Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, outlined seven key requirements for achieving a self-sustaining, quantum-safe Ethereum. In a January 12 post, he emphasized the need for long-term security that could withstand quantum threats, arguing that the protocol should be resilient enough to function without constant oversight from developers. His proposal includes a "walkaway test," which would signify that the core protocol can maintain usability independently. The first non-negotiable requirement is pre-emptive quantum resistance, which Buterin stressed should not be postponed for short-term efficiency gains. He believes that achieving cryptographic safety for the next century should be a priority. Alongside this, he identified six additional pillars necessary for protocol ossification. These include a scalable architecture capable of handling thousands of transactions per second, a durable state management system, and a shift to a fully abstracted account model beyond the current ECDSA. He also called for improvements to the gas schedule to resist denial-of-service attacks, a refined proof-of-stake model for decentralization, and mechanisms that ensure censorship resistance in block building. Buterin advocates for a phased approach to implementing these requirements, suggesting that at least one should be completed each year. He prefers adjustments through parameters instead of frequent hard forks, aiming for greater stability in Ethereum's development. This focus on long-term security and scalability reflects a growing trend in the Ethereum ecosystem toward post-quantum cryptography, highlighted by the Ethereum Foundation's support of ZKNox, a startup dedicated to enhancing Ethereum's security.