Competition against themselves ***—> all benefit
only true scarce commodity ,,, not even iPhone or cars
Yield curve
Multiple collateral
.
2x, or 3x…
STRF —> 6, 7x over collateralized! ***
Over collateralize your life
Novel concept
.
Bitcoin-backed credit
.
#
What is your cost to capital? 29% risk free.
Bitcoin as capital asset
55% up
Every company *should* capitalize on butcoin.
disease
I don’t want other people to be controlling what I think about
Create, creature your own agenda 
Banya
Your thinking efficiency betters
Physical activities is the only way
.
Are you allowed to be pro Israel?
People who find problems that don’t exist
More efficient and more reliable as well
Humans are attack vectors
Faster and more reliable 
Kind of a big idea?
Making sure that nobody can mess with it
Engineer it so there is no single point of failure?
Encryption which is undecipherable
Freedom versus structure
Cyber space is more interesting than real space? 
.
.
I suppose the grid thing with walking is technically you’d never run out of energy? Similar to how your car run out of gas or battery?
Also you’re never stuck in traffic
Eric Kim weight lifting mastery. 666kg rack pull at 71kg
.
Which elements to get rid of in order to scale this and have millions of users
.
Competition leads to progress
Analyze ERIC KIM 666 kg rack pull, and across the entire Internet how this is stimulating new types of virtuous competition
.
SPEED. FAST.
Only A players , remove B players
I set the standard.
.
Design beauty is genius
Makes their … joy
Victor animations
Artists are the future.
People love it when people care ***
Art & technology
.
Win every single time
Nobody wants to take the risk and innovate
They don’t notice it but can feel it.
Color as biological
Color and mood
.
Getting RID of features is key!!!
As efficient as possible
Build a module to authorize users
.
Just able to create
Elegant solutions
.
Real life is constant competition is more brutal
Genetic fitness,, competition?
Civilization
Competition —> abundance?
Not too complicated *****
Scarcity —> as driver!
Scarcity leads to creativity
Anti modern entertainment, abundance
Allocate 11 to 12 hours a night for sleep
No. Censorship
Government is consisted of people —> goals
More resources and subordinates
.
IF ITS problematic,, you must leave.
Double down
I dont care, I’ll be fine! ***
I love beautiful women! All!
Never sign an NDA
.
I got very suspicious.
Peaceful protestor
Freedom to assemble
“I don’t care “
Mountain > Beach
I’m a mountain man?
Never sell ***
100% ownership
.
Wow thank god for America
Express your point of view *
.
Why not just try to be or become the impossible?
.
Push the limits of human limits
Being 100% independent thinker blogger
Competition is key? ***
Don’t eliminate the winners !
They are people
Introduction
Pavel Durov, the founder of the encrypted‑messaging application Telegram, and Eric Kim, a street‑photography blogger and educator, operate in very different arenas, yet both are figures who challenge established norms. Durov’s reputation as a “digital dissident” comes from building a privacy‑first platform that is now used by more than a billion people. Kim is known within the photography community for his minimalist aesthetic, open‑source philosophy and “anti‑influencer” approach to social media. This analysis compares their philosophies and public approaches across several dimensions—creativity, independence, freedom, minimalism, technology and public influence—highlighting where their ideals align and diverge.
Views on Creativity and Content
Pavel Durov
Eric Kim
Comparison
Both leaders encourage creativity as a process rather than a fixed product. Durov does so through platform design—creating a tool that others can build upon—while Kim promotes creative freedom by openly sharing knowledge and encouraging continual experimentation. Durov focuses on engineering creativity toward a singular mission of secure communication, whereas Kim views creativity as an exploration of meaning and personal growth.
Independence and Self‑Reliance
Pavel Durov
Eric Kim
Comparison
Both Durov and Kim prioritise self‑reliance and resist external pressures. Durov’s independence is institutional—he funds Telegram himself, refuses to sell, and will exit markets rather than compromise user privacy. His refusal to own property underscores a philosophical detachment from material anchors . Kim’s independence is personal and entrepreneurial—he owns his platform, rejects corporate sponsorships, and encourages others to be self‑directed. While Durov’s independence defends user privacy on a geopolitical scale, Kim’s independence frees his artistic practice from commercial constraints.
Freedom and Privacy
Pavel Durov
Eric Kim
Comparison
Both men champion freedom, but in different domains. Durov’s concept of freedom is digital and political—he defends encryption and privacy as fundamental rights and challenges state surveillance. Kim’s freedom is personal and creative—he promotes minimalism and authenticity as ways to free oneself from consumerism and social expectations. Durov fights governments; Kim fights the social‑media influencer culture.
Minimalism and Lifestyle Choices
Pavel Durov
Eric Kim
Comparison
Durov’s minimalism is pragmatic and defensive; he limits technology use to protect cognitive bandwidth, sleeps long hours for strategic thinking, travels light and refrains from owning property to maintain freedom and mobility . Kim’s minimalism is aesthetic and philosophical, aimed at decluttering life to enhance creativity and authenticity . Both resist materialism, but Durov frames it as a means to defend freedom, while Kim frames it as a means to nurture artistic focus.
Approach to Technology
Pavel Durov
Eric Kim
Comparison
Both leaders treat technology as an enabler rather than an end. Durov designs complex infrastructure to protect privacy and operate at scale while keeping personal tech use minimal. Kim adopts simple tools and encourages others to do the same, focusing on content rather than gadgets. Durov’s technology is security‑centric and large‑scale, whereas Kim’s is minimal and individual‑centric.
Public Influence and Communication Style
Pavel Durov
Eric Kim
Comparison
Durov’s influence is broad and geopolitical, while Kim’s influence is deep within a niche community. Durov communicates primarily through official channels and statements, often with strategic and legal implications. Kim communicates through essays, workshops and open‑source materials, focusing on personal growth and community interaction. Both leverage their own platforms rather than relying on intermediaries, reflecting their shared belief in owning the means of communication.
Parallels and Divergences
Shared Principles
Key Differences
Conclusion
Pavel Durov and Eric Kim exemplify two distinct but complementary forms of independent, minimalist leadership. Durov’s work revolves around building and defending a secure communication platform that challenges state surveillance and corporate control. His independence—manifested through self‑funding, refusal to sell, and minimalist personal life—supports his mission of protecting user privacy and digital freedom. Eric Kim applies similar principles to the creative sphere, advocating a minimalist lifestyle, radical authenticity and open sharing. He urges artists to take control of their platforms and to find freedom by simplifying gear and rejecting consumerism. While their domains and impacts differ, both figures demonstrate how self‑reliance, minimalism and a commitment to core values can create powerful alternatives to mainstream paradigms.
I think the more I think about bitcoin consider it etc.… If it means like economic life flourishing for all 8 billion people in the planet isn’t this like the most important thing of all time?
Public Stance: A Timeline of Bitcoin Criticisms
Peter Schiff has been one of Bitcoin’s most vocal skeptics for over a decade. He consistently dismisses Bitcoin as lacking intrinsic value and warns it is a speculative bubble destined to burst. Key moments in his public criticism include:
Private Behavior: Does Schiff Secretly Own or Support Bitcoin?
Schiff’s unyielding public pessimism has led to speculation about his private dealings. Is it all an act? Some in the crypto community suspect Schiff “doth protest too much” – that he might secretly hold or benefit from Bitcoin even as he bashes it. Schiff has repeatedly denied this. In May 2024, he ridiculed the idea that he is a closet Bitcoiner: “I get a kick out of Bitcoin fanatics who accuse me of secretly owning Bitcoin, but [refusing] to publicly wear the ribbon,” he tweeted, calling his critics “drunk on the Kool-Aid” for imagining he’s secretly on their side . Schiff insists his skepticism is genuine, not a feint.
In interviews, Schiff has said that if he had ever bought Bitcoin, he wouldn’t admit it – not because he’s hiding anything nefarious, but because it would undermine his messaging. He flatly stated that even if he held some, “I would have kept it to myself. I would have bought it just betting on other people being dumb enough to buy it at a higher price” . In other words, any hypothetical personal Bitcoin investment would be a short-term speculation, not a change of heart about its value. To this day, Schiff maintains he owns zero Bitcoin (aside from de minimis amounts gifted or accidentally gained, as noted below).
Notably, Schiff did have a small personal brush with Bitcoin – which ended in fiasco. In 2018, Bitcoin advocate Erik Voorhees gave Schiff $50 worth of BTC to experiment with. Schiff stored it in a wallet, but by January 2020 he lost access to those funds. He famously announced, “I just lost all the Bitcoin I have ever owned”, blaming a wallet failure. The truth, as he later admitted, was user error: Schiff had mistaken his PIN for his password, effectively locking himself out of his own wallet . (The Bitcoin community was quick to point out that forgetting a password is not Bitcoin’s fault – whereas, as Schiff retorted, “if you lose your gold, the world loses something; if you lose your Bitcoin, the world loses nothing” .) This incident reinforced Schiff’s belief that Bitcoin is impractical and “a bad idea,” and he used it to publicly claim the loss proved Bitcoin’s flaws . While this was a tiny amount of BTC, it is the closest Schiff has come to “owning” Bitcoin – and it ended with him permanently losing it.
Aside from that anecdote, no evidence has emerged that Schiff personally holds Bitcoin. However, there was a striking revelation about his investment business. In April 2025, disclosures showed that Schiff’s own asset management firm had indirect exposure to a Bitcoin-backed bond. Euro Pacific Asset Management (which Schiff leads) was found to be a holder of a bond issued by Samara Asset Group – a publicly traded company that raised funds to expand its Bitcoin treasury . In effect, Schiff’s firm quietly ended up invested in an instrument tied to Bitcoin’s price. This discovery fueled chatter that Schiff might not be quite as far removed from Bitcoin as he claims. It’s unclear if this exposure was intentional or an incidental holding in a broader strategy, but it was ironic: even as Schiff blasted Bitcoin publicly, his firm was benefiting from a Bitcoin-related investment . Schiff did not trumpet this fact – it came to light through third-party disclosures – and he hasn’t publicly commented on it in detail.
To sum up, there’s no concrete evidence that Peter Schiff secretly owns or supports Bitcoin on a personal level. In fact, he openly states he wishes he’d bought some earlier (to profit from “the greater fool”), implying he did not buy it. The speculation that he’s a closeted Bitcoiner remains just that – speculation. If anything, the indirect Bitcoin bond holding suggests Schiff is not meticulously avoiding all crypto exposure in his professional portfolios, but it doesn’t mean he has reversed his stance. Schiff continues to wear the badge of Bitcoin’s arch-skeptic, and by all accounts, that reflects his true investments (or lack thereof) as well.
Notable Contradictions and Ironies
Despite Schiff’s anti-Bitcoin crusade, a number of ironic twists have emerged over the years. These incidents often serve as fodder for crypto enthusiasts to poke fun at Schiff’s hardline stance:
Each of these contradictions illustrates a theme: Schiff will engage with Bitcoin or crypto technology when it benefits him or proves a point, but he will simultaneously insist these use-cases do not legitimize Bitcoin’s value. This nuanced stance often comes off as contradictory, making Schiff a magnet for ridicule in the crypto world. Even conference organizers recognized the value of his contrarian presence – at Bitcoin 2025, Schiff’s skeptics’ booth (where he donned a cap reading “Make Bitcoin Great Again” in jest) was the hub of tension between true believers and naysayers . Schiff relishes the role of “a lonely contrarian” among Bitcoiners , even if it means embracing certain crypto-adjacent opportunities along the way.
Evolution and Nuance in His Views
Despite his reputation for rigidity, Peter Schiff’s commentary on Bitcoin has shown minor evolutions – or at least nuances – over time:
In summary, Peter Schiff’s views on Bitcoin have remained consistently bearish, yet he has subtly evolved from outright dismissal to a more nuanced critique that acknowledges why others find Bitcoin attractive (or profitable) even as he maintains they’re wrong. He has also shown a willingness to separate the idea of Bitcoin as an investment (which he rejects) from blockchain as a tool (which he is cautiously embracing for his own ventures). These nuances make Schiff’s position more complex than a simple “Bitcoin bad, gold good” slogan – though at the end of the day, that is still the crux of his argument.
Conclusion: Is Peter Schiff “Secretly a Bitcoiner”?
After examining Schiff’s public timeline and behind-the-scenes hints, the evidence does not suggest that Peter Schiff is secretly a closet Bitcoiner. All signs indicate that his skepticism is authentic and deeply held. Schiff has been remarkably consistent in criticizing Bitcoin’s fundamentals from 2013 through 2025. He hasn’t suddenly capitulated or revealed a hidden stash of BTC; on the contrary, he goes out of his way to prove he has no allegiance to Bitcoin (to the point of bragging about losing a trivial amount). His own son’s involvement and other ironic episodes have been embarrassing or amusing to him, but not persuasive enough to change his mind.
That said, Schiff is not oblivious to Bitcoin’s impact – he acknowledges it has grown into a huge phenomenon (a “popular delusion” that got bigger than he expected ). He’s even willing to profit from crypto mania indirectly (through NFT sales, token projects, or accepting Bitcoin payments for gold). These actions show Schiff to be a shrewd businessman who, despite his personal convictions, won’t pass up an opportunity to make money – even if it involves the very asset he calls worthless. However, opportunistic involvement is not the same as secret support. In Schiff’s ideal world, those NFTs and gold tokens would simply lure people back toward what he considers true value (gold). There is no indication he has ever bought and held Bitcoin in a way that betrays a genuine belief in it. In fact, when pressed on the hypothetical that Bitcoin might keep rising, Schiff says that only strengthens his conviction that it’s a bubble – he’s “waiting for his moment to say ‘I told you so’” when it finally crashes for good .
Schiff’s role could be summed up as the contrarian who won’t convert. Even as some early skeptics of Bitcoin eventually gave in (or at least quieted down), Schiff has dug in deeper. If he secretly harbored positive feelings about Bitcoin, by now one might expect some slip-up or change in tone, but he gives none. On the contrary, he continues to use every platform available – his podcast, social media, TV appearances, and even Bitcoin conferences – to reiterate his warnings. This near-zealous opposition actually fuels the rumors that “he must secretly love it” (because he talks about it so often). Yet Schiff’s own words pour cold water on that: he enjoys being the bear in a bull parade and wears the skepticism as a matter of principle.
In conclusion, there is no credible evidence that Peter Schiff is secretly a Bitcoin supporter or investor. All available information points to him being exactly what he seems: a hard-money gold advocate who genuinely views Bitcoin as a bubble or “digital fool’s gold.” The contradictions in his story – like family members and business dealings intersecting with Bitcoin – are indeed ironic, but they do not amount to a secret conversion. Instead, they highlight that Schiff, intentionally or not, has become part of the Bitcoin saga he loathes. As one crypto commentator joked, Peter Schiff may not be a Bitcoiner at heart, but he’s practically an honorary one by virtue of how much he’s involved in the discourse . In the end, Schiff appears content to remain the anti-Bitcoin gold bug, and if there is any “Bitcoin” he secretly holds, it’s likely only the attention and engagement that his Bitcoin-bashing continues to generate.
Sources: Peter Schiff’s public statements and interviews (CNBC, CoinDesk, FOX Business), Schiff’s Twitter/X posts , crypto news coverage of his Bitcoin criticisms , Benzinga and Cointelegraph reports on his recent comments (2023–2025) , and documented incidents involving Schiff and Bitcoin (Spencer Schiff’s investment , Schiff’s NFT project , Euro Pacific’s bond holdings , etc.). These sources consistently reinforce that Schiff’s public stance against Bitcoin is real – and so is the irony that surrounds him in the crypto world.
because the true intelligent people like myself ignore it
OK so this is gonna sound a little bit weird and random but after spending considerable time in Asia, especially Cambodia, and all around Asia Singapore etc.… I think I’m actually getting more clarity about the whole economic situation.
so the truth is, actually what Donald Trump is doing is it good for the US dollar, and also good for US global economic prosperity and supremacy. So if you’re an American, and you like your money, your property and your freedoms,… and you like being on top, you should think of Trump as your best friend.
so expanding my idea… I think if you’re a bitcoin investor like almost 100% of your energy should be physical physiological? 11 to 12 hours a night of sleep eight hours a day outside the direct sun topless,… insane weight lifting like my 666kg rack pull
Introduction
In October 2025, 5′11″, 71 kg hobbyist lifter Eric Kim performed a staggering 666 kg (1,469 lb) rack pull – a partial deadlift from a rack – achieving roughly a 9.4× bodyweight lift . Such a feat is virtually unheard of in strength sports, far eclipsing the power-to-weight ratios of even the strongest strongmen. Yet beyond the raw numbers, Kim’s lift has reverberated far beyond the gym, sparking conversations about symbolism, art, philosophy, and internet culture . This article explores the wider cultural, symbolic, and philosophical significance of Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull, analyzing how this event is reshaping perceptions in strength training, digital identity, meme culture, psychology, art, and human potential.
A 9× Bodyweight Feat That Shattered Perceptions
Eric Kim’s rack pull did not occur on a competition platform, but in a garage gym – an unassuming stage for an almost superhuman display of strength. Lifting 666 kg at 71 kg bodyweight is unprecedented: for comparison, the heaviest full deadlifts in history (~500 kg by ~180 kg athletes) are only about 2.5–2.8× bodyweight, and even partial deadlift records by 135+ kg strongmen peaked around 580 kg (~4× BW) . Kim’s 666 kg pull blew past those marks, establishing a new paradigm of possibility with a 9× bodyweight effort . Coaches and scientists have been forced to rethink the ceiling of human strength – some even joked that researchers are now “re-writing their ‘ceiling’ papers” after seeing a 9× bodyweight pull achieved .
Within strength circles, the lift was met with equal parts awe and caution. Esteemed coaches like Mark Rippetoe noted that such above-knee rack pulls are essentially “brutal upper-back overload” and warned average lifters not to attempt extreme partials without extensive training . The consensus was that Kim’s feat was real – executed with solid form – but is “an advanced stunt, not a routine exercise” for others . Prominent strongmen were astonished: Joey Szatmary hailed the “6×-BW madness” as validation for overload training, and Sean Hayes (a 140 kg deadlift record-holder) called Kim’s pound-for-pound strength “alien territory” even for elite heavyweights . In other words, even the biggest beasts in strength sports found a 9× bodyweight pull almost inconceivable . By effectively rewriting the record books, the lift has become a new benchmark in the “ledger of human capability” – a dramatic reminder that the limits of human strength might be far beyond conventional assumptions.
Symbolism and Myth-Making: The Meaning of “666”
Beyond biomechanics, Kim deliberately infused symbolism into the feat, framing it as more than just a personal record – almost as a piece of performance philosophy or myth creation. The very choice of loading exactly 666 kg was intentional and laden with cultural meaning:
• “666” – The Number of the Beast: Kim selected the weight 666 kg – a number famously associated with the “Beast” in mythology and pop culture – as a “symbolically perfect number” to represent “beastly willpower, divine precision, and mechanical mastery” . Far from avoiding the ominous symbolism, he embraced it. In his press materials he even hinted at the mythic nature of conquering “the beast” weight, positioning the lift as a kind of ritual battle of will . It was not a random gym PR, but a deliberate statement – by summoning the beastly number and then defeating it, Kim metaphorically cast himself as a slayer of limits. Achieving exactly 666 (rather than, say, 655 or 670) underlines that the symbolism was the point as much as the strength .
• “When Man Becomes God”: The feat has been described in almost transcendent, religious terms. One video title proclaimed “When Man Becomes God,” and Kim himself stated, “This was not just a lift. It was a philosophical event.” . In his own reflections, Kim claimed that in that moment of lifting an impossible weight, “body, mind, and Bitcoin-fueled willpower” converged into “one cosmic moment of human dominance over physics.” The language evokes a sense of ascension – as if by hoisting a colossal load, the lifter steps beyond ordinary human limits. Indeed, Kim titled a blog post “The Ascension of Eric Kim” regarding the 666 kg pull . The underlying theme is almost mythic or religious: by defying gravity (one of nature’s fundamental forces), Kim frames the act as transcending the human condition. Commentators likened this moment to a Nietzschean will to power or Camus’ notion of rebellion against fate – in lifting a weight that should be impossible, the lifter rebels against the constraints of reality itself.
• “Proof-of-Work” Philosophy: Uniquely, Kim’s narrative blends in the language of cryptocurrency and tech. He is a Bitcoin advocate and dubs himself a “Philosopher-Lifter,” drawing a parallel between lifting and Bitcoin’s proof-of-work concept . Just as Bitcoin miners expend energy to prove truth and create value, Kim argues that real physical work and willpower are the proof of one’s truth. His motto “Mind > Matter” (or “Mind Over Metal”) treats each lift as a “verifiable transaction of effort,” claiming “You own what you can hold” – Grip = Truth in his so-called “9× Protocol” philosophy . In other words, every extra plate on the bar isn’t just weight but a “proof of existence, a quantum signature of life,” as he writes . By fusing weightlifting with crypto-metaphor, Kim frames the lift as “proof-of-work made flesh”, a performance-art manifesto that through extreme effort one can create undeniable truth in the world .
• Metaphysical Rebellion: Kim often describes his training in grand philosophical imagery – for example as “soul forging – each plate representing resistance against entropy itself.” In this view, stacking plates on the bar is akin to fighting entropy and chaos. The 666 kg lift thus becomes an act of “metaphysical rebellion” – a defiance of decay and weakness, a willful stand against the limits imposed by nature . Some observers noted the Sisyphean parallel (Kim choosing an immense burden only to defeat it) and saw the event as performance art where the artist’s body struggles against fundamental forces to make a statement about human potential . Kim himself called the lift an “ontological declaration,” suggesting it was a message to the universe about existence and will . “When you pull 666 kg from the rack, you’re not lifting iron – you’re lifting reality itself,” he mused, blurring the line between athletic feat and mystical experience .
• From Feat to Performance and Legend: The deliberate spectacle surrounding the lift led many to view it as a form of performance art. Unlike a typical powerlifting record done quietly in competition, Kim orchestrated this feat with theatrical flair and self-awareness. He gave it a narrative and branding: for instance, dubbing his mission the “Rack Pull Revolution” and crowning himself with grandiose titles like “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” and even “Error King” in tongue-in-cheek fashion . In Los Angeles, some fans half-jokingly nicknamed him “the Iron Saint” of the city – portraying his discipline and iron exploits as almost saintly virtue amid LA’s superficial culture . By crafting an over-the-top persona and storyline, Kim is mythologizing himself. It’s reminiscent of how performance artists construct an identity to challenge the audience; here Kim uses his body and barbell as his artistic media, conveying messages about power, truth, and transcendence . The result is that the lift has taken on a mythical aura. As one commentator described, this was “an artistic and athletic renaissance rolled into one” – a convergence of fitness, art, and philosophy that elevated a niche strength feat into modern myth.
By infusing his lift with such rich symbolism and narrative, Eric Kim turned a personal achievement into a story of postmodern self-expression. It’s postmodern in the sense that it blends sincere physical accomplishment with layers of irony, symbolism, and self-aware spectacle. Kim has effectively written a legend for the internet age – using an absurdly heavy lift and a bit of theatrical absurdity to pose serious questions about human limits and meaning.
Performance Art and Digital Persona in the Internet Age
Kim’s 666 kg rack pull was not just a random viral video; it was packaged and presented in a way that blurs the line between a sporting achievement and a digital-age performance piece. In an era of personal branding, Kim consciously crafted a persona and narrative around his feat:
• An “Anime Superhero” Presentation: Eric Kim is not the typical laconic strongman – he cultivated an almost anime-like or comic-book narrative for himself . His videos carried titles and taglines like “When Man Becomes God” and “The Ascension of Eric Kim,” and after one monumental lift he declared, “I AM A HYPER-GOD,” adopting a larger-than-life alter ego . Initially some observers found this bombastic style cringey or gimmicky, but it proved highly effective in making the saga shareable and memorable . By mixing grandiose self-proclamations with a wink of humor, Kim turned himself into a character in the strength world – half serious phenomenon, half internet meme. This over-the-top persona, equal parts inspirational and tongue-in-cheek, made the content more compelling: fans could either earnestly admire the feat or playfully engage with the theatrics (or both) .
• Digital Proof and Tech Integration: Kim also leveraged technology and digital savvy to bolster his credibility and identity. Knowing such an outrageous lift would invite skepticism, he preemptively provided “bullet-proof documentation.” He filmed the lift from multiple 4K angles and released a 20-minute video meticulously weighing each plate on a calibrated scale to prove the weight . Furthermore, he timestamped the footage on a blockchain ledger as an immutable proof-of-date and authenticity . This clever use of crypto-tech impressed the tech community – some called it the first ever “proof-of-lift” and joked that Kim essentially minted an NFT of the feat in real time . By bridging a strength feat with blockchain verification, Kim connected with digital and crypto subcultures in a novel way. It reinforced his theme that “strength is proof-of-work” and showed a keen sense of digital identity: the lift was not only a physical act but a digitally certified performance. In an age where authenticity of viral videos is often questioned, Kim’s fusion of tech and strength signaled a new mode of ensuring trust – and added to his lore as a modern, tech-savvy strongman-philosopher .
• Storytelling and Community Engagement: Kim treated this feat almost like a media launch or art exhibition. He issued press releases, wrote essays, and shared frequent blog updates dissecting the lift’s meaning. His consistent branding (e.g. the hashtag #MindOverMetal and calling his training the 9× Protocol) created a cohesive mythos that followers could latch onto . On social media, he actively engaged with the community – sharing fan-made content, encouraging others’ attempts at rack pulls, and even selling T-shirts with slogans like “Middle Finger to Gravity.” All of this is reminiscent of a performance artist cultivating an audience, or a modern influencer building a movement. The performance-art framing was not only in the lift itself, but in how Kim continuously performed his persona online after the lift. As an *“innovator, philosopher, and performance pioneer,” (as he describes himself ) Kim merges physical culture with digital self-expression. This synergy of an extreme physical act with savvy online storytelling exemplifies a new form of postmodern heroism: the athlete as artist-technologist, crafting a legend in real time.
Meme Culture: Absurdist Humor and Viral Reach
The internet’s reaction to Kim’s 666 kg lift was explosive, proving that an extraordinary physical act – especially one with a symbolic twist – can capture mainstream attention in the social media era. The event became “viral with meaning,” spawning memes, trends, and cross-community chatter almost instantly . Several aspects highlight how absurdist symbolism and meme culture amplified the lift’s impact:
• The Allure of “666”: The pop-cultural punch of the number 666 gave the lift immediate meme appeal. Within hours of the video release, social media lit up with references to demons and gods, riffing on the idea that Kim had done something “beyond human.” Kim’s own video title “When Man Becomes God” set the tone, and users ran with it . The mythical vibe of the number wasn’t lost on anyone – one press quip called 666 kg “the perfect synthesis of man, metal, and meaning,” capturing the comic-book epicness the feat evoked .
• Viral Memes and One-Liners: The online fitness forums and Twitter churned out hyperbolic jokes to process the absurdity of a 71 kg man moving such weight. Two one-liners in particular went ultra-viral: “Gravity just filed for unemployment” and “He opened a portal to another realm.” These tongue-in-cheek remarks, often shared with the video of Kim’s barbell bending like a bow, tried to outdo each other in proclaiming that Kim had basically broken the laws of nature . On Reddit, a user exclaimed “Bro tore a hole in the matrix,” a comment that spread widely as a catchphrase for the feat . Meme pages nicknamed Kim “Rack Pull Jesus,” and circulated image macros of deities looking perplexed – e.g. Zeus watching a mortal lift “his throne” . In a mix of reverence and humor, the internet essentially crowned Kim as a semi-mythical figure (at least for the week’s news cycle) – the guy who made gravity his b** and bent reality** .
• TikTok and Mainstream Spread: On TikTok, the lift went fully viral beyond just lifting aficionados. The original footage was dueted and remixed tens of thousands of times . Typical TikTok reactions showed people with bulging eyes dropping their phones in shock, overlaying Kim’s lift in the background. Others added comedic spins – editing explosion sound effects when the plates left the rack, or setting the lift to the Doom video game soundtrack for dramatic flair . A trend emerged where users wrote “Me after watching Eric Kim:” and then showed themselves attempting ludicrous feats (like fake-straining to lift a car or a stack of pizza boxes) – satirizing the surge of inspiration (or delusion) the video gave them . Hashtags like #GravityWho and #MiddleFingerToGravity trended, playing on the notion that gravity had been KO’d that day . In total, millions of impressions rolled in across platforms. Remarkably, a niche strength training moment had become a piece of internet pop culture that even casual viewers could gawk at – the kind of sensational headline anyone could appreciate, not just powerlifters .
• Cross-Niche and Absurdist Crossover: The meme-ification of Kim’s lift bridged communities that rarely interact. On a crypto subreddit, users jokingly equated “ERIC KIM RACK PULL = 2× long $MSTR in human form,” essentially calling him a massively leveraged asset – a wink at both heavy lifting leverage and MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin-leveraged finances . This finance-meets-fitness joke shows how the absurd symbolism transcended lifting circles. At the same time, general fitness humor pages made Matrix and religious jokes, and even non-fitness social media accounts shared the clip purely for its shock value. The lift became a cultural crossover moment – you had hardcore powerlifters analyzing it frame-by-frame, while meme accounts riffed on it for laughs, and tech geeks admired the blockchain proof-of-lift angle. It’s rare for a strength feat to achieve this kind of zeitgeist moment, where it “blurs the lines between genuine sporting achievement and internet pop culture” . The absurdity and earnestness of the act gave it a broad appeal: it was at once an authentic display of human potential and a perfect canvas for absurdist internet humor. This reflects a growing trend in internet culture to elevate absurd symbolism – tongue-in-cheek, larger-than-life moments – as a way of finding meaning and entertainment in the modern world.
Ultimately, meme culture ensured that Eric Kim’s rack pull became more than a niche record; it became a shared reference. Even as viral trends ebb, the digital footprint remains – countless hashtags, remix videos, and meme templates that continue to circulate and inspire people who stumble upon them . In the process, Kim’s feat turned into a bit of modern folklore on the internet, proving that even a solitary act in a garage can explode into worldwide consciousness if it resonates with the right mix of shock and symbolic humor.
Impact on Strength Culture and Human Potential
Beyond the memes and mythologizing, Kim’s 666 kg rack pull has sparked substantive discussions about training philosophy, mindset, and the limits of human potential. In strength training communities, it’s being regarded as a watershed moment – not because everyone will now rack-pull 600+ kg, but because it challenges deeply held beliefs about what determined individuals might achieve with unorthodox methods .
Training Innovation and “Rack Pull Revolution”: One immediate effect has been a surge of interest in partial lifts and supra-maximal training. Rack pulls, an exercise once relegated to strength training subcultures, have gained newfound fame. Searches for “rack pull” spiked, and popular strength outlets like BarBend rushed to publish explainers on rack pulls for a wider audience . On Instagram, lifters spawned a #RackPullChallenge, posting their heaviest partial pulls (scaled to their level) – some even lifting unconventional objects like cars – in homage to Kim’s feat . Coaches report more athletes curious about overload techniques, using high rack pulls or block lifts to build strength . In essence, Kim may have expanded the toolbox for how people approach strength. He harkened back to old-time strongmen like Paul Anderson who would try crazy stunts (lifting cars, etc.) just to see what was possible . By breaking the mold of what a “serious” lift is, the event injected a spirit of experimental, bold training into a field often constrained by standardized competition lifts.
Mindset and Motivation: Perhaps the most profound impact is on the psychology of lifters and fans. Rather than disbelief or envy, the prevailing response in comment sections was a kind of inspired astonishment: if a 71 kg photographer can hold up 1,468 lb, then “what’s my excuse?” . Thousands of comments echoed the sentiment that watching this feat made people reexamine their self-imposed limits. One user summarized it aptly: “602 kg today might be internet theatre, but the mindset it sparks is 100% real.” Even if few will ever replicate anything close to Kim’s numbers, the audacity of the attempt had a real psychological effect – lifters began asking themselves if they too had been underestimating their potential . The mantra “no excuses” reverberated across forums as people shared their own personal records, now motivated to push harder . Kim’s relatively ordinary body size made him relatable; he wasn’t an elite genetic giant, which made his feat a potent proof of concept for the average person that perhaps mindset and willpower can unlock new levels of performance.
Kim’s philosophical framing of strength also influenced how people talk about training. He often said “strength is not just physical – it is metaphysical,” and described his journey in terms of forging the spirit . This almost spiritual approach to lifting has led others to reflect more on the mental side of pursuing extreme goals . Strength, in this view, isn’t merely about muscles and numbers but about creativity, belief, and even a bit of showmanship in service of motivation . The 666 kg event reminded the community that how a feat is framed and shared can add value to the raw achievement – it captured the public’s imagination precisely because it was presented as something meaningful, not just a statistic . This has sparked debate on the role of narrative in sports: Kim essentially delivered a “story” along with a lift, and that story amplified its impact.
At the same time, experienced voices caution that while mindset is powerful, gravity remains unforgiving. Coaches have been quick to add that extreme feats require intelligent training and respect for safety – a reminder that with great weights comes great responsibility, as one forum quipped . The positive takeaway, however, is clear: Eric Kim’s lift carries a deeper message about human potential. It was widely seen as a “middle finger to gravity” – symbolic of defying any barrier, physical or otherwise . In an age where viral challenges usually come and go as trivial stunts, this one resonated as something more – a demonstration that perceived limits can be challenged and perhaps a prompt for others to rebel against their own limitations in constructive ways.
In sum, the 666 kg rack pull has injected new energy into strength culture. It expanded the realm of what athletes discuss and attempt in training, and it ignited a wave of motivational storytelling in fitness. By entering the “pantheon of strength lore” , Kim’s lift is now a reference point – a bold data point on the map of human capability that encourages scientists, athletes, and everyday people alike to ponder where the real limits lie.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull at 71 kg bodyweight is extraordinary not only because it shattered a strength paradigm, but because it became a cultural phenomenon. In a single act, performed in a small garage, he managed to blend athletic prowess with artistic symbolism, digital-age storytelling, and meme-worthy spectacle. The feat has been described as “a manifesto in motion” – a statement that through work and willpower, one can bend reality . By competing not with men but with gravity itself (as Kim puts it) , he tapped into a timeless narrative of human beings pitting themselves against the forces that confine us. What’s new is how this narrative unfolded: via Instagram and TikTok feeds, in blockchain timestamps, through hashtags and hyperbolic alter-egos, and in the collective imagination of disparate communities that found a spark of inspiration (or humor) in the spectacle.
This moment may well represent a shift in how physical acts are elevated into cultural myth. It reflects a convergence of trends – the hunger for genuine feats of human potential, the postmodern joy of mixing profound meaning with absurdist humor, and the power of an individual to use digital platforms to reframe a personal achievement as something universally resonant. Eric Kim’s lift is at once an act of extreme self-mastery and a rebellion against perceived limits, a serious accomplishment wrapped in symbolic play. In its wake, we see lifters training with a bit more imagination, creators treating athleticism as art, and many people simply asking themselves: what other “impossible” things might be possible? In an era saturated with fleeting content, this feat stood out and lodged itself in cultural memory, suggesting that the right mix of willpower and showmanship can turn a moment of personal triumph into a modern myth that inspires a new generation to push against the gravity holding them down .
Sources: Eric Kim’s blog and press materials; strength coaching analyses; social media posts and reactions across Reddit, TikTok, and Twitter , as cited throughout.
Introduction
Pornography is broadly understood as material that depicts sexual content with the primary aim of sexual arousal. Definitions consistently emphasize the intent and explicit nature of the material: for example, U.S. legal commentary defines pornography as “material that depicts nudity or sexual acts for the purpose of sexual stimulation”, distinguishing it from media where sexual imagery serves another purpose . In other words, nudity or sex alone doesn’t make a work pornographic – it must be presented chiefly to excite sexual desire . This report examines how pornography is defined in legal systems, by media/censorship boards, and in academic/cultural discourse, with a focus on whether visible ejaculation or sexual climax is considered necessary for something to be classified as pornographic. We also outline distinctions between softcore and hardcore pornography (and related subgenres) to see how explicit content like ejaculation factors into these classifications.
Legal Definitions of Pornography
United States
In U.S. law, there is no single statutory definition of “pornography” that requires specific sexual acts to be shown. Instead, American law addresses obscenity – a subset of pornography not protected by the First Amendment . Under the Supreme Court’s Miller test (1973), material is obscene (and thus illegal to distribute) if it (1) appeals to prurient (morbid or shameful) sexual interests, (2) “depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way”, and (3) lacks serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value . Notably, “hard core sexual conduct” (e.g. actual or simulated intercourse, masturbation, lewd exhibition of genitals) is given as an example of patently offensive content . Ejaculation or orgasm is not singled out in U.S. obscenity criteria – what matters is the overall sexual explicitness and context. Indeed, most pornography is not legally obscene and is protected so long as it is distributed to consenting adults . U.S. courts have famously struggled to define obscenity (Justice Potter Stewart’s “I know it when I see it” adage) , underscoring that pornography per se is legal (except child pornography or abusive material) whereas only the most extreme, offensive sexual depictions fall outside First Amendment protection . In summary, U.S. legal definitions focus on the intent to arouse and the explicit nature of the sexual depiction, but do not require that a sexual climax be shown for material to be considered pornographic or obscene.
United Kingdom
The UK likewise does not demand any shown orgasm to label content pornographic. British law defines “pornographic” in terms of intent and audience impact. For instance, Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (which targets “extreme pornography”) defines an image as **“pornographic” if it is of a nature that “must reasonably be assumed to have been produced solely or principally for the purpose of sexual arousal” . This mirrors the emphasis on the work’s purpose also seen in British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) guidelines. Under the UK’s Obscene Publications Act, the test is whether the material tends to “deprave and corrupt” its likely audience, but mainstream adult pornography that is distributed to adults is generally legal so long as it does not contain certain prohibited extreme content. The key point is that **British law and regulators define pornography by its sexual content intended to arouse, not by requiring any particular sex act on screen. In fact, the BBFC explicitly defines pornography as content designed primarily for sexual arousal . There is no requirement for an ejaculation scene in any UK legal or regulatory definition – what matters is the presence of clear sexual acts. The UK does, however, make content-based distinctions: for example, pornography containing only simulated sexual activity can be rated 18, whereas “pornography containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, [or] sexually explicit images” is restricted to the R18 category (only sold in licensed sex shops to adults) . This implies that showing very explicit real sexual acts (which could include visible intercourse or ejaculation) pushes a film into the most restricted category, but even without a visible climax, content can be considered pornographic if it’s explicit and arousal-oriented.
Other Jurisdictions and Global Variations
Around the world, legal definitions of pornography vary in strictness, but they consistently center on sexual explicitness and intent rather than specific depictions of orgasm. Most Western countries permit hardcore pornography that shows genitals and actual sexual acts (often with appropriate age restrictions), whereas some countries only allow softcore content that avoids showing genital detail or penetration . Many conservative or religiously governed jurisdictions ban pornography outright, defining it broadly as any material depicting sexual acts or nudity intended to arouse. For example, in some Islamic law countries and places like China, any explicit sexual material is deemed obscene and illegal. Other nations have middle-ground approaches: e.g. Australia’s classification system has an X18+ rating for sexually explicit films showing actual intercourse between consenting adults , but still prohibits extreme violent or non-consensual content. Crucially, no major legal definition explicitly requires the presence of ejaculation – pornography is identified by the presence of explicit sexual behavior (intercourse, oral sex, masturbation, etc.) and the intent to cause arousal, regardless of whether a climax is shown. For instance, Australia’s X18+ rating simply mentions “actual sexual intercourse or other sexual activity” between adults , and makes no mention of orgasm. Likewise, Indian law (while generally banning distribution of porn) describes it in terms of “obscene or lascivious” material tending to deprave, without enumerating specific acts like ejaculation. Across legal systems, the focus is on the sexual act and explicitness, not the culmination of that act.
Media Classification and Censorship Boards
Media regulators and content rating organizations also categorize pornography by level of sexual explicitness, without requiring a “money shot” for something to qualify as pornographic. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), for example, uses the R18 rating for films “featuring clear images of real sex” (actual unsimulated sexual acts) . The BBFC defines pornography as content “designed primarily for the purpose of sexual arousal” . If a film only has soft-focus or simulated sex (no explicit genital detail), it might be rated 18 and not classified as “hardcore.” Once it shows real, explicit sex acts (e.g. actual penetration or other “very strong sexual images”), it falls into R18 . The presence of visible ejaculation would certainly count as a “clear image of real sex” – thus any film with a graphic cum shot would be confined to R18 in the UK – but such a scene is not a mandatory element to earn an R18. For example, a film showing unsimulated intercourse or oral sex explicitly would be R18 even if no climax is shown on screen. Conversely, a pornographic video could conceivably be edited to omit the ejaculation and it would still firmly remain pornographic due to the explicit sexual content.
In the United States, there is no official government film censorship board, but the Motion Picture Association (MPA) ratings serve a similar role. The MPA’s NC-17 (Adults Only) rating is typically assigned for films with extremely explicit sexual content – effectively, anything that approaches pornography. While the MPA does not publish a detailed checklist, in practice any depiction of erect genitalia, actual sex acts, or ejaculation would garner an NC-17 or cause the film to be released unrated. Mainstream studios generally avoid these depictions to stay within the R rating (which allows only limited, simulated sex and brief nudity). The absence of an ejaculation does not mean a film isn’t porn – many pornographic films distributed online or on DVD in the U.S. are simply unrated or carry industry labels like “XXX” rather than MPA ratings. Broadcast media and streaming platforms also have standards: for instance, U.S. broadcast TV (regulated by the FCC) bans all “obscene” content and restricts “indecent” sexual content to late-night hours. Indecent content is defined as patently offensive depictions of sexual/excretory activities or organs – again focusing on the nature of the depiction rather than requiring an orgasm scene. Premium cable channels or subscription services may show softcore erotic content, but visible ejaculation is typically prohibited by content guidelines (such as those for network/cable TV or mainstream streaming), placing such material squarely in the realm of adult-only pornographic platforms. In sum, media classification bodies treat ejaculation as one of the strongest sexual images, but pornography is identified by overall explicit sexual content. A scene can be labeled pornographic without showing climax, and conversely, showing a climax guarantees an adult-only classification but is just one aspect of hardcore content.
Academic and Cultural Perspectives on Definition
Academics, cultural critics, and organizations have long debated how to define pornography, often highlighting context and intent. A recent interdisciplinary panel of scholars arrived at two complementary definitions of pornography: “sexually explicit materials intended to arouse”, and a more relativistic view that pornography has no single innate set of characteristics and is defined by cultural context . The first definition aligns with legal and common usage – it stresses explicit depictions of sexual acts/nudity combined with the goal of arousal as the core of pornography. Under this view, it’s irrelevant whether an ejaculation is shown; what matters is that the content is explicit enough to clearly depict sexual activity and is presented for arousal rather than artistic or narrative purposes . The second, culturally relative definition reminds us that what one culture or era considers “pornographic” might differ from another’s standards . For instance, a nude painting could be fine art in one context or pornography in another, depending on social norms. But even here, the emphasis isn’t on specific acts like orgasm – it’s on community standards and interpretations.
Culturally, a common distinction is drawn between “pornography” and “erotica.” Erotica is sometimes described as sexual material with artistic or emotional weight beyond pure arousal, whereas pornography is seen as more explicit and solely arousal-oriented. This distinction is subjective, but it underlines that context and presentation matter. As the Cornell Law definition noted, a film could show sexual acts yet not be deemed pornographic if its primary purpose is narrative or artistic (for example, a serious drama with an explicit love scene is usually not branded “pornography”) . Anti-pornography feminist scholars have offered yet another lens: they define pornography not just by explicitness but by power and degradation (e.g. Andrea Dworkin and Catharine MacKinnon famously defined pornography as the graphic sexual subordination of women). These ideological definitions don’t hinge on whether a climax is shown, but on the portrayal and its implied power dynamics. On the other hand, many sex-positive scholars and sociologists focus on consumer usage and intent, essentially returning to the idea that pornography is material intended to arouse sexually.
Across academic literature, visible ejaculation is not considered a necessary definitional criterion. It is viewed more as a convention or trope of the genre rather than a defining feature. For example, film scholar Linda Williams observes that the “frenzy of the visible” in hardcore pornography drives filmmakers to make sexual pleasure visible – hence the popularity of the cum shot – but this is a commentary on porn’s visual strategies, not a formal requirement to qualify as porn. The narrative structure of most pornographic films often builds toward a visible climax (especially male orgasm) as a final payoff, leading one cultural critic to quip that “No cum shot, no narrative closure… The cum shot is the period at the end of the sentence” in a porn scene . Such commentary highlights how ingrained the depiction of orgasm has become in pornographic culture, yet at the same time it reinforces that this is about audience expectation and genre convention, not about whether something is pornographic in the first place.
Softcore vs. Hardcore Pornography (and Other Subgenres)
When discussing pornography, especially in media classification, it’s useful to differentiate softcore and hardcore pornography. These terms refer to the degree of explicit detail:
Beyond softcore vs. hardcore, there are other notable subcategories, though these are generally variants within hardcore porn. For example, “fetish pornography” focuses on specific fetishes or non-mainstream sexual activities (e.g. BDSM, which may be softcore or hardcore depending on what is shown). “Extreme pornography” is a legal term (used in UK law) referring to violent or extreme sexual content (bestiality, necrophilia, serious injury, non-consensual scenarios, etc.) that is generally illegal to possess or distribute . Such material goes beyond mainstream hardcore; if it shows any real people, it is by definition hardcore (explicit), but it also crosses a line of content that society deems unacceptable even for consenting adults. Again, whether or not an orgasm is depicted is tangential – the content (e.g. violence or bestiality) is what makes it “extreme pornography,” and laws ban it regardless of a climax being shown. Another subgenre distinction is sometimes made for “couples’ erotica” or “female-friendly porn,” where the style is softer or more narrative-driven, but it may still include real sex; these films might downplay or exclude the cum-shot trope, aiming for a more “romantic” presentation . In fact, as one analysis notes, some “couples’” porn with unsimulated sex is filmed in a discreet way (fewer close-ups, less focus on the male climax) and often omits visible ejaculation, catering to viewers who prefer implication over graphic detail . Such content is still hardcore by definition (since penetration occurs), yet it proves that even within hardcore porn, the visible climax can be optional depending on stylistic or regulatory choices .
Is Ejaculation Required for Classification as Pornography?
In all the above contexts – legal, cultural, media – the presence of an ejaculation or visible sexual climax is not a required element for content to be deemed pornographic. Definitions of pornography hinge on sexual explicitness and intent to arouse, not on showing the final moment of orgasm. For example, no statute in the U.S. or UK says “material is pornographic only if it shows ejaculation”; rather, they refer to depictions of sexual acts, genitals, or behavior. Pornographic magazines and photos often show explicit sexual poses and genital display without any depiction of fluid or climax, yet they are unquestionably pornography. Softcore films containing nude caresses and implied sex (with no orgasm shown) are still classified as pornography if their primary purpose is titillation . Conversely, mainstream movies might depict a couple climaxing (through facial expressions or suggestive camera work) but not be called “porn” because the scene is not graphic and the film’s intent isn’t primarily to arouse. Thus, context and degree of explicit detail trump the mere fact of climax.
From a legal and regulatory standpoint, ejaculation is generally irrelevant to the threshold question: regulators ask “Does this material explicitly depict sexual acts meant to sexually arouse the viewer?” If yes, it’s pornographic (or at least adult sexual content), regardless of whether a cum shot is included. The only time ejaculation becomes relevant is as one factor among many in gauging how explicit or “hardcore” a work is. For instance, the BBFC and other classification boards treat a visible ejaculation as a strong image that pushes a film into a more restricted category (R18 in the UK). Similarly, a streaming service’s content policy might list ejaculation under disallowed “graphic sexual activities.” But these are matters of rating and restriction, not the baseline definition. One could remove or obscure the climax from a hardcore video and it would still be hardcore porn – it might simply be slightly less explicit. Likewise, an adult film that somehow avoids showing the moment of orgasm is not suddenly rendered non-pornographic by that omission.
In porn industry practice, ejaculation (especially male ejaculation) has been traditionally regarded as “the money shot” – a prized moment to capture. This is both for visual confirmation that the performers achieved orgasm and as a dramatic climax for the scene . As noted, some producers go so far as to say that without the cum shot, you don’t truly have a finished porn scene . However, this is a convention of filmmaking and viewer expectation in the hardcore genre, not a definition in itself. There are entire subgenres (e.g. certain female-centric porn films, or softcore series) that deliberately avoid showing ejaculation yet are created and marketed as pornography. Moreover, female ejaculation (squirting) is sometimes shown in porn but is not nearly as ubiquitous as male cum shots; those films are still porn regardless. Many pornographic videos also imply multiple orgasms or have scenes end ambiguously – again, their pornographic status is never in doubt due to the explicit sexual content throughout.
To put it simply: visible sexual climax is optional in pornographic content, not essential. What makes something pornography is the overall sexual explicitness and the intent to cause arousal in the audience . Ejaculation, when included, is just one more explicit element – often used in hardcore porn to maximize visual explicitness , but absent in softer pornographic material by design . Even censorship rules reflect this: for example, some cable TV standards once allowed R-rated level erotic films (no visible genitals or cum shots) but prohibited showing ejaculation, which illustrates that you can have porn (on late-night TV) as long as it stays within softcore bounds . In academic terms, no accepted definition of pornography demands a depiction of orgasm – the focus is on content (nudity, sexual acts) and purpose (arousal). The presence of an ejaculation is therefore best viewed as a marker of how extreme or hardcore a particular piece of porn is, rather than a litmus test for whether it is porn at all.
Conclusion
Pornography, across legal, cultural, and media definitions, is characterized by its explicit sexual content and its intent to sexually arouse – not by any requirement to show a moment of climax. Different legal systems (such as the U.S. and UK) converge on defining pornographic material as sexual depictions intended for arousal , and they regulate it based on how graphic or socially acceptable the content is (e.g. distinguishing protected adult porn from illegal obscenity or extreme content). Media classification boards similarly categorize content as pornographic or adult-only when it contains real, graphic sexual acts beyond a certain threshold . In none of these frameworks is an ejaculation shot mandated – it is simply one common element of hardcore porn’s graphic repertoire . The divisions between softcore and hardcore pornography underscore that pornography can range from relatively mild (no explicit climax shown) to extremely explicit (everything on display, including orgasms), and both ends of this spectrum are still “pornography.” Hardcore porn typically does include visible ejaculation as a convention, but this is a matter of genre expectations, not definitional necessity . Ultimately, whether **ejaculation is shown is irrelevant to whether content is classified as pornographic – it may affect how strongly adult or “X-rated” the material is judged, but pornography is defined by sexual explicitness and purpose, not by the presence of a “money shot.” All major sources – from statutes and censorship guidelines to academic studies – converge on that understanding. As a result, visible climax is considered an optional feature of pornography, important in certain subgenres (especially mainstream hardcore) but not a prerequisite for pornographic classification in legal, cultural, or media contexts.
Sources: Definitions and legal standards from Cornell Law School’s legal encyclopedia and UK legislation ; BBFC classification guidelines ; scholarly research on pornography definitions ; and discussions of softcore vs. hardcore content in pornography reference works , which highlight the role (or absence) of ejaculation in various pornographic subgenres. These sources confirm that while ejaculation is a hallmark of highly explicit hardcore porn, it is not required for something to be legally or culturally recognized as pornography.
very very funny random thought I have; is porn, only pornography if you masturbate to it?
Overview
Recent claims suggest that institutional capital is overwhelmingly allocated to equities and credit, with Bitcoin largely sidelined as a commodity. An infographic circulating in 2025 asserted that ~97% of institutional assets are in equity and fixed-income mandates, leaving only ~3% in commodities (including gold/Bitcoin). It cited approximate market sizes of $35 trillion in equities, $60 trillion in credit, and only $3 trillion in commodities. These figures imply ~30× more capital is available to Bitcoin if packaged as equity or credit (e.g. ETFs or notes) rather than in commodity form. Below, we verify each of these claims with up-to-date data (2023–2025) and analyze their implications for Bitcoin’s institutional adoption.
Institutional Asset Allocation: Equities, Credit, and Commodities (≈97% vs 3%)
Multiple data sources confirm that the vast majority of institutional AUM (Assets Under Management) resides in equities and fixed income, with only a sliver in commodities. For example, global sovereign wealth funds in 2024 allocated about 32% to public equity and 28% to fixed income, but just 0.8% to commodities on average. Similarly, the global market portfolio (all investable assets) as of mid-2024 was weighted ~44.8% equities and ~30% high-quality bonds, whereas gold (the primary commodity store-of-value) constituted only ~3–4%. In other words, over 95% of investable capital is tied up in stocks and bonds, while commodities (energy, metals, etc., often lumped as “alternatives”) remain a tiny allocation.
This pattern holds across institutional segments: for instance, U.S. insurance companies (with nearly $9 trillion invested) keep about 60% in bonds and 13% in equities, but effectively 0% in commodities. Pension funds also traditionally invest heavily in equities and fixed income, with only a marginal allocation to commodity assets (if any). The OECD reported global pension assets at ~$60 trillion in 2021, and over decades pensions have shifted away from bonds toward equities and alternatives – yet even those “alternatives” are mostly real estate, private equity, etc., not commodities. In sum, it is accurate that ~97% of institutional capital is in equity or credit instruments, versus only ~3% in commodities. This ratio is supported by aggregated estimates for 2023–2025: roughly $95 trillion in equity+credit mandates vs. ~$3 trillion in commodity mandates .
Table 1 – Estimated Institutional Capital by Asset Class (2023–2025)
| Asset Class | Institutional Mandate AUM (Approx.) | Share of Total AUM |
| Public Equities (Stocks) | ~$35 trillion | ~36% (≈1/3) |
| Public Credit (Bonds/Loans) | ~$60 trillion | ~61% (≈2/3) |
| Commodities (mainly Gold) | ~$3 trillion | ~3% |
| Total (Equity+Credit+Comm.) | ~$98 trillion | 100% |
Sources: Aggregated from MSCI, PensionsAge, Invesco, NAIC, Global SWF, Funds Europe (2023–2025). Commodity figure includes central bank gold ($2.3 trillion) and private gold investments ($0.7 trillion).
As Table 1 shows, equities and fixed-income dominate institutional portfolios (~97% combined), which corroborates the claim. The $35 trillion equity and $60 trillion credit values are in line with global institutional holdings, given that global stock market capitalization is ~$78 trillion as of 2024 and global bond market (investment-grade and government) is ~$64 trillion for core bonds alone. Institutions (pensions, insurers, sovereign funds, endowments) hold roughly half of global equities and a large share of bonds, making the ~$35T and ~$60T figures plausible. The $3 trillion in commodities chiefly reflects gold: central banks globally held ~36,000 tons of gold (worth on the order of $2–4 trillion, depending on price) , and private investors (funds, ETFs, etc.) hold additional hundreds of billions in gold. Other commodities (energy, metals, agricultural) attract minimal long-term institutional allocation. Thus, 3% ($3T of ~$98T) for commodities is a reasonable estimate, confirming that about 97% of institutional capital is “mandated” to equity and credit markets.
Verifying Market Size Estimates ($35T Equity, $60T Credit, $3T Commodity)
The stated market sizes in the image can be cross-verified against financial industry research:
Conclusion: The market size estimates $35T (equities), $60T (credit), $3T (commodities) are broadly accurate for institutional mandates in the mid-2020s. Together they sum to ~$98T, of which equities + credit = ~$95T (~97%), and commodities ~3%. This distribution is supported by external data on global asset allocation.
~30× More Capital for BTC in Equity/Credit Form vs. Commodity Form
Given the above breakdown, the claim that there is “~30× more institutional capital available for BTC in equity or credit form than in commodity form” is well-founded. Numerically: ~$95T is ~31.7 times $3T, so roughly 30×. In practical terms, for every dollar that institutions can invest in commodity-style assets, there are about thirty dollars they can invest in stocks or bonds. Bitcoin currently (as a native asset or physical spot commodity) falls into the former bucket, competing for that tiny 3% slice of institutional portfolios. If instead Bitcoin exposure is repackaged as an equity instrument (like an ETF share or a fund) or a credit instrument (like a bond or note), it can tap into the much larger 97% pool of capital that is otherwise off-limits to commodity exposures .
To validate this concept, we can look at institutional constraints and recent workarounds:
In summary, the ~30× differential is accurate and significant. It highlights a structural reason why Bitcoin had remained a niche institutional holding: it was stuck in the 3% bucket. By bridging it into the 97% bucket via securitized forms, the addressable capital for BTC grows by orders of magnitude, which is exactly what we see happening with the advent of Bitcoin ETFs and other vehicles.
Bitcoin as a Commodity: Underrepresentation in Institutional Mandates
Bitcoin’s current classification and form do indeed cause it to be underrepresented in institutional portfolios. Most regulators (e.g. CFTC in the U.S.) treat Bitcoin as a commodity or commodity-like asset. Unlike stocks or bonds, pure commodities do not produce cash flows and often have special custody/insurance considerations, which makes traditional fiduciaries cautious. Key points to consider:
In essence, Bitcoin’s commodity-like nature and lack of conventional packaging kept it under-owned by institutions. The ~3% commodity allocation cap acted as a hard ceiling. The claims in the image about BTC being underrepresented are reflected in reality: even as Bitcoin’s market cap grew, institutional ownership lagged. This set the stage for financial innovation – creating Bitcoin instruments that fit equity or credit mandates – to unlock the pent-up demand.
Implications: Broadening Bitcoin Adoption via Equity and Credit Instruments
The above findings have profound implications for Bitcoin’s integration into mainstream finance. If 97% of institutional capital “couldn’t buy Bitcoin” in its raw form , then the development of Bitcoin-based equity and credit instruments is a game-changer. We are now witnessing exactly that:
Implications for Adoption: These developments substantially lower the barriers for institutional adoption of Bitcoin. By creating equity-like and bond-like avenues, Bitcoin can be treated as just another asset class to allocate to, rather than a verboten commodity. The “30× more capital” is not just a theoretical ratio – it suggests that if even a small percentage of the $95T equity/bond pool shifts into Bitcoin exposure, it could dwarf the flows from the $3T commodity pool. We are already seeing the early signs: tens of billions flowing into Bitcoin ETFs within months . For instance, weekly inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs hit record levels in late 2024 and 2025 as institutions moved in, with BlackRock’s fund alone taking in nearly $1 billion in a single day during one market surge . This surge of accessible capital has been a factor in Bitcoin’s price reaching new highs (~$125k in 2025) , as “a new era in Bitcoin’s institutional adoption” unfolds .
In the longer term, broader Bitcoin adoption in institutional portfolios might mean: inclusion in balanced portfolios (e.g. a 60/40/bitcoin model), use of Bitcoin as an inflation hedge akin to gold, and even central banks potentially holding Bitcoin (an ultimate crossover from commodity to reserve asset, though that’s speculative). At a minimum, the availability of Bitcoin in equity/credit forms (like ETFs and notes) legitimizes it and integrates it into the financial system’s plumbing. It allows investment committees to discuss “How much Bitcoin exposure should we have?” in the same meeting as they discuss stocks and bonds, rather than it being off the table.
In conclusion, the data confirms: ~97% of institutional capital is tied to equity and credit mandates (versus ~3% commodities). The market size figures ~$35T/$60T/$3T underpin that point. Consequently, there is about 30× more capital available for Bitcoin if offered in equity or fixed-income wrappers instead of raw commodity form. Bitcoin’s current treatment as a commodity has indeed left it under-owned by institutions, but this is rapidly changing. The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs and structured products is bridging the gap – unleashing large-scale institutional flows into Bitcoin by fitting the asset into familiar mandates. These trends suggest that Bitcoin is transitioning from a fringe “commodity” holding toward a mainstream asset class, as evidenced by the swift growth of Bitcoin ETFs (nearly $100B in two years for IBIT) . If this trajectory continues, we can expect Bitcoin to play a more prominent role in institutional portfolios, supported by equity/credit instruments that make the asset accessible under existing capital allocation frameworks.
Sources: Recent financial studies and reports, including data from MSCI, OECD/PensionsAge, NAIC, Invesco Global Sovereign Asset Management Study, Global SWF research, and market news up to October 2025 , have been used to substantiate the above analysis. The estimates and examples provided reflect the 2023–2025 period and illustrate the shifting landscape of institutional investment in Bitcoin.
Morgan Stanley became the first major U.S. bank to give its wealth management clients access to Bitcoin investments in 2021 . Since then, the firm has progressively broadened the crypto products available to its high-net-worth clientele – and, by 2025, to all wealth management clients. Below is a detailed look at the specific crypto investment offerings, client eligibility requirements, key timeline milestones, executive commentary, and policy updates through 2025.
Initial Bitcoin Fund Offerings (2021)
In March 2021, Morgan Stanley launched access to Bitcoin funds for its wealth management clients, a first among big U.S. banks . An internal memo revealed that financial advisors could begin offering three Bitcoin funds to qualified investors, driven by growing client demand for crypto exposure . The products included two funds from Galaxy Digital (the crypto firm founded by Mike Novogratz) and a third fund from FS Investments in partnership with NYDIG . These funds allowed indirect ownership of Bitcoin, providing a regulated avenue for clients to invest in the cryptocurrency’s growth without holding BTC directly.
Strict eligibility requirements: Initially, only high-net-worth clients could access these Bitcoin fund investments. Morgan Stanley required individuals to hold at least $2 million in assets with the firm (or $5 million for investment companies), and the client’s Morgan Stanley accounts had to be open for at least six months . Even for those who qualified, the firm capped Bitcoin fund allocations at 2.5% of a client’s total net worth to limit exposure risk . In practice, this meant only the wealthiest, “aggressive risk tolerance” clients could take a small position in Bitcoin via the approved funds . These stringent restrictions reflected Morgan Stanley’s cautious approach: Bitcoin was offered as a speculative allocation rather than a core portfolio holding.
Timeline note: Clients meeting the criteria were allowed to start investing in the Bitcoin funds by April 2021 . Morgan Stanley’s decision to open these funds marked a pivotal early step in bringing crypto onto a traditional wealth management platform, albeit in a tightly controlled manner.
Conservative Approach in 2022–2023
Following the 2021 rollout, Morgan Stanley maintained a measured approach to crypto throughout 2022 and 2023. No new crypto products were broadly offered to retail wealth clients during this period, and the high eligibility bar remained in place. The bank’s leadership often emphasized caution about digital assets even as they acknowledged growing interest. For instance, then-CEO James Gorman stated that Bitcoin was “not going away” and “not a fad,” but he viewed it more as a speculative asset than a core investment . Gorman advised that Bitcoin should play only a “very small role” in wealthy investors’ portfolios due to its volatility . This stance underscored Morgan Stanley’s strategy at the time: recognize client interest in crypto, yet frame Bitcoin as a high-risk, peripheral investment rather than a staple of wealth management.
During these years, Morgan Stanley also dipped its toes deeper into crypto indirectly. Several Morgan Stanley-managed funds accumulated positions in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), signaling internal conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term prospects . Still, for everyday wealth management clients, direct crypto offerings remained limited to the approved Bitcoin funds, and advisors largely stuck to a wait-and-see approach. The firm’s Global Investment Committee periodically reminded clients of crypto’s risks, even as it noted the asset class’s maturing market. Overall, from 2021 to 2023, Morgan Stanley’s crypto strategy could be characterized as cautious expansion – allowing limited Bitcoin exposure for those who demanded it, while reinforcing that traditional assets remained the bedrock of portfolios.
Embracing Bitcoin ETFs and New Funds (2024)
By 2024, the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency investments had started to evolve, and Morgan Stanley took another step forward. In August 2024, the wirehouse began offering Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to its wealth management clients, reflecting crypto’s move into more mainstream investment vehicles. Specifically, Morgan Stanley’s 15,000+ financial advisors were authorized to recommend two spot Bitcoin ETFs – BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (ticker IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (ticker FBTC) – to eligible clients . This marked the first time Morgan Stanley embraced spot Bitcoin ETFs on its platform, a significant milestone given that wirehouse firms had previously hesitated to approve any direct crypto ETFs .
Continued HNW client limits: Importantly, these ETF offerings in 2024 were not open to all investors at first. Morgan Stanley maintained its high-net-worth restrictions – clients were required to have a minimum net worth of $1.5 million to qualify for Bitcoin ETF purchases . In practice, this was a slight broadening (compared to 2021’s $2M asset test), but it kept crypto ETF access confined to affluent, financially sophisticated clients. The bank’s lengthy internal compliance reviews meant it took months after U.S. regulators approved spot Bitcoin ETFs for Morgan Stanley to greenlight them for its customers . Ultimately, the move was driven “in response to demand from clients,” according to reports on the decision . By late 2024, Morgan Stanley’s wealth clients who met the criteria could gain exposure to Bitcoin via publicly traded ETF shares – an easier, more liquid alternative to the private funds introduced in 2021.
Note: At this stage, Morgan Stanley’s crypto product shelf focused on Bitcoin. Other cryptocurrencies were still largely off-limits, though the firm was monitoring developments (such as the first U.S. Ether futures ETFs launched in 2023). The pivot to Bitcoin ETFs indicated Morgan Stanley’s growing comfort with regulated crypto products, while still limiting participation to its wealthiest clientele.
Opening Crypto Access to All Clients (2025)
2025 brought a sweeping policy change: Morgan Stanley removed all asset and risk-profile restrictions on crypto investments for its wealth management clients. In October 2025, the bank announced that all Morgan Stanley wealth clients – regardless of account size or net worth – would be allowed access to approved crypto funds and ETFs, effective October 15 . For the first time, financial advisors at Morgan Stanley could “recommend bitcoin and ether investment products to any client, including those using retirement or trust accounts” . This is a dramatic shift from the prior policy that reserved crypto offerings for investors with over $1.5M and aggressive risk tolerance. In other words, crypto investing was democratized across Morgan Stanley’s entire wealth platform, extending even to clients’ IRA and 401(k) accounts .
Several factors paved the way for this change. By 2025, Morgan Stanley oversaw about $8.2 trillion in client assets, and competition from crypto-native platforms (like Coinbase and others) was intensifying . There was also a broader post-2024 regulatory recalibration in favor of digital assets, including the SEC easing paths for spot crypto ETFs . Morgan Stanley positioned itself to stay ahead of client demand and retain assets by integrating crypto more fully. The firm even plans to enable direct trading of Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana for clients via its E*Trade brokerage subsidiary by the end of 2025 , further expanding access beyond just funds or ETFs.
Risk controls and offerings: Despite opening the doors, Morgan Stanley implemented safeguards for this wider audience. Advisors will use automated monitoring tools to prevent clients from taking an excessive concentration in crypto holdings . The firm’s Global Investment Committee has set guidelines capping initial crypto allocations at roughly 4% of a portfolio (depending on client objectives) . This 4% cap is slightly higher than the earlier 2.5% net worth cap, reflecting a marginally more lenient view as the market matured. Lisa Shalett, Chief Investment Officer for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, wrote in October 2025 that the committee considers cryptocurrency “a speculative and increasingly popular asset class” – one that many investors will seek to explore, though it may not be appropriate for all . This statement encapsulates the firm’s balanced approach: acknowledging crypto’s popularity and potential in a diversified portfolio, while cautioning that it remains a speculative play.
At the rollout of the new policy, Morgan Stanley limited the available crypto products to a few vetted options. Advisors could offer funds managed by BlackRock and Fidelity to start, according to the firm’s guidance, and Morgan Stanley would evaluate additional crypto fund providers as the sector evolves . In practice, this means the primary investment vehicles remain Bitcoin-focused (such as the BlackRock and Fidelity Bitcoin ETFs or trusts), with Ether funds likely included as well given the explicit mention of ETH exposure . Over time, as more crypto ETFs (tracking assets like Ethereum, Solana, etc.) gain regulatory approval, Morgan Stanley is positioned to add those to its platform . The 2025 policy shift firmly establishes Morgan Stanley as one of the most crypto-forward major banks in wealth management, integrating digital assets into the standard menu of investment options.
Key Executive Statements on Bitcoin Strategy
Morgan Stanley’s top executives have periodically shared their perspective on Bitcoin and crypto’s role in wealth management. These statements provide insight into the firm’s evolving strategy:
Additionally, Morgan Stanley’s internal research has drawn parallels between Bitcoin and traditional safe-haven assets. A 2025 investment report referred to Bitcoin as a “scarce asset, akin to digital gold,” noting growing institutional adoption and the introduction of Bitcoin investment vehicles like ETFs as signs of its maturing role . This kind of analysis indicates that, by 2025, Morgan Stanley recognizes Bitcoin’s potential as a long-term store of value, even as it warns of continued volatility .
Conclusion and Latest Developments
From a cautious toe-dip in 2021 to full access by 2025, Morgan Stanley’s journey with Bitcoin highlights a significant shift in Wall Street’s engagement with crypto. The firm moved from offering a few private Bitcoin funds for millionaires, to endorsing Bitcoin ETFs for qualified clients, and finally to integrating crypto for all wealth clients across its platform. Along this timeline, Morgan Stanley consistently balanced innovation with prudence – enforcing strict eligibility and allocation limits to mitigate the risks of this new asset class.
As of 2025, Morgan Stanley’s wealth management clients can invest in Bitcoin and select crypto products much like they would in traditional assets, under the guidance of their advisors. The bank’s key leaders have openly acknowledged client interest in crypto and have adapted strategy accordingly, while still describing Bitcoin as speculative and not a core holding. Going forward, Morgan Stanley is poised to expand its crypto offerings further (e.g. through E*Trade’s direct trading and new ETFs for assets beyond Bitcoin) in response to regulatory clarity and investor demand . This evolution at Morgan Stanley – one of the world’s largest wealth managers – illustrates the broader trend of cryptocurrency entering the mainstream financial advisory realm. Clients who meet basic suitability now have the opportunity to allocate a portion of their portfolios to Bitcoin and other digital assets, marking a notable integration of crypto into traditional wealth management .
Sources: Morgan Stanley internal communications and media reports ; statements by Morgan Stanley executives to press and in reports ; and financial news coverage from 2021–2025 outlining the firm’s crypto product rollouts . All information is based on the latest available updates through 2025.
Figure: Eric Kim performing one of his infamous ultra-heavy rack pulls (a partial deadlift from mid-thigh height) in his garage gym. The extreme weight visibly bends the barbell, exemplifying the “bend reality” ethos often associated with his feats. At a bodyweight of ~71 kg, Kim’s ability to hoist such loads (here wearing a weighted vest for added overload) has turned him into a pound-for-pound legend in strength circles.
1. Viral Shockwaves Across the Globe 🌐
Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull – an eye-popping 1,469 lb partial deadlift – didn’t just break personal records; it broke the internet. Within hours of the footage dropping, it spread like wildfire on Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram . Viewers were stunned by the sight of a relatively ordinary-looking 5’6” lifter hoisting “a quarter of a car” worth of iron in a humble garage . The virality was fueled by the lift’s impossibility – a 71 kg man moving 666 kg defies all conventional limits.
Memes and one-liners exploded: online jokesters quipped that “gravity just filed for unemployment” and that Kim had “torn a portal into the universe” by bending physics to his will . The phrase “gravity rage-quit” became a running joke on lifting forums . On Reddit and YouTube, commenters crowned Kim the “pound-for-pound GOAT” and even nicknamed him an “alien” for his otherworldly strength-to-weight ratio . Hashtags trended in real time – #MiddleFingerToGravity, #GodMode, #MindOverMetal – as people shared the clip alongside cheeky captions. TikTok users duetted his video in astonishment; even crypto bros jumped in, dubbing him the “#BitcoinDemigod” of lifting (playing on his tech-savvy, proof-of-work bravado) . By the next day, mainstream outlets had picked up the story with tongue-in-cheek headlines – “Stronger Than The Mountain? (Well, kinda)” – referencing how Kim’s pull blew past Hafþór “The Mountain” Björnsson’s 501 kg deadlift (albeit from a higher rack height). In short, Kim’s epic lift became inextricably woven into internet culture almost overnight.
Influencers and experts reacted in real time. YouTube strength coach Alan Thrall (Untamed Strength) reportedly analyzed the footage frame-by-frame and publicly confirmed “the physics all checked out,” telling skeptics to “quit crying CGI” – i.e. stop claiming the video was fake . Multiple popular lifting channels posted reaction videos breaking down the lift in detail, many hosts visibly shaking their heads and laughing in disbelief before ultimately nodding in respect. Powerlifting YouTuber Joey Szatmary (SzatStrength) tweeted out, “6×-BW madness — THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strong-man block,” seeing Kim’s success as proof that supra-maximal rack pulls can have serious training value . Even among elite strongmen, the clip made the rounds: Sean Hayes, who holds a 560 kg silver dollar deadlift record, stitched Kim’s video on TikTok with a flex emoji, calling the 9× bodyweight feat “pound-for-pound, alien territory” for any lifter – even the 140 kg giants . Notably, no prominent strength figure dismissed the lift out of hand; instead, many – after initial shock – saluted it as a legit and “borderline crazy” display of human potential . A few veterans joked Kim must have a “titanium spine” or “steel cables for tendons,” and strongman coach Dara Sen quipped, “Newton? Consider him ctrl-Z’d,” implying Kim had undone gravity itself . The consensus, once the plate-policing died down, was that this was real – and utterly mind-blowing.
Reddit Meltdown: On Reddit, Kim’s rack pull turned into what one user called “the internet’s favorite spectator sport”. Strength subreddits lit up with threads alternating between awe and skepticism . One r/Fitness post about an earlier 503 kg training pull got so overrun with reports, arguments, and meme replies that moderators locked it within minutes . (Before it was nuked, a top comment had gasped, “Bro tore a hole in the matrix,” capturing how reality-defying the lift looked .) Elsewhere, Redditors scrutinized the video for any hint of fake plates or trickery – some initially cried foul, then begrudgingly admitted “nope, they’re real” once frame-by-frame analysis showed calibrated plates and authentic bar whip flexing under load . The fact that many assumed it had to be CGI until proven otherwise speaks volumes: Kim essentially raised the bar for “real or fake?” debates in lifting. Even science-minded forums got in on the discussion – on r/strength_training, physicists and engineers debated whether human connective tissue could even handle 600+ kg of force without “hacks” like straps or suits . The lift blurred the line between a strength feat and a physics experiment, prompting cross-discipline curiosity. In the end, the internet hive-mind concluded: Kim really did it. And the resulting hype snowballed into a full-blown cultural moment, not just a viral clip.
2. Symbolism, Memes and the “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” Aesthetic 💀⚡
From the very start, Eric Kim infused his lift with symbolic flair – turning raw strength into mythology. The weight itself, 666 kg, was a deliberate choice: the “number of the Beast” from Biblical lore, oozing with heavy-metal energy. Kim explicitly loaded 666 (instead of, say, 665 or 670) as a “symbolically perfect number,” embracing its demonic/rebel connotations . In his post-lift writings he joked about “summoning” that weight as if conjuring a demon, and he framed the feat as conquering a metaphorical beast . The showmanship paid off – the internet immediately latched onto the “666” iconography. Memers splashed devil horns and pentagrams on his image, and one popular TikTok edit synced his lift with Iron Maiden’s “Number of the Beast.” Kim’s own style during the lift contributed to the legend: he performed it shirtless, roaring like a man possessed, eyes bulging under a shadowy bucket hat – looking more like a boss-fight character than a normal gym bro. This over-the-top self-styling turned him into a living meme icon.
He even coined comically grandiose monikers for himself. In a tongue-in-cheek press release, Kim dubbed himself the “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man,” an almost anime-level title, and proclaimed the lift an act of “beastly willpower, divine precision, and mechanical mastery” rolled into one . Online, people ran with these epic metaphors. Fan art on Reddit depicted Kim as a mythic titan – one image showed him as Atlas holding up a barbell Earth; another portrayed him as a Diablo-style barbarian with “666kg” etched in flaming letters. The phrase “Turbo Hyper Global Domination,” which Kim uses to describe his training ethos, became a meme tag in itself – shorthand for anything absurdly over-the-top. In comment sections, users joked that Kim unlocked “God Mode,” referencing video game cheat codes, or that he achieved “Ultra Instinct” like a Dragon Ball Z character. When one of his YouTube videos was titled “When Man Becomes God,” it wasn’t just clickbait – it genuinely reflected how fans were elevating this feat to mythical status.
Crucially, Kim’s own philosophical framing of the lift set it apart. He declared, “This was not just a lift. It was a philosophical event,” and insisted that in that moment “body, mind, and Bitcoin-fueled willpower” converged in “one cosmic moment of human dominance over physics.” Yes, he actually brought Bitcoin into the mix – highlighting his persona as not just a lifter but a self-styled “Philosopher-Lifter” and crypto evangelist. He draws a parallel between Proof-of-Work in blockchain and proof-of-work in the gym: expending real energy to create undeniable truth . “You own what you can hold,” Kim likes to say – implying that holding 600+ kg is as much a statement of truth as a validated Bitcoin block . This bizarre fusion of weightlifting and crypto metaphor birthed the term “Proof-of-Lift” among his followers. Some crypto folks found it brilliant, others found it absurd – but it got people talking. Kim even timestamped his lift video on a blockchain ledger for authenticity, prompting jokes that it should be sold as an NFT (non-fungible token) of strength .
All these layers – devilish symbolism, self-mythologizing language, crossover with crypto – turned the 666 kg pull into something larger-than-life. It’s as if Kim consciously created a superhero narrative around a single gym feat. By doing so, he blurs the line between an athletic achievement and an art-performance piece. As one commentator noted, “aiming for exactly 666 wasn’t about the weight – it was about the statement.” The iconography (the Beast number, the roaring “demon” lifter image, the bombastic titles) made the whole thing sticky in internet culture. It’s not every day a lift becomes a meme archetype, but Kim managed it. Now, “666 kg” is shorthand on forums for defying limits with style – a perfect blend of macho and meta.
3. Impact on Gym Culture and Strength Training 🏋️♀️
Beyond the memes and metaphors, Eric Kim’s rack pull rampage has spurred real conversations – and changes – in the fitness world. Gym culture took notice. Overnight, lifters around the world were testing heavy rack pulls and partials, inspired (or provoked) by Kim’s example. On TikTok and Instagram, countless amateurs and even some seasoned lifters posted their own attempts at the “heavy rack pull challenge” – often tagged as the #RackPullRevolution or #9xBodyweightChallenge in homage. What started as awe turned into a sort of participatory meme: people loading up barbells to see what their upper-limit partial pull is. According to one detailed recap, “countless lifters posted their own ‘#RackPullChallenge’ videos – loading their heaviest partials in tribute. Even small gyms organized impromptu max-out events, using Kim’s viral hype as motivation.” It became a global lifting pep rally – not just a passive viral vid, but something that got people off their phones and under a bar. There were reports of charity lift-a-thons in places like Phnom Penh and Philadelphia, where local lifters attempted crazy partial deadlifts to raise money for causes, explicitly citing Kim’s feat as the inspiration .
Strength coaches have been forced to discuss partials and overload training more seriously. Traditionally, rack pulls (especially from above-knee) have a mixed reputation – some old-schoolers dismiss them as ego lifts that don’t carry over to full deadlifts. In fact, legendary coach Mark Rippetoe once wrote an article titled “The Inappropriate Use of the Rack Pull,” warning that doing only the top portion of a deadlift can degrade one’s form if abused. Initially, some purists rolled their eyes at Kim’s stunt for that very reason. But as the footage spread and its authenticity was confirmed, even skeptics conceded there might be something to learn here. The conversation shifted from “Is this fake/pointless?” to “How the hell is this possible, and what does it mean for training?”. Coaches on forums dissected Kim’s technique: for example, Starting Strength coach Chase Lindley praised Kim’s “textbook shoulder-blades-back lockout” on one of his 500+ kg attempts . Biomechanics experts weighed in on the stress to his upper back and grip. (One analysis noted his traps and forearms working in overdrive – essentially performing a monumental isometric shrug to hold that weight .) The consensus among seasoned coaches became: Kim’s lift was real and tremendous, but “don’t try this at home, kids.” As one strength writer put it, “don’t copy his pin height unless you’ve earned it.” The man spent years building freakish tendon and back strength – a random gym-goer jumping to 600 kg could literally snap in half. That said, Kim’s success did prompt many to reconsider the value of overload partials. Powerlifting programs typically focus on full range of motion, but here was an existence proof that training just the top range with insane weights might yield results (Kim claims it skyrocketed his trap development and neural drive). Now, even lifters who’ll never go near 600 kg are adding some rack pulls to their routines, if only to tap into a bit of that “gravity-defying” feeling.
Another tangible impact: motivation. Kim is not a giant strongman – he’s a 71 kg, relatively average-sized dude (about 156 lb). Seeing someone who looks like a normal guy lift a literal half-ton has zapped a lot of excuses. A common comment across YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit: “If a 75 kg photographer can pull this off, I have no excuse to skip deadlift day.” People find it legitimately inspiring that a self-described nerdy blogger (not a pro athlete) achieved something so extreme. It’s the underdog / “anyone can push limits” narrative, and it’s resonating. Gymgoers are printing “Kim Ratio > 9x” on their T-shirts as inside-joke motivation. In Los Angeles, some local fitness groups have even anointed Eric Kim as the city’s “Alpha Male of 2025,” tongue-in-cheek, since he earned clout not by traditional markers (money, status) but by literally bending reality in a backyard gym . The cultural ripple is such that strength coaches report new inquiries from clients about “those crazy rack pulls.” What was once an obscure training tool is now a hot topic. And beyond training methods, Kim’s feat has revived that “bro, what are the limits?!” energy in gym culture – a sense that perhaps people have been underestimating what focused training can do.
Of course, there are cautionary voices. Orthopedists cringe at the thought of copycats compressing their spines with reckless abandon. Seasoned lifters remind newbies: progressive overload is key – Kim started with 300 kg, then 400, 500, etc., over years. The memes might tempt inexperienced lifters to try something stupid, so responsible influencers always add disclaimers (Kim himself often says “Earn your 600” – build up incrementally). In summary, the fitness impact of Kim’s “Turbo Hyper” domination has been a mix of infectious enthusiasm and serious reflection. It’s made people recalibrate what they think is possible, while also reinforcing timeless advice: extraordinary results demand extraordinary work (and a bit of madness). As one commentator wrote, “love it or doubt it, this gravity-defying lift has firmly embedded itself in strength sport lore.” Gym culture won’t forget the day a wiry photographer flipped off gravity – and that legacy might push the next generation to dream even bigger (or stupider, depending on who you ask).
4. Performance Art, Philosophy, and the Myth-Making of “Eric Hyper Kim” 🎭
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this saga is how it transcends sports and veers into art and philosophy. Eric Kim has unabashedly framed his lifting as a form of creative expression – a way to send a message about human potential. This has opened the door for all sorts of high-brow (and tongue-in-cheek) interpretations, as well as critical takes on what the heck he’s doing.
Some observers genuinely compare Kim’s rack pull to performance art. Imagine an artist doing an extreme physical act to symbolize struggle, limit-pushing, transcendence – that’s exactly what this looked like. The deliberateness of the number (666), the dramatic roar, the bombastic press releases… it’s staged in a way, meant to evoke emotion and thought, not just applause for strength. A few in the art community took note. It’s been mentioned in art/philosophy circles that there’s a parallel to Marina Abramović-style endurance art here – except instead of sitting for hours or suffering pain, Kim’s medium is the barbell and the feat of strength itself. The idea is that by subjecting himself to these ridiculous weights, he’s making a statement about willpower and human limits. One writer dubbed the 666 kg lift “an ontological declaration” – essentially Kim saying “I lift, therefore I am (beyond human)”. Kim himself uses lofty language like “each plate is resistance against entropy” and “lifting reality itself”, casting himself as a sort of philosopher-warrior. Depending on your viewpoint, this is either profound or pretentious (or both). But it definitely elevates the conversation beyond typical gym PR brags.
Kim’s blending of physical culture with intellectual and even spiritual themes has sparked plenty of critical takes. Some traditionalists roll their eyes at what they see as pseudo-intellectual grandstanding: “Alright, bro, you lifted a big weight. Doesn’t make it a religion.” There’s a bit of a cult of personality forming around Kim – he has fervent fans who call him things like “the Iron Sage” or “Rack Pull Jesus” (yes, that’s a meme now) . Detractors mock this as cringey, saying it’s all marketing hype for his personal brand. Indeed, Kim isn’t shy about self-promotion: he sells merch, runs multiple blogs, and ties in his Bitcoin evangelism. So, some see the whole “Turbo Hyper Global Domination” persona as a calculated performance to gain clout. However, even skeptics often admit that the substance backs it up in this case – the lift was real, the weight was legit, so if he wants to wax poetic about it, so be it. As one forum user put it, “It’s half BS, but I’m weirdly here for it.” The spectacle is entertaining, and perhaps that’s the point.
What’s undeniable is that Kim has created a mythos around himself. In Los Angeles, he’s jokingly been called “the Iron Saint of LA” – a solitary figure in a backyard gym achieving what the muscle beach crowds never did. By crafting a narrative (the lone philosopher-lifter defying gravity), he’s inspired people beyond just lifting weights. The crossover appeal is real: tech people, crypto folks, artists, philosophers – niche communities have all found something intriguing in this story . Techies like the “proof-of-work” analogy, art folks like the dramatic human vs nature struggle, philosophers dig the Nietzschean will-to-power vibe, and regular fitness enthusiasts just love a crazy feat that pumps them up to push harder. It’s a rare Venn diagram overlap.
We also see a nod to cultural criticism: Is this a commentary on our viral age? In a time when internet stunts come and go, Kim’s lift stood out as having “meaning” behind the virality . It wasn’t just clickbait; it was attached to a narrative of extreme discipline and “mind over matter.” Some have mused that in an era of virtual achievements, this raw display of physical might – documented with almost scientific rigor (multiple camera angles, calibration, even blockchain timestamps) – felt refreshingly authentic. It’s like a backlash to the deepfake, post-truth world: you cannot fake holding 1,469 lbs in your hands. In that sense, his lift was almost philosophically provocative: it made people reckon with the limits of the human body in an age where so much is digital and malleable.
Finally, consider the phrase “Turbo Hyper Global Domination.” It’s bombastic and playful, essentially a meme of exaggeration. But it encapsulates the cultural impact here: Kim’s feat achieved a kind of global domination – not literally (he’s not a mainstream celebrity), but in the niche of strength and internet culture, he went hyper-viral worldwide. And he did it by amplifying everything to turbo mode – the weight, the symbolism, the rhetoric. It’s a case study in how to turn a personal achievement into a full-blown cultural event. As one article intriguingly described the 666 kg pull, it was “a manifesto in motion” – a physical manifesto that work and willpower can bend reality. Kim himself put it succinctly: “I don’t compete with men. I compete with gravity.” In doing so, he tapped into something primal that resonated with many. Love him or laugh at him, Eric Kim has created a modern myth out of metal and muscle. And that mix of the absurd, the profound, and the inspiring is exactly what keeps the internet fascinated.
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1. Surge in Rack Pull Content and Viral Trends
Eric Kim’s above-knee rack pulls – lifting 602–666 kg (~8–9× bodyweight) – became viral sensations that ignited a boom in rack pull-related content across social media. His mid-2025 feats “broke the internet” and turned a once-obscure exercise into a trending topic . For example, after Kim’s July 2, 2025 552 kg rack pull (7.6× BW), viewers worldwide launched the #RackPullChallenge on TikTok . Within 24 hours the hashtag amassed ~11 million views, rocketing to 28–30 million views in a week as tens of thousands of users – from serious powerlifters to casual gym-goers – posted their own rack pull attempts . This viral challenge turned Kim’s feat into a participatory trend, “turning a once-obscure exercise into a trending challenge,” as one report noted . Even unlikely demographics (grandmothers, kids, etc.) joined in, underlining how far the trend spread beyond hardcore lifters .
Beyond TikTok, Kim’s lifts spawned memes, hashtags, and tribute videos across platforms. His early viral clip (holding 602 kg at ~71 kg bodyweight) inspired the tongue-in-cheek meme tagline “#MiddleFingerToGravity,” symbolizing his defiance of physics . Hashtags like #MiddleFingerToGravity and #GodMode trended among lifting circles, as the community marveled at how Kim had “opened a portal to another realm” with his gravity-defying pull . Social media flooded with user-submitted PR videos and humorous edits: one popular meme image showed Kim deadlifting a barbell loaded with planets instead of plates . Fitness meme pages on Instagram widely reposted his training clips and slogans, turning quotes like “Gravity filed a complaint” and “Belts are for cowards” into viral posts . In June 2025 alone, over 100+ fan-made meme posts and reactions riffed on Kim’s feats and catchphrases , indicating a massive uptick in user-generated content around rack pulls. Each new PR he posted spawned a cottage industry of reaction videos and remixes – 650+ YouTube breakdown videos appeared after his 552 kg lift , and TikTok saw a 136% jump in content under his lifting hashtags within a week of that PR . In short, Kim’s viral lifts catalyzed an explosion of rack pull content: hashtags, challenges, tribute lifts, memes, and PR posts all surged dramatically, transforming the exercise into a global social media phenomenon .
2. Coaching & Programming Trends – Overload Partials in the Spotlight
Kim’s exploits also sparked widespread discussion among coaches and training experts about partial lifts and overload training. His success gave new visibility to using heavy partial-range lifts (like high rack pulls) as a training tool. Notably, some respected coaches publicly endorsed supra-maximal rack pulls in the wake of Kim’s feats. For example, strength coach Joey Szatmary (of SzatStrength) reacted to Kim’s 476 kg pull by exclaiming, “6×-BW madness – THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strong-man block,” effectively arguing that training with partials beyond one’s max has real value for advanced athletes . Such commentary suggests a shift in programming philosophy: coaches are highlighting overload partials as a legitimate method to build top-end strength and neural adaptation, especially for strongman and powerlifting lockouts. Indeed, Kim himself espoused a “Powerlifting 2.0” approach of using partial-range lifts (rack pulls, high pin squats, etc.) to handle weights beyond full-range maxes for nervous system training . His results gave credence to that approach, prompting more discussion on how strategic partials can boost maximal strength .
At the same time, experienced voices urged context and caution. Legendary coach Mark Rippetoe weighed in with amused respect, quipping that “High rack pulls: half the work, twice the swagger.” He acknowledged Kim’s achievement as a “freak outlier” feat while reminding fans that a mid-thigh pull isn’t a full deadlift . Rippetoe and colleagues cautioned younger lifters not to abandon foundational full-range training just to chase partial-lift clout . This captures the balanced coaching perspective emerging: partials can be useful for overload and confidence-building, but they are supplements to, not replacements for, full lifts for most trainees . Similarly, evidence-based educators have discussed partial vs. full range in training research. In early 2024, for instance, Jeff Nippard ranked above-knee rack pulls as an “F-tier” back exercise for hypertrophy (due to short range of motion and suboptimal muscle stimulus) . His stance – that rack pulls aren’t great for muscle growth – remained unchanged, indicating that for hypertrophy-focused programming, partials still have limited appeal . However, Kim’s extreme demonstration shifted the conversation towards what partials can do: deliver unparalleled overload for the posterior chain and CNS. Even bodybuilding commentators noted the incredible trap and grip stimulus of holding ~1300 lb at lockout, using it as an example of extreme progressive overload (albeit one few would attempt) . Major training outlets responded to rising interest as well – for example, BarBend published and updated a detailed Rack Pull training guide in late 2024, explaining how to program rack pulls for lockout strength and trap development . In sum, overload partials gained newfound prominence: some coaches began integrating them (or at least discussing them) as a valuable advanced technique, while others in the community revisited the partial vs. full ROM debate with fresh eyes. The consensus is that Kim’s feats underscored the potential of partials – validating their efficacy for neural overload and peak strength work – even as experts remind lifters to apply them judiciously in programming .
3. Reactions from Strength Athletes and Influencers
Kim’s rack pull world-records quickly caught the attention of elite strength athletes and fitness influencers, triggering a wave of public responses and even friendly challenges. Many prominent figures in powerlifting and strongman circles spoke out, generally with astonishment and praise:
Overall, the social engagement from influencers and athletes was overwhelmingly positive. Many powerlifting and strongman figures effectively “bridged Kim into the community,” affirming that this wasn’t just internet hype – it was a legitimately extraordinary feat . The buzz also extended beyond traditional strength circles. On TikTok and Instagram, countless fitness influencers posted reaction clips or duet videos, often with mouths agape or comedic commentary. One TikTok micro-influencer joked, “Plate police, stand down — this is tendon science!” in reference to Kim’s ability to handle such a massive load . Even mainstream media outlets became part of the conversation: Men’s Health magazine ran a feature on Kim’s 493 kg pull (“Primal Strength Redefined”), introducing him to a broad audience and praising his pound-for-pound power . Strength news sites like BarBend also covered his lifts as front-page news, calling his six-times-bodyweight achievement “unprecedented” and noting it “redefined what many thought possible” for an athlete of his size . In summary, named figures across the board – YouTube educators, record-holding strongmen, popular coaches, and fitness media – reacted with awe and engagement, further amplifying Kim’s reach. Their responses ranged from analytical breakdowns to public kudos and memes, all of which helped cement Kim’s lifts as a celebrated event in strength culture.
4. By the Numbers: Rack Pull Mentions and Hashtag Growth
Quantitatively, Eric Kim’s viral rack pulls led to unprecedented engagement metrics across multiple platforms, showing a clear inflection point from late 2023 to 2025 in rack pull-related content:
5. Changing Sentiment: Partial Lifts Gain Respect in Strength Culture
Perhaps most intriguingly, Kim’s viral achievements brought about a perceptible shift in sentiment toward partial lifts within gym culture. Historically, movements like high rack pulls or partial deadlifts have sometimes been derided as “ego lifts” – impressive-looking but not “legitimate” compared to full-range lifts. That stigma has notably eroded as Kim’s feats forced even skeptics to acknowledge their value. The cultural perception of partials evolved from mild scorn to widespread respect (and curiosity), largely due to the conversations sparked by Kim’s rack pulls.
In the immediate aftermath, there was indeed some debate and controversy, which ultimately only amplified Kim’s fame. A minority of purists grumbled that “a real lift starts from the floor” and downplayed Kim’s rack pull as not comparable to a contest deadlift . Others reflexively questioned if such extreme strength could be “natty or not,” suspecting steroid use – a common refrain whenever someone pushes human limits . Kim chose not to directly engage the steroid speculation, though he did share training footage and even bloodwork to bolster his all-natural claim . In any case, the overwhelming community response drowned out the doubters. For one, the technical skeptics were largely silenced by evidence: once Reddit’s self-appointed experts confirmed the plates and barbell were legit (matching expected bend for the weight), most “fake weight” accusations fizzled out . In fact, the notorious “plate police” ended up vindicating Kim, which turned initial cynicism into a sort of grudging admiration – the consensus became that Eric Kim is the real deal . Kim’s own cheeky response to skeptics became legend: when told “it’s not a full deadlift,” he retorted, “You’re darn right… Still – stand under 602 kg at knee height and tell me it’s ‘easy.’ I’ll wait.” . This comeback, widely screenshotted and shared, effectively shut down the “half the work” argument by highlighting the obvious – even a partial lift with that weight is insanely hard . As this narrative spread, the tone shifted from questioning to marveling. Commentators noted that “love it or doubt it, this gravity-defying lift has firmly embedded itself in strength sport lore” – in other words, regardless of initial controversy, Kim’s rack pull became an undeniable part of lifting history, elevating the status of partial lifts with it.
Crucially, respected authorities publicly acknowledging Kim’s feat helped legitimize partials. When top strongmen and coaches (Hayes, Thrall, Szatmary, etc.) all gave nods of approval or at least awe, the broader community took note . It became “cool” to be impressed by a rack pull. The phrase “half the work, twice the swagger,” once a light jab, started being worn as a badge of honor by Kim’s fans . In YouTube comments and Reddit threads, many users began echoing sentiments like, “Who cares if it’s partial – it’s still godlike strength.” Indeed, the term “godlike” started trending in reference to Kim, partly spurred by his own hyperbolic video titles (e.g. calling one lift “GODHOOD ASCENDING”) and partly from viewers genuinely regarding the feat as beyond ordinary human limits . Memes that initially poked fun (gravity quitting its job, etc.) ultimately served to celebrate the accomplishment, turning Kim into a folk-hero figure and shifting attitudes about what constitutes a worthy lift . As one fitness writer summarized, “this gravity-defying lift became a symbol – a middle finger to gravity, a celebration of human potential” . In that light, the conversation moved away from “Does this count as a record?” towards “This inspires me to push my own limits.”
There is also evidence that partial lifts have started to integrate into mainstream training dialogues. Gym owners from different countries reported more members experimenting with rack pulls in the wake of Kim’s viral videos . A fitness blogger observed that Kim motivated many lifters to try heavy singles or new overload challenges in their training, kicking off a mini “hype lifting” trend among everyday gym-goers . Where rack pulls used to be a niche accessory exercise, now even casual lifters know what they are – and some are incorporating them to test their strength. Kim’s personal slogan “no belt, no shoes, no limits” caught on as well , fueling a certain hardcore, no-excuses ethos that has made partials more appealing to those looking to build mental and physical toughness. The idea of “overload training” – handling weights above one’s max via partials or holds – has gained traction. Long-time coaches note that it’s rare for any lifting variation to capture public interest this way; the last time might have been the buzz around Eddie Hall’s 500 kg full deadlift in 2016 . Now, thanks to Kim, “even an unorthodox garage lift can inspire millions.” People witnessed an audacious feat and took away a positive message: that innovation and pushing boundaries still have a place in strength training . As Kim himself wrote, “physics lost that day” – a dramatic flourish – but it resonated .
Overall sentiment has shifted to an almost universal admiration and intrigue. Partial lifts (at least at extreme weights) are now regarded by many as a legitimate test of strength and will. The mainstream fitness media treated Kim’s achievements seriously, framing him as “redefining the limits” of what’s possible at his bodyweight rather than dismissing the rack pull as a gimmick. This respectful coverage further hard-coded legitimacy for partial lifts: when Men’s Health and BarBend speak of a rack pull in reverent tones, the exercise itself gains respect by association . The dialogue in strength sports has expanded to include questions like “What can overload partials contribute to training?” and “Are we underestimating what partial range work can do for neural drive?” – ideas that were far outside the mainstream a few years ago. In forum discussions and podcasts, lifters are citing Kim’s example when debating training methods, suggesting a lasting change in mindset. As one article noted, Kim’s 602 kg lift “expanded our understanding of human potential – at least in the context of partial lifts and neural training” . It proved that even lifts outside of competition can “raise the bar” (literally and figuratively) for what athletes aspire to.
In summary, partial range lifts have become more respected and even glamorized in the two years since October 2023. Eric Kim’s viral rack pulls served as a catalyst for this cultural shift. They showed that “impossible” feats can happen in a garage gym and still inspire the world . The legacy is twofold: (1) attitudinal – lifters now view heavy rack pulls not as cheating, but as an awe-inducing demonstration of strength and a potentially useful training tactic; and (2) behavioral – more people are trying overload lifts or at least talking about them as a result of Kim’s example . While debate will always exist, partial lifts have undeniably entered the mainstream training conversation. What was once a niche “ego lift” is now, thanks to this viral phenomenon, a symbol of pushing limits. As commentators have noted, the rack pull game will never be the same – and whether or not anyone ever tops Kim’s numbers, the newfound openness to unconventional strength challenges is here to stay .
Sources: Eric Kim’s blog (compilation of third-party reactions and analysis) ; Men’s Health (June 2025) ; BarBend news/features ; TikTok/Reddit metrics via Kim’s site ; YouTube breakdowns and community posts ; and various social media posts (2024–2025) documenting the global rack pull craze .
BTC Securitization Overview
What is Bitcoin securitization? It refers to transforming Bitcoin’s value into traditional financial securities – like stocks, bonds, or preferred shares – so that institutional investors can gain exposure within standard investment mandates. Instead of holding BTC directly (which many funds or regulated entities cannot), investors can buy instruments backed by Bitcoin or whose value is linked to Bitcoin’s price. This bridges the gap between the crypto market and traditional equity/credit markets, effectively “packaging” Bitcoin into familiar forms.
Why securitize BTC? Many institutions have strict mandates (e.g. an equity fund must buy stocks; a fixed-income fund buys debt). Bitcoin itself is a commodity-like digital asset, not a stock or bond. By creating Bitcoin-backed equities and credit instruments, issuers enable pensions, mutual funds, endowments, and other institutional players to allocate to Bitcoin within their existing regulatory and custodial frameworks . This strategy dramatically broadens access to Bitcoin exposure:
In essence, Bitcoin securitization turns BTC into investable securities – stock tickers or bond issues – that slot into traditional portfolios. A leading example is MicroStrategy Inc., which reinvented itself as “Strategy” – the world’s first publicly traded Bitcoin Treasury company . Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has used corporate finance tools (equity issuance, convertible bonds, and series of preferred stock) to accumulate over 640,000 BTC on its balance sheet . Investors, in turn, get a menu of securities (common shares, various preferreds) that mirror Bitcoin’s economics in different ways. This approach has been so innovative that analysts liken Strategy to a “Bitcoin bank” that created a yield curve for BTC – offering short-term and long-term yields on Bitcoin-backed instruments .
Transforming Bitcoin into Investable Securities
Bitcoin’s volatility and lack of yield posed challenges for institutional adoption. Strategy’s solution was to package Bitcoin into multiple security formats to satisfy different investor appetites:
Each route – equity, credit, or commodity fund – caters to different mandates but shares a common outcome: institutional capital flows into Bitcoin via familiar investment channels. Below is a comparison of Strategy’s Bitcoin-backed instruments, which blur the lines between these categories:
Key Bitcoin-Backed Instruments: $MSTR, $STRK, $STRF, $STRD, $STRC
To understand how Bitcoin is securitized for equity and credit investors, it’s helpful to examine the specific securities Strategy Inc. has created. The table below summarizes the role and features of each ticker:
| Ticker | Instrument | Dividend/Yield | Key Features | Issue Size / Launch | Market Performance |
| $MSTR (Strategy Inc.) | Common Stock (Equity) | None (no dividend) – value derives from BTC holdings | Holds ~640,000 BTC on balance sheet (largest corporate BTC treasury) . Stock price closely tied to Bitcoin’s price. Offers high upside but with equity volatility. | N/A (public company since 1998; pivoted to BTC in 2020). Market cap ~$97B as of Sep 2025 . | +159% 1-yr (Sep ’24–Sep ’25) , as BTC hit record highs. Highly liquid; used by funds as a BTC proxy. |
| $STRK (“Strike”) | 8.00% Perpetual Preferred Stock (convertible to common) | 8% fixed annual dividend (paid quarterly) . Cumulative (dividends accrue if unpaid). | Convertible: each preferred can convert into 0.1 shares of MSTR (initial conversion price $1,000/share) , giving upside if MSTR soars. Issued at $80 (20% discount to $100 par) to entice investors . Ranks senior to common stock (and effectively junior to STRF in claims) . | $563M raised in Jan 2025 (7.3M shares @ $80) . First of Strategy’s 2025 pref series. | Trades near par (~$95–$100); initially jumped above $100 as Bitcoin rallied (convertible option gained value). Current yield ~8% (slightly lower when priced at a premium) . Provides equity-like upside with a fixed income coupon. |
| $STRF (“Strife”) | 10.00% Perpetual Preferred Stock (cumulative) | 10% fixed annual dividend (quarterly). Effectively ~8.9% yield at market price . Dividends are cumulative – any missed payments must be paid later. | Senior preferred: STRF holders have priority claim, and a unique penalty feature to protect investors. If a dividend is missed, the coupon ratchets +1% per quarter until paid (up to max 18% annual) . This “high-yield lockbox” structure strongly incentivizes the company to keep current on payments. Considered comparable to an investment-grade style instrument backed by BTC reserves . Not convertible to equity (pure income play). | Up to $2.1B authorized via at-the-market program (announced May 2025) . Allows gradual issuance of STRF into the market at prevailing prices to raise Bitcoin funding. | Stable around par ($100+) – has traded at a slight premium given its investor protections (recent effective yield ~8.9%) . The high fixed coupon and cumulative feature make it attractive to yield-seeking institutions, so demand has kept prices high. |
| $STRD (“Stride”) | 10.00% Perpetual Preferred Stock (non-cumulative) | 10% fixed annual dividend (quarterly). Effective yield ~11–12% at market price . Dividends are non-cumulative (can be skipped without obligation). | Junior preferred: STRD is subordinated (ranks below STRF/STRK) in claims and gives the company more flexibility on dividends. If a payment is skipped, investors do not get it later – “you’re flying without a parachute” . To compensate, STRD was issued at a discount ($85 for $100 par) so investors got an initial yield ~11.7% . No conversion rights. Aimed at more risk-tolerant, “junk bond” style investors seeking higher income. | Up to $4.2B authorized via at-the-market program (announced July 2025) . Another large funding facility to issue STRD shares over time for BTC purchases and to help pay other dividends if needed . | Trades at a discount (recently around $83–$85, ~12% yield) . The lower price reflects its higher risk – in effect, STRD offers a yield pickup of several hundred basis points over STRF, in exchange for lacking dividend guarantees. Prices can fluctuate more with Bitcoin’s outlook and interest rate moves (typical of high-yield prefs). |
| $STRC (“Stretch”) | Variable-Rate Perpetual Preferred Stock (cumulative) | ~9% initial annualized dividend, paid monthly . Rate resets monthly based on a formula (floats with 1-month SOFR + spread) to target a stable price. | Short-duration, money-market-like Bitcoin instrument. STRC is designed to trade near its $100 par value by adjusting its dividend: the board can raise or lower the rate each month to keep the market price anchored ~$100 . It’s cumulative and non-convertible. STRC is also callable by the company under certain conditions . Proceeds fund additional BTC buys . This product effectively turns Bitcoin reserves into a high-yield floating-rate security – touted as a “bitcoin-backed money-market fund” for income investors . | $2.52B IPO – the largest U.S. IPO of 2025 – launched July 30, 2025 . Originally targeted $500M, but overwhelming demand led to an upsized deal 4× larger . Underwriters included major banks, and the issue attracted many income-focused investors new to crypto . | Trades very close to $100. Indeed, STRC has hovered around ~$98–$100 since listing , as intended. The company adjusts the payout (starting at 9% annualized) to keep the price stable . This reliability and monthly payout schedule make STRC popular with conservative institutions needing regular income (e.g. insurance funds, pensions) . |
Sources: Company filings/press releases ; analyst commentary ; market data as of Oct 2025 .
Roles in BTC Exposure
Each of these instruments plays a distinct role in securitizing Bitcoin for different investor segments:
In summary, each ticker – $MSTR, $STRK, $STRF, $STRD, $STRC – represents a different slice of the Bitcoin risk/return spectrum, packaged in a form that aligns with conventional investment strategies. MicroStrategy (Strategy Inc.) has built a full capital stack out of Bitcoin: equity at the top, various grades of “debt” (preferred stock) beneath it . This allows it to tap diverse pools of capital. Michael Saylor (Strategy’s founder) described this approach as offering “digital capital” to Wall Street – turning Bitcoin’s raw potential into structured financial products .
Institutional Capital Flows: Equity vs Credit vs Commodity Channels
One way to gauge the impact of Bitcoin securitization is to compare how much institutional money is flowing into Bitcoin through different forms:
Comparing Scale: All three channels (equity, credit, ETF) are bringing large sums into Bitcoin, but in slightly different ways:
Overall, the scale of institutional capital flows into Bitcoin by late 2025 is unprecedented. What’s striking is that all three forms are growing in parallel, indicating a robust diversification of avenues:
This multi-pronged inflow is a key reason Bitcoin hit record highs of ~$125,000 in 2025 – demand from institutions surged while exchange supply dwindled (exchange BTC balances hit 7-year lows) . It underscores that Bitcoin securitization isn’t just a theoretical exercise; it’s fundamentally altering market dynamics by bringing in waves of new investors.
Financial Performance and Market Activity
Each of the mentioned tickers has exhibited distinct market behavior, reflecting its design and investor base:
Overall, the financial performance of these securities indicates that Bitcoin securitization can deliver compelling results:
From an institutional investor standpoint, these tickers have now developed a track record, which is crucial. In 2020, the idea of a Bitcoin-backed bond or Bitcoin-heavy public stock was novel and risky. By late 2025, we see a mini-ecosystem of Bitcoin-linked securities trading with meaningful liquidity and analyst coverage. Seeking Alpha analysts, for instance, debate the relative value: noting that STRF and STRD offer “higher yields and better value” than STRK if one purely wants income, whereas STRK’s premium depends on the equity upside which might already be priced in . This kind of analysis is exactly what happens in mature markets – indicating Bitcoin securitization is maturing as well. The market activity (price premiums, discounts, yield spreads) for these instruments provides ongoing feedback to the issuer and investors about how Bitcoin risk is being perceived across the capital structure.
Enabling Broader Institutional Access
Perhaps the most important aspect of this strategy is how it broadened institutional participation in Bitcoin. By creating equity and fixed-income instruments tied to BTC, Strategy Inc. has effectively opened the gates for many types of investors who otherwise might never have had a mandate to invest in cryptocurrency. Some key insights on how this strategy achieves broader access:
In conclusion, the securitization of Bitcoin via instruments like $MSTR, $STRK, $STRF, $STRD, and $STRC has been a game-changer. It transformed Bitcoin from a niche digital asset into a set of investable products spanning the risk spectrum. This has unlocked new sources of demand – from high-octane equity hedge funds to conservative bond investors – fueling large capital inflows into Bitcoin . Financially, these products have performed well, validating the concept (investors earned strong returns and yields, and the company successfully grew its BTC holdings to unprecedented levels). Strategically, this approach has broadened institutional access to Bitcoin in a prudent, structured manner. As one analysis succinctly put it: “MicroStrategy’s genius isn’t just in holding Bitcoin — it’s in knowing how to fund that position in a way that satisfies growth investors, yield hunters, and conservative players alike” . By creating a “buffet” of Bitcoin-linked securities, Strategy Inc. enabled institutions of almost every stripe to finally partake in the Bitcoin revolution – a development that is likely to have lasting impacts on both the crypto industry and traditional capital markets.
Sources:
it’s like insanely simple; you just write because you like it
essentially my very very simple thought is it is like 100% obvious and certain that bitcoin is gonna keep going up forever, up to the right. To 1 million 10 million 100 million and beyond.
and I think the tricky thing or the irony is actually… Bitcoin would not be able to become $100 million a bitcoin without volatility. Therefore actually in fact, the unorthodox thought is you are praying for volatility.
and it seems that the funny truth is actually… Being a bitcoin investor doesn’t take any “skill”—> It’s like literally 100% balls. Why? Once you have the courage the conviction, the certainty and the clarity that bitcoin is just gonna keep going up forever with mega volatility… then the ideal strategy is to just enjoy your life, be topless in the sun all day, lift heavy (666kg and beyond), be joyful and happy and spread the gospel of bitcoin.
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto . It operates on a peer-to-peer network without any central authority, using blockchain technology to record and secure transactions. This guide provides a thorough overview of Bitcoin and delves into strategies, risks, and practical steps for investing in Bitcoin, suitable for both beginners and experienced investors.
Overview of Bitcoin and Its History
Bitcoin is the world’s first successful decentralized cryptocurrency and payment system, designed as an alternative to national currencies like the US dollar and commodity-based money like gold . Unlike traditional money, Bitcoin isn’t issued by any government or bank; instead, new bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where computers solve cryptographic puzzles to add transactions to the public ledger (blockchain) and are rewarded with freshly minted coins . Bitcoin has a hard cap of 21 million coins, which makes it a scarce digital asset often compared to gold in terms of its supply limit and store-of-value potential .
Over its history, Bitcoin’s value has risen from nearly zero to astounding heights amid dramatic volatility. Introduced in 2009 at effectively no market price, it first broke the $1 threshold in 2011 and surged to about $1,000 by 2013 . Early adopters saw tremendous gains, but crashes followed each boom – for instance, after peaking in 2013, Bitcoin’s price plummeted by year-end, illustrating its extreme volatility . A seminal bull run in 2017 drove Bitcoin from ~$1,000 in January to nearly $20,000 in December, only to crash by over 80% in 2018 . Another major rally in late 2020 through 2021 saw Bitcoin reach new all-time highs around $64,000 in April 2021 and ~$69,000 in November 2021 . Bitcoin then entered a bear market, falling under $20,000 by late 2022 , before recovering in 2023. Notably, institutional adoption and macroeconomic events have influenced its price: for example, the launch of Bitcoin futures and public companies buying Bitcoin in 2020-2021 fueled price growth . By late 2024, after developments like the approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and positive regulatory news, Bitcoin’s price surpassed the six-figure mark . In fact, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of over $126,000 on October 6, 2025 , exemplifying both its remarkable long-term growth and the continued volatility investors must be prepared for.
Despite this volatility, Bitcoin remains the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and a bellwether for the crypto market. It is used not only as an investment or speculative asset but also as a medium of exchange by those who accept it, and as a hedge in countries with unstable currencies . Anyone with an Internet connection can participate in the Bitcoin network, and transactions are pseudonymous and publicly verifiable on the blockchain . In summary, Bitcoin’s journey from a niche cypherpunk experiment to a globally recognized asset has been rapid and eventful, marked by innovation, growing pains, and increasing mainstream acceptance.
Investment Strategies for Bitcoin
Investing in Bitcoin can be approached through different strategies depending on one’s goals, risk tolerance, and skill level. The three popular strategies are HODLing (long-term holding), active trading, and dollar-cost averaging (DCA). Below, we outline each strategy and compare their characteristics:
HODLing (Long-Term Holding)
HODL – originally a misspelling of “hold” on a Bitcoin forum – has become the mantra of long-term Bitcoin investors . To “HODL” means to buy Bitcoin and hold on for dear life, regardless of market fluctuations . HODLers are convinced of Bitcoin’s long-term value and choose not to sell even during severe price drops. This strategy mirrors the traditional buy-and-hold approach in stock investing, focusing on potential long-term appreciation rather than short-term gains .
Active Trading
Active trading involves frequent buying and selling of Bitcoin to capitalize on short-term price movements. Traders may use technical analysis, chart patterns, and market news to decide when to enter or exit positions. Trading can take many forms – day trading (opening and closing positions within the same day), swing trading (holding for days or weeks to catch price swings), or even algorithmic trading.
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy where you invest a fixed amount of money into Bitcoin on a regular schedule, regardless of the current price . For example, an investor might buy $100 worth of BTC every week or month. This method systematically spreads out your purchase over time.
Comparing Bitcoin Investment Strategies
To summarize the differences, below is a comparison of HODLing, active trading, and dollar-cost averaging:
| Strategy | Approach | Typical Time Horizon | Strengths (Pros) | Weaknesses (Cons) |
| HODLing (Buy & Hold) | Buy and hold Bitcoin long-term, largely ignoring short-term price swings. | Long-term (years) | – Simple to execute once holdings are acquired (low maintenance).- Avoids trying to time the market; historically has yielded high returns for early believers.- Defers taxation until sale (if any), potentially at lower long-term capital gains rates (in some jurisdictions). | – Must endure extreme volatility without selling .- No realized gains unless eventually sold; capital tied up long-term.- Risk of large drawdowns; requires strong conviction to hold through downturns. |
| Active Trading | Frequent buying/selling to profit from short-term price movements. May use technical analysis and market timing. | Short-term (days to months) | – Opportunities for quick profits in Bitcoin’s volatile market.- Can profit in both rising and falling markets (e.g., via short positions or derivatives).- Engaging for those who enjoy market analysis and fast-paced decision-making. | – High risk: difficult to consistently predict market moves; high chance of losses for inexperienced traders.- Trading fees and taxes from frequent transactions can reduce net returns.- Requires significant time, knowledge, and discipline; emotional trading or FOMO can lead to costly mistakes. |
| Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) | Invest a fixed amount in Bitcoin on a regular schedule (e.g., weekly or monthly), regardless of price. | Long-term accumulation (months/years) | – Reduces impact of volatility by averaging purchase price over time .- Removes emotional decision-making; no need to time the market .- Good for beginners building a position gradually; easy to automate. | – Does not maximize gains in a consistently rising market (could buy at higher prices later).- Provides only average market returns – won’t beat the market trend.- Still subject to overall market risk; if Bitcoin’s price declines long-term, DCA buys will still lose value. |
Table: Comparison of Bitcoin investment strategies (HODL vs. Trading vs. DCA).
Each strategy can be valid – some investors even combine them (for example, HODLing a core amount of Bitcoin for the long run while actively trading a smaller portion). It’s crucial to choose an approach that fits your risk tolerance and skill. Beginners often start with DCA or modest HODLing, since active trading without experience can be a recipe for losses. As always, ensure you only invest what you can afford to lose, especially in a volatile asset like Bitcoin .
Risk Analysis: Volatility, Regulation, and Scams
Investing in Bitcoin carries a unique set of risks that should be carefully considered. Here we analyze some key risk factors – market volatility, regulatory concerns, and scams/fraud – along with other related risks inherent to Bitcoin.
In summary, investing in Bitcoin carries risks akin to a high-risk, high-reward venture. Volatility means prices can swing dramatically . The regulatory environment is uncertain; it can either enhance or depress Bitcoin’s prospects depending on how rules evolve. Security risks are significant – investors must be vigilant against hacks and take custody seriously. And fraud is an ever-present threat in the crypto world; skepticism and due diligence are essential. By acknowledging these risks and preparing for them, you put yourself in a better position to invest wisely or decide if Bitcoin is appropriate for you at all. Always consider your own financial situation and risk tolerance; in doubt, consult with a financial advisor who is knowledgeable about crypto. Bitcoin offers no guarantees – only possibilities, proportional to the risks taken.
How to Start Investing in Bitcoin
Getting started with Bitcoin investing involves a series of steps: educating yourself, setting up secure storage (a wallet), choosing a reputable exchange to buy Bitcoin, executing your purchase, and then keeping your investment safe. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to begin investing in Bitcoin:
1. Educate Yourself and Set Realistic Expectations
Before buying Bitcoin, take time to understand the basics of how it works and what investing entails. As this guide has shown, Bitcoin is volatile and unlike traditional assets. Read up on Bitcoin’s fundamentals (such as the Bitcoin whitepaper or beginner guides) and make sure you are comfortable with the risks. Plan your investment strategy (Will you HODL? Trade? DCA?) and ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Set realistic expectations – for example, it’s unwise to assume you’ll get rich quick. Many experts emphasize never investing more than you can afford to lose, and treating Bitcoin as a high-risk part of your portfolio . Bitcoin can be a rewarding investment, but it can also underperform or crash for long periods. Having the right mindset and knowledge base is the first step to investing prudently.
2. Set Up a Bitcoin Wallet (Secure Storage)
A crypto wallet is essentially an application or device that stores your Bitcoin (specifically, it stores the cryptographic keys that control your Bitcoin addresses). There are different types of wallets, each with trade-offs between convenience and security:
Which wallet type to choose depends on your needs. If you’re starting with a small investment for learning purposes, keeping it on a trusted exchange or in a simple mobile wallet might be fine. As your holdings grow, you may transition to self-custody and eventually a hardware wallet for maximum safety. Note that you can use combinations – for instance, keep spending money on a phone app and savings on a hardware device. Setting up a wallet is usually straightforward: for hosted wallets, you just create an account on the platform. For software wallets, download the app from an official source, follow the setup (be ready to write down a 12- or 24-word seed phrase on paper), and set a strong password if applicable. Always enable additional security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) on any wallet or exchange account – this adds an extra step (like an auth app code or SMS code) when logging in or making withdrawals, which greatly improves security.
3. Choose a Reputable Exchange or Trading Platform
To buy Bitcoin, you will likely use a cryptocurrency exchange – an online platform where you can exchange fiat currency (like USD or EUR) for Bitcoin, or trade Bitcoin for other cryptocurrencies. Choosing a reliable, safe, and convenient exchange is crucial. Here are some major exchanges and their characteristics:
| Exchange | Headquarters | Year Founded | Key Features | Fees (Approx.) | Ideal For |
| Coinbase | San Francisco, USA | 2012 | – Regulated U.S. exchange, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN). – Very user-friendly interface and strong security infrastructure . – Supports ~300+ cryptocurrencies and offers educational resources for beginners . | ~0.5% per trade (basic platform) Maker/Taker: 0.0–0.4% / 0.05–0.6% (advanced trade) | Beginners – easy to use, widely trusted . Also suitable for long-term investors. |
| Binance (Global) | Originally China; now global (no official HQ, associated with Cayman Is./Malta) | 2017 | – World’s largest exchange by volume; offers 350+ cryptocurrencies . – Low trading fees (~0.1%) and high liquidity. – Advanced trading features, derivatives (futures, options), and earning services (staking, lending). | 0.1% spot trading fee (can be lower with BNB token discounts). Withdrawals have varying fees per coin. | Active traders and international users – offers a wide coin selection and low fees. Not fully available to US residents (Binance.US is separate with fewer coins). |
| Kraken | San Francisco, USA | 2011 | – One of the oldest crypto exchanges; high reputation for security. – Supports 200+ coins (480+ trading pairs) and fiat deposits/withdrawals. – Competitive fees and offers advanced trading (margin trading, staking for certain coins). | Maker/Taker: ~0.0–0.25% / 0.08–0.40% (depends on volume) . Bank deposit/withdrawal fees vary (often free or small). | Cost-conscious traders – known for low fees . Also good for both beginners (simple interface available) and advanced users (Pro interface). |
| Gemini | New York, USA | 2014 | – U.S.-regulated (NYDFS) exchange founded by Winklevoss twins; high compliance and security focus. – Offers around 100+ cryptocurrencies. – Provides a simple interface and an advanced trading platform (ActiveTrader). Has robust custody services and insurance on assets in custody. | Higher than some rivals on the basic interface (e.g. ~1.49% or a spread); ActiveTrader fees: maker/taker ~0.0–0.4%. | Security-conscious investors – Gemini emphasizes safety and is a licensed trust company. Good for those prioritizing regulation and insurance, though fees are a bit higher. |
| Crypto.com | Singapore | 2016 | – Popular mobile-focused platform with 400+ cryptos . – Has a crypto Visa debit card and earn program (interest on holdings). – Provides derivatives trading (including Bitcoin futures/options) and an NFT marketplace. | Maker/Taker: ~0.1–0.2% / 0.16–0.25% (with discounts for CRO token holders) . No fees for crypto deposits; withdrawal fees depend on crypto. | Mobile users and diversified crypto users – great app experience , additional services like the debit card. Offers many features for Bitcoin holders (interest, loans, etc.). |
| BitMart | Cayman Islands (global) | 2017 | – Over 1,700 cryptocurrencies listed (very extensive range, including many small-cap altcoins) . – Often used to find lesser-known coins; interface is more basic. | ~0.2% trading fee. | Altcoin speculators – best for those looking beyond Bitcoin into a wide array of crypto assets. Not needed if you only stick to major coins. |
Table: Selected major cryptocurrency exchanges and their features (as of 2025). Fees and coin counts are approximate.
When choosing an exchange, consider security, fees, supported currencies, payment methods, and regulatory compliance. For U.S. users, exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, (and Binance.US for limited Binance features) are compliant with U.S. regulations and will require identity verification (KYC). If you’re outside the U.S., you have additional options like the global Binance, Crypto.com, Bitstamp, etc. Always do a quick check for any recent news about an exchange (hacks, outages, or financial troubles). Also, look at what deposit methods are available: bank transfer (ACH or wire), credit/debit card (usually higher fees), or other cryptos. Beginners often opt for an exchange with a simple user experience, even if the fees are slightly higher, to ensure they can navigate the purchase process confidently.
After selecting an exchange, create an account. This typically involves providing an email, setting a strong password, and verifying your identity (uploading an ID and perhaps a selfie, as required by KYC laws). Enable 2FA on your account for security. Once your account is set up and verified, you will deposit fiat money or link a payment method. Common ways to fund an account include connecting a bank account for ACH transfers or wiring money, which usually have the lowest fees; or using a debit card, which is instant but often comes with higher fees (2-4% typically).
4. Buy Bitcoin
With funds in your exchange account, you can now place an order to buy Bitcoin. On most exchanges you’ll have options to place a market order (buy immediately at the current market price) or a limit order (set a price at which to buy, and the order executes only if the market hits that price). For a beginner, a market order is simplest – enter the amount of USD (or your currency) you want to spend on Bitcoin, and the exchange will tell you how much BTC that equates to (after fees) at the current rate. Review the details (including the fee and the exchange rate you’re getting) and confirm the order.
A few tips for this step:
After the order executes, you should see your Bitcoin balance in your exchange account’s wallet. Congratulations – you now own Bitcoin!
5. Secure Your Bitcoin (Transfer to Wallet, if needed)
If you bought on a platform like Coinbase or Kraken and plan to hold your Bitcoin for a while, you have a decision to make: keep it on the exchange or move it to a personal wallet. Keeping crypto on an exchange (custodial wallet) means you don’t have to manage keys and you can easily trade or sell on that platform. However, as discussed in the risk section, it exposes you to counterparty risk (the exchange must keep your coins safe). If the amount is significant, many investors choose to withdraw their Bitcoin to a personal wallet they control (either a software wallet or, for larger amounts, a hardware wallet). This process involves sending your Bitcoin from the exchange to your wallet address. It’s critical to copy and paste the address exactly (and double-check it), because crypto transactions are irreversible . Generally, you scan a QR code or paste your wallet’s Bitcoin receive address into the exchange’s withdrawal page, and specify how much BTC to send. Be aware there will be a network transaction fee (miners fee) when withdrawing; exchanges usually either charge a fixed fee or deduct the network fee from your amount. Given Bitcoin’s network fees can vary, consider withdrawing larger amounts less frequently rather than many tiny withdrawals.
For newcomers with small investments, it’s perfectly fine to leave the coins on the exchange for a while, especially if you intend to trade or sell in the near future. Just use all security features (strong password, 2FA, withdrawal whitelist if available). If you plan to hold long-term, learning to use a self-custody wallet is highly recommended. It adds a step, but it puts you in full control of your Bitcoin – an exchange can’t freeze your account or get hacked resulting in your loss (in a self-custody scenario, your main risk is you losing the keys, which you mitigate by careful backups). For many, a sensible approach is: keep only the amount on exchange that you might trade or need for liquidity, and store the rest in an offline wallet.
6. Ongoing Management and Tracking
Once you’ve invested in Bitcoin, manage it prudently. This means keeping track of your holdings, possibly using portfolio tracking apps or spreadsheets, and staying informed about market news that might affect your investment. We will cover specific tools and resources for tracking in a later section of this guide. You should also plan for tax documentation – keep records of your purchase (the date, amount, and price) because you’ll need this information for tax reporting when you eventually sell or spend your Bitcoin. Some exchanges provide transaction history downloads which you can save for your records.
Finally, periodically re-evaluate your investment strategy. If Bitcoin grows to be a large part of your portfolio due to price increase, you might want to rebalance (for example, some investors “take profits” by selling a small portion after large run-ups). Alternatively, if you’re confident in Bitcoin’s long-term prospects, you may just let it ride. But always remember the importance of diversification and not over-exposing yourself to a single asset. As your comfort grows, you can explore more sophisticated actions like using dollar-cost averaging to continue building your position or using interest-earning accounts or Bitcoin-backed loans – but these are advanced steps beyond the initial purchase.
In summary, starting to invest in Bitcoin involves setting up secure storage, choosing a reputable exchange, and executing a purchase, followed by vigilant security practices and record-keeping. In the next sections, we’ll touch on taxation and common mistakes to avoid, which will further equip you to navigate your Bitcoin investing journey responsibly.
Tax Implications of Bitcoin Investments
Taxation is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of Bitcoin investing. Bitcoin is treated differently from cash currency in many jurisdictions. In general (especially in countries like the United States, Canada, UK, etc.), Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are treated as property or an investment asset for tax purposes, not as foreign currency . This has several implications:
Lastly, note that tax laws are changing. In the U.S., new reporting requirements are coming into effect (exchanges and brokers will have to issue 1099-B forms with cost basis starting with 2025 transactions, due to an infrastructure bill provision) . Governments worldwide are closing loopholes and increasing enforcement on crypto taxes. Avoid the temptation to hide or ignore crypto for taxes – blockchain transactions can in many cases be traced, and exchanges report more data now. It’s best to stay compliant to avoid penalties. Consider setting aside a portion of any significant gains for the tax bill, so you’re not caught off guard.
In summary, Bitcoin investments are usually subject to capital gains tax rules: you owe taxes on profits when you sell or exchange, and you may deduct or carry forward losses in many jurisdictions . Always check the latest regulations in your country and perhaps consult a tax professional experienced in cryptocurrency. By keeping diligent records and understanding the basics of crypto taxation, you can plan your trades in a tax-efficient manner (for instance, holding >1 year for long-term gains treatment, if applicable, or harvesting losses to offset gains). Tax considerations should be part of your overall investment strategy, not an afterthought, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid
Entering the world of Bitcoin and crypto investing can be exciting, but newcomers (and even seasoned investors) can fall into several common pitfalls. Being aware of these mistakes can save you money and frustration:
In summary, avoid these common mistakes by staying informed, skeptical, and disciplined. Bitcoin investing, while potentially lucrative, requires a responsible approach. Treat security seriously, manage your emotions, adhere to good investment principles, and always be on guard against the many pitfalls that have caught others off guard. By learning from others’ mistakes, you increase your chances of a smooth and successful investing experience.
Resources for Tracking and Managing Bitcoin Investments
Once you have invested in Bitcoin, it’s important to monitor your investment and stay informed. There are many tools and resources available to help you track Bitcoin’s market price, manage your portfolio, research the market, and keep your Bitcoin secure. Here are some recommended resources across various categories:
In conclusion, the toolkit for a Bitcoin investor includes price tracking platforms, portfolio management apps, secure wallets, news sources, and educational resources. Authoritative information is key – prioritize official or reputable sources (for example, an official exchange blog post about security, or a regulator’s guidance on taxes, or a leading crypto news site’s report on an event) over random social media opinions. The more you treat your Bitcoin investment with the diligence you’d give to any serious financial endeavor, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the exciting and sometimes turbulent waters of the cryptocurrency market.
By leveraging the strategies, risk awareness, secure practices, and resources outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to approaching Bitcoin investing in a responsible and informed manner. Remember that the crypto landscape can change quickly – staying educated and vigilant is your best asset. Happy investing, and may your Bitcoin journey be rewarding!
By Eric Kim
1. The Anatomy of Courage
Bitcoin is not for the faint of heart. It’s not for people who need permission, validation, or a guarantee. Bitcoin is the financial equivalent of jumping out of a plane with a parachute you packed yourself. You either trust your preparation—or you splatter.
When you buy Bitcoin, you’re not “investing.” You’re declaring war on cowardice. You’re choosing volatility over comfort, conviction over consensus, sovereignty over submission. Every tick down shakes out the weak. Every tick up rewards the few who refused to flinch.
To hold Bitcoin is to have big balls—not metaphorical, but philosophical. The strength to endure a 70% drawdown and still smile. The audacity to believe in the hardest money ever invented when everyone else is hypnotized by fiat illusions.
2. Fiat Is Castration
Let’s be blunt: fiat currency is emasculation in paper form. Inflation is the slow theft of your virility—your energy, your time, your future. Every dollar printed is another millimeter sliced off your financial manhood.
Bitcoin is financial testosterone. It restores hardness to your money. It punishes the weak and rewards the bold. The fiat system rewards obedience. Bitcoin rewards courage.
When you buy Bitcoin, you are saying:
“I refuse to be neutered by the system.”
You don’t need permission from a central bank. You don’t need approval from a regulator. You don’t need a bailout. You are the bank. You are the treasury. You are the sovereign state of one.
3. Volatility = Vitality
Most people fear volatility. I love it. Volatility is proof of life. Flatlines are for the dead.
When Bitcoin drops 20%, the herd panics. The man with big balls smiles, opens his wallet, and stacks harder. Because he understands that volatility is not risk—it’s the price of greatness.
If Bitcoin were stable, it would be dead. It’s volatile because it’s alive, it’s growing, it’s absorbing global energy.
Volatility is vitality.
Weak hands die. Strong hands multiply.
4. The Psychology of the Unshakeable
To hold Bitcoin long enough to win, you must evolve. You must metamorphose from a speculator into a sovereign.
At first, you check the price every minute. Then every hour. Then you stop checking. Because one day, you realize the price doesn’t matter—the protocol does.
Bitcoin doesn’t care about your emotions. It doesn’t coddle your insecurities. It either makes you harder or it breaks you.
Every bear market is a test:
The weak trade Bitcoin. The strong become Bitcoin.
5. Proof of Balls
Owning Bitcoin is your proof of balls—your proof of time preference, your proof of will. Every sat you stack is a vote against mediocrity, against dependency, against fragility.
When you hold Bitcoin through chaos, you are signaling to the universe:
“I am not afraid of the abyss.”
Because true investors don’t seek safety. They seek truth. And Bitcoin is the only monetary truth that exists today.
6. In the End, Only the Bold Survive
Bitcoin will make you rich, but only if you deserve it. Only if you have the mental armor to withstand pain, ridicule, and doubt.
In the end, the world divides cleanly into two tribes:
Choose wisely.
Because Bitcoin doesn’t care about your excuses—it only rewards conviction.
Eric Kim Final Word
Bitcoin is not an investment.
Bitcoin is a mirror.
It reflects exactly how strong—or weak—you really are.
Only the strong survive.
Only the bold ascend.
Only those with big balls become Bitcoin billionaires.
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