Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, recently sparked conversation in the crypto community after joking that he might avoid telling his younger self to buy XRP, suggesting such advice could cause a paradox. His remarks came during an online exchange that began with a lighthearted question posed by CoinDesk about early cryptocurrency investments. Schwartz’s Advice to His Younger Self The discussion began when CoinDesk published a social media post asking its audience to imagine they could speak three words to their 18-year-old selves. The outlet’s intern responded with “buy more crypto,” prompting various figures in the industry to share their own takes. Schwartz joined the conversation, stating that he would choose the words “2010 Bitcoin 100,000.” The comment implied that, if given the chance, he would instruct his younger self to acquire 100,000 BTC in 2010, the year Bitcoin was still largely unknown and trading at just a few cents. 2010 bitcoin 100,000 (Assuming numbers count as words.) — David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) October 28, 2025 At that time, Bitcoin’s highest price for the year was about $0.39, meaning that 100,000 BTC could have been purchased for less than $39,000. Based on today’s valuation, that investment would be worth over $11 billion, illustrating the scale of opportunity available in Bitcoin’s early days. Community Questions: Why Not XRP? While the comment was intended humorously, it drew attention from XRP supporters who questioned why Schwartz, a central figure in Ripple’s development, would choose Bitcoin rather than XRP. One community member directly asked him, “What about XRP?” XRP, like Bitcoin , also offered major accumulation opportunities during its early years. Historical data shows that in July 2014, XRP traded around $0.0028. If the same $39,000 had been used to purchase XRP at that time, it would have secured roughly 13.9 million tokens, valued today at about $36 million. Though still a considerable return, it falls far short of what early Bitcoin investors would have gained. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Schwartz Reflects on His Real XRP Decision Schwartz has previously acknowledged that his real-world investment decisions might have played out differently from ideal scenarios. In January, he revealed that he had opted to acquire Ripple equity instead of XRP tokens in the company’s early days. Looking back, he admitted he sometimes questions that choice, noting that XRP would have been “more liquid” compared to Ripple’s private shares. Given that context, one might assume that Schwartz would use any chance to alter that decision. However, when asked directly why he wouldn’t tell his younger self to buy XRP, he gave a humorous yet thought-provoking response : XRP is too directly connected to his own work at Ripple, and advising himself about it could create a paradox. Though lighthearted, Schwartz’s remarks highlight the differing trajectories of Bitcoin and XRP over time. His response underscores Bitcoin’s unparalleled early returns while reflecting on the limitations and complexities tied to XRP’s origins, particularly for those directly involved in its creation. The conversation, while informal, offered a glimpse into Schwartz’s reflections on early crypto opportunities, as well as his awareness of the ethical and logical questions that arise when considering “what if” scenarios in a market still shaped by its own pioneers. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple CTO: I Would Say “Buy Bitcoin” appeared first on Times Tabloid .
