do these roles sometimes conflict?
Conflicts often arise from differing goals: profit vs. ideology, practicality vs. innovation. For instance, traders may want token pumps, while builders focus on long-term utility. These tensions are natural but manageable through dialogue.
How can these groups work better together?
Communication and empathy are key. Each group should acknowledge the others’ contributions and constraints. Projects that balance incentives—such as fair tokenomics or user-centered design—tend to achieve more sustainable growth.
What is the most important role in crypto?
All roles are crucial. Without users, there's no adoption; without builders, no products; without intellectuals, no vision; without token holders, no funding. The system relies on this symbiosis.
Can one person belong to multiple roles?
Absolutely. Many participants—including Vitalik himself—wear different hats at different times, such as being both a builder and an intellectual, or a holder and a user.
Where can I learn more about crypto ecosystems?
👉 Explore deeper insights into blockchain roles
The crypto world is more than code and currencies—it’s a human network with shared dreams and different strategies. Acknowledging the four roles Vitalik describes can help everyone navigate this space with more clarity and cooperation.