In the cryptocurrency sector, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson made a notable declaration, marking the network’s 'Independence Day' ahead of the anticipated Chang upgrade. In a video titled “One small step for Cardano; one giant leap for the industry,” Hoskinson reflected on Cardano's progress, emphasizing the significance of this milestone for the community.
Hoskinson described September 1, 2024, as a pivotal day when every Cardano(ADA) holder stands united as equals, playing a role in shaping the protocol’s future. He highlighted that his involvement in the cryptocurrency industry stems from its potential to influence economic, political, and social systems globally, stating, “This is the only industry that I saw that had a legitimate chance to have a front-row seat at changing the economic, political, and social systems of the world.”
Hoskinson's background in the sector includes co-founding the Ethereum network with Vitalik Buterin before establishing Cardano in 2015.
Bold Claims on the Voltaire Era
The debut of Cardano’s Voltaire era introduces what Hoskinson claims is the most extensive governance system in the crypto industry. He described Voltaire as a participatory governance framework that empowers the Cardano community, declaring, “Voltaire is the single biggest experiment in governance in the history of our industry.”
Hoskinson further explained that the new system addresses challenges in governance, which he described as one of humanity’s longstanding issues. He emphasized that with Voltaire’s decentralized structure, Cardano aims to thrive with minimal influence from any single country, including the United States. He stated, “The decentralization of Cardano and the de-Americanization of Cardano… reflects our commitment to global inclusivity.”
To support this decentralization, workshops are being held globally across six continents to elect delegates who will draft a proposed constitution. “Workshops are being held on six continents in 50 countries… to propose a draft constitution to be approved and ratified by an on-chain process,” he noted.
Hoskinson emphasized the importance of community governance in guiding Cardano’s future, stressing collaboration and unity. “Governance is not about getting what you want; governance is about explaining what you want, listening to others, and finding a third option,” he explained.
He reiterated that Cardano’s vision extends beyond a single project, positioning it as an infrastructure built for the global community. “Cardano was infrastructure built by and for the world… it’s built for the human race as a whole,” Hoskinson stated.
Future Plans for Cardano
Despite reduced involvement in the Cardano ecosystem, Hoskinson expressed his ongoing commitment to developing on the network, focusing on decentralized AI and social networks. Previously, he hinted at a potential AI partnership with the Algorand network, underscoring his continued interest in expanding Cardano’s capabilities.
Hoskinson also alluded to a forthcoming proposal for Cardano 2.0, which he plans to present to the community for consideration. He underscored that Cardano’s achievements are rooted in unity, collaboration, and a shared vision among its global participants.
Concluding his address, Hoskinson remarked on the significance of Voltaire, positioning it as a step towards a cohesive and resilient cryptocurrency community. “The point of Voltaire is to be the first cryptocurrency where that doesn’t have to happen… where we have enough in common that we can find a way not to fragment and diverge,” he stated.