In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, it's easy to get lost in the hype, the tech jargon, and the endless stream of new projects. But sometimes, a fresh perspective cuts through the noise and helps us see the bigger picture. That's exactly what Mert, CEO of Helius.dev, did in his recent X post, where he breaks down crypto into three core classes: commercial, casino, and cypherpunk. As someone who's spent years in the trenches of crypto journalism, I find this framework not just insightful but essential for anyone navigating the blockchain space – especially those interested in meme tokens.

Let's start by diving into what Mert laid out. In his words:

it's clear at this point that there are 3 classes of crypto
i) commercial crypto
ii) casino crypto
iii) cypherpunk crypto

commercial crypto is RWAs, stablecoins, institutions
things that use crypto for its function in increasing the efficiency of finance
faster payments, faster settlement, better composability, and a universal API for money
this is mostly a positive development, but it does necessarily ignore most of the core ideals of why crypto was started
there are a lot of relatively invisible chokepoints of control here that most people have not woken up to
i.e., that 95% of stablecoins can be frozen or single sequencer censorship

casino crypto is mostly things that are borderline regulatory arbitrage and are heavily premised on speculation
too wild for institutions, but still not necessarily native to crypto ideals
most of the aim here seems to be making money
I don't have anything against this as I believe people should do whatever they do without harming others, but it's not something I'm personally interested in

the final, least prevalent and almost extinct class of crypto is the cypherpunk class
this is ironic as the cypherpunk class is responsible for starting the entire industry as well as underlying its most important set of functionality
satoshi was a cypherpunk
cypherpunks use cryptography and code to build systems of freedom
freedom from state overreach, freedom of speech, and the right to transact
this group gets confused for what is actually criminal behaviour like breaking the law or buying janky ass drugs on the darknet which does nothing but cheapen the ideals of liberty for some false virtual mental dopamine hit of being an edgelord
cypherpunks are libertarians and believe in free markets and understand that autonomous systems that can't be messed with are the only way to achieve this

the commercial and casino classes of crypto have had all the recent spotlight
but crypto without the cypherpunks is not crypto
I believe most of this has been a messaging, education, and storytelling problem
we are going to fix this and we are going to make crypto cypherpunk again
you are already seeing the ideals live within systems like zcash, but soon it will enflame everywhere
cypher/acc

This classification isn't just a neat way to organize thoughts; it's a call to remember crypto's roots while acknowledging its current realities.

What is Commercial Crypto?

Commercial crypto is all about practicality and integration with the traditional financial world. Think real-world assets (RWAs) tokenized on the blockchain, stablecoins like USDT or USDC that maintain a steady value, and big institutions dipping their toes in. The goal here is efficiency: quicker transactions, seamless settlements, and programmable money that works like a universal plugin for finance.

But as Mert points out, this comes with trade-offs. While it's great for adoption, it often sidesteps the decentralized ethos that birthed crypto. For instance, most stablecoins have built-in freeze functions controlled by issuers, and many blockchains rely on single sequencers that could censor transactions. It's like building a superhighway but leaving toll booths that can shut down at any time.

In the meme token space, commercial crypto might manifest as tokenized memes backed by real assets or integrated into DeFi protocols for lending and borrowing. It's the "grown-up" side of memes, where fun meets finance.

The Thrill of Casino Crypto

Then there's casino crypto, which Mert describes as speculation-driven and often skirting regulatory edges. This is where most of the action happens – think high-volatility tokens, pump-and-dump schemes, and projects built more on hype than utility. Meme tokens fit squarely here: coins like Dogecoin or newer Solana-based memes that skyrocket on viral trends and community fervor.

Mert isn't judging; he's just observing that the primary motivator is often profit. And honestly, that's fine – as long as no one's getting hurt. For blockchain practitioners, this class offers lessons in market dynamics, community building, and the power of narrative. But it's volatile, like a casino: exciting, but you might leave with empty pockets.

At Meme Insider, we see casino crypto as the playground where meme tokens thrive. It's where creativity explodes, but it's also a reminder to DYOR (do your own research) before jumping in.

Reviving Cypherpunk Crypto

The heart of Mert's message is the cypherpunk class – the OG crypto warriors inspired by figures like Satoshi Nakamoto. Cypherpunks leverage tech for liberty: privacy-focused coins like Zcash, decentralized systems that resist censorship, and tools that empower individuals against overreaching authorities.

Sadly, this class is fading, overshadowed by the flashier commercial and casino sides. Mert argues it's a storytelling issue, and he's right. Cypherpunks aren't about breaking laws; they're about building unbreakable systems for free markets and personal freedom. Confusing them with edgelords misses the point.

For meme tokens, infusing cypherpunk ideals could mean privacy-enhanced memes or decentralized launchpads that can't be shut down. Projects like Zcash are leading the way, and Mert's call to "make crypto cypherpunk again" is a rally cry for the industry.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens and Beyond

Mert's framework isn't just academic; it's a roadmap for the future. Commercial crypto brings legitimacy, casino crypto brings energy, but cypherpunk crypto ensures the soul of blockchain endures. Perhaps, as some suggest, all three are interdependent – speculation funds innovation, which enables commercial applications, looping back to more cypherpunk advancements.

If you're in the meme token game, ask yourself: Does your favorite project lean casino, or does it have cypherpunk roots? At Meme Insider, we're committed to covering these angles, helping you stay informed on the latest trends while building a solid knowledge base.

What do you think – is cypherpunk crypto making a comeback? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and check out more insights on meme-insider.com. Let's keep the conversation going!