Breaking Free from the Price Fixation: Unlocking Crypto's True Potential
The cryptocurrency space is often viewed through a narrow lens, with the primary focus being on price fluctuations. The prevailing narrative surrounding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader crypto market has become centered on a single idea: the upward movement of numbers. However, this perspective is superficial and neglects the underlying technological advancements. In traditional markets, a company's value is ultimately determined by its usage and the revenue it generates, rather than its stock price. The same principle should apply to cryptocurrency, where the focus should be on the real-world applications and usage of the technology, rather than just its price. The 'cult of price' has led to a fixation on speculation, with some ideologies, such as Saylorism, promoting the idea that the core utility of Bitcoin lies in its ability to be held as a store of value, rather than being used for transactions or innovation. This approach is a radical departure from the logic that underpins healthy businesses, which grow by creating value for others through products, services, and infrastructure. In contrast, Ethereum has taken a different path, with its value proposition rooted in usage. The network's growth is tied to its functionality, enabling decentralized applications, settling transactions, and facilitating governance. The distinction between these two models is profound, with Ethereum's growth resembling that of a traditional business, whereas Bitcoin's growth is more akin to a speculative asset. The shift away from price obsession and toward utility obsession is crucial for the evolution of cryptocurrency. This means focusing on the real-world problems that a protocol solves, the number of users it has, and the value it creates. By doing so, cryptocurrency can move beyond its speculative phase and become a mature, widely adopted technology. The opportunity for Bitcoin and Ethereum to work together and find common ground is significant, with Ethereum serving as a gateway for Bitcoin holders to access the broader world of decentralized finance. This synergy can amplify the strengths of both networks, attracting more liquidity to Ethereum while providing Bitcoin with much-needed utility. Ultimately, the long-term success of cryptocurrency depends on moving beyond the fixation on daily price charts and focusing on the real-world applications and usage of the technology.