Charlie Lee admitted a mistake: he should have simply bought Bitcoin instead of creating Litecoin.
Date: 2025-10-07 Author: Henry Casey Categories: CRYPTO PAYMENTS
During an interview on the CoinDesk Spotlight podcast, Charlie Lee unexpectedly admitted that creating Litecoin didn't bring him the satisfaction and financial benefits he expected. According to the entrepreneur, if he had the chance to start over, he would simply buy Bitcoin and remain an anonymous investor.
"Working on Litecoin didn't make me rich—in fact, it became a source of constant stress and responsibility. If I could go back in time, I would choose a simple strategy: buy Bitcoin, forget about it, and keep a low profile," Lee stated.
The creator of the popular altcoin noted that from the very beginning, Litecoin was conceived as "digital silver" to Bitcoin's "digital gold." Thanks to its shorter transaction confirmation times and technical differences, the project was long viewed as an improved alternative to the original cryptocurrency. However, according to Lee, Litecoin's advantages didn't justify the emotional and organizational costs.
"When I launched Litecoin, it seemed like an incredible adventure—creating something new in the rapidly growing world of cryptocurrencies. But now I realize that simply owning Bitcoin would have brought more peace and stability," he added.
Lee emphasized that, in his view, the crypto market doesn't need a "fast Bitcoin" or numerous variations of existing coins. The key, he said, is the existence of truly reliable and sustainable digital assets capable of maintaining value and user trust.
This admission sparked a heated debate in the community, as Lee is a key figure in the early history of crypto. His words are seen as a rare example of self-criticism from someone who pioneered the development of alternative blockchains.
Interestingly, talks between the Cardano and Litecoin projects were recently announced. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson announced plans for collaboration aimed at integrating the two ecosystems. Despite Lee's admission, Litecoin remains one of the oldest and most recognizable cryptocurrencies, maintaining a significant market presence.
Nevertheless, the words of Litecoin's creator serve as a reminder that simplicity and reliability are key values in the world of digital assets, where many strive to invent the "next Bitcoin," but few achieve its level of trust.
