The future of Ethereum requires a key shift: the protocol itself must be sufficiently autonomous, so that even if all core development teams suddenly disappear, the entire network can continue to operate stably. This is not alarmism, but a true embodiment of the spirit of decentralization—avoiding reliance on ongoing centralized maintenance and upgrades.

This means that Ethereum needs to accelerate the protocol solidification process. In the coming years, the focus of protocol-level work should gradually shift toward locking in and refining core functionalities. In this roadmap, complete quantum resistance is prioritized, reflecting developers' emphasis on long-term security—ensuring that even if quantum computing breakthroughs occur, Ethereum's cryptographic foundations can continue to effectively protect user assets.

The essence of this design philosophy is trust minimization. When a blockchain no longer depends on any centralized institution for ongoing operation, it has truly completed its transformation from traditional financial systems to decentralized finance.