Part 2/7:
Vitalik Buterin's journey into cryptocurrency began in 2011 when he discovered Bitcoin through a podcast and a casual mention from his father. Interested in the technology and community, he sought work writing articles about Bitcoin, which led him to a pivotal role in the burgeoning crypto landscape. Surprisingly, his initial foray was not focused on the technical but rather on gaining employment within the Bitcoin community, illustrating the grassroots nature of early cryptocurrency engagement. Buterin reflected on how perceptions of Bitcoin have evolved over the past decade, transitioning from a technology focused on microtransactions to a recognized store of value.