The Merge is Done! Now What? Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds

The Merge is Done! Now What? Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds

The long-awaited switchover from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake, known as The Merge, has finally taken place on Ethereum. This transition has resulted in Ethereum running on 99.5% less energy and experiencing a 90% lower inflation rate. However, with this major milestone achieved, the Ethereum community now faces the question of what comes next.

One key aspect that Ethereum aims to address is its computing capacity. Through the use of Sharding technology, Ethereum can scale out its computing power without increasing the computational demands on stakers. Sharding involves splitting the database into multiple shards, each processed by separate machines. This approach is still being debated, but it is expected that future Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) like EIP-4844 will provide strategies for maintaining Ethereum's security and composability while implementing sharding.

Another challenge that Ethereum faces is the maintenance of the full Ethereum "state" by validators. Currently, validators must have access to the entire historical record of the chain, which can become prohibitively expensive as the state grows. To address this, Ethereum is working towards a stateless network validation approach. This involves shifting from the current Merkle-tree-based validation to a newer concept called "Verkle Trees." Verkle trees compress the data required for validating a block based on historical data, making stateless clients viable in practice.

In terms of changing minds and beliefs, humans have a natural tendency to hold onto beliefs that bring them allies, protectors, or disciples, rather than beliefs that are most likely to be true. Belonging to a group is crucial for survival, and people often prioritize social ties over facts. Convincing someone to change their mind is not just about presenting facts, but about providing them with an alternative tribe where they can feel a sense of belonging.

The closest relationships have the most significant impact on our beliefs. The beliefs of those closest to us can shape our own thinking. This is why books, which allow for internal conversations without judgment, can be powerful tools for transforming beliefs. Ideas need to be repeated and shared to be remembered and believed. Therefore, instead of wasting time tearing down bad ideas, it is more productive to champion good ideas and share them with others.

In the process of changing someone's mind, it is essential to approach the conversation with kindness. Arguing to win often breaks down the reality of the person you are arguing against, causing them to become defensive. Developing a friendship, sharing a meal, or gifting a book can create a psychologically safe environment where open-mindedness and change can occur.

Three actionable advice before conclusion:

1. Embrace the future of Ethereum: With the successful implementation of The Merge, it is crucial for Ethereum users and stakeholders to embrace the new Proof of Stake mechanism and explore the possibilities it unlocks.

2. Foster intellectual growth through diverse relationships: Surround yourself with people who challenge your beliefs and expose you to new ideas. Engage in conversations and share books to broaden your perspectives.

3. Share and champion good ideas: Instead of focusing on tearing down bad ideas, focus on sharing and promoting good ideas. Create a culture of intellectual growth and exchange, encouraging others to challenge their beliefs.

In conclusion, The Merge marks a significant milestone for Ethereum, but it also raises new challenges and opportunities. By addressing the scalability issues through sharding and tackling the limitations of maintaining the full state through stateless validation, Ethereum can continue to evolve and thrive. Similarly, in the realm of changing minds, it is crucial to recognize the power of relationships, kindness, and sharing ideas to foster intellectual growth and create a more open-minded society.