Pessimists are often right, but optimists are the ones who change the world.

Seeing so many people sharing this post about how I wasted 8 years in the crypto world, I feel a deep connection, but also think it's overly pessimistic. Here are a few more objective observations:

1) I also entered the crypto world in 2017, which is exactly 8 years. Although there have been ups and downs, I believe joining the crypto field has been the greatest opportunity of my life. My personal growth, wealth accumulation, resources, and network have far surpassed my experience of the past 10+ years in the internet industry.

This is an absolute fact, and my gratitude for crypto will always remain.

2) Honestly, from a purely personal experience perspective, the crypto industry has matured over the past 8 years, but it has also gotten worse. The pure cypherpunk spirit of the past is gone, the Holder's faith is gone, the motivation to continuously learn and innovate technologies is gone, and the unwavering belief that crypto will change the internet in the future is gone.

Instead, it's become pure PvP gaming and nihilistic financialism. While difficult, disgusting, and maddening, many people wear masks and pretend to enjoy it all for the sake of "making money." 3) The crypto industry itself is based on "consensus," and the difficulties everyone feels are a direct manifestation of the fractured consensus. From the initial belief of most people, to the current belief of only a minority, and the possibility of most leaving in the future, all the costs stem from the breakdown of consensus. This is precisely why I repeatedly urge leading exchanges, veteran OGs, excellent builders, and developers to rebuild consensus and work together on-chain innovation. Because, constant division and fragmentation, any false prosperity created by short-termism, will bring even more painful costs, and in the long run, there are no winners. Yes, crypto for good! For you, me, and everyone. 4) Undoubtedly, we have reached the darkest moment for the crypto industry. Some may disagree, as their obsession with the casino-like nature of the industry and individualistic self-interest has overshadowed its growth. However, I firmly believe that the majority still hopes for healthy industry growth and orderly market operation, where even making money can be done ethically. Yes, even after seeing the true nature of the industry as a casino, most people still hold the most rosy expectations. Pessimists are often right, but optimists are the ones who change the world. I choose to be the one who "still loves the industry after seeing the truth." 5) The biggest paradox in the crypto industry right now is using the most advanced technology to repeat the most primitive financial games. The disconnect between technology and application, the decoupling of value and price, sounds contradictory, but it's even more ironic. Fortunately, those who joined the crypto industry earlier without hesitation brought many unique things. The DeFi Lego edifice hasn't collapsed yet, and the collateralized lending and mining model has supported countless DeFi farmers. While the NFT, layer 2, and agent craze has been criticized as bubble-making, it's undeniable that value always remains after each bubble bursts. The crypto industry, due to its unregulated nature, has a unique advantage in terms of innovative narratives, cold starts, trial and error, and iteration. This gives us, whether speculators or restless innovators, more opportunities to seize. This fundamental aspect of the crypto industry has never changed. That's all. I love crypto because I love its complexity and variability. Those who truly change the world are never those who choose to flee after seeing the truth, but those who choose to stay and fight even after seeing the truth. Let us encourage each other.