Joy We are all here for a reason larger than ourselves. Each of us has invested immense time, effort, and life opportunity into this endeavor. We have sacrificed moments with our families and friends, carried our hopes and dreams into the unknown, and chosen to work on something whose outcome no one can fully predict. But why? Is it merely for money? Partly, yes—because we need it to survive, to take care of the people we love, to feel secure and proud. Yet, if we are honest, that is only one dimension of our commitment. Beneath the surface, there is something more profound that calls to us. This work represents perhaps the most challenging and transformative journey we have ever embarked upon as individuals. There is an undeniable sense of purpose in tackling the technology, the usability, and the possibility of creating software that, if done right, will make a real difference in people’s lives. This journey is, at its core, a pursuit of self-actualization. It is the path that can bring each of us a kind of joy that is difficult to describe but impossible to mistake. That joy, however, is not given to us. It is earned. It arises not from what others provide, but from what we do with our own hands, minds, and hearts. And between us and that joy stand several obstacles we must face with clarity and courage. First, there are those among us who, even knowing they could contribute more, choose not to pull as hard as the moment requires. We must identify this pattern—not to shame or blame, but to help those individuals grow. And if growth does not follow, for the sake of everyone, we must be willing to part ways. This is not cruelty; it is respect for the precious time and energy we are all investing. To prolong a misalignment does no one a favor. Sometimes, the most dignified act is to let someone go early, so they can find their own path elsewhere. Second, there is our own procrastination. At times, each of us gives in to it. And if we let it prevail, we will look back years from now with regret. Better discipline—especially at this stage in life—is not optional; it is critical. We must hold ourselves to standards that match the magnitude of the opportunity before us. Finally, there is the market itself. Even if we do everything right—work twelve-hour days, build with care, ship with urgency—we cannot fully control how the market responds. The world outside moves fast and plays by its own rules. What we can control is how we choose to compete, which markets we pursue, and how resilient we are when setbacks arise. Working on what brings us joy is expensive. We pay for it in time, attention, energy, and the parts of life we set aside to do this work. Since we have all chosen to make that purchase, we owe it to ourselves—and each other—to spend our investment wisely. For me personally, the work of guiding, shaping, and protecting this joy for everyone here is my job and my responsibility. I do not seek any particular status or milestone for myself, though those are often by-products of meaningful work. For me, “Hyperspace” could simply be reading a book and feeling joy in the solitude of learning—and I could do that endlessly for decades. But for you, and for all of us as a team, this company, this mission, and this challenge represent a rare chance to work on something that demands everything we have to give. That is why I am here. You will not experience joy if you avoid profound challenges. Joy does not arise from comfort or complacency. It comes from stretching yourself, from striving, from caring deeply about something uncertain and difficult. That is what “Hyperspace” provides. And if we meet this moment fully, with discipline, courage, and relentless curiosity, we will find the kind of joy that makes every sacrifice worthwhile. (an essay I shared with my team, but also sharing it here with the larger team running a node patiently for a while)