Bitcoin Core Developer Defends Network’s Approach
Bitcoin co-founder Vitalik Buterin highlighted a recent discussion in the Bitcoin community. Greg Maxwell, a Bitcoin core developer, defended the core team’s approach to the network.
In a debate on BitcoinTalk, Maxwell said Bitcoin is based on economic incentives and self-interest. He emphasized it is not driven by popular opinion or “cancel culture.” The network allows some wasteful or silly activity to keep it open and censorship-resistant. This is more important than controlling “spam.”
Vitalik described Maxwell’s view as “a principled commitment to freedom and open market-based resource allocation against the populist desire to censor the Current Hated Thing.”
Contributors Work for Themselves
Maxwell stated, “The Bitcoin project isn’t going to meet would-be censors halfway simply because they were loud and obnoxious, or because they throw out legal threats or try to bring down adverse actions by governments.”
He explained that contributors work for themselves. They want a system they can trust, not a product to please others. Many dislike NFTs or “shitcoins,” but accept them as the cost of keeping the system open.
Maxwell added that even paid contributors work for those who pay them, not to satisfy users. He said, “Everyone is invited to share in the benefits, but no one should force you to work against your own interest.” Bitcoin has always faced criticism, and those who dislike it can simply avoid using it.
Community Reaction to the Debate
The comments sparked pushback online. One critic dismissed Maxwell’s argument, saying contributors are also Bitcoin users. Buterin defended Maxwell’s point, suggesting a good protocol is like a work of art. The system’s design matters more than individual complaints.
This discussion highlights ongoing tension in the Bitcoin community. It reflects the balance between strict technical rules and social pressures, a debate present since Bitcoin’s inception.
