Between "Opportunity" and " Aptitude": What the competition between cryptocurrency and AI reveals

In recent months, it has been pointed out that many entrepreneurs and builders are leaving the crypto ecosystem to dive into the wave of AI. This is not merely a trend shift but suggests a deeper issue. It highlights the difficulty of finding one’s most excellent domain and the danger of being misled by temporary “opportunities.”

Superiority and Aptitude: A Map of Different Talents for Each Person

No matter how talented an entrepreneur is, they cannot achieve equal results across all fields. Taking Sam Altman as an example, his talent for entrepreneurship in the AI domain is clear. However, when looking at the crypto projects he has been involved in, their results are underwhelming. Much of what he has done appears to be a straightforward transplantation of traditional internet business concepts onto blockchain, without capturing the intrinsic value and potential of the crypto ecosystem.

Similar examples exist elsewhere. A well-known tech blogger provides deep insights into cutting-edge technologies like AI, life sciences, and robotics. Yet, when it comes to analyzing the crypto ecosystem, their depth clearly diminishes. Although their Bitcoin research should have started much earlier than mine, even after several years, their understanding has not significantly advanced from the initial stage.

Listening to their recent statements, they believe the greatest value of blockchain lies in the creation of “digital gold” (Bitcoin), and they evaluate Ethereum as merely a “coin issuance function.” They emphasize the low TPS of blockchain and have recently praised “high-speed” chains like Solana and Hyperliquid.

While these observations are not entirely wrong, they are peripheral issues and do not represent fundamental insights. They notice superficial advantages but overlook the true core value.

What Can Be Seen from Personal Exploration Paths

Reflecting on my own experience, I have ventured into many fields: traditional software development, the internet industry, embedded systems, and technology education. I achieved decent results in each, but I lacked the deep intuition and insights into the fundamental flow and details of the industry that others might have.

When I entered the crypto ecosystem, I experienced a different sensation for the first time. I could see details others overlooked and confidently challenge authoritative opinions in the industry. This sense and superiority made me realize that this field suits me.

On the other hand, when AI rapidly evolved with the advent of GPT, I revisited AI-related literature and engaged with the latest ideas. However, what I felt was a sense of dullness and passivity. I couldn’t question authoritative opinions, nor see the details others miss. All I could do was read, interpret, and digest others’ opinions.

From this experience, it became clear that my advantage lies not in AI but in the crypto ecosystem.

The Conflict Between “Trend” and “Finding Your Place”

When new opportunities emerge, many people tend to follow them easily. This may be a fundamental human desire. However, what is crucial is that one must not completely abandon their already established superiority for a fleeting “opportunity.”

Indeed, if you constantly feel constrained and unfulfilled in your current field (including crypto), you should continue exploring other possibilities—until you find a place where you can truly thrive.

But once you find that place, you must not be swayed by trends to leave it easily. The most valuable path is to excel in the field where you feel, understand, and have an advantage over others, and produce your own results.

What we need to succeed is to recognize our unique strengths and continue to refine them. There is no such thing as a universal talent. Therefore, each person finding their optimal domain and exerting their best effort there is the most practical and fruitful choice.