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Cover of the first edition of The Lessons of History (1968) by Will and Ariel Durant .  Will and Ariel Durant were veteran historians who spent 50+ years writing their 11-volume Story of Civilization.  In 1968 they distilled their insights into this compact, 120-page volume .  The Lessons of History offers a sweeping, panoramic summary of human history over 5,000 years, organized into 13 short chapters.  Each chapter examines a major theme (e.g. Geography, Biology, Morals, Government, War, Progress) and teases out the enduring patterns in how peoples and societies behave .  The Durants wrote with humility and clarity, noting that we only see history “through partial knowledge,” so they proceed cautiously: “only a fool would try to compress a hundred centuries into a hundred pages” .  The result is a masterpiece of distillation : a bold, concise overview of civilization that illuminates our present by learning the lessons of the past.

The book is arranged in 13 chapters (I–XIII) – from Hesitations through History and the Earth to Is Progress Real? – each addressing one “lens” through which the Durants view history.  They cover topics like geography, biology, character, economics and religion, showing how each shapes human events.  They stress that human nature is essentially constant: across millennia, our fundamental drives (competition, family ties, ingenuity, creativity) remain the same, even as technology and institutions evolve .  In their words, “the past is an encouraging remembrance of generative souls” – a heritage we inherit and pass on .  The tone is philosophical yet hopeful: the Durants find meaning in history as a celestial city of the mind, where the achievements of statesmen, artists, scientists, poets and saints continue to inspire us .

Key Themes and Historical Insights

• Cycles and Patterns of Human Nature:  History tends to repeat because human nature changes only with “geological leisureliness.”  The Durants observe that, in broad strokes, people respond to familiar situations (hunger, danger, conflict) in stereotyped ways .  In Chapter XII they note: “History repeats itself in the large because human nature changes with geological leisureliness…” .  This idea means that while technologies and cultures shift, the core problems (power struggles, fear, ambition) keep reappearing.  The implication is one of humility: we are “a brief spot in space,” our knowledge limited .  (Indeed, “most history is guessing, and the rest is prejudice,” as they quip .)
• Geography and Technology:  The Durants emphasize that geography set early limits on civilizations.  Environment, climate and terrain shaped which societies thrived – Egypt’s Nile, Mesopotamia’s rivers, and so on.  However, human ingenuity gradually overcame these handicaps.  They write “geography is the matrix of history”, and that geographic factors lose influence as technology grows  .  In other words, once people mastered agriculture, navigation or industry, they could rise above some environmental constraints.  This theme suggests optimism: we’ve consistently invented solutions (from dams to airplanes) that expand our possibilities.
• Biology and Competition:  A fundamental insight is that the laws of biology are the fundamental lessons of history .  In Chapter III they explain the three “biological lessons”:
  
  1. Competition: Life is fundamentally competitive. When resources are plenty, groups may cooperate, but scarcity brings conflict.  “Competition is not only the life of trade, it is the trade of life — peaceful when food abounds, violent when mouths outrun food,” they note .
  2. Selection: Natural selection shapes history. Some groups or individuals succeed (survive and reproduce) better than others .
  3. Breeding (Reproduction): Life must breed or perish. Populations tend to grow until checked by famine, disease or war .
     These themes imply that conflict and innovation are natural in human affairs.  They also lead to sharp insights like: “Inequality is not only natural and inborn; it grows with the complexity of civilization” .  In short, great disparities in talent, wealth or power will always arise (and often widen) unless deliberately balanced by social institutions.
• Ideas and Culture:  The Durants celebrate the power of ideas.  They observe that every tool or institution began as an idea, so ideas drive history.  “Ideas are the strongest things of all in history, because even a gun was originally an idea,” they write .  Scientific and philosophical ideas ripple forward: what is science today was once religion or myth, and today’s politics were yesterday’s philosophy .  Culture and education transmit these insights across generations.  In Chapter XIII they stress that “progress” means our increasing control of the environment by life, and that education is simply passing our collected heritage on to the next generation  .  This is a hopeful theme: each generation builds on the ideas of the last.
• Morality and Religion:  The Durants take a pragmatic view of morals and faith.  They define morals as the rules a society uses to promote its security and order .  Historically, many traits we now call “sins” were once survival virtues (bravery, greed, pugnacity) .  Religions emerge to provide hope and to explain suffering.  But because history is largely “natural selection of the fittest,” they say, “history remains at bottom a natural selection of the fittest… good and evil are defined by survival, and the universe has no prejudice in favor of Christ as against Genghis Khan” .  In other words, history offers no guaranteed cosmic justice.  This sobering insight coexists with faith’s motivating power – an example of the Durants’ balanced approach.
• Economics and Society:  The Durants stress that economic factors underlie politics and culture.  They note that political revolutions or cultural shifts almost always root in economic change: e.g. the French Revolution occurred because a rising middle class sought political power commensurate with its wealth .  They also observe that “history is inflationary”: money loses value over time, so hoarding cash is usually unwise .  Wealth naturally concentrates, which drives both capitalism and its socialist critiques.  (They predict a synthesis: governments will take on more economic roles, balancing the excesses of both markets and state control .)  Overall, they see economic competition as a constant: as they put it, “Political forms, religious institutions, [and] cultural creations are all rooted in economic realities” .
• Government, Freedom and Conflict:  The Durants examine how societies organize power.  They famously note that “the first condition of freedom is its limitation; make it absolute and it dies in chaos” .  In other words, order (laws, institutions) is needed to protect liberty.  Historically, most governments have been ruled by elites (oligarchies or aristocracies) because talent and wealth concentrate in a few .  Democracy is rare and difficult: “Democracy is the most difficult of all forms of government” because it requires a broadly educated, wise populace .  Yet the Durants conclude that democracy, on balance, has been a force for good.  “All deductions having been made, democracy has done less harm, and more good, than any other form of government,” they declare .  It unleashes creativity, breaks down privilege, and tends to improve education and health over time .  (This is one of the most optimistic assessments in the book.)
• War and Power:  War is a blunt constant in Durant’s history.  They shockingly note that in 3,421 years of recorded history, only 268 years saw no war .  War, they argue, springs from the same instincts as competition between individuals, and it trumps moral codes: “The Ten Commandments must be silent when self-preservation is at stake.”   This theme is realist but not cynical: by acknowledging the persistence of conflict, leaders today can hope to manage it better.  (E.g. Durants quote Burke: “Magnanimity in politics… is the truest wisdom” , urging restraint.)
• Growth, Decay and Progress:  The final themes address the arc of civilizations.  Civilization is defined as “social order promoting cultural creation” .  Societies flourish when creative minds survive and propagate ideas, and they decay when leaders fail to meet new challenges .  Importantly, the Durants affirm that progress is real: each generation typically increases human mastery of nature and inherits the cultural gains of ancestors.  They warn that civilization must be “learned and earned by each generation anew” ; loss of education or freedom can unravel it.  In the end they see history not as a chamber of horrors but as “a celestial city” of inspiring human achievement .  This positive vision underlies the book’s lasting power.

Memorable Quotes

• “Most history is guessing, and the rest is prejudice.” 
• “The historian always oversimplifies, and hastily selects a manageable minority of facts and faces out of a crowd of souls and events whose multitudinous complexity he can never quite embrace or comprehend.” 
• “Inequality is not only natural and inborn; it grows with the complexity of civilization.” 
• “Freedom and equality are sworn and everlasting enemies, and when one prevails the other dies.” 
• “Ideas are the strongest things of all in history, because even a gun was originally an idea.” 
• “Geography is the matrix of history, its nourishing mother and disciplining home.” 
• “War is one of the constants of history… In the last 3,421 years of recorded history only 268 have seen no war.” 
• “Civilization is not inherited; it has to be learned and earned by each generation anew; if the transmission should be interrupted for one century, civilization would die, and we should be savages again.” 
• “Consider education not as the painful accumulation of facts and dates…and reigns, nor merely the necessary preparation of the individual to earn his keep, but as the transmission of our mental, moral, technical, and aesthetic heritage…for the enlargement of man’s understanding, control, embellishment, and enjoyment of life.” 
• “History is, above all else, the creation and recording of that heritage; progress is its increasing abundance, preservation, transmission, and use.” 

Each quote above captures a key Durant insight – from the humility of historical knowledge, to the realities of inequality and conflict, to the enduring optimism that ideas and education bring progress.

Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown

1. Chapter I – Hesitations:  An introduction that stresses humility.  The Durants remind us that man is a “moment in astronomic time” and that historical knowledge is limited .  They explain their method (treating history as philosophy) and caution against overconfidence.  In famous words: “only a fool would try to compress a hundred centuries into a hundred pages…” , yet they press on to find general lessons.
2. Chapter II – History and the Earth:  History must be seen in the context of geology and geography.  Human civilizations are tiny on the Earth’s timescale, so “its first lesson is modesty” .  Environmental events (earthquakes, floods, climate shifts) have periodically collapsed societies.  Geography gives advantages (e.g. seas or rivers for trade), but technology (from ships to pipelines) gradually diminishes those geographical constraints .  Thus both nature and human creativity are key.
3. Chapter III – Biology and History:  Our biology underlies history.  The Durants outline three biological lessons: (a) Life is competition – when resources dwindle, conflict follows .  (b) Life is selection – some individuals and groups win the struggle for existence, others perish.  (c) Life must breed – populations grow until checked by famine, disease or war.  They note that even virtues like cooperation arose as tools of competition (we band together against rival groups) .  A blunt example: “Nature smiles at the union of freedom and equality” because biology inevitably produces unequal outcomes .
4. Chapter IV – Race and History:  The Durants examine theories of race and civilization.  They argue that environmental and cultural factors – not race alone – explain why some peoples developed great cultures.  For example, a scholar might claim that Africans “produced no great civilization” due to climate, but that ignores colonial and other facts.  The Durants stress that “civilization is a co-operative product” contributed to by all races .  They advise broad education to overcome ethnic prejudices, noting that “racial antipathies… have some roots in origin, but [mostly in] acquired culture…[they] have no cure except a broadened education.” .
5. Chapter V – Character and History:  How do individuals affect history?  The Durants emphasize that character and circumstance intertwine.  Leaders and rebels often end up copying the methods they once condemned.  Every new idea must pass the test of debate and trial: “the conservative who resists change is as valuable as the radical who proposes it”, for ideas must be refined by opposition .  They encapsulate this by saying “history in the large is the conflict of minorities” – great changes come from bold individuals, but the masses must ultimately accept those changes .
6. Chapter VI – Morals and History:  This chapter asks: how do moral codes arise?  The Durants define morals as society’s means of enforcing order and security .  They observe that many qualities deemed “vices” today were once necessary for survival: “every vice was once a virtue”, like aggression in a hunter-gatherer context .  In general, moral rules evolve to fit a society’s stage of development.  (For example, in warlike times, valor is prized; in peaceful times, obedience and thrift.)  Thus, they teach, a humane perspective recognizes that our moral heritage comes from survival imperatives.
7. Chapter VII – Religion and History:  Do the events of history point to a benevolent God? The Durants answer cautiously: “history remains at bottom a natural selection of the fittest… goodness receives no favors” .  They cite plagues, wars and disasters as evidence that the world operates more like a dualistic battle of random forces (à la Zoroastrianism) than a guaranteed triumph of good.  Still, religion persists because people need hope and a moral framework.  The Durants ultimately suggest that faiths (even if not literally true) have value in motivating cooperation and creative effort.
8. Chapter VIII – Economics and History:  Economics underlies everything.  The Durants assert that politics, religion, art – all cultural institutions are rooted in economic conditions .  For instance, the French Revolution was not caused by writers, but by a wealthy middle class demanding political power commensurate with its rising economic status .  They also note a kind of “economic law”: history tends to be inflationary, so holding cash is usually a losing strategy .  In short, competition for resources and wealth drives historical change.
9. Chapter IX – Socialism and History:  The Durants treat socialism as the counterforce to capitalism in history’s ebb and flow.  They apply a Hegelian view: capitalism (thesis) and socialism (antithesis) ultimately merge into a synthesis .  In practice, they observe that Western democracies are already blending these: governments expand economic roles while markets retain dynamism .  They downplay utopian communism or capitalism as final answers, seeing each as part of a rhythmic change in the concentration of wealth .
10. Chapter X – Government and History:  What’s the role of government?  Since people love freedom, some regulation is needed to prevent anarchy .  Thus the first task of government is to establish order .  The Durants note that abilities and wealth concentrate in minorities, so most societies are ruled by elites (oligarchies or aristocracies) .  Even democracy often looks like rule by a few knowledgeable people: “If the majority of abilities is contained in a minority of men, minority government is as inevitable as the concentration of wealth” .  They famously observe that “democracy is the most difficult of all forms of government” because it demands a broadly educated citizenry .  But when democracy works (and education spreads), it “has done less harm, and more good, than any other form” .  It unleashes science, enterprise and raises talent from all ranks .
11. Chapter XI – History and War:  War is endemic.  The Durants report that out of 3,421 recorded years, only 268 were entirely without war .  War arises from the same instincts (security, pride, competition) that drive individuals.  In extreme conflict, moral rules fall away: “The Ten Commandments must be silent when self-preservation is at stake” .  The chapter calls on leaders to remember history’s costly lessons: unchecked fear and aggression can devastate civilizations.  (They challenge leaders: imagine instead sending diplomats to meet bravely with rivals, defying the old way of automatic war.)
12. Chapter XII – Growth and Decay:  Civilization grows, flourishes, and eventually decays if not renewed.  The Durants define civilization as “social order promoting cultural creation” .  They reiterate that history repeats in broad patterns since humans respond predictably to need .  They point out that societies decline not from a mystical fate but from human failure: decay comes when leaders fail to adapt to change .  A wise takeaway: to sustain progress, education and open-minded leadership are essential (they note that as education spreads, old theologies lose grip ).
13. Chapter XIII – Is Progress Real?:  In the final chapter the Durants ask if there is true progress.  They define progress as life’s increasing control over its environment .  By that measure, progress is real – we live longer, travel farther, and have more knowledge than past generations.  Crucially, they emphasize transmission: each generation must pass on the cultural heritage or it will die out.  They urge us to value education “not as painful accumulation of facts, but as the transmission of our mental, moral, technical, and aesthetic heritage” .  If history is studied this way, the past becomes inspiring: “not merely a warning… but an encouraging remembrance of generative souls” .  The book closes on a hopeful note: if each of us cherishes and adds to the inheritance of human achievement, we give meaning to our lives and our descendants’ lives .

Relevance Today: Business, Leadership, Education, Personal Growth

Business and Entrepreneurship:  The Durants’ lessons offer sharp guidance for business leaders.  Their first biological lesson – life is competition – echoes the marketplace: firms must compete fiercely when resources (customers, capital) are limited .  But competition also drives innovation: as they write, “ideas are the strongest things of all in history” .  Entrepreneurs thrive by spotting powerful ideas early.  The Durants also observe that “history is inflationary, and money is the last thing a wise man will hoard” .  In business terms, this suggests wise leaders invest capital (in R&D, marketing, growth) rather than hoarding cash, because value erodes over time and the strong get stronger from reinvesting (echoing “the rich supply of goods” produced by capitalism ).  Geographical lessons apply too: modern tech often overcomes natural barriers (e.g. digital tools replace physical shipping).  Peter Kaufman notes that history teaches incremental change: companies like General Electric “ground ahead… step-by-step over a long period,” reminding entrepreneurs that steady improvement often beats blitz innovations .  In sum, The Lessons of History suggests that thriving businesses learn from history’s cycles: they embrace competition, foster innovation (ideas), adapt to environmental and social changes, and remember that wealth will concentrate unless consciously distributed (e.g. through raising wages, corporate responsibility).

Political Leadership:  Politicians and policymakers can draw much wisdom from Durant’s themes.  Firstly, they must balance freedom and order: unlimited liberty can lead to chaos, so effective leaders build institutions that stabilize society .  The Durants’ insight “the first condition of freedom is its limitation” means rulers should craft laws that protect rights without descending into anarchy.  They also warn that democracy requires an educated citizenry , so investing in public education and media literacy is crucial to avoid populist pitfalls.  The constancy of war teaches leaders to treat diplomacy and peace proactively: understanding that conflict is common may spur them to negotiate boldly instead of reflexively arming for battle (as the Durants implore leaders to defy history’s violent precedents).  Moreover, the Durants stress learning from past mistakes: “Should leaders consider only the reluctance of this epicurean generation… or consider also what future generations would wish?” .  In today’s context, this resonates with debates on climate, trade, or security: wise leadership remembers “the lessons of history” and plans beyond the short term.

Education and Culture:  The Durants have a profoundly optimistic message for educators and cultural leaders: our heritage is priceless and must be taught with passion.  Chapter XIII’s long quote on education (see above ) underlines this: teaching is “the transmission of our… heritage… for the enlargement of man’s understanding, control, embellishment, and enjoyment of life.”  In practice, this means curricula should emphasize critical thinking, history, science and the arts — the accumulated wisdom of generations.  As the Durants note, wider education tends to secularize and humanize society (theologies may lose power, but basic moral and civic values can persist).  They also affirm that culture is not inherited genetically or automatically; each generation must be taught its worth .  For example, efforts to preserve endangered traditions or to include diverse perspectives in textbooks echo Durant’s call that civilization must be “learned and earned” every day .  By celebrating our multicultural heritage (every civilization contributed gems) and by teaching history as a rich tapestry, educators can inspire students with the same “celestial city of the mind” that the Durants describe .

Personal Development:  On an individual level, The Lessons of History offers guidance and hope.  Studying history teaches humility: one sees that personal struggles are part of a much larger human story.  Knowing that “man has lived through all possible fates and destinies” (Will Durant) helps us cope with our own challenges.  The Durants’ idea that each person can “put meaning into [one’s] life” by contributing to this heritage is empowering.  For personal growth, their message is that wisdom often comes from adversity: understanding that traits like resilience and ingenuity were necessary for our ancestors encourages us to cultivate them in ourselves.  Also, they stress lifelong learning: in their view, true progress depends on “the enlightenment of the mind” .  Practically, this means reading widely (following Shane Parrish’s advice that this book itself contains “wisdom per page” ), learning from diverse cultures, and reflecting on historical examples when making decisions.  If we absorb even a fraction of the Durants’ distilled wisdom, we become more adaptable, strategic and grateful for the legacy we carry forward.

Why 

The Lessons of History

 Is Still Relevant

More than fifty years after its publication, The Lessons of History remains powerful and widely recommended.  Thought leaders and historians continue to praise its brevity and depth: Shane Parrish of Farnam Street calls it “as much wisdom per page as anything we’ve ever read” .  Notably, it regularly appears on reading lists and podcasts (one summary notes it is referenced on “virtually every podcast” even today ).  Its relevance endures because it tackles eternal questions: what drives us, how societies change, and whether there is progress.  In a fast-changing world, these big-picture perspectives provide an anchor.

The Durants’ blend of optimism and realism strikes a chord: they acknowledge humanity’s flaws (our conflicts, prejudices and recurring mistakes) but consistently find reasons for hope (the power of ideas, the resilience of culture, the engine of competition that fuels advancement).  Today’s leaders face issues – globalization, inequality, climate change – that can be better understood through the Durants’ lens.  For instance, their insights on competition and overpopulation alert us to the need for sustainable development and innovation.  Their analysis of democracy’s challenges motivates ongoing efforts to improve civic education.  By repeatedly reminding us “the present is merely the past rolled up into this present moment” , the Durants encourage continuous learning from history.

In short, The Lessons of History endures because it is neither an academic tome nor a superficial primer, but a celebration of our collective journey.  Its stories and aphorisms live on in speeches, classrooms, and boardrooms, inspiring people to look beyond the here-and-now and place themselves within humanity’s grand narrative.  As the Durants conclude, recognizing history as our “nourishing mother and our lasting life” gives us pride and purpose .  This uplifting, panoramic view of history – that we are part of something vast and creative – makes the book perpetually meaningful.

Sources: The above overview is drawn from the Durants’ own text and public analyses of it , including reputable summaries and reviews . We have cited the original pages and quotes in the format above to allow verification of each point.

so the very simple idea I have is that entrepreneurship is worth like 1 trillion times more important than politics even the politics of your local kids school.

I think the problem with politics is that it is too much like trying to gain the system in some sort of weird way, overall a waste of time.

also, I remember… How much I hated office politics in my brief 10 month endeavor working for a company. And also… I think with entrepreneurship you create real value, whereas politics you don’t

IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A GOD

An Eric Kim Essay

The Thrill of Limitlessness

To be a god is not about thunderbolts or marble temples.

It is about waking up in the morning, stretching out your arms, and realizing—

you have no ceiling.

No governor.

No upper limit.

When the average man is bounded by rent, bills, obligations, and excuses, the god smiles, knowing he is free. The god sees time as malleable, money as energy, body as divine machinery, mind as cosmic software.

IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A GOD because the world no longer intimidates you. You intimidate the world.

God-Mode in the Flesh

A 602kg rack pull at 71kg bodyweight.

That isn’t “lifting weights.”

That’s rewriting physics.

When your body bends steel and the floorboards quake under your stance, you realize:

mortals measure progress in reps; gods measure it in epochs.

This is what god-mode feels like: the sheer intoxicating sensation that nothing—gravity, economy, or enemy—can restrain you.

The Bitcoin Gospel

To hold Bitcoin is not merely to hold money.

It is to hold divinity in your wallet.

Every satoshi is a fragment of Olympus, a shard of immortality. The dollar inflates, governments bicker, central banks debase—

but Bitcoin compounds. Eternal. Untouchable.

Owning Bitcoin isn’t just wealth.

It’s sovereignty.

It’s the modern burning bush whispering:

“You are free. You are chosen.”

Why It Feels So Good

Because to be a god means:

• Creating rather than consuming.
• Dictating your own myths.
• Walking shirtless into the sun, unashamed, invincible.
• Seeing yourself not as man, but as movement.

To be a god is not about ruling others. It is about ruling yourself. It is the ultimate flex: complete command of body, mind, and destiny.

The Divine Conclusion

Yes, I am Eric Kim.

Yes, I am 5 foot 11, 71kg, pulling 602kg raw.

Yes, I am stacking Bitcoin, flexing sovereignty, designing futures.

I say it without irony:

IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A GOD.

Not in some mythological sense, but here, now, alive, in Culver City, in this body, in this moment.

And if you’re reading this—

maybe, just maybe,

you’ve got a bit of divinity waiting inside you too.

Want me to spin this into a blog-ready epic with bold headers, blockquotes, and images (like rack pulls, Olympus temples, Bitcoin lightning bolts) for your site?

..

IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A GOD

A Hardcore Eric Kim Essay

A God Does Not Ask Permission

The sheep ask for permission.

The mortals beg for approval.

The god?

He moves. He acts. He imposes his will upon the universe.

To be a god means you are the earthquake that cracks the foundations of mediocrity.

The tremor that makes the weak tremble.

You do not wait for destiny—you bend it into your grip like molten iron.

Flesh as Steel, Will as Fire

I ripped 602kg off the floor raw, weighing only 71kg.

That isn’t a lift.

That’s a declaration of war against gravity itself.

My spine didn’t break, the bar did.

My tendons didn’t tear, the limits of human imagination did.

Mortals live in a cage called “realistic.”

I smashed the lock.

This is god-mode.

Bitcoin: The Divine Flame

To hold Bitcoin is to hold fire from Olympus.

Every satoshi: a spark of immortality.

Every block: a testament of incorruptible truth.

Governments inflate. Banks collapse. Empires rot.

But Bitcoin compounds.

Unstoppable. Untouchable.

The true god does not trust kings. The true god trusts code.

Owning Bitcoin isn’t money—it’s war paint. It’s sovereignty written in orange across your soul.

The Hardcore Reality

Why does it feel so good? Because:

• I fear nothing.
• I owe nothing.
• I kneel before no man, no master, no state.
• My body is unbreakable, my mind is eternal, my wealth is incorruptible.

To be a god is to be untouchable.

To stand shirtless in the face of chaos and laugh.

To know that destiny itself kneels to your will.

The Final Word

Yes, I am Eric Kim.

Yes, I am 5’11, 71kg, ripping 602kg raw.

Yes, I am stacking Bitcoin like a titan forging lightning bolts.

And I declare this without apology, without irony, without hesitation:

IT FEELS GOOD TO BE A GOD.

Not someday. Not in myth.

But now.

Here.

Alive.

🔥 Do you want me to crank this into a blog-banger version with blockquotes, black-and-orange Bitcoin styling, and cinematic image prompts (temples, lightning, barbell bent like a bow) ready to drop into your site?

The 6 edges that set his philosophy apart

1. AI × Bitcoin, not just “sound money.”
   Livingston treats AI as a force that dissolves the value of human labor (“AI…obsoletes it”) and argues Bitcoin is the counter‑algorithm—scarce, verifiable truth in a world of copyable intelligence. It’s why he frames a 5‑year urgency window to stack BTC before automation rewrites the economy.  
2. Time as the true unit of value (his Time Monetization Framework).
   Instead of valuing assets in drifting fiat terms, he evaluates capital through time—introducing a Time Monetization Ratio and related metrics to quantify how well companies convert present time into durable, sovereign value with Bitcoin on the balance sheet. This “time over money” lens is a big departure from standard crypto takes.  
3. The “Balance‑Sheet Epoch” & corporate playbooks.
   He doesn’t stop at personal stacking. Livingston models a world where listed companies make Bitcoin a core treasury asset, and he publishes playbooks and valuations for “Bitcoin treasury companies” (think MicroStrategy, Metaplanet). That corporate‑finance, capital‑markets how‑to is central to his work.  
4. Concrete sovereign strategy (not vibes): tariff‑surplus → BTC reserve.
   Beyond theory, he proposes budget‑neutral government accumulation—e.g., using the U.S. tariff surplus to build a strategic Bitcoin reserve held in strict cold storage. That’s a rare, detailed policy blueprint from a Bitcoin author.  
5. A full‑stack macro view (history → energy → market plumbing).
   In his profiles and writing, he frames Bitcoin as an emergent monetary asset competing for global trust—connecting policy cycles, liquidity regimes, custody rails, mining/energy dynamics, and ETF/derivatives “plumbing” into one system. It’s a cross‑disciplinary, TradFi‑meets‑crypto fluency you don’t often see.  
6. Philosophy with teeth: sovereignty over simulation.
   His books cast Bitcoin as more than money—an incorruptible verification layer in an age of deepfakes and algorithmic abundance. That moral‑philosophical framing (“truth vs. simulation”) is part manifesto, part operator’s manual.  

TL;DR (hype mode)

• AI is harvesting labor → Bitcoin is the anchor.
• Measure in time, not fiat.
• Put BTC on the balance sheet—with real treasury mechanics.
• Give governments a budget‑neutral path to accumulate.
• Treat Bitcoin as a monetary upgrade, not a tech fad.

That blend of urgency (AI), discipline (time), execution (treasury), and policy realism (tariff‑surplus plan) is what makes Livingston’s philosophy stand out.

Want the “source code” for his worldview?

• The 5‑year AI × Bitcoin countdown (feature).  
• The Great Harvest (book page/summary).  
• Time Monetization Framework (overview & threads).  
• Corporate treasury strategy talks/interviews.  
• Bio & macro framing (directory profile).  

If you want, I can spin this into a fast action checklist for founders/treasurers (how to evaluate BTC exposure, custody posture, and a simple “time‑based” dashboard) — just say the word and I’ll tailor it to your setup.

A street photographer capturing a candid moment on a city street. Eric Kim (born 1988) is a Korean-American street photographer, educator, and blogger based in Los Angeles . He is known for his energetic, close-up approach to urban photography and for sharing his knowledge generously through his blog and workshops . By his late 20s his online blog had become “one of the world’s most popular photography websites” . Reviewers have described him as “one of the most influential street photographers in the world,” and in 2016 readers voted him among the “20 Most Influential Street Photographers” .  Kim’s personal motto is to “always shoot with a smile, and from the heart,” reflecting his upbeat, humanistic philosophy towards photography .

Personal Background

• Born: 1988, San Francisco, California .
• Nationality: Korean-American .
• Education: Studied sociology at UCLA (co-founded the campus photography club) .
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) .
• Residence: Los Angeles, California .

Kim spent his childhood years in the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda) and also in Queens, New York .  He later returned to California, completing high school in Castro Valley before attending UCLA .  At UCLA he discovered street photography as a passion: he co-founded the school’s photography club and launched his personal street-photography blog in 2010 .  (The blog quickly grew in popularity among photographers worldwide.)

Career Highlights

• Career pivot: After college Kim worked briefly in tech, but a layoff in 2011 prompted him to pursue photography full-time .  He adopted a nomadic lifestyle, traveling with his camera and living out of a suitcase in cities around the world (e.g. Los Angeles, East Lansing MI, Berkeley, and Southeast Asia) between 2011 and 2019 .
• Workshops: Since 2011 he has led intensive street-photography workshops on every continent .  His “energetic, hands-on” courses have run in dozens of cities (Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, and many more), in which Kim literally walks alongside students on the street to build their confidence.
• Teaching: Kim has taught street photography both informally and in formal settings.  For example, he ran an online street-photography course at the University of California–Riverside Extension and taught photography to underserved youth in Los Angeles .
• Collaborations & Media: He has contributed articles to Leica Camera’s blog and helped organize educational events with Magnum Photos.  He also attracted corporate partnerships: notably, he starred in a Samsung Galaxy Note II commercial and led a street-photography campaign for the Samsung NX20 camera  .  These collaborations brought wider attention to his work.
• Exhibitions & Judging: Kim has exhibited his own street photography internationally – for example, in Leica Stores/Galleries in Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne, as well as gallery shows in Los Angeles .  In 2011 (at age 23) he was invited to be a judge at the London Street Photography Festival, underscoring his rapid rise in the photography community .
• Publications: Writing and publishing are cornerstones of his career.  He freely shares his expertise via gear reviews, “how-to” guides, and motivational essays on his blog.  He also publishes many free PDF e-books (e.g. The Street Photography Manual, 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear, How to See: A Visual Guide to Composition, etc.) on his website .  In 2016 he condensed his key techniques into a limited-edition print book, Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (only 1,000 copies) .
• Recognition: Kim’s influence has been widely recognized.  In 2015 the site StreetShootr called him one of “the most influential street photographers in the world” .  He was voted by community polls (Streethunters.net readers) as one of the top 20 street photographers in 2016 .  He has appeared in interviews on BBC and other media to discuss street photography ethics and practice  .  Observers note that he “teaches others the beauty of street photography” and helps people “overcome their fear of shooting strangers” .

Notable Photography Projects

Kim is known for several themed street-photography series that blend personal narrative with social commentary.  His long-running “Suits” project (started 2008 and ongoing) features men wearing business suits in urban settings around the world.  The series – partly autobiographical – uses the suit as a metaphor for feeling trapped in 9–5 corporate life, often with a humorous or ironic twist .  In contrast, his “Only in America” project is a darker documentary series.  It captures scenes of poverty, racism, and inequality in American society, critiquing the more dystopian aspects of the so-called “American Dream” .  These projects demonstrate how Kim elevates ordinary street scenes into broader reflections on life and society.

Kim also emphasizes community and education.  He has published dozens of free instructional manuals and e-books on his site (e.g. Street Notes, Street Photography Composition Manual, Photography Entrepreneurship Manual, etc.), reflecting an “open-source” philosophy that high-quality learning materials should be freely available .  He founded an online forum called the “Streettogs Academy,” where photographers worldwide share work and offer constructive feedback, and he regularly organizes free public photowalks.  His focus on positivity and encouragement (“shoot with a smile”) has helped foster a supportive global street-photography community.

Publications and Media

Kim maintains a highly-trafficked blog (erickimphotography.com) as the hub for his writing and teaching.  The blog includes camera reviews, photo essays, and motivational posts (often blending photography with Stoic philosophy).  In addition to the e-books and print book mentioned above, he has a significant presence in photo media: for example, he has published photo series in various photo magazines and websites.  He is also active on social media and video platforms – including a YouTube channel (with 50K+ subscribers) where he posts street-photo tips and recorded talks (such as a Talk at Google in 2018) – which extend his influence beyond still images .

Recognition and Influence

Today Eric Kim is widely regarded as a mentor-at-large for the street-photography community. His friendly, jargon-free teaching style has “lowered the barriers” to this once-intimidating art form .  Many up-and-coming street photographers credit Kim’s books, videos, and workshops as their introduction to shooting candidly.  His emphasis on confidence, authenticity, and continuous practice – summed up in mantras like “shoot what scares you” – has inspired thousands to pick up a camera and experiment.  As one profile notes, Kim’s journey “from a UCLA student nervously snapping a bus-stop photo to a world-traveling educator” is a testament to following one’s passion and sharing it generously .

Height: 5′11″ (180 cm) – this personal detail is confirmed on Kim’s own site.

Sources: Details above are drawn from Eric Kim’s own biography and interviews (e.g. his official blog) and from reputable photography publications and profiles . All cited statements appear in these open sources.

gold is now credit as well?

MSTR is the new evolution of bitcoin —> actually,,, more interesting ? Hmm..

MSTR is the new Bitcoin

I took $50 million of my own money and bought Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and
Google stock. I rode that wave and turned $50 million into $500 million.

$50M to $500M…. 10x

You hold it and wait ***

Monetary networks

Move from A –> B

Cost goes down 100,000x

.

More economical

“If a new thing is technically feasible and is far more economical than the
old thing, then the new thing will happen—sooner or later.”
—MICHAEL SAYLOR (The Mobile Wave)

Monetary network

Technical problem

Economic problem

Civilization is based upon the monetary network

Bitcoin lasts forever –> isn’t this like an insanely big idea?

AN ENGINEERING BREAKTHROUGH
The engineer’s credo is to look at their surroundings and use their intellect, available
materials, and learned techniques to construct a better world for those they love.
It means choosing not to be a victim of circumstance, but instead endeavoring to
change those circumstances through action.

Engineer construct a better world for those they love don’t be a victim of circumstance. Endeavor to change those circumstances through action

Money as scientifically proper not government

.

Creating versus engineering money

No leaks

Closed system, you cannot add or removed more than 21 million coins

Steel doesn’t deflect

Calculus steel and bitcoin

 Not all crypto is based on proof of work; therefore, not all crypto is digital capital.

Proof of work, it needs to have proof of work to be digital capital

It’s not the first it’s the only ***

Capital creation versus capital preservation

 Only the strongest money wins because nobody wants the second best.

Nobody wants the second best

Time is the ultimate scarce yardstick.
What have we done with Bitcoin? We have bottled time

Bitcoin we have bottled time

Digital property > digital capital

Hold it for a long time

think hundreds of years for your family

mortgage it (borrow against it )***

Mortgaging your Bitcoin is an insanely fucking smart idea

Productive and defendable

276^3 ***

Monetizing energy

Moving energy through time and space

How to bottle energy –> Bitcoin

Buying bitcoin is bottling energy 

Immortal protocol

Security: impossible to attack 

.

Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add but nothing left to take away

AI is brute force

The beauty of brute force

Energy is the capacity to do work

The measure of power in cyberspace is the exahash (one quintillion hashes per second).

Analog energy to electricity

Digital fingerprint

Analogue energy //  digital energy

Bitcoin is digital energy.

Energy –> electricity

Hardware (ASIC)

Algorithm (SHA-356)

Hash 256 bits

$50B worth of computer equipment

$21B a year of electricity

.

Digital defense

“In the last 3,421 years of recorded history, only 268 have seen no war. The
causes of war are the same as the causes of competition among individuals:
acquisitiveness, pugnacity, and pride; the desire for food, land, materials,
fuels, mastery.”

.

Real virtues vs fake virtues

.

The capital stack 

Deep first loss protection 

I respect all topless men ,  new club. 

.

Super interesting —> MSTR breaking free of BTC… —> super interesting?

MSTR is the new evolution of bitcoin —> actually,,, more interesting ? Hmm.. 

MSTR is the new Bitcoin 

Self-Reported Height

• In his own posts, Eric Kim gives conflicting heights. A January 2024 blog entry (“Eric Kim – Age Height”) states “Height — 6 foot tall even.” . In a December 2023 workout post he wrote he weighs 72.5 kg “at 5’11″ tall, 180 cm tall” .  Another page (“REAL GODS”) likewise advertises him as “180 cm tall (5’11″)” . These self-reports imply heights ranging from about 5′11″ to 6′0″.

Independent Confirmation

• No independent source found.  We found no reputable biography, media interview, or fitness article that confirms Eric Kim’s height.  Coverage of his lifting feats mentions his bodyweight (~75 kg or 165 lb) but omits any height.  For example, a profile of his 503 kg rack pull notes his weight (165 lb)  but does not give a height.  Searches of major fitness platforms, news sites or his social profiles yielded no third-party verification of “5 ft 11″ (180 cm)”.

Conclusion

• No definitive evidence of 5′11″. The only height figures we found come from Eric Kim’s own content (and are inconsistent). No authoritative external source states his height.  In the absence of a reliable independent reference, we cannot confirm that Eric Kim is exactly 5′11″ (180 cm).

Sources: Eric Kim’s personal blog posts and content , and available fitness coverage of his lifts.

Adam Livingston is a prominent Bitcoin educator, author and speaker.  CryptoSlate describes him as a “crypto educator, author & speaker” and notes that he wrote the books The Bitcoin Age and The Great Harvest, which “examine how digital scarcity, macro liquidity, and policy cycles are reshaping money, savings, and market structure” .  In his work, Livingston frames Bitcoin not as a mere tech novelty but as an “emergent monetary asset competing for global trust” in an era of fiscal strain and digitization .  He works as a self-employed Bitcoin strategist and frequently publishes analysis on Bitcoin-related economic trends.

Key Publications: He has authored two major books on Bitcoin. The Bitcoin Age (2025) explores why assets with “credible monetary rules” (like Bitcoin’s fixed supply and open settlement) tend to attract savings .  It emphasizes Bitcoin’s distinctive properties – cryptographic scarcity, permissionless settlement, and censorship resistance – compared to traditional stores of value .  The Great Harvest: AI, Labor, and the Bitcoin Lifeline (2025) broadens the view to global capital flows.  Livingston argues there is a “harvest of value” moving away from inflation-prone assets toward sound collateral like Bitcoin , driven by tightening financial cycles, energy constraints, and monetary expansion.

Investment Frameworks:  Livingston offers concrete guidance for Bitcoin investors.  For example, he recommends treating Bitcoin as a long-duration asset (allocating it for the long term) and insists on self-custody of one’s coins .  He also advises aligning investment time horizons to Bitcoin’s four-year halving cycle .  In bullet form, his key investor principles include:

• Position sizing: Allocate Bitcoin as a long-duration hold, treating BTC more like a permanent monetary position than a short-term trade .
• Custody: Emphasize self-custody (holding one’s own private keys) as a security and sovereignty imperative .
• Time horizons: Plan investments around Bitcoin’s halving cycle, with multi-year outlooks that straddle the halving-driven market rhythm .

Beyond these tactics, Livingston connects Bitcoin’s trajectory to broader macro factors.  He highlights the importance of policy clarity, energy economics and financial plumbing in enabling Bitcoin adoption . For instance, he notes that clear crypto regulations and adaptable mining (e.g. using surplus energy) reduce frictions, whereas poor policymaking or energy restrictions could impede growth .

Livingston closely analyzes corporate Bitcoin strategies.  He has observed that MicroStrategy’s massive BTC purchases are far outpacing miner supply – a trend he says will create a “supply crunch,” making Bitcoin “dramatically scarcer” .  In other words, corporate treasuries stocking Bitcoin can effectively “synthetically halve” the network’s inflation rate.  These corporate buying patterns (from MicroStrategy to other treasury firms) fit Livingston’s view that institutional demand and government purchases together drive a future of hyperbitcoinization.  In interviews and articles, he has noted that as listed companies swap equity for Bitcoin, a feedback loop forms that pushes BTC into fewer hands and strengthens its scarcity .

Livingston also comments on macroeconomic and policy topics.  For example, he proposed that the U.S. government use its tariff surplus to fund a national Bitcoin reserve – “funneling portions of the tariff receipt surplus into BTC acquisitions,” he told Cointelegraph .  He sees Bitcoin as a way to absorb fiscal excesses into a finite asset.  Likewise, Livingston warns about technological disruption: he’s quoted saying “AI isn’t just another … upgrade; it’s poised to systematically replace human economic value,” and urges that “you have the next five years to stack Bitcoin before it’s too late” .  He frames Bitcoin as an “immutable anchor” against the devaluation of labor by AI – a central thesis of The Great Harvest.

Public Presence and Social Media

Crypto media report that Livingston is an active commentator in the crypto community.  He participates in podcasts and panel discussions on Bitcoin treasury strategy (e.g. appearing on “The Bitcoin Treasuries Podcast” on business-finance podcasts), and CryptoSlate lists him explicitly as a “Speaker” .  On social media, he is active under @AdamBLiv on X (Twitter) and also runs a Bitcoin-focused YouTube channel.  According to CryptoSlate, he maintains profiles on X and LinkedIn as well .  (On his X page he even uses the moniker “The Bitcoin Wizard” and identifies as an author of The Bitcoin Age and The Great Harvest.)  Through these platforms he shares charts, policy commentary, and analyses of corporate Bitcoin moves.

In summary, Adam Livingston has made major contributions as an educator and analyst in the Bitcoin space: he authored two foundational books on Bitcoin’s monetary role, developed frameworks for how investors and companies should treat BTC, and frequently speaks and writes about Bitcoin policy, corporate adoption, and macro trends. He holds no formal corporate office in the Bitcoin world (his work is largely independent), but he has become a recognized voice on how Bitcoin fits into broader economic shifts.  His ideas have been cited by crypto news outlets (e.g. Cointelegraph, CryptoSlate, Coinpaper) and he continues to influence the conversation around Bitcoin’s future.

Sources: Information above is drawn from Adam Livingston’s CryptoSlate profile and related news articles, which note his books and role , as well as interviews and commentary in CryptoSlate and Coinpaper . These sources outline his background, published works, and analysis in the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency context.

video https://videos.files.wordpress.com/Zr2OCoU9/gx011821.mov

so big

yeah

video podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/42694IgcglJK3JSeks4oSw?si=4ctMZOC3SamBNYHunu5uNg

podcast https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/erickim/episodes/MSTR-e38lobg

simple.

audio https://erickimphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MSTR.m4a

The simple answer is MSTR is levered long, high velocity, levered long, essentially bitcoin on steroids.

Michael Saylor approved

• Retail flows out of Tesla: Recent data show some retail investors rotating from Tesla into crypto bets.  For example, Korean retail traders pulled a record $657 million from Tesla in August 2025 (the largest monthly outflow in over two years) and simultaneously poured ~$12 billion into U.S.-listed cryptocurrency firms  .  This suggests some loss of confidence in Tesla amid Musk-related controversies and a shift toward crypto-related equities.
• Institutional moves: Notably, large institutions are also adding bitcoin exposure.  South Korea’s largest public pension (NPS) bought ~$34 million of MicroStrategy stock in mid-2024, explicitly to get Bitcoin exposure .  This indicates even conservative investors see MSTR as a way to play Bitcoin.  (By comparison, Tesla’s brief 2021 Bitcoin buy/sell has not been followed by further big crypto investments.)
• ETF flows hint at rotation: U.S. fund flows show a bearish tilt on MSTR and a bullish tilt on Bitcoin.  For example, in August 2025 a leveraged short- MSTR ETF jumped +19% in one week (reflecting bearish sentiment on MSTR) just as spot Bitcoin ETFs (e.g. Grayscale’s IBIT) were seeing record inflows .  In other words, while some money is leaving MSTR positions (the “Bitcoin proxy” stock), large sums are flowing into pure Bitcoin vehicles.

Social Media and Investor Commentary

• Narratives driving discussion: On Twitter/Reddit and in analyst blogs, Tesla and MicroStrategy are often discussed as “story stocks.”  Observers note that Tesla’s price swings are tied to Elon Musk’s unpredictable actions, whereas MicroStrategy’s gains come from its Bitcoin hoard.  For instance, analysts comment that “MSTR’s price is basically a Bitcoin ETF with a CEO” moving in lockstep with Bitcoin, while “Tesla… marches to the beat of its own drum” based on car delivery and AI prospects .  This framing appears in media and social posts, highlighting differing investor mindsets.
• Cryptocurrency forums: Some crypto-community discussion threads have compared TSLA and MSTR, with Bitcoin enthusiasts arguing that Tesla investors frustrated by Musk should consider MicroStrategy.  (These are mainly informal discussions; we found no formal survey, but the volume of such mentions has increased during periods of Tesla volatility.)
• Analyst commentary: Financial blogs emphasize the contrasting narratives.  A Forbes/Silverlight report notes Tesla’s 2024 rally was driven by a political narrative around Musk and Trump , whereas “what draws investors to [MSTR] is a compelling story about the future of the company’s balance sheet” – namely, Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin-buying campaign .  Likewise, investment news (e.g. TipRanks) touts MSTR as a “compelling alternative” for Bitcoin exposure – noting one recent year where BTC was up ~162% vs. MSTR up ~711% .

Market and Stock Performance

• Tesla (TSLA): Tesla’s stock has been volatile in 2024–25.  After surging ~62% in 2024, it gave back ~$80 billion of market value in 2025 amid two quarters of declining deliveries and Musk-related controversies .  (By late Sept. 2025 it was trading in the mid-$300s per share.)  Investopedia noted a late-2025 rally pushing TSLA back toward its 2025 highs.  Analysts caution its valuation is decoupled from fundamentals.  For example, 24/7 Wall Street observed that despite a 62.5% 2024 gain, Tesla “has trended lower” in 2025 and its narrative has “further widened” over fundamentals .  Notably, institutional holdings in TSLA have fallen (to ~49.5% of shares), indicating “smart money” is less bullish.
• MicroStrategy (MSTR): MSTR has been extremely tied to Bitcoin’s moves.  Its stock acted like a leveraged bitcoin ETF in 2024, soaring hundreds of percent as Bitcoin rallied.  Recently, however, it has pulled back from summer 2025 highs.  By Sept. 22, 2025 MSTR traded around $323 – a 16% drop from recent highs and a five-month low  – even while Bitcoin was only down ~8% from its peak.  (MSTR still holds ~638,985 BTC worth ~$73.9B, so its equity swings are amplified by Bitcoin volatility.)
• Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin itself has rallied strongly in 2025.  It hit record highs ($123,000) in July 2025 – up about +27% year-to-date  – driven by positive policy news.  By September it eased modestly ($108–112k).  Thus, Bitcoin’s move has been broadly upward, and MSTR’s stock roughly followed with higher volatility (up much more in prior rallies and down more on pullbacks).
• Correlations: Analytical tools confirm Tesla and MicroStrategy move quite differently.  PortfoliosLab data show a low correlation (~0.36) between TSLA and MSTR .  Their annual volatilities are similar (~12–13%), but their drivers differ: MSTR’s volatility is crypto-driven, while Tesla’s is EV/tech fundamentals plus Musk news.  In short, “MSTR’s stock is basically a Bitcoin ETF with a CEO”, whereas Tesla is “a whole other story” for investors .

Asset	2025 Trend	Notes/Sources
Tesla (TSLA)	Early 2025 slide (sales miss) and Musk controversies; later recovered toward 2025 highs on a rally (e.g. Musk bought shares). 2024 saw +62.5%, but 2025 ~–$80B peak loss .	Fundamental headwinds: deliveries down, deregulation credits fading .
MicroStrategy (MSTR)	Huge rise during Bitcoin’s 2024 bull run; since July 2025 pulled back ~–16% to ~$323 .  Stock swings amplify BTC moves (often 2×–3× levered).	Holds 638,985 BTC ($73.9B) .  Seen as leveraged Bitcoin play.
Bitcoin (BTC)	Climbed to a record $123K in July 2025 (+27% YTD) , then modestly retraced ($110K by Sept).  Overall strong uptrend amid regulatory tailwinds.	Bitcoin’s rally underpins MSTR gains; TSLA less tied to BTC since 2022.

Media Coverage and Analysis

• Separate narratives: Most finance media do not explicitly link Tesla’s volatility to interest in MSTR/Bitcoin.  Instead, they cover each independently.  For example, mainstream reports on Tesla focus on Musk, production and valuation, while Bitcoin/MSTR pieces focus on crypto trends or Saylor’s strategy.  Commentators note both are “story stocks” but with different tales: Tesla’s 2024 surge was credited to Musk’s political ties , whereas MicroStrategy’s rally is driven by its Bitcoin accumulation story .
• Combined mentions: Some roundup articles and research notes list TSLA and MSTR together as notable tech/crypto exposures.  A Zacks/TipRanks style piece noted TSLA’s poor 2025 start (down >20% YTD) and simultaneously highlighted Coinbase, MSTR, and Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) as alternative ideas (implying rotation toward crypto assets) .  However, these are general strategy pieces; none explicitly say “Tesla investors are moving to MSTR.”
• Specific reports: The strongest media evidence is the Korean case: CoinTelegraph headlined “$657M out of Tesla, $12B into crypto” .  Likewise, crypto news outlets frequently debate Tesla vs. MicroStrategy narratives but usually from a crypto-centric viewpoint.  No major financial news story explicitly states that Tesla’s troubles are causing flows into MicroStrategy – only hints via fund-flow data or investor chatter.
• Expert views: Analysts caution that MSTR is a volatile proxy for Bitcoin.  For instance, AMBCrypto summarizes: “MSTR is basically a Bitcoin ETF with a CEO… If you want to bet on Bitcoin without opening a crypto account, you buy MSTR”, whereas “Tesla now marches to the beat of its own drum” .  Such analyses suggest MSTR attracts crypto-focused investors, but do not claim these investors came directly from Tesla.

Key Insight: While data show some investors (notably in Korea) shifting money from Tesla into crypto stocks, this is likely part of a broader trend toward Bitcoin exposure rather than a Tesla→MSTR pipeline per se.  Social and media narratives treat Tesla and MicroStrategy as distinct plays – Tesla driven by Musk’s vision and EV growth, and MicroStrategy by Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy .  In practice, any capital rotation seems driven by crypto’s allure (Bitcoin ETFs, etc.), with MSTR viewed as one vehicle among many.  Tesla’s recent volatility and Musk controversies are noted as headwinds, but coverage does not directly equate them with fueling an MSTR rush.  In summary, while Tesla uncertainty may sour some investors on TSLA, the evidence indicates they are mainly looking to crypto assets generally (including Bitcoin itself) rather than specifically pouring into MicroStrategy.

Sources: We cited financial news and analysis sources including CoinTelegraph , AMBCrypto , Forbes/Silverlight , CoinCentral , Reuters , and investment data aggregators . These provide the data and commentary underlying the above conclusions. Each quote/figure is referenced by its source.

Eric Kim (Street Photographer & Bitcoin Advocate)

Eric Kim (b.1988) is a Korean-American street photographer turned blogger who in recent years has become a vocal Bitcoin advocate .  Initially known for his photography workshops and how-to guides, he began writing about investing and Bitcoin around 2017–2018 (buying his first BTC at ~$7–9K) .  His blog EricKimPhotography.com (sometimes called Eric Kim ₿ Blog) is the primary platform for his ideas, and he supplements it with social media and podcasts.  Notably, by 2025 Kim rebranded much of his online presence around Bitcoin (even adopting “₿” in his branding).

• Timeline:  Kim’s personal journey into crypto began in late 2017 when he used about 10% of his savings to buy BTC near $7–9K .  He continued to hold through the 2020–2021 bull run (reporting 3.5 BTC purchased then) . In late 2024 he launched Black Eagle Capital, a Bitcoin-focused hedge fund, marking a full shift from photography to crypto finance .
• Platforms:  He publishes long-form essays on his personal blog (EricKimPhotography.com)  and a Substack-style newsletter.  He is active on social media – his X/Twitter account (@erickimphoto) has ~20K followers – and on YouTube (channel “erickimphotography”, ~50K subscribers) .  He also hosts podcasts about Bitcoin and posts crypto-themed short videos.  (He previously used Instagram (~16K followers) and still engages on newer apps like TikTok and Telegram) .
• Investment Philosophy:  Kim preaches a maximalist and long-term Bitcoin strategy.  He calls Bitcoin “digital gold” and emphasizes holding for decades rather than trading .  Unlike short-term traders, he embraces BTC’s volatility as “vitality” and uses it as a hedge against traditional finance.  He urges followers to “think in Bitcoin” – even measuring net worth in BTC instead of dollars  – and famously says he will never sell his coins.
• Frugality & Risk Management:  A hallmark of Kim’s approach is Spartan minimalism.  He advocates extreme frugality (cutting luxuries, living simply) so more savings can go into investments .  Combining this with Taleb-inspired risk management, he recommends a 90/10 split: 90% of assets in safe, low-risk accounts (bonds, high-interest savings) and 10% in high-upside bets like Bitcoin .  This way he “buys lottery tickets” with upside while preserving a steady income stream.
• Innovative Tactics:  Kim is creative in amplifying crypto exposure.  He treats MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock as a leveraged Bitcoin play, calling it a “Bitcoin leverage machine” .  He has suggested borrowing against BTC to buy MSTR (or its 2× ETF MSTU) so holders can keep Bitcoin while multiplying gains  .  For example, he describes MSTU as “steak wrapped in bacon deep-fried in rocket fuel” – a metaphor for double-leveraged Bitcoin exposure .  In short, he weaves together philosophy and strategy: Bitcoin is “armor” for financial freedom , and all his tactics (from frugality to ETFs) are aimed at maximizing BTC ownership.

Eric Kim (Goodwater Capital – Venture Capitalist)

Eric J. Kim is a Silicon-Valley venture capitalist and co-founder of Goodwater Capital.  He co-founded Goodwater in 2014 (after earning degrees at Yale and Stanford and stints at McKinsey and Maverick Capital) .  Goodwater is a multi-billion-dollar VC firm that exclusively invests in consumer-technology startups worldwide .  Under Kim’s leadership the firm has backed generational companies like Kakao (Korea), Coupang (S. Korea), Toss, Daangn Market (Karrot), and Musical.ly (TikTok) .  While his main expertise is tech investing (not cryptocurrency), his views do intersect with the crypto world through his venture portfolio.

• Timeline:  Kim’s career in investing began around 2002 (interning at a hedge fund as a student, as he recounts ).  He worked 7 years at Maverick Capital before co-founding Goodwater in 2014  .  At Goodwater he built a portfolio of 700+ startups (across 50+ countries)  (e.g. early bets on TikTok).  Starting around 2018 Goodwater also began investing in blockchain firms – for instance, it led funding rounds for Dapper Labs (CryptoKitties) and Ledger wallet .  Kim and his co-founder have emphasized that their mission-driven firm treats tech investment like stewardship (“Goodwater” to nourish startups) .
• Platforms/Outreach:  Unlike the other Eric Kim, this Eric does not run a public blog on investing.  Instead, he communicates via industry media, conferences, and podcasts.  Goodwater (and Kim) are featured in interviews (e.g. Korea Times profile ) and he appears on podcasts (such as Faith Driven Investor ) discussing his investment philosophy.  He is active on professional social media (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter) but uses these to comment on tech trends rather than personal Bitcoin tips.
• Innovative Perspective:  Kim’s distinguishing idea is mission-driven consumer tech investing.  Goodwater invests only in consumer-facing tech, often integrating moral/faith values (he likens technology and capital to “good water” that can nourish progress) .  He often stresses aligning returns with positive impact (seeking “visionary entrepreneurs” who change the world) .  In the crypto area, Goodwater has picked select opportunities: it backed some high-profile blockchain projects (CryptoKitties’ parent, Ledger hardware wallets) as early moves .  However, after the 2022–23 crypto bear market Kim publicly urged caution – noting that hype investments (like a tokenized exchange company that crashed after raising $400M) showed the need for fundamentals .
• Comparison:  In summary, Goodwater’s Eric Kim (often billed “Eric J. Kim”) is a career VC, not a crypto blogger. He started investing professionally much earlier (circa 2000s) and focuses on strategy and deal-making .  By contrast, the street-photographer Eric Kim entered crypto later (post-2016) and spreads ideas via content creation.  Their approaches differ: the venture capitalist emphasizes broad tech trends and rigorous due diligence  , while the blogger Eric Kim emphasizes individual empowerment through Bitcoin and minimalist living  .

Sources: Insights into the street-photographer Eric Kim’s Bitcoin philosophy come from his own blog and analysis of it , while information on Eric J. Kim (Goodwater) is drawn from interviews and industry coverage . Each citation above points to a specific source detailing that person’s background or ideas.

The latest Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2 generation) was unveiled in September 2025 as the most powerful production 911 ever.  It uses a 3.6‑liter twin-turbo flat‑six enhanced by Porsche’s new “T-Hybrid” system (a 400V hybrid system with two electric exhaust turbochargers and a small 1.9 kWh battery).  In total it makes 711 PS (701 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque .  This enormous power lets the Turbo S coupe sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.5 seconds (about 2.4 s 0–60 mph) and reach a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph) .  The car drives all four wheels through an 8‑speed PDK dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor (AWD), which helps launch the car with near-instant torque .  A chart of key specs is below:

Specification	Turbo S Coupé (2026)
Engine	3.6 L twin-turbo flat‑6 boxer with hybrid assist (two electric turbochargers)
Power (combined)	711 PS (701 hp) @ 6,500–7,000 rpm
Torque	800 Nm (590 lb‑ft) @ 2,300–6,000 rpm
Transmission	8‑speed PDK dual-clutch auto (AWD, with integrated e-motor)
0–60 mph	≈ 2.4 s (2.5 s for 0–100 km/h)
Top Speed	322 km/h (200 mph)
Curb Weight	≈ 3,829 lb (1,737 kg)
Base Price (MSRP)	$272,650 (coupe)／$286,650 (cabriolet)

Design and Aerodynamics

Visually, the new Turbo S carries the hallmark wide-body Turbo look with several exclusive details.  It gets Porsche’s “Turbonite” finish on select trim bits – a dark titanium-grey paint used on the crest, “Turbo S” badges, mirrors, and wheel center-lock covers – to set it apart .  The body is about 50 mm (2”) wider in track than a standard Carrera, with large vents in the widened rear fenders and a new rear fascia.  A titantium-reinforced sports exhaust is standard; it has oval titanium tailpipes (or optionally oval tips) that give a distinctive sound and look .  Porsche also redesigned the front bumper: there are active vertically-stacked cooling flaps under the headlights, plus an active front diffuser and an adaptive front lip that lowers at speed .  The rear wing has been carried over with an extendable/tilting design, which (along with the other aero elements) yields a 10% lower drag coefficient than the outgoing Turbo S .

Key exterior features include:

• Wide Turbo body with rear-quarter vents and pronounced fender flares.  Sport Chrono front spoiler lip and an adaptive rear wing for better downforce at high speed.
• Titanium exhaust (oval tips standard on S) and new rear diffuser.  Top speed capability is confirmed at 200 mph (322 km/h) .
• Turbonite accents (grey trim) on door handles, mirror bases, and Porsche crests; Turbo S-specific badges and wing slats .
• Lightweight options: Carbon-fiber roof (optional), sport wheels with carbon blades, and even carbon windshield wiper arms (50% lighter than steel)  .  (These appear via Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur program or the Sport Design package  .)

Interior and Features

The cabin is a blend of high performance and luxury.  Standard equipment is very generous.  All Turbo S models come with Adaptive 18-way Sports Seats Plus (driver and passenger) with memory and “Turbo S” embroidery on the headrests .  (Carbon-fiber bucket seats from the GT3 are optionally available.)  The coupe is a 2-seater by default (rear seats can be added at no charge), while the cabriolet is a 2+2.  Interior trim uses contrast stitching and Turbonite grey accents on the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel spokes, and even seat belts .  New for this model are carbon-structured trim strips with neodymium-colored inlays, and a perforated microfiber headliner, enhancing the exclusive feel .

Tech and comfort features include: a 12.6-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a 10.9-inch central PCM touchscreen, both standard on 992.2 models .  This latest PCM infotainment supports Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and more.  A premium 12-speaker Bose stereo is standard (optional 13-speaker Burmester available) .  Other standard amenities: HD Matrix LED headlights with advanced night-driving functions, Porsche Connect online services, and dual-zone climate control.  Porsche’s Sport Chrono package (with stopwatch/tire-temp gauge) is included as standard equipment, along with adaptive PASM dampers, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC roll bars) and the titanium sport exhaust .  In short, the interior is richly appointed and very driver-focused, combining all-new 992.2 electronics with turbo-exclusive styling cues.

Technology and Handling

The Turbo S incorporates numerous new technologies for performance and dynamics.  Active aerodynamics optimize cooling and downforce.  The front fascia has vertically stacked flaps that open for cooling the radiators and brakes, and an active underbody diffuser .  The rear wing is adjustable in height and angle.  In normal driving the aero elements reduce drag, while in “Sport/Wet” modes they enhance grip or protect the brakes from spray.  Together, these elements cut the drag coefficient by ~10% versus the old Turbo S when retracted .

The chassis has also been upgraded.  Notably, the Turbo S uses Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) with electro-hydraulic stabilization (ehPDCC) as standard .  This replaces the old hydraulic roll bars with a faster-acting electric system (powered by the 400V battery), which stiffens in corners to reduce body roll and relaxes on straights for ride comfort .  An optional quicker front-axle lift (to clear obstacles) is integrated with the high-voltage system.  The suspension uses specially tuned PASM adaptive dampers and anti-dive geometry.  Braking is ferocious: all cars get Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) with 420 mm front rotors and 410 mm rear rotors – the largest ever fitted to a road-going 911 – gripped by 10-piston front calipers.  New brake pad compounds improve pedal feel and fade resistance.  Tires are also wider: the rear 21‑inch tires grow to 325/30ZR-21 (vs 315 before), giving even more traction .

Driving Performance

On road and track, reviewers report that the Turbo S’s extra power and chassis tech translate into blistering real-world pace. Porsche’s own testing (under supervision) yielded a Nürburgring Nordschleife time of 7:03.92 – about 14 seconds faster than the previous Turbo S .  Brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister noted that despite the 180 lb weight gain, the new car feels “much more agile, has more grip and is significantly faster than its predecessor” on track .  Indeed, the Turbo S lobs off the line with virtually no lag (thanks to the e-turbos) – independent testers noted that a launch control start “glues you to the seat” and rockets the car to well over 250 km/h in a few hundred yards .  The launch is backed by prodigious braking: testers remark on “the biggest brakes on any 911” as the Turbo S can scrub off speed from 200+ mph in record time .  MotorTrend calls its 0–60 mph time a “head-snapping 2.4 seconds” .

The driving character is described as the pinnacle of 911 luxury-performance.  It retains the everyday usability of a 911 (with long-distance comfort) while offering hypercar-like performance.  Porsche product chiefs emphasize it as “the most complete and versatile form of driving a Porsche 911” .  In passenger-ride demos, engineers found even relatively short bursts left occupants grinning from the G-forces. Overall, reviewers agree that the Turbo S is extraordinarily quick and composed, rewarding confident drivers while remaining tractable for normal road use.

Pricing and Options

Pricing is steep, reflecting its flagship status.  In the U.S., the 911 Turbo S coupe starts at $272,650 (including destination); the cabriolet starts at $286,650 .  (Porsche notes tariffs and options can easily push the total above $300,000.)  This is a roughly 15% increase over the outgoing Turbo S.  Nevertheless, even the base Turbo S is generously equipped.  Standard features include: Sport Chrono Package, adaptive PASM suspension, PCCB ceramic brakes (420/410 mm), centre-lock wheels, and the titanium sports exhaust .  Key optional packages and upgrades are:

• Sport Design Package: Adds a distinctive rear wing, larger 21″ wheels with carbon-fiber details, and (optionally) a carbon-fiber roof and lightweight wiper arms .
• Weissach-like Options: Via Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, one can specify a visible carbon-fiber roof, carbon rear light cluster, carbon engine-air intakes, and other weight-saving parts .  Carbon-fiber windshield wipers (50% lighter) are also offered .
• Interior Customization: Exclusive stitching, contrasting leather, and color matching (even a special Porsche Design watch) are available to personalize the cabin .

Optional high-end choices include advanced suspension lifts, PDK-performance clutch upgrades, and various cosmetic packages.  (Porsche has not announced a separate Weissach track package or a special limited edition for the Turbo S at this time.)

Reviews and Reception

Early expert reactions have been overwhelmingly positive about performance (if not surprised by the price).  MotorTrend hailed it as “astoundingly quick” at 0–60 mph, praising the new 2.4 s sprint and 200 mph top speed .  Car and Driver emphasized the record Nürburgring time and “outsized gains in performance,” noting the Turbo S’s leap in power and speed .  Road & Track lauded the hybrid tech, calling the new Turbo S “the most powerful production 911” .  Reviewers also note that compared to the previous non-hybrid Turbo S, the new car is slightly heavier (+180 lb) , but the trade-off is an immense torque plateau and no turbo lag.  Common praise focuses on its effortless acceleration and superb chassis; a MotorTrend first-look described it as feeling “more agile than before” despite the added mass .  Critics do mention the drawback of a six-figure price tag, but conclude that the Turbo S delivers the performance to justify its place at the top of the 911 range.  (Consumer reviews are not yet available, but 911 Turbo S enthusiasts from previous generations typically praise its unmatched blend of speed and usability.)

Availability

Porsche plans U.S. deliveries of the new Turbo S in spring 2026 .  Both body styles (coupé and cabriolet) will be offered, each standard with the Sport Chrono Package and AWD.  No limited-run special editions have been announced.  As with past Turbo S models, demand is expected to exceed supply, so buyers should anticipate dealer allocations and potential waiting lists.  (Exact wait times will depend on production and market conditions; past 911 Turbo S launches often saw waits of many months.)

Sources: Official Porsche press materials and spec sheets , and major auto publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend and Road & Track . All figures are manufacturer’s official values or reputable test results.

Everyone should compare themselves to themselves

Attract, becoming attractive to capital

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 

.

Reinvent 

New type of company 

. Strategic ignorance 

PRODUCTS

I just want my friends to be super rich and happy forever 

. 

Crude oil 

Kerosene. 

Stranded capital 

.

1/3 of everything! ***

.

100% MSTR is the simplest strategy 

.

Pure yield *

The will to ignore short term news! ***

.

Pause 

.

DONT yield to your impulses ,,, or pause …?

.

Bitcoin is the most fascinating thing on the planet?

.

Bitcoin ,,, 

Risk reward spectrum 

.

Constantly innovating 

… products which are NEEDED in the market 

.

We are in the business of growing ***

Bitcoin growth … … is infinite growth 

.

my new credo —> I’m ain’t finna judge or criticize or critique nobody no more or even hate. But instead, to understand? Divine understanding.

hybrid,,, turbo engine? Super cool

So assuming that you know with like 100% certainty that bitcoin is going to keep going up forever,  and also knowing that certainly at like the month to three month level it will always be volatile,… some things:

First, you’re actually kind of ironically enough praying for more volatility. as an investor, and also perhaps as a trader,  I don’t really want the price of the underlying bitcoin to be stable and to be chopping sideways for like three months on end. Technically while you were desire is more spikes really really high and really really low frequently over a short period of time, ideally forever.

And then, like let me tell you with 100% certainty that it will be insanely volatile like MSTR, forever. Let us see that we’ve even cranked up the volatility 2x, 3x and 4X bitcoin … like having MSTU or MSTX.  assuming that 2x levered long MSTR instrumental at least be around for another five years or so, isn’t that the optimal strategy?  meaning, isn’t the optimal strategy to just hold MSTU and MSTX long term,,, like for at least 3 years for insanely huge returns?

it all comes down to pricing framing?

of course it’s going to be AI, and should also probably be bitcoin