Vitalik Buterin: Ethereum Should Be as Simple as Bitcoin

When Ethereum launched in 2015, it was an effort to expand the possibilities of blockchain beyond just moving money, as Bitcoin did, by creating an infinitely scalable environment for running decentralized apps. 

A young and brilliant Vitalik Buterin envisioned Ethereum as a tool for building a new kind of digital logic—a blockchain platform flexible enough to be truly multifunctional.

Nearly a decade later, Ethereum has become home to DeFi, NFTs, gaming protocols, DAOs, and dozens of other innovations. But with that growth came what Buterin now describes as “L1 overload”: Ethereum’s architecture has become so complex that it starts to slow the project down rather than support it.

In his article “Simplifying the L1,” Buterin proposes not a superficial adjustment but a fundamental rethink: to lighten Ethereum’s base layer and bring back its compactness, clarity, and engineering restraint. 

He looks to Bitcoin as a reference point, arguing that simplicity remains one of its greatest strengths.

Simplifying Consensus: How to Streamline the Core Without Breaking the System

Ethereum relies on a block finality mechanism that involves several intermediate steps: 

• Slots 
• Epochs 
• Committees

While the system functions, it is complex and resource-intensive. 

Buterin proposes a shift to a simpler three-step model (or 3-slot finality): 

1. Block proposal 
2. Voting 
3. Finalization 

That’s it.

To put it simply, instead of a meeting with 100 people where everyone must speak and reach consensus, three are chosen to make the decision. 

This model is expected to:

• Increase confirmation speed by reducing the number of active validators 
• Lower blockchain maintenance costs
• Reduce both the technical and cognitive barriers for those who want to participate in the network

Upgrading Ethereum’s Computational Core: From EVM to RISC-V

Ethereum still runs on the EVM (the virtual machine that executes smart contracts). While purpose-built for blockchain, it has become outdated over time: 

• It’s complex 
• Difficult to optimize
• Incompatible with newer technologies like zero-knowledge proofs.

The proposed solution is to move to RISC-V*, a modern, open architecture that is easier to optimize and scale. 

Yes, this will break backward compatibility—but not entirely. All previously deployed smart contracts will continue to operate through an on-chain interpreter.

To get a clearer picture of how this works in practice, imagine running a new application on an outdated operating system. Instead of rewriting the software from scratch, you install a layer that “translates” the new program’s commands into something the old system understands. That’s exactly what the interpreter does. It allows Ethereum to move forward without having to rewrite its past.

*RISC-V is an open instruction set architecture designed for efficient computation. It is commonly used to build virtual machines and processors that can be easily adapted to modern cryptographic workloads. Unlike the EVM, RISC-V is better suited for zero-knowledge proof systems.

Simplifying the Critical Codebase 

Buterin isn’t advocating for simplification across the entire stack. Instead, he’s proposing strict limits on the complexity of the algorithms that impact consensus performance. This code should be like aircraft mechanics: 

• Reliable 
• Predictable
• Verifiable down to the last byte

Fewer lines of code mean fewer risks. Fewer unconventional solutions mean fewer bugs. 

This isn’t about slowing progress—it’s about maintaining control.

What Ethereum Users and Developers Stand to Gain

At first glance, these changes might seem relevant only to protocol developers. 

But everyone will feel the impact:

• Upgrades will roll out faster
• Validation will become easier
• Network participation will become more accessible
• Reliability will increase

Simplifying the L1 means reinforcing the foundation. The better it’s prepared for new demands, the more stable and secure the entire structure becomes.

Simplicity Means Maturity

Buterin has repeatedly stressed the importance of minimalism in efforts to restore Ethereum’s natural resilience. 

He has written for years about how excessive complexity threatens scalability. However, Ethereum kept growing, adding features, layers, and mechanics. 

Ironically, today, it’s not another wave of futuristic ideas that Buterin is championing, but the time-tested simplicity of Bitcoin.  

This is a clear statement: simplicity lasts longer because it’s more fault-tolerant. That’s why Ethereum’s creator is calling for a thorough review and a rejection of unnecessary complexity.

His position is clear: if Ethereum aims to remain an open platform for millions, it must become more understandable. Not by sacrificing power, but by reinforcing resilience. 

Ethereum doesn’t need polish. It needs a core rebuild. Today, Vitalik is reexamining the very system he once designed.

For insights into the future of Ethereum L2, read Vitalik Buterin’s Fresh Take on Ethereum.