TLDR
- Yakovenko says Solana must constantly update or risk becoming obsolete.
- Buterin believes Ethereum should become self-sustaining with minimal input.
- Solana could use network fees to fund AI-driven development in the future.
- Ethereum still needs improvements before becoming fully self-reliant.
Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko has taken a clear stance on blockchain evolution, stating that Solana must keep adapting to survive. This approach challenges Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin’s vision of a self-sustaining blockchain requiring minimal developer input over time.
Solana CEO Supports Continuous Evolution
Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko emphasized the need for Solana to constantly change to meet user and developer needs. On social media platform X, he stated, “Solana needs to never stop iterating. It shouldn’t depend on any single group or individual to do so, but if it ever stops changing to fit the needs of its devs and users, it will die.”
Yakovenko’s remarks were in response to Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin’s idea of blockchain sustainability. Buterin envisions Ethereum as a protocol that, once fully developed, could function for decades with little developer input.
Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko said Solana must never stop iterating, warning that a protocol that stops adapting to developer and user needs will “die.” He stressed that upgrades should focus on solving real dev and user problems, not pleasing everyone, and that Solana…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 18, 2026
Yakovenko’s “adapt or die” stance points to a more aggressive and flexible development model. He stressed that updates should come from a wide range of contributors, not just a central team, suggesting a decentralized but actively evolving ecosystem.
Ethereum’s Self-Sustaining Vision
Vitalik Buterin’s “walkaway test” for Ethereum suggests a different path. He wants Ethereum to become stable enough to function without continuous developer intervention. He explained that Ethereum must eventually reach a point where it runs smoothly even if developers “walk away” for decades.
Buterin admitted Ethereum is not there yet. He said improvements such as quantum resistance, scalable architecture, and more robust block-building systems are still needed. These upgrades are required before Ethereum can achieve full independence from developer oversight.
Ethereum continues to focus on core principles like decentralization, privacy, and self-sovereignty. These values may slow mass adoption, but its supporters argue they make the network more secure and censorship-resistant in the long run.
Solana Eyes AI for Code Evolution
Anatoly Yakovenko proposed that Solana could use network fees to support AI-driven development in the future. He said that artificial intelligence could help write and improve Solana’s codebase. This idea supports his belief in continuous evolution and flexible development.
He added, “You should always count on there being a next version of Solana.” By integrating AI and encouraging contributions from a broader community, Yakovenko wants Solana to stay responsive to the market’s demands.
This strategy supports Solana’s popularity in consumer apps and fast-growing usage. The network has been generating higher fees and attracting developers who want frequent upgrades and performance enhancements.
Community Split Between Innovation and Stability
The different approaches by Yakovenko and Buterin reflect a wider divide in the blockchain world. While Ethereum is seen as the most decentralized Layer 1 blockchain, Solana is gaining ground with speed and user-focused innovation.
Buterin’s supporters warn that adding too many features too quickly may lead to bugs and security issues. They also say it increases the risk of centralization due to higher protocol complexity.
On the other side, Yakovenko’s backers believe that slower development can allow competitors to get ahead. They argue that innovation must keep pace with real-world demands or risk becoming irrelevant.
Both Solana and Ethereum remain leading platforms. However, their future development will depend on how well they stick to — or adjust — their current strategies.
