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Reviving Cypherpunk Ethos in Crypto: Building for Future Generations Over VC Exits

Reviving Cypherpunk Ethos in Crypto: Building for Future Generations Over VC Exits

In the fast-paced realm of cryptocurrency, where hype often overshadows substance, a recent tweet from Hitesh Malviya (@hmalviya9) has sparked a much-needed conversation about the true spirit of crypto. Posted on November 19, 2025, his message calls for a shift in priorities among builders—from chasing quick exits for venture capitalists (VCs) to fostering a crypto-enabled future for the next generation. This resonates deeply in the meme token ecosystem, where community-driven projects can embody the decentralized, rebellious ethos that crypto was built on.

Malviya emphasizes the need for more builders aligned with cypherpunk principles. Cypherpunks are advocates for using cryptography to protect privacy and promote social and political change, a movement that predates Bitcoin but heavily influenced it. He argues that true innovators should feel a thrill—goosebumps, even—when envisioning how their code could reshape society. These "warriors on the internet" aren't in it for the money grabs; they're here to challenge the status quo.

Cypherpunk manifesto emphasizing cryptography's role in freedom and privacy

Attached to the tweet is a powerful image that echoes the cypherpunk manifesto: "Crypto means cryptography. It was never meant to serve kings, banks, or empires. It was meant to free the individual from surveillance, coercion, and permission." It declares this moment as a continuation of cypherpunk ideals—evolved, composable, and ungovernable. The chant rings true: "Privacy is a right. Freedom is the practice of it. Arise. You have nothing to lose but your fences." This visual reminder ties directly into the meme token space, where tokens like Dogecoin or newer entrants often start as jokes but evolve into symbols of financial freedom and community empowerment, free from traditional gatekeepers.

Malviya doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the current market. He points out how greed trumps value, suggesting a "complete reset" might be necessary, even if it means short-term pain for retail investors. In meme token terms, this could mean weeding out pump-and-dump schemes in favor of projects with real utility, like those integrating privacy features or decentralized governance. Imagine meme tokens that enable private transactions or build infrastructure for new monetary systems—ungoverned by any central authority, yet bolstered by on-chain reputation mechanisms to prevent power consolidation.

The thread has garnered replies that amplify this discussion. For instance, @P2Pdotme stresses the importance of balanced funding models, where VCs provide seed capital without hyping premature token dumps. They reference projects like MetaDAO as examples of the challenges in aligning incentives. Other responses, like from @yeyu_1992 suggesting alternatives or @KryptosaurusEth affirming "Privacy is Peace," highlight the community's hunger for genuine progress over speculation.

In the meme token world, this ethos could fuel the next wave of innovation. Meme coins thrive on virality and community, but infusing them with cypherpunk values—such as privacy-focused chains or composable DeFi elements—could transform them from fleeting trends into lasting tools for societal change. Think of tokens that allow anonymous voting in DAOs or fund decentralized infrastructure without VC oversight.

As we navigate this potential reset, Malviya's call to action is clear: prioritize building private applications and infrastructure that empower individuals. For meme token enthusiasts and blockchain practitioners, this means looking beyond the memes to the underlying tech that can create new political, monetary, and governmental structures. It's a reminder that crypto's power lies in its ability to democratize access and protect freedoms, not just generate quick profits.

If you're diving into meme tokens, keep an eye on projects echoing these principles—they might just be the ones that survive and thrive in the long run. For more insights on emerging meme trends and blockchain knowledge, stay tuned to Meme Insider.

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