The author reflects on their eight years in the crypto space, starting from a politically charged background influenced by Ayn Rand's ideas. Initially drawn to crypto out of a libertarian ethos and programming interests, they became disillusioned after experiencing the industry's realities. What seemed like a transformative financial system devolved into a speculative environment, primarily driven by market hype. The author notes that instead of decentralizing finance, crypto has become a reflection of existing financial systems, where speculation overshadows genuine innovation. They criticize the crypto ecosystem for its focus on creating Layer 1 blockchains and other projects that often serve as gambling platforms rather than contributing to a better financial system. The author's experiences reveal a disconnect between the lofty promises of crypto advocates and the actual outcomes, which have resulted in significant financial losses for many participants. They express concern about the normalization of zero-sum games in crypto, arguing that this approach undermines sustainable business practices and leads to a toxic environment that could harm future generations. The author ultimately chooses integrity over profit, emphasizing a need to resist the allure of short-term gains.