‘If you want to be great, make enemies’: Solana economist Max Resnick

CoinTelegraph

by Andrew Fenton

January 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Max Resnick, a prominent economist in the cryptocurrency space, has made waves by advocating for bold moves in blockchain development, even if it means making enemies along the way. Known for his controversial yet impactful approach, Resnick argues that prioritizing long-term network health over short-term gains is essential for crypto’s success. His recent critique of Ethereum’s Layer 2 (L2) strategy and push to instead focus on scaling its base layer (L1) has sparked significant debate. While some view this as divisive, Resnick maintains that his stance aligns with the goal of improving the product for the long run, even if it means facing criticism or accusations of stirring division. Resnick’s background provides context for his forward-thinking approach. Having interned in the U.S. government during the COVID-19 pandemic, he observed firsthand how bureaucratic inefficiencies can hinder progress. This experience influenced his belief in the importance of truth-seeking and avoiding ideological biases when addressing complex problems in blockchain governance. His journey from working on Ethereum to leading economic research at Solana’s client development firm, Anza, reflects his commitment to challenging the status quo. Resnick believes that the crypto space must adopt a more pragmatic approach to scaling solutions, prioritizing L1 improvements over what he sees as parasitic Layer 2 developments. In his critique of Ethereum’s roadmap, Resnick argues that the network has shifted its focus toward L1 scaling, though some within the ETH community insist this was always the plan. He acknowledges the criticism but remains undeterred, stating that meaningful progress often requires taking on powerful interests, including those focused on token price speculation rather than long-term network health. Resnick also took aim at Solana’s competitor, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, suggesting that Buterin’s reluctance to prioritize L1 scaling stems from fear of admitting past roadmap mistakes and losing ground to faster, more scalable networks like Solana. Resnick’s story highlights the ongoing tensions in crypto between short-term token-driven agendas and long-term product development. His willingness to take on established figures like Buterin underscores the high-stakes nature of blockchain governance. For readers interested in crypto, Resnick’s perspective offers a valuable lens on how dysfunctional decision-making processes can hinder innovation and scalability. His approach, while divisive, raises important questions about whether the crypto space is ready to prioritize long-term success over ideological or financial gains.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 1/21/2026