Vitalik Buterin Defies Pragmatism by Washing Own Underwear to Protest Hotel Laundry Costs

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently shared a seemingly mundane detail of his life—washing his own underwear by hand—while criticizing the "pragmatic" mindset that prioritizes convenience over principle [1]. This act, he claimed, was a small but meaningful rebellion against what he views as an unjust system: overpriced hotel laundry services [1]. On social media, he stated, “This is why pragmatism is wrong. If something is unjust, you have a duty to rebel, this is more important than comfort. And so I often wash my clothes with my own bare hands” [1].

Buterin’s stance reflects a broader philosophical rejection of pragmatism, a doctrine rooted in the late 19th century that defines truth by its practical utility [1]. Philosophers such as Charles Sanders Peirce and William James argued that beliefs should be judged by their usefulness, but Buterin appears to challenge this by asserting that ethical action is more important than convenience, no matter the cost.

While Buterin's actions may seem peculiar, they align with a long line of wealthy individuals who reject conventional expectations of affluence. For instance, Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most recognizable billionaires, lives in the same modest home he purchased in 1958, drives simple cars, and eats meals from fast-food chains. These choices are not out of necessity but are instead deliberate lifestyle choices that emphasize personal values over material excess [1]. Similarly, Ingvar Kamprad, the late IKEA founder, famously lived a frugal life despite his immense wealth [1].

Buterin’s critique of pragmatism and his hands-on approach to washing his own clothes reveal a mindset that values principle and authenticity over convenience and utility. In his own words, “pragmatism is wrong”—a phrase that suggests a commitment to doing what is right, even when it defies the norms of wealth and privilege [1]. This philosophy is not unique to Buterin; it is shared by other affluent individuals who choose to live in ways that often contradict the expectations of their financial status [1].

The broader message is that wealth is not simply about accumulation but also about how one chooses to live and engage with the world. Whether it's washing one’s own laundry or rejecting the trappings of excess, these behaviors reflect a conscious decision to live according to one’s values. In Buterin's case, that means standing up to what he perceives as systemic unfairness—even in the form of an overpriced hotel laundry service.

[1] Source: [1] Hands-on with underwear and ETH: what Vitalik’s laundry routine can teach us stacking wealth (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6895d078f559a4772ef42d07/)