If you've been in the crypto space for a while, you've probably noticed how things have changed. Back in the early days, it was all about sticking it to the system—anonymous peer-to-peer payments, sovereignty, banking the unbanked, and a big middle finger to governments. Fast forward to 2025, and the vibe's shifted to begging governments to pump bags, stacking more data availability layers, permissioned corporate chains, and going all-in on wild meme coins like "fartcoin" for that 100x leverage. A recent tweet from @mattytay perfectly captures this evolution with a hilarious meme, while tying it into a call for real innovation through Solana's upcoming hackathon.

The Meme That Says It All

This spot-on illustration contrasts the buff, idealistic "crypto bros" of 2013 with their more... let's say, evolved counterparts in 2025. The top panel shows confident figures championing core crypto principles, while the bottom depicts a more desperate, meme-fueled crowd. It's funny, but it hits on some real truths about how the industry has matured—or maybe devolved, depending on your view.

The meme, shared in the tweet, underscores a broader narrative: crypto started as a cypherpunk movement aimed at decentralizing power and finance. Cypherpunks, for those new to the term, are advocates for using cryptography to protect privacy and enable social and political change—think pioneers like those inspired by the Bitcoin whitepaper. But as the space grew, it attracted speculators, institutions, and yes, meme coin enthusiasts chasing quick gains.

Breaking Down the Evolution

Let's unpack the labels in the meme. In 2013:

• Anonymous p2p payment: This nods to Bitcoin's original vision as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, allowing transactions without intermediaries or revealing identities.

• Sovereign individual: Empowering people to control their own finances and data, free from centralized authority.

• Bank the unbanked: Aiming to provide financial services to those excluded from traditional banking, especially in developing regions.

• Fk the gov: The anti-establishment ethos, resisting government overreach and censorship.

Now, flip to 2025:

• Gov pls buy our bag: Pleading for institutional adoption, like governments or big funds scooping up tokens to drive prices up—think ETFs and regulatory nods.

• Moar DATs: Referring to "more Data Availability Tokens" or layers, a hot topic in scaling blockchains like Solana or Ethereum. Data availability (DA) ensures transaction data is accessible and verifiable, crucial for layer-2 solutions and high-throughput chains.

• Permissioned corp chain: Corporate blockchains that require approval to participate, a far cry from permissionless ideals, often used by enterprises for controlled environments.

• 100x long fartcoin: Betting big on leveraged positions in absurd meme coins. "Fartcoin" is likely a stand-in for the countless silly tokens that pop up, driven by hype and community rather than utility. Meme coins, popularized on platforms like Solana, thrive on virality and can deliver massive returns—or losses—in short order.

This shift reflects crypto's mainstreaming. What began as a rebellion has intertwined with traditional finance (tradfi), bringing both opportunities and compromises.

Connecting to Solana's Cypherpunk Hackathon

The tweet isn't just a laugh—it's a strategic nod to action. @mattytay, co-founder of Colosseum, quotes their announcement about allocating over $2.5 million in pre-seed capital to winners of the Solana Cypherpunk Hackathon. Running from September 25 to October 30, 2025, this event invites builders to create cypherpunk-inspired startups that could "revolutionize the global financial system."

Crypto as a "Trojan horse" inside tradfi gates? That's the hook. We've infiltrated the old guard, and now it's time to deploy innovative tech. Solana, known for its speed and low costs, is a prime playground for meme coins and serious DeFi projects alike. The hackathon encourages reclaiming those early ideals while leveraging today's tools.

If you're a developer or entrepreneur, sign up here to get updates on tracks, sponsors, and more. It's a chance to blend meme culture's energy with cypherpunk roots for something groundbreaking.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens and Blockchain Practitioners

At Meme Insider, we're all about decoding meme tokens and their role in the ecosystem. Memes like this one highlight how tokens such as potential "fartcoin" knockoffs represent the fun, speculative side of crypto. But they also democratize access—anyone can launch or trade them on chains like Solana, fostering community and innovation.

Yet, the meme's satire warns against losing sight of crypto's purpose. As practitioners, we can learn from this: balance the degen trades with building real value. Events like the Solana hackathon bridge that gap, funding projects that push boundaries in privacy, scalability, and decentralization.

Whether you're here for the laughs, the gains, or the revolution, this tweet reminds us crypto's journey is far from over. What's your take—has the space sold out, or is this just evolution? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.