Ethereum’s future depends on keeping things simple. While complex code and advanced cryptography may look impressive, they often cause more problems than they solve. If only a handful of experts can understand how the system works, regular users are forced to trust those experts. That defeats the purpose of decentralization and self-sovereignty — key ideas behind Ethereum.

Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, is concerned that the blockchain is becoming too bloated with complicated features. These short-term upgrades might add functionality quickly, but they also make the system harder to maintain in the long run. When everyday users can’t audit or run the code themselves, trustlessness disappears. Ethereum’s strength comes from being open, transparent, and easy enough for anyone to use without needing a PhD in cryptography.

To fight this complexity, Buterin suggests three main ways to simplify Ethereum:

1. **Smaller Codebase**: Keep the core code short and simple — ideally just a few pages. Less code means fewer bugs and easier auditing.
2. **Simpler Cryptography**: Avoid using exotic math like isogenies or lattice-based encryption. Stick to basic cryptographic tools that most developers understand.
3. **Strong Rules (Invariants)**: Lock in core rules that don’t change. For example, Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 6780 removed the “selfdestruct” function, reducing how much storage can change in each block. This makes the system easier to manage.

Another big focus is cutting down on technical “garbage” that builds up over time. Ethereum has already made big changes like switching from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake to reduce energy use and increase efficiency. Future updates might go even further by removing outdated features entirely. Instead of updating every client with old code, Ethereum could treat old systems like smart contracts — optional and separate from the core.

Ethereum is entering a new phase. The first 15 years were about experimenting — trying lots of ideas, some good and some bad. Now, it’s time to slow down, focus on what works, and build a stable foundation that could last for 100 years or more. Simple systems are harder to break and easier to trust.

Buterin also talks about improving DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), which were supposed to be the future of crypto governance — smarter, code-based alternatives to companies and governments. But today’s DAOs often rely on token voting, which can be manipulated by wealthy holders (“whales”) and suffer from low voter turnout.

Despite these issues, DAOs are still crucial for managing decentralized projects. They can help with:
– Building reliable oracles (which are key to stablecoins)
– Resolving disputes on-chain
– Managing trusted lists
– Launching quick experiments
– Handling long-term upgrades

Different problems need different leadership models. Some challenges require group consensus, while others benefit from quick decisions by trusted leaders under checks and balances.

To fix current DAO problems, we need better tools:
– **Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Privacy**: To protect user data without sacrificing transparency.
– **AI Assistance**: To reduce decision fatigue while keeping user control.
– **Advanced Discussion Platforms**: Like Pol.is, which help communities find common ground.

DAOs hold around $15 billion in assets today, but many struggle with governance. Future designs must focus equally on oracles and communication tools to ensure a truly decentralized structure that scales with Ethereum.

In short: simplify the code, make DAOs smarter, and build Ethereum for the long haul. That’s how we keep decentralization alive and strong.