Gratitude to Chee, Kim, Chen Wen Kang, Jason, Haichen, Andy, Mason, Aiko, Yisi Liu, Chris, Anthony, Cathy, Vitalik, and every incredible person encountered on this journey!
Over the past year, I’ve embarked on a journey across various countries for work-related reasons and to satisfy my innate curiosity. While some might refer to this lifestyle as that of a “digital nomad” or “world citizen,” I prefer a more understated term - “homeless.” This inspired the title of today’s article, in which I will discuss my experiences living without a fixed abode.
My travels took me to three continents and six countries, each exciting and enlightening adventure. I shared some of these journeys with friends, while others I undertook alone, constantly forging connections with locals.
These unique experiences gave me fresh perspectives and allowed me to witness people and places I would never have encountered. These extraordinary moments broadened my horizons and revealed our world’s boundless diversity and possibilities. I am eager to share these experiences in this article, which also marks the beginning of my next great adventure.
Starting from Vietnam
ETH Vietnam
I commenced my adventure in Vietnam, spurred into action by “ETH Vietnam.” I have never visited the country before, so I was curious about the local perspectives on cryptocurrency and how they might approach a crypto project.
Artistic manifestations of Ethereum in Vietnam
To my surprise, the crypto enthusiasm in Vietnam exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the support of PSE, BarryWhitehat, and 0xParc, numerous zkp enablers and local development communities have emerged (And excitingly! The next Devcon is likely to be held in Vietnam). This vibrant country is rapidly growing, with its people striving for better lives.
Vietnamese night market. Watch out for motorcycles
In 1975, North Vietnamese forces breach the Palace wall
ETH Vietnam
T-59 tank in the Independence Palace
Malaysia and Singapore
During my travels in Vietnam, I met many friends from Malaysia and was invited by them to travel to Malaysia (special thanks to Chee, Kim, and Chen Wen Kang). In Malaysia, I was captivated not only by the “Bak kut teh” and vibrant Ethereum community but also by its local history, particularly its complex relationship with Singapore.
Amidst escalating tensions and conflicts, the Malaysian government ultimately expelled Singapore to eliminate the potential political threat posed by Lee Kuan Yew and non-Bumiputera communities (post-separation, the Bumiputera population increased from 50-55% to 60-62%, and the Bumiputera-first policy was more comprehensively implemented). Despite Lee Kuan Yew’s anguish and sorrow over the separation, his numerous attempts to foster unity in the conversation ultimately proved fruitless. Malaysia continues to prioritize the Bumiputera-first policy. But Singapore has impressively transitioned from a developing to a developed nation under the rule of law and civilized governance, thanks to the collective efforts of its citizens.
Lee Kuan Yew cries on TV because of the separation
In my conversations with the older generation of Singaporeans, I was deeply moved by their recollections of challenging times and immense pride in their nation’s accomplishments. For example, I still remember an elderly gentleman recounting with great emotion the days when Singapore had to rely on clean-water imports from Malaysia, which were often threatened with being cut off. During those difficult times, his parents, neighbors, and the government worked together to practice storing water and support each other’s survival. Today, Singapore’s cutting-edge water purification technology has propelled it to the forefront, enabling the country to have independent water sources!
Singapore’s beauty is evident in its blue skies and lush greenery (thanks to Singapore’s Garden City initiative). My friend aptly described Singapore as a laboratory for the future of human life.
Beach
Trees
Golden Garden
NUS at night
As one of my favorite countries, Singapore demonstrates the remarkable achievements possible through resourcefulness, hard work, and seizing the right opportunities.
Political science article wall
I really like the "political science" of NUS
Thailand
Exploring local history and culture is fun whenever I visit new places; however, Thailand was an outlier. At the time, I was working from home most of the time, so I missed out on all the famous sites nearby (in fact, I’ve heard that Thailand and Phuket are popular destinations. I’m also curious about that).
Despite this, I celebrated New Year’s in Thailand with my friends! It was an enjoyable experience (special thanks to Jason for the shooting range and the boxing tour). To mark the end of last year, I commemorated the occasion by penning an article about current Ethereum hh.
Street painting of Thailand
Space Cowboy in America
Now, the main story unfolds! Upon completing my journey through Southeast Asia, I embarked on an epic adventure to the United States! My travels led me to three major destinations - California, New York City, and Texas. These states, known for their dense populations, collectively account for approximately 90 million residents, 26% of the nation’s population. Each destination offered a unique experience. Additionally, I made a special visit to Colorado to attend the ETH Denver.
California
What captivated me most about California was the combination of prestigious universities and the abundant sunshine (though California is vast, my activities were primarily centered in the red circle). I took brief tours of the headquarters of major tech giants such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and more (I’ll be sure to visit SpaceX’s HQ next time!). However, the most enlightening aspect was the local universities.
My activity area
Stanford Campus
Upon entering Berkeley, I immediately see Jennifer Doudna’s poster! I’ve previously written about her groundbreaking work on CRISPR-Cas9 in my article “The Future of Humanity.” I believe gene editing will play a significant role in our future, as we may alter our species’ genes to adapt to various environments, like space exploration and colonization of other planets, or combat diseases and slow aging. Fascinating! Doudna, alongside Emmanuelle Charpentier, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2020.
Jennifer Doudna's poster
My admiration for Berkeley grew stronger with the discovery of their “Free Speech Movement Cafe,” which commemorates the 1964 Free Speech Movement. During this time, Berkeley students valiantly fought against the government to secure the right to free speech and political expression, opposing the university’s ban on political activities and advocacy. Many students today take pride in this history and openly share their views on the cafe’s walls (I concur that freedom of speech, or academic freedom, is paramount in a university setting).
It Shall Not Be Restricted!
Students expressing their views
Another highlight of my trip was visiting Steve Jobs’ home (special thanks to Haichen). I couldn’t help but wonder if it was the exact location featured in Jobs’ famous “meditation photo.”
In Memory of Steve
New York City
After California, I went to New York for a short stay. Many people had told me that New York was a bustling, lively, crazy city, but I found it somewhat dull. Compared to California, New York is smaller, colder, and more compact, with my activities mainly focused on Manhattan Island (i.e., the red circle).
My activity area
I received mixed responses when I asked people about their feelings toward New York. Some had lived in the city for decades and were enamored by it, while others held ambivalent feelings, and a few had already relocated to Florida or Texas. For me, I appreciated New York’s rich cultural diversity, numerous museums (and public libraries!), delicious pizza, the show of Hamilton, and the welcoming Scroll office (special thanks to best Andy & Mason for making me realize how much I enjoy offices, haha). However, the city’s noise and constant parties didn’t resonate with me. I found it challenging to focus on truly meaningful thoughts and works in such an environment.
Empire State Building at night
"The Last of Us" in Times Square
Pepperoni!
"Boss". He likes me very much
Scroll's office
With my departure from New York, my real adventure commenced!
ETH Denver
Before arriving in Colorado, my knowledge of the state was limited to its renowned ski resorts and South Park (Colorado is the background). Now I see the abundance of majestic and awe-inspiring mountains!
Mountains seen from the roadside
Awe-inspiring! But now is not the best time for climbing
In Denver, my cowboy soul was unleashed. When I arrived at Denver International Airport, I was immediately struck by the distinct Western American vibe (there were a lot of cowboy hats!). Moreover, ETH Denver’s primary venue was National Western Complex, a site typically used for horse and cattle racing events, cowboy shows, and rodeo sports. The cowboy influence was everywhere.
Ranch family at the airport
Be a Cowboy! A board next to the entrance of the Ethereum talk
One of the joys of attending conferences like ETH Denver is the chance to meet in person those you’ve previously only interacted with online, I was glad to meet my Scroll team, other L2 teams, and EF researchers (many meaningful discussions & thoughts). Additionally, you can participate in a hackathon (but the venue’s internet connection was poor) or attend engaging discussions. ETH Denver marked the perfect beginning to my exploration of the American West!
Developers. How did they get the internet?
Game night. Strong western style
Space exploration
I’ve already forgotten when space exploration first came into my mind. I believe humanity is destined to realize the importance of exploring the outside, slowly moving out of the Earth and towards the stars, spreading life all over the universe. On new planets, the descendants would not have to carry the debts of the old humans and would be free to design their government, technology, and culture, reconstruct the environment in which they live, and even life itself.
Leaving My Name in the Space
With these thoughts in mind, I set out to visit Houston’s world-renowned Johnson Space Center, also known as the Manned Spacecraft Center. Again! I didn’t make any plans!
NASA!
Entrance of Space Center Huston
The Johnson Space Center is not a complete museum. Many NASA employees continue to work there, training new astronauts and preparing for the ambitious Artemis program. This time, we want to establish a permanent base on the moon, never to return, and to prepare for the human journey to Mars.
NASA employees working with deer
Artemis Project's Rocket Development Center
How to build a Moon Base
Moonbase is a realistic option. The Moon’s proximity to Earth allows you to use Twitter and Ethereum, with Earth’s signal experiencing a mere 1.28-second delay (Time delay = Distance / Speed of light = 384,400 km / 299,792 km/s ≈ 1.28 seconds). The convenient distance also enables Earth to provide a steady supply of resources, such as 3D-printed housing and infrastructure. Furthermore, the Moon’s gravity is only 1/6 of the Earth’s, allowing spacecraft to achieve escape velocity more easily — this is a critical factor for large-scale deep space exploration (less fuel, more payload).
Escape velocity data
The Moon also contains water in the form of ice, a valuable resource that can be purified for drinking water at lunar bases or electrolyzed into H2 and O2 (liquid H2 and O2 can be used as rocket fuel for the Space Launch System). Though producing rocket fuel on the Moon would require a significant initial investment in infrastructure (potentially involving commercial companies), it would eventually prove cost-effective. In the future, the Moon could become a spaceport and staging area for humanity’s advancement.
Magic equation. The "energy" that makes humans into space
The Johnson Space Center, a legendary site where the renowned Project Gemini and Apollo Programs were conceived and executed (including the successful Apollo 11 moon landing), stands at the forefront of space exploration and human technological innovation.
Michael Collins' astronaut suit
The Apollo Lunar Module. Greatness is within your reach!
NASA's Command Center: recorded the moment of the moon landing
Saturn V. Too big to fit in the photo
What moved me most were two particular posters. No matter how many rivers we have to cross to find our true path, we never stop. One day, we will stand on Martian soil alongside our companions, gazing at the awe-inspiring canyons and mesmerizing blue sunsets.
Eventually, we'll make it to Mars and reunite on its surface!
Exploring the Majestic Canyons of Mars
Become a cowboy
In addition to space exploration, one aspect of Texas (Houston) that I truly adore is the cowboy culture! Cowboys seem to be everywhere, and I acquired my first cowboy hat with the help of local friends who guided me in choosing the perfect one and invited us to the world’s largest cowboy festival. I also learned about John Batterson Stetson, the legendary founder of the cowboy hat.
Learn how to fix cowboy hats
Since then, I’ve taken my cowboy hat with me everywhere. If you spot me wearing it at a conference or space museum, don’t hesitate to say hello (or Howdy!). I admire the courage, integrity, freedom, curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and willingness to help others that the cowboy spirit embodies.
Cowboy in Taxes
Vitalik with the cowboy hat. Isn't that handsome?
Do you want to be a cowboy cat?
My time in Houston has been filled with joy and relaxation, significantly inspiring my imagination and creativity. I often find myself pondering the life of a true cowboy, how many individuals have had the privilege of experiencing such natural beauty, and whether any cowboy has met their end on a cattle trail.
Yellowstone
To Mars!
If the ultimate goal of building a lunar base is to explore deep space and colonize Mars, why not just go to the closest place for humans to Mars? That would be Starbase, the research, development, and launch base for Starship, situated just 2km from Mexico, across a river on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Starbase, situated at the southernmost tip of the United States
One reason for choosing this location is the cheap land (indeed, SpaceX purchased this land specifically to expedite Starship testing and launches, making it one of the closest places for humans to reach Mars). Additionally, the site’s proximity to the equator allows rockets to launch eastward, taking advantage of Earth’s rotation to save fuel (similarly, the Kennedy Space Center is located in Florida). Furthermore, any failed launches would result in rockets landing in open waters, minimizing risk (no explosion, no progress). These factors and Texas’ support for SpaceX make it an ideal launch site.
Launching eastward to capitalize on Earth's rotation and minimize risk to populated areas
For the best rocket launch viewing experience, visitors can stay nearby Brownsville, which boasts a small airport that has undergone several expansions due to Starbase’s needs, although it still accommodates few flights. SpaceX’s influence is palpable at the airport, with frequent sightings of SpaceX employees (Elon Musk is known to fly employees from California to Starbase on his private jet), Starship-related advertisements, and a Starship flap displayed at the airport’s entrance.
Brownsville's small airplane
This road, aptly named "Starship," is destined to become a bustling spaceport city in the future
Starship's flap displayed at the airport entrance
Upon our arrival, we drove directly to the Starship launch site and were thrilled to see the super-heavy booster at night (special thanks to Aiko for the food, Yisi Liu for emergency assistance, and Chris for driving). The local infrastructure was somewhat lacking, with just one main road, but even late at night, many SpaceX employees traveled between the base and the city. Along the road, the full “STARBASE” logo and Starships soon came into view!
STARBASE!
Thrilled! A glimpse of Starship, gracefully illuminated in the night sky
Our Future
R&D base and some factories
Starhopper - The first beta version of Starship, and the start of our great future
The night coincided with a preparatory test for the upcoming in-orbit trial
Testing the Super-Heavy Boost
We are Martians!
A small bench for viewing the Starship launch, surrounded by numerous enthusiastic spectators that night
Blue Night at Starbase
Boca Chica Beach by night
Our car's headlights cast a glow on Boca Chica Beach's sandy shore
At this point, I’d like to provide a brief overview of Starship. It consists of three key components: the first-stage booster, second-stage spacecraft, and Raptor engines, all of which are fully recyclable (primarily the booster and spacecraft).
May the Force be with you!
Upon closer examination, it’s evident that Starship vastly differs from traditional rockets. Its ultimate purpose is to enable mass production and transport large numbers of humans into space, ultimately colonizing Mars. Three principles are crucial to this process:
Reusability: Applying first principles thinking, the fundamental function of a rocket is to generate enough thrust to propel people, cargo, and spacecraft out of Earth’s gravitational prisons. In essence, rockets are like any other vehicle (cars, planes, trains) without significant differences.
It would be expensive and stupid to discard vehicles after each use, so we strive for rockets to be reusable like cars and planes and do everything possible to reduce costs (e.g., recyclable rockets and 3D-printed rockets). Alternatives like space elevators or inertial launch systems require substantial initial investments on Earth but are much more feasible on the Moon due to its lower escape velocity (2.38 km/s < 11.186 km/s).
Economies of Scale: If rockets serve as our vehicles for interplanetary travel, they must be affordable and cost-effective for everyone. Just like planes, transporting as many people and as much cargo as possible (US market: Aircraft can carry 1 billion passengers and 50.6 billion revenue ton-miles of cargo annually).
Quantity is everything, and we hope that as production scales up, costs will decrease rapidly. This concept has guided much of SpaceX’s R&D work. For example, in the Inspiration 4 documentary, Gwynne Shotwell mentioned a rocket’s handle that was too expensive. An engineer found a cheap alternative in a toilet supermarket, reducing the component’s cost from tens of thousands to just a few dollars – a solution that traditional aerospace industries would likely never consider.
Manufacturing is even more critical than design because it is the key to reducing rocket costs and achieving widespread adoption. SpaceX aims to reduce the cost per kilogram of orbit-bound cargo to $10. As a result, Starship uses more affordable, scalable stainless steel (instead of traditional aluminum or composite materials) and opts for numerous smaller Raptor engines with less thrust rather than a few large engines like the Saturn V. Smaller engines are less complex, easier to test, mass-produce, and replace.
All in Mars: It is clear from various design details that Starship was created solely for Mars colonization. The spacecraft is designed for orbital refueling, allowing a complete Mars mission to be accomplished through in-orbit refueling and resupply. Additionally, Starship’s Raptor engine is methane-based, which can be easily produced on Mars using groundwater and atmospheric carbon dioxide (through the Sabatier reaction), providing fuel for the return voyage.
Sabatier reaction
Let’s compare Starship with the largest rocket in human history: Saturn V. While Starship is taller, it is also heavier. Saturn V stands at 110m tall, whereas Starship reaches 120m in full height. A fully-fueled Saturn V weighs approximately 2,970 tons, while Starship weighs around 5,000 tons (with 4,600 tons being fuel). Keep in mind that these numbers may change as Starship’s development progresses.
Starship vs. Saturn V
Comparison of all the rockets
Now is the engine, the first stage booster of Saturn V comprises five enormous F1 engines, generating a total thrust of 34.5 MN. In contrast, Starship’s first stage consists of 33 Raptor engines, producing 72 MN of thrust — double that of Saturn V. A crucial difference is that Starship’s cost per launch could potentially drop to around $1 million, compared to $185 million for Saturn V in the 1970s (equivalent to $1.3 billion today).
Single F1 engine
Single Raptor engine
The Saturn V has only five F1 engines in the first stage
Starship's first stage has 33 Raptor engines
The repository in Starbase where Raptor engines are stored
Witnessing the marvels of the rocket industry is truly awe-inspiring
Given these factors, it is highly likely that Starship will usher in a new era where humans begin to explore and colonize other planets, establishing permanent bases and spaceports. Due to reduced carrier costs, everyone could have the opportunity to venture into space and participate in space exploration programs.
As a result, humans will gradually gain the ability to exploit the nearly unlimited resources in space, using the economic benefits generated to further support space exploration. Soon, there will be natives born on other planets, and humanity will realize that Earth is not perfect. A group may want to build a better home in the outer world. This time, we can start from scratch, regardless of nationality, language, or color, and all of humanity is reunited as one to face our greatest challenge - the universe, not ourselves.
Here are some close-up photos (special thanks to Anthony for helping to connect with SpaceX; it’s cool to transform from the space industry to Ethereum).
My shot of S24!
S24 is being cleaned and refueled
S24 is the spacecraft utilized for orbital testing
Starship uses a heat shield made of hexagonal ceramic tiles
Rocket Garden
Rocket Garden at the end of the road
Old Starship
Boca Chica Beach notice board
Zuzalu
I’ve always considered the present to be a magical time. With advancements in biotechnology, space exploration, blockchain, and AI, everything is progressing rapidly, leading to remarkable breakthroughs. There are countless potential paths for humanity to take, and everyone clings to their own ideal direction until we eventually reach the point of no return, where all these paths unite into one.
Humans have infinite possibilities
Vitalik is also a super curious person. He just wants to know what would happen from bringing together a diverse group of people with expertise in areas such as Ethereum, ZK, biotechnology, longevity, and network state. It was an exciting concept, and indeed, many extraordinary things happened! I made many new friends, met exceptional individuals, and connected with person who truly saved my life lol (enormous gratitude to Cathy!). All of these people work in different fields and possess their own perspectives and solutions about the future of humanity.
Best friends forever! ❤️
I find it fascinating that my interest in gene editing and using CRISPR-Cas9 was sparked at Zuzalu (special thanks to Cathy). The discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 has its roots in a fundamental question of biology and humanity – the origin of life. Jennifer Doudna was working on RNA-related research at the time (due to its potential connection to the origin of life, such as the “RNA world” hypothesis), which was unrelated to gene editing. However, her collaboration with Emmanuelle Charpentier, a microbiologist studying the bacterial immune system, led to the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9.
Doudna and Charpentier investigated the role of CRISPR and Cas9 in the bacterial immune system. They discovered that some viral DNA was stored in the CRISPR sequence (as memory), and if this DNA reappeared, the Cas9 protein would use the RNA molecule from the stored viral DNA as a guide to recognize and cleave the invading virus. (Know more in Kurzgesagt and Jennifer’s explanation videos)
A simple process: bacteria store the DNA of the virus
A comprehensive process: Combatting viruses through recognizing their DNA
The researchers recognized that the CRISPR-Cas9 system could be adapted as a gene-editing tool. By customizing the guide RNA molecule, they could target any specific DNA sequence for cleavage by the Cas9 protein. This small discovery has had a profound impact on humanity, granting us the power to manipulate genes with incredible precision. We can reduce diseases (like self-destructing mosquitoes and Covid-19) and even permanently alter our genetic code. For example, we could decrease genetic diseases in future generations or make them stronger and smarter. However, many ethical concerns and potential inequalities must be addressed, as evidenced by the He Jiankui incident in China, and it is uncertain whether humans are prepared for such advances.
Gene drive enables the inheritance and swift dissemination of CRISPR editing outcomes
Moreover, biotechnology could be weaponized into devastating bio or genetic weapons, more dangerous than nuclear bombs (off-topic: at Zuzalu, I also learned how to build nuclear reactors based on nuclear chain reactions. The key lies in easily fissionable materials, such as U-235 on Earth and H-3 on the Moon, and in controlling chain reactions. I believe nuclear energy will be used on the Moon/Mars). Thus, we must ensure that this technology is used responsibly and does not lead to humanity’s downfall.
Humans on Mars
I believe human curiosity will not be stifled, and eventually, we will alter our own genes, whether to eradicate existing diseases or introduce new traits. In the long term, as humans colonize different planets, we may modify ourselves to adapt to the climate and environment of various planets or undertake ultra-long-distance interstellar travel.
In the end! Zuzalu has not only knowledge but also incredible experiences! (special thanks to Vitalik)
My view
Venus!
Beach
A bad kayaking experience
Conclusion
Over the past year, I embarked on an incredible journey filled with adventure and valuable life experiences. There is still so much more to tell, but I discovered that no matter where I went, knowledge and insights about our future always captivated me the most. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, I sought to learn everything I could and eagerly anticipated witnessing humanity’s greatest achievements.
However, I realized that in order to accomplish these monumental feats, we must work together with those around us, united in mutual support and collaboration. Only through solidarity and cooperation can we truly unlock our potential and shape a future that we can all be proud of!
What it's like to be a homeless?
Gratitude to Chee, Kim, Chen Wen Kang, Jason, Haichen, Andy, Mason, Aiko, Yisi Liu, Chris, Anthony, Cathy, Vitalik, and every incredible person encountered on this journey!
Over the past year, I’ve embarked on a journey across various countries for work-related reasons and to satisfy my innate curiosity. While some might refer to this lifestyle as that of a “digital nomad” or “world citizen,” I prefer a more understated term - “homeless.” This inspired the title of today’s article, in which I will discuss my experiences living without a fixed abode.
My travels took me to three continents and six countries, each exciting and enlightening adventure. I shared some of these journeys with friends, while others I undertook alone, constantly forging connections with locals.
These unique experiences gave me fresh perspectives and allowed me to witness people and places I would never have encountered. These extraordinary moments broadened my horizons and revealed our world’s boundless diversity and possibilities. I am eager to share these experiences in this article, which also marks the beginning of my next great adventure.
Starting from Vietnam
ETH Vietnam
I commenced my adventure in Vietnam, spurred into action by “ETH Vietnam.” I have never visited the country before, so I was curious about the local perspectives on cryptocurrency and how they might approach a crypto project.
To my surprise, the crypto enthusiasm in Vietnam exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the support of PSE, BarryWhitehat, and 0xParc, numerous zkp enablers and local development communities have emerged (And excitingly! The next Devcon is likely to be held in Vietnam). This vibrant country is rapidly growing, with its people striving for better lives.
Another intriguing aspect of my visit was the choice of venue for ETH Vietnam: the Independence Palace, a historical symbol of the nation. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese forces breached the wall and occupied the palace (i.e., the Liberation of Saigon), reunifying this suffering country divided by the Vietnam War. The T-59 tank in the garden serves as a reminder of this pivotal moment in history (and the reunification of Vietnam).
Malaysia and Singapore
During my travels in Vietnam, I met many friends from Malaysia and was invited by them to travel to Malaysia (special thanks to Chee, Kim, and Chen Wen Kang). In Malaysia, I was captivated not only by the “Bak kut teh” and vibrant Ethereum community but also by its local history, particularly its complex relationship with Singapore.
In Malaysia, the three primary ethnic groups are 69.4% Malays and Bumiputeras, 23.2% Chinese, and 6.7% Indians (based on 2020 data). At one point, Singapore was part of Malaysia but had a distinct ruling party and governing philosophy. The People’s Action Party (PAP), led by Lee Kuan Yew, championed a multiracial and meritocratic society. In contrast, Malaysia’s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) aimed to preserve the privileges of the indigenous Malay population through the “Bumiputera” policy, which prioritized ethnic Malays in government, education, and economic opportunities (some of these policies remain in effect today).
Amidst escalating tensions and conflicts, the Malaysian government ultimately expelled Singapore to eliminate the potential political threat posed by Lee Kuan Yew and non-Bumiputera communities (post-separation, the Bumiputera population increased from 50-55% to 60-62%, and the Bumiputera-first policy was more comprehensively implemented). Despite Lee Kuan Yew’s anguish and sorrow over the separation, his numerous attempts to foster unity in the conversation ultimately proved fruitless. Malaysia continues to prioritize the Bumiputera-first policy. But Singapore has impressively transitioned from a developing to a developed nation under the rule of law and civilized governance, thanks to the collective efforts of its citizens.
In my conversations with the older generation of Singaporeans, I was deeply moved by their recollections of challenging times and immense pride in their nation’s accomplishments. For example, I still remember an elderly gentleman recounting with great emotion the days when Singapore had to rely on clean-water imports from Malaysia, which were often threatened with being cut off. During those difficult times, his parents, neighbors, and the government worked together to practice storing water and support each other’s survival. Today, Singapore’s cutting-edge water purification technology has propelled it to the forefront, enabling the country to have independent water sources!
Singapore’s beauty is evident in its blue skies and lush greenery (thanks to Singapore’s Garden City initiative). My friend aptly described Singapore as a laboratory for the future of human life.
As one of my favorite countries, Singapore demonstrates the remarkable achievements possible through resourcefulness, hard work, and seizing the right opportunities.
Thailand
Exploring local history and culture is fun whenever I visit new places; however, Thailand was an outlier. At the time, I was working from home most of the time, so I missed out on all the famous sites nearby (in fact, I’ve heard that Thailand and Phuket are popular destinations. I’m also curious about that).
Despite this, I celebrated New Year’s in Thailand with my friends! It was an enjoyable experience (special thanks to Jason for the shooting range and the boxing tour). To mark the end of last year, I commemorated the occasion by penning an article about current Ethereum hh.
Space Cowboy in America
Now, the main story unfolds! Upon completing my journey through Southeast Asia, I embarked on an epic adventure to the United States! My travels led me to three major destinations - California, New York City, and Texas. These states, known for their dense populations, collectively account for approximately 90 million residents, 26% of the nation’s population. Each destination offered a unique experience. Additionally, I made a special visit to Colorado to attend the ETH Denver.
California
What captivated me most about California was the combination of prestigious universities and the abundant sunshine (though California is vast, my activities were primarily centered in the red circle). I took brief tours of the headquarters of major tech giants such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and more (I’ll be sure to visit SpaceX’s HQ next time!). However, the most enlightening aspect was the local universities.
Upon entering Berkeley, I immediately see Jennifer Doudna’s poster! I’ve previously written about her groundbreaking work on CRISPR-Cas9 in my article “The Future of Humanity.” I believe gene editing will play a significant role in our future, as we may alter our species’ genes to adapt to various environments, like space exploration and colonization of other planets, or combat diseases and slow aging. Fascinating! Doudna, alongside Emmanuelle Charpentier, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2020.
My admiration for Berkeley grew stronger with the discovery of their “Free Speech Movement Cafe,” which commemorates the 1964 Free Speech Movement. During this time, Berkeley students valiantly fought against the government to secure the right to free speech and political expression, opposing the university’s ban on political activities and advocacy. Many students today take pride in this history and openly share their views on the cafe’s walls (I concur that freedom of speech, or academic freedom, is paramount in a university setting).
Another highlight of my trip was visiting Steve Jobs’ home (special thanks to Haichen). I couldn’t help but wonder if it was the exact location featured in Jobs’ famous “meditation photo.”
New York City
After California, I went to New York for a short stay. Many people had told me that New York was a bustling, lively, crazy city, but I found it somewhat dull. Compared to California, New York is smaller, colder, and more compact, with my activities mainly focused on Manhattan Island (i.e., the red circle).
I received mixed responses when I asked people about their feelings toward New York. Some had lived in the city for decades and were enamored by it, while others held ambivalent feelings, and a few had already relocated to Florida or Texas. For me, I appreciated New York’s rich cultural diversity, numerous museums (and public libraries!), delicious pizza, the show of Hamilton, and the welcoming Scroll office (special thanks to best Andy & Mason for making me realize how much I enjoy offices, haha). However, the city’s noise and constant parties didn’t resonate with me. I found it challenging to focus on truly meaningful thoughts and works in such an environment.
With my departure from New York, my real adventure commenced!
ETH Denver
Before arriving in Colorado, my knowledge of the state was limited to its renowned ski resorts and South Park (Colorado is the background). Now I see the abundance of majestic and awe-inspiring mountains!
In Denver, my cowboy soul was unleashed. When I arrived at Denver International Airport, I was immediately struck by the distinct Western American vibe (there were a lot of cowboy hats!). Moreover, ETH Denver’s primary venue was National Western Complex, a site typically used for horse and cattle racing events, cowboy shows, and rodeo sports. The cowboy influence was everywhere.
One of the joys of attending conferences like ETH Denver is the chance to meet in person those you’ve previously only interacted with online, I was glad to meet my Scroll team, other L2 teams, and EF researchers (many meaningful discussions & thoughts). Additionally, you can participate in a hackathon (but the venue’s internet connection was poor) or attend engaging discussions. ETH Denver marked the perfect beginning to my exploration of the American West!
Space exploration
I’ve already forgotten when space exploration first came into my mind. I believe humanity is destined to realize the importance of exploring the outside, slowly moving out of the Earth and towards the stars, spreading life all over the universe. On new planets, the descendants would not have to carry the debts of the old humans and would be free to design their government, technology, and culture, reconstruct the environment in which they live, and even life itself.
With these thoughts in mind, I set out to visit Houston’s world-renowned Johnson Space Center, also known as the Manned Spacecraft Center. Again! I didn’t make any plans!
The Johnson Space Center is not a complete museum. Many NASA employees continue to work there, training new astronauts and preparing for the ambitious Artemis program. This time, we want to establish a permanent base on the moon, never to return, and to prepare for the human journey to Mars.
Moonbase is a realistic option. The Moon’s proximity to Earth allows you to use Twitter and Ethereum, with Earth’s signal experiencing a mere 1.28-second delay (Time delay = Distance / Speed of light = 384,400 km / 299,792 km/s ≈ 1.28 seconds). The convenient distance also enables Earth to provide a steady supply of resources, such as 3D-printed housing and infrastructure. Furthermore, the Moon’s gravity is only 1/6 of the Earth’s, allowing spacecraft to achieve escape velocity more easily — this is a critical factor for large-scale deep space exploration (less fuel, more payload).
The Moon also contains water in the form of ice, a valuable resource that can be purified for drinking water at lunar bases or electrolyzed into H2 and O2 (liquid H2 and O2 can be used as rocket fuel for the Space Launch System). Though producing rocket fuel on the Moon would require a significant initial investment in infrastructure (potentially involving commercial companies), it would eventually prove cost-effective. In the future, the Moon could become a spaceport and staging area for humanity’s advancement.
The Johnson Space Center, a legendary site where the renowned Project Gemini and Apollo Programs were conceived and executed (including the successful Apollo 11 moon landing), stands at the forefront of space exploration and human technological innovation.
What moved me most were two particular posters. No matter how many rivers we have to cross to find our true path, we never stop. One day, we will stand on Martian soil alongside our companions, gazing at the awe-inspiring canyons and mesmerizing blue sunsets.
Become a cowboy
In addition to space exploration, one aspect of Texas (Houston) that I truly adore is the cowboy culture! Cowboys seem to be everywhere, and I acquired my first cowboy hat with the help of local friends who guided me in choosing the perfect one and invited us to the world’s largest cowboy festival. I also learned about John Batterson Stetson, the legendary founder of the cowboy hat.
Since then, I’ve taken my cowboy hat with me everywhere. If you spot me wearing it at a conference or space museum, don’t hesitate to say hello (or Howdy!). I admire the courage, integrity, freedom, curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and willingness to help others that the cowboy spirit embodies.
My time in Houston has been filled with joy and relaxation, significantly inspiring my imagination and creativity. I often find myself pondering the life of a true cowboy, how many individuals have had the privilege of experiencing such natural beauty, and whether any cowboy has met their end on a cattle trail.
To Mars!
If the ultimate goal of building a lunar base is to explore deep space and colonize Mars, why not just go to the closest place for humans to Mars? That would be Starbase, the research, development, and launch base for Starship, situated just 2km from Mexico, across a river on the U.S.-Mexico border.
One reason for choosing this location is the cheap land (indeed, SpaceX purchased this land specifically to expedite Starship testing and launches, making it one of the closest places for humans to reach Mars). Additionally, the site’s proximity to the equator allows rockets to launch eastward, taking advantage of Earth’s rotation to save fuel (similarly, the Kennedy Space Center is located in Florida). Furthermore, any failed launches would result in rockets landing in open waters, minimizing risk (no explosion, no progress). These factors and Texas’ support for SpaceX make it an ideal launch site.
For the best rocket launch viewing experience, visitors can stay nearby Brownsville, which boasts a small airport that has undergone several expansions due to Starbase’s needs, although it still accommodates few flights. SpaceX’s influence is palpable at the airport, with frequent sightings of SpaceX employees (Elon Musk is known to fly employees from California to Starbase on his private jet), Starship-related advertisements, and a Starship flap displayed at the airport’s entrance.
Upon our arrival, we drove directly to the Starship launch site and were thrilled to see the super-heavy booster at night (special thanks to Aiko for the food, Yisi Liu for emergency assistance, and Chris for driving). The local infrastructure was somewhat lacking, with just one main road, but even late at night, many SpaceX employees traveled between the base and the city. Along the road, the full “STARBASE” logo and Starships soon came into view!
At this point, I’d like to provide a brief overview of Starship. It consists of three key components: the first-stage booster, second-stage spacecraft, and Raptor engines, all of which are fully recyclable (primarily the booster and spacecraft).
Upon closer examination, it’s evident that Starship vastly differs from traditional rockets. Its ultimate purpose is to enable mass production and transport large numbers of humans into space, ultimately colonizing Mars. Three principles are crucial to this process:
Let’s compare Starship with the largest rocket in human history: Saturn V. While Starship is taller, it is also heavier. Saturn V stands at 110m tall, whereas Starship reaches 120m in full height. A fully-fueled Saturn V weighs approximately 2,970 tons, while Starship weighs around 5,000 tons (with 4,600 tons being fuel). Keep in mind that these numbers may change as Starship’s development progresses.
Now is the engine, the first stage booster of Saturn V comprises five enormous F1 engines, generating a total thrust of 34.5 MN. In contrast, Starship’s first stage consists of 33 Raptor engines, producing 72 MN of thrust — double that of Saturn V. A crucial difference is that Starship’s cost per launch could potentially drop to around $1 million, compared to $185 million for Saturn V in the 1970s (equivalent to $1.3 billion today).
Given these factors, it is highly likely that Starship will usher in a new era where humans begin to explore and colonize other planets, establishing permanent bases and spaceports. Due to reduced carrier costs, everyone could have the opportunity to venture into space and participate in space exploration programs.
As a result, humans will gradually gain the ability to exploit the nearly unlimited resources in space, using the economic benefits generated to further support space exploration. Soon, there will be natives born on other planets, and humanity will realize that Earth is not perfect. A group may want to build a better home in the outer world. This time, we can start from scratch, regardless of nationality, language, or color, and all of humanity is reunited as one to face our greatest challenge - the universe, not ourselves.
Here are some close-up photos (special thanks to Anthony for helping to connect with SpaceX; it’s cool to transform from the space industry to Ethereum).
Zuzalu
I’ve always considered the present to be a magical time. With advancements in biotechnology, space exploration, blockchain, and AI, everything is progressing rapidly, leading to remarkable breakthroughs. There are countless potential paths for humanity to take, and everyone clings to their own ideal direction until we eventually reach the point of no return, where all these paths unite into one.
Vitalik is also a super curious person. He just wants to know what would happen from bringing together a diverse group of people with expertise in areas such as Ethereum, ZK, biotechnology, longevity, and network state. It was an exciting concept, and indeed, many extraordinary things happened! I made many new friends, met exceptional individuals, and connected with person who truly saved my life lol (enormous gratitude to Cathy!). All of these people work in different fields and possess their own perspectives and solutions about the future of humanity.
I find it fascinating that my interest in gene editing and using CRISPR-Cas9 was sparked at Zuzalu (special thanks to Cathy). The discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 has its roots in a fundamental question of biology and humanity – the origin of life. Jennifer Doudna was working on RNA-related research at the time (due to its potential connection to the origin of life, such as the “RNA world” hypothesis), which was unrelated to gene editing. However, her collaboration with Emmanuelle Charpentier, a microbiologist studying the bacterial immune system, led to the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9.
Charpentier was researching a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes and found a unique feature in their DNA: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR). These CRISPR sequences were accompanied by CRISPR-associated (Cas) genes, including the Cas9 gene.
Doudna and Charpentier investigated the role of CRISPR and Cas9 in the bacterial immune system. They discovered that some viral DNA was stored in the CRISPR sequence (as memory), and if this DNA reappeared, the Cas9 protein would use the RNA molecule from the stored viral DNA as a guide to recognize and cleave the invading virus. (Know more in Kurzgesagt and Jennifer’s explanation videos)
The researchers recognized that the CRISPR-Cas9 system could be adapted as a gene-editing tool. By customizing the guide RNA molecule, they could target any specific DNA sequence for cleavage by the Cas9 protein. This small discovery has had a profound impact on humanity, granting us the power to manipulate genes with incredible precision. We can reduce diseases (like self-destructing mosquitoes and Covid-19) and even permanently alter our genetic code. For example, we could decrease genetic diseases in future generations or make them stronger and smarter. However, many ethical concerns and potential inequalities must be addressed, as evidenced by the He Jiankui incident in China, and it is uncertain whether humans are prepared for such advances.
Moreover, biotechnology could be weaponized into devastating bio or genetic weapons, more dangerous than nuclear bombs (off-topic: at Zuzalu, I also learned how to build nuclear reactors based on nuclear chain reactions. The key lies in easily fissionable materials, such as U-235 on Earth and H-3 on the Moon, and in controlling chain reactions. I believe nuclear energy will be used on the Moon/Mars). Thus, we must ensure that this technology is used responsibly and does not lead to humanity’s downfall.
I believe human curiosity will not be stifled, and eventually, we will alter our own genes, whether to eradicate existing diseases or introduce new traits. In the long term, as humans colonize different planets, we may modify ourselves to adapt to the climate and environment of various planets or undertake ultra-long-distance interstellar travel.
In the end! Zuzalu has not only knowledge but also incredible experiences! (special thanks to Vitalik)
Conclusion
Over the past year, I embarked on an incredible journey filled with adventure and valuable life experiences. There is still so much more to tell, but I discovered that no matter where I went, knowledge and insights about our future always captivated me the most. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, I sought to learn everything I could and eagerly anticipated witnessing humanity’s greatest achievements.
However, I realized that in order to accomplish these monumental feats, we must work together with those around us, united in mutual support and collaboration. Only through solidarity and cooperation can we truly unlock our potential and shape a future that we can all be proud of!