Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s previously expunged commendation for XRP has been spotlighted, kindling fresh debates and examinations within the crypto sphere. Ex-Ethereum advisor Steven Nerayoff prominently illuminated this resurrection of Buterin’s commentary and has stirred reflections on past interactions and standpoints from Ethereum’s creator on other digital assets.
In a narrative where Vitalik Buterin has often been seen delineating his perspectives on diverse cryptocurrencies, his wiped comment concerning XRP took a rather peculiar spotlight. Notably, Crypto Eri, a well-regarded XRP influencer, underscored the applause from Buterin, providing additional momentum to the surrounding discourse.
Circling back to 2019, Pierre Rochard, then VP of Research at Riot Platforms, proffered a contrasting perspective. Rochard championed Bitcoin, epitomizing it as the paragon of “sound money,” lauding its perceived stability and inherent store of value. However, this viewpoint was counteracted by Buterin, who suggested XRP might hold a superior position in a potential alternative proposition, citing semblances in price dynamics with Bitcoin. Further, Buterin accentuated XRP’s industrial adoption and alliances as its vital strength, postulating it as a potentially superior choice within the crypto domain.
Nonetheless, the crypto community finds itself in a contemplative stance regarding Buterin’s motives behind his assertion. A speculative lens through which some perceive his comment contemplates whether using trademark signs on terms like “institutional adoption” and “partnerships” could be a subtle insinuation of sarcasm. However, this theoretical reading has yet to gain universal acceptance and remains speculative.
The taut strings of the relationship between Buterin and the XRP community are brought to light, considering the underlying tension demonstrated in past instances. Buterin had previously cast shadows of skepticism on XRP during its legal tussles with the SEC, stemming partially from allegations that Ripple attempted to characterize Ethereum as under “Chinese control”. Furthermore, he underlined a firm belief in XRP’s centralization in a prior video.