Five years ago today, Ethereum’s Genesis block marked the official launch of the network.
Today, most community members spend their time thinking about all the work that remains to be done, but it’s also important to recognize, on this fifth anniversary of Ethereum’s launch, how far we’ve all come an incredible path, what a wild adventure with every twist and turn. and the turning point was, and how much we all (and technology) have grown.
There were times when some hoped that the protocol would work as expected, or that manufacturers might try to launch the first applications, that users would want to try these applications, or that someone might one day use Ethereum to create a real, positive impact.
So while the focus remains on how much remains to be done, five years ago it would have been difficult to imagine all the thinkers, doers, students, governments, businesses and other innovators who are bringing today real, impactful change using Ethereum. The same goes for all the unexpected bumps, forks in the road, incredible encounters/events, memes, and heated debates seen along the way; none of us around this community would be where we are today without these “unexpected” moments 😉.
Everyone who makes up the Ethereum ecosystem was once waiting for the first contracts to go live. Today, there are millions of them! And we’ve long lost track of how many apps are now uncharted stars for us. It is difficult for the most dedicated followers to keep up with even protocol-level innovations.
Over these five years, Ethereum has grown beyond any single builder, team, or organization, but I hope you are still inspired to continue working together to help Ethereum become everything we let’s all dream and more. 🦄
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Ethereum Foundation Team
