Month: September 2022

I love Cambodia and Phnom Penh, but the ultimate thought:

The city is phenomenal, but ultimately too small for my ambitions.

A life in transit — a transitional life, a perpetually transitional life as best.

EK or ERIC KIM as a concept.

To last for a long time — the only robust way to measure “success”.

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Long lasting

It seems we like things which are long lasting. For example, long lasting batteries. Even right now, I hate my old 2017 MacBook Pro 13 inch touchmark, because the battery might only last five minutes now. Compare this with my new iPad Pro M1 chip, which lasts an insanely long period of time. Even the iPhone SE I have has a pretty robust battery life.

What is tenacity?

Tenacity means to hold onto, for a long time. Tenere — to hold onto. Like “tener” (to have, to hold onto) in Spanish.

For example, it seems that the number one attribute for becoming a successful entrepreneur is tenacity. To keep on going, even though things may not be going your way.

Also a random thought I had; why is it that decentralized things last longer? Also, why open and open source things will last longer?

The reason is this; it is more natural. For example, if you think about biology, it is technically all open source. Any genus of creature or biological life form is allowed to steal or copy from one another, and evolve and mutate in unique ways.

Nations and religions which will last?

An interesting prediction I have is that nations which are too centralized will not last. For example, China as a centralized state, will not last in her current form.

Perhaps the most decentralized state, or a nation in Switzerland. Switzerland will probably last for very long time as a concept, because Switzerland as a nation doesn’t have strong centralization.

How about America? It seems that America will last a long time, because it seems to be more of a federation of states; each of the states run relatively independently of the nation of America. For example, how Texas, as a state can exercise her own authority, even though Texas is a part of America.

Durable actors and entertainers

in terms of actors and entertainers, it seems that men typically have more durability than women. Why is that? With men, the more the age, the more interesting they become, like George Clooney. However typically with women, the older the age, the less prowess they have.

For example, highly unlikely that Beyoncé will ever make an album as good as lemonade. I predict that moving forward, you will just see a slow decline in Beyoncé and her ability to make waves.

The same goes with Kim Kardashian; when she is perceived as being “too old“, she will also lose her cachet.

However, I think Kanye West has a bright future, as well as Elon musk. They will continue to build their prowess and influence, because their innovations are age independent.

Fame is not what we seek

Also, one thing to consider is that we as artists, photographers, entrepreneurs and innovators, we do not seek fame. Rather, what we seek is to last. Ideally, to evoke antifragile, which means as time goes on, we will become more influential.

How to last

The first thought is it is a philosophical mindset and approach thing. Is durability or to become a long lasting even a priority of yours?

It is my personal aspiration that I keep staying inspired, to make photos and share thoughts until I am 120 years old. Also, I want to be still being able to do deadlifts at 120.

This then changes the calculus a bit; rather than seeking impressive short-term gains, better to think long-term, and think about long-term gains.

Long-term health, and long-term games

I think it’s human nature to want to have indefinite gains. Then perhaps the goal should be to seek to have indefinite gains very very slowly; I do believe in a kaizen approach to life, in which perhaps year over year, you could gain at least one percent, indefinitely.

For example, who is happier? Somebody who starts off at life poor, but keeps getting richer steadily overtime? Or somebody who starts off life very rich, but slowly becomes poor over time?

Or another example, who is happier? The person who is able to add 5 pounds every week to his deadlift every week, or to the person who starts off being able to deadlift 1000 pounds, but slowly loses his power over time?

Why athletes are so miserable

This is the big problem with athletes, in many sports, once an athlete has reached his peak, what means overtime once he gets very very old, he slowly loses his prowess. For example, I’m sure Michael Jordan could have still played basketball very very well into his 40s 50s and maybe 60s. But Michael Jordan would probably be less good at basketball at age 100.

Maybe this is why it is a good idea to pursue a path in life in which in theory, the older you get, the better at it you could become. This involves making music, production, art, philosophy, etc. Entrepreneurship, building businesses, building yourself.

Durability

For example, stainless steel is far superior to plastic, in terms of durability. Also, abrasion resistant fabric will probably last longer than natural fibers. The tricky thing is at least with fabrics and materials, they are at best robust, and durable. Most fabrics do not get better overtime.

Even “Wabi Saabi” materials like leather; in theory if you use a leather couch for 100,000 years, it will not last.

The same goes with wood; a lot of Japanese aged wooden things are beautiful, but wooden structures do not last. A Zen wooden temple will not last for another 10,000 years.

Why last?

I think it is because of this; to last a long time is optimistic. I like the idea that a year from now, two years from now, five years from now, 10 years from now, 30 years from now, 50 years from now, something will be better than worse. Especially with ourselves. I like the idea that in my 40s 50s and 60s, I will be stronger and more muscular than I am now.

Also, some future predictions; centralized things will not last. Maybe this is why in the very very long term, the Catholic Church as a centralized entity will not last, but the decentralized notion of “Christianity” will last. The fact that there is 1 billion protestant sects means that in some ways, Christianity is open source.

For example, I think that Buddhism will last a very long time. Why? Technically, Buddhism could be both a religion and a state form of government, but Buddhism can also be a loose concept; consider all the yogis who adopt “Buddhist“ practices, even though they are not religious.

In praise of open source

The reason why I like notions of open source is that I believe this type of information to be valuable, and I want it to be spread widely, and I also want it to last. A simple strategy as a photographer, if you want to last, and continue to be relevant far into the future, just open source all of your photos. Make it easy for people to download your portfolio as JPEG images, as simple .zip files.

For example, my most valuable page on my website is probably my “downloads” page.

Perhaps android will last longer than Apple iOS

The fact that android is open source, means that in the long run, it will probably outlast iOS. Why? Because android is open source, it could be edited and modified by anybody. However with iOS, it is still predicated on the fact that we will be on planet earth, with factories in China.

Also with crypto and cryptocurrency; the only ones that will last are the truly decentralized ones. For example, Bitcoin. My critique of Ethereum is that it looks like Ethereum, especially Ethereum 2.0, is too centralized. My simple thought is this; do not trust any form of cryptocurrency which has an official 2.0 version.

Also, any cryptocurrency which is pegged to Fiat currency or the US dollar will probably not last in long-term.

Also, I think companies and things will last in which it does not require an charismatic leader.

Also, a sign of a robust thing:

Id the founder or the CEO of the company abandoned it, can it still thrive?

The Internet will last, and so will email

The nature of the fact that the Internet is decentralized will mean that it will last. Also, email as an open protocol will continue to last.

What will not last? My prediction is that Facebook will not last, as it is too centralized.

Telegram is a cool platform, but telegram will probably also not last, because it is a centralized platform.

Perhaps the future form of technology and communication and identity is some sort of mishmash between email, and phone numbers.

I believe Twitter will last, as Elon Musk is planning to open source the Twitter algorithm. Perhaps then Twitter might be a good long-term investment.

Another thought about cryptocurrency; or crypto technology, it should not need a “brand awareness team”. It should also not require marketing, as it spread organically word of mouth.

Longevity as a creator

Just think yourself; how can you be inspired to keep making photos until you are 120 years old? Or doesn’t even need to be photography, how can you stay inspired to be creative until you’re 120 years old?

LAST LONG!
ERIC

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Long thoughts

1. “Ars longa, vita brevis” (Art is long, life is short). Seneca quoting Hippocrates I believe.
2. Titanium will last a very very long time. My titanium frame Lindberg glasses has lasted me very well over a decade.
3. All digital cameras and technology will not last long; maybe the best strategy is to just keep buying the newest Ricoh GR digital camera.
4. Also, even the newest iPhone Pro will not last long, because the processor is not detachable from the device. Therefore, just buy the cheapest iPhone with the best processor; currently the iPhone SE.

Share the ideas

All the information here is open source; feel free to translate, republish, or forward or share to a friend!

No need for credits.

ERIC KIM NEWS LINK

The notion of etiquette is actually very very interesting; it is typically a French word, which were little notes to keep people off the grass. Atachier (old French, “attach”) is the origin.

Typically speaking, etiquette is a form of social norms to keep society and people orderly. For example, if there was no etiquette of standing in line, there would be much more pandemonium and chaos, and people getting angry, thinking forms of justice.

Etiquette as a privilege?

In someways, etiquette is actually a form of showcasing your social privilege and rank. For example, the etiquette of where to place your forks and knives, is an offshoot of royalty. Then, the commoners who desire to feel more royal, adopt the social norms of the aristocracy, desiring to emulate them. And this is the thought:

If I follow the social norms of the elite, and royal aristocracy, perhaps I can also become elite and royalty.

But the question is this; does emulating the actions and behaviors of the elite, help aid you to become elite?

Confucianism, social etiquette in Japan and Korea

Two Asian countries in which etiquette are very very critical is Japan and South Korea. I will speak a little bit about the Japanese, and also the Korean, as I am Korean.

If you think about the history of Japan, it was all about piety towards the emperor. Also, social etiquette built order, ans this helped the Japanese build a very strong military.

For South Korea, which is heavily based on Confucianism, the notion of etiquette was towards building a harmonious social society structure. However, what was different in Confucian times, and now is that there were stronger forms of social stratification with Confucianism. In Confucianism, there was the king and royalty, the commoners, the workers, the peasants, and the slaves (serfs). South Korea today is kind of a strange mishmash of Christianity, Protestantism, evangelism, American western notions, and Confucianism. And, South Korea is now seen as a meritocracy:

The harder your kids study, the more intelligent they are, the higher grades they get, and the higher standardized test scores they get, they will ascend to the heights of society.

In South Korea the calculus is simple; the more book smart you are, the more elite you will become, the more wealth you will accumulate, and the more prestige and power you will have. And the interesting thing is actually in South Korea, it is not money for the sake of money; instead, money is simply seen as a form of success. And for Koreans, to become successful is the apex value. Money is simply a way to quantify your success.

Why many people hate the lack of etiquette from rich mainland Chinese people

In terms of social etiquette, I think commonly around the globe, people seem to disdain the rich mainland Chinese, who have “no class”, and don’t follow forms of social etiquette. For example, it is not really seen as a big deal to spit in public, yell and talk loudly, boss people around, not line up in queue, and take up space.

However, when I really really think about it, the rich noveau rich mainland Chinese are intelligent. They don’t have these western notions of “egalitarianism”— they see things more honestly. For example, in America, we put on the big show to treat service workers, waitresses in staffs with “respect.” However, for the rich mainland Chinese, they see social stratification clearly;

I am your superior, and you must serve me.

Therefore, they will keep abuse on service workers, shout at them, boss them around, demand much.

We are a product of our environment, and how we were raised

One of the greatest benefits of studying sociology, and thinking things more carte blanche is this:

Why is it that we follow these social norms, and how do these social norms restrict my own self?

For example, in America, shame culture is very strong. Also, there is a strange sense of fear of showing your genitalia to other people of the same sex; it is not a social norm for young boys to be naked around each other. However in South Korea, and Asia, it is not really a big deal. For example, in America, in locker rooms boys never get fully naked. And they also don’t take showers. In Asia, it is super common for guys to be naked around each other all the time, it is not a big deal.

Also, America has very strange notions when it comes to homophobia, and also norms when it comes to clothing. For example, why is it that women could wear tight leggings, and show off their boobs, but guys are not allowed to show their crotch or balls bulge? I have yet seen any guys wear only compression leggings tights or shorts at the gym, without any shorts or clothing to hide their junk.

In America, typically speaking, it is only homosexual men who are allowed to wear more “feminine“ clothing. The closest trend we had in the early 2000s was the notion of the “metrosexual“, now it seems like the trend is towards “trans-sexual, trans-gender”, or no gender — more towards a type of androgyny.

Why I always stand in the first class line at the airport, even though I always fly economy

A simple life hack I have discovered when traveling, abroad or even in the states:

I always stand in the priority or first class line, even though I always fly economy.

Why is this? The life hack I discovered is that even though you may have an economy ticket, if you stand in the first class line, and you are able to finesse the attendant working there, typically they will turn a blind eye and just process you quickly. The only reason people don’t do this is the shame or the fear of being called out. However, the best way to become more successful is to become more shameless.

If you actually do get called out, you can just beg them to “help you this one time“, or make up some fake excuse. Or you could say it is because “your kid is crying and not doing well”. This takes balls. But it is totally worth it, I think my hit rate is around 90%.

Then I have discovered that it is all about confidence, standing upright, and acting like the boss, and walking around like you’re super rich. Like Cindy said, rich people walk differently.

Even if you think about the Justin Timberlake film “in time”, you can differentiate the rich people and the poor people by how quickly or slowly they walked. They’re really really rich people with all the time on their hands, walked very slowly. The poor were always running around, because they had no time.

Should you follow social etiquette?

It depends. I think if you want to win, and not be a sucker, you should disregard all social etiquette within the bounds of legality. Because there’s a difference between what is legal, and what is considered etiquette or “proper behavior“.

For example, if you’re a woman, it is illegal to walk around outdoors topless. However if your man, it is not illegal for you to walk around in public without a shirt on.

However there is funny nuances; as a woman, you could actually walk around with a sports bra, walk around with a bra, or walk around with a transparent shirt, showing off your nipples through your shirt.

Also, I believe it is illegal for a man to walk around in public without pants on. However, in theory you could walk around in public with a speedo, or even your boxers.

What is tricky is the difference between private places, and public places. Private places, the shopping mall, etc., can institute arbitrary rules for clothing. However if you’re in public, you have a lot more freedom.

Live more boldly

I don’t think this: if your goal is to maximize your greatness in life, in your personal advancement, I say ignore all social etiquette within the bounds of legality, just don’t break the law, but become more socially reckless.

ERIC

ETHICS by KIM

Your Own Personal Code of Ethics

1. NO BLAME, JUST CAUSE AND EFFECT.
2. Ignorance Takes Courage
3. TREAT OTHERS CARTE BLANCHE
4. Don’t give people what they want or what you *think* they want, give them what you think they *should* have.
5. Anti Small
6. Disdain or Admiration?
7. Beware Those With Good Intentions
8. STUBBORN x FLEXIBLE
9. ETHICS ARE VIA NEGATIVA
10. OBEDIENCE & DISCIPLINE
11. The Motive of Criticism
12. Ethics are Social
13. Anti Role Models
14. What is Greed?
15. On Having the Courage to Make Your Own Decisions
16. How *NOT* to Get Duped or Suckered
17. Why Help Others?
18. The Duty of the Strong
19. Why I’m So Intolerant Towards Intolerance
20. The Ethics of Criticizing Others
21. Consult Your Own Conscience
22. The Ethics of Shit Talking
23. The Ethics of Personal Enrichment
24. I’m Easily Distracted
25. On Forming Your Own Opinion
26. ERIC KIM Philosophy of Tolerance
27. Tolerance
28. Aesthetics are Ethics
29. Morality and Ethics