The "Palm" Dilemma of Bitcoin: The Buddha's Analogy and the Ultimate Paradox of Web3

There’s an old saying: no matter how much Sun Wukong flails, he can’t escape the Buddha’s palm. This metaphor is equally thought-provoking when applied to Bitcoin’s long-term prospects. In the short term, Bitcoin’s upward potential is undoubtedly huge—rising to hundreds of thousands or even a million dollars is within the realm of possibility. But when it comes to whether it can truly succeed in the long run and transform the financial system, there are complexities worth exploring deeply.

Short-term value is widely recognized; long-term outlook has uncertainties

From a price perspective, Bitcoin’s position as the leading crypto asset remains solid, and its appreciation potential over the next 5-10 years is undeniable. However, this price increase is not the same as its success as a payment network. The key question is: what role can Bitcoin play within the Web3 ecosystem?

The current consensus is that Bitcoin will serve as the core payment system in Web3. This view is not baseless. As AI technology advances rapidly, the demand for blockchain integration will grow—smart contracts, on-chain data processing, decentralized computing are all AI application scenarios. As long as Web3 and blockchain provide substantial support for AI, the value of Bitcoin as the underlying payment layer can be fully realized.

Why is Web3 naturally suited for the era of social atomization?

By observing the evolution of human history, a clear trend emerges: technological progress drives increasingly personalized lifestyles. From traditional extended families and collective living to today’s independent individuals choosing diverse ways of life, this personalization process has been ongoing for centuries.

Entering the AI era, this trend will accelerate further. Imagine a future where every household is equipped with intelligent robots, daily chores handled by AI, and direct human contact significantly reduced. In such a highly atomized society, each individual controls their own data assets, granting AI permission to access private information. The decentralized nature of Web3 naturally aligns with this need—Bitcoin can serve as a digital currency for peer-to-peer transactions, protecting privacy while enabling value transfer.

Logically, this outlook is compelling: the ultimate form of personalized living requires decentralized financial tools, and Bitcoin is precisely such a tool.

The practical dilemmas facing Web3: two insurmountable gaps

However, the gap between idealism and reality is often vast. For Bitcoin and Web3 to achieve widespread adoption, at least two major challenges must be addressed:

First, the dilemma of data monopoly and profit distribution. Currently, the AI ecosystem is dominated by tech giants—OpenAI, Google, Meta—who control vast amounts of data and algorithmic power, reaping most of the benefits. Will these powerful entities be willing to relinquish data monopolies and allow individuals to own and profit from their own data? History suggests that those in power are reluctant to voluntarily cede control.

Second, the paradox between personalization and regulation. Extreme personalization and freedom often conflict with effective social regulation. Pursuing complete decentralization and privacy protection makes necessary oversight difficult; conversely, maintaining centralized control diminishes the promises of Web3. This is an almost irreconcilable contradiction.

In the end, can we escape that hand?

Returning to the metaphor of “Buddha’s palm,” it hints at a deeper philosophical question: no matter how innovative Bitcoin becomes or how beautifully Web3 envisions decentralization, can they truly break free from existing power structures and regulatory frameworks?

If, ultimately, Web3 cannot escape central control, then all current innovations might just be superficial tinkering. Bitcoin will continue to exist but may never become the transformative force to reshape the world. This is not pessimism, but a reminder: for revolutionary technology to truly change society, it often requires a deep struggle against entrenched powers. The future of Bitcoin ultimately depends on this unseen tug-of-war.