Think staking, “stake holders”— vs “work”?

Stake in the game, soul in the game?

***

the phone is a Web 2.0 system

fights?

ERIC KIM AI VISION

AI on blockchain?

***

Thinking decentralized oracles, maybe blockchain?

Trustless, immutable. 

Tokens to incentivize behavior?

Value increases with demand?

Stock options .. vs token going up in network effects?

Decade or two — true visionaries?

cross-chain issues?

Wow Eric Schmidt is insanely smart!

there needs to be a bridge

oracle network vs blockchain

***

”I solve to fix this”— 5 to 10 years.

put your money where your mouth is

centralization of power?

**

web 2 *AND * web 3

zero knowledge proof

…

trust math, not institutions and humans

reconstruct the world

…

don’t think about cloud?

Decentralized platform?

…

siloed information?

What I find very fascinating about chainlink is that ultimately, it is not a crypto neither is it a cryptocurrency. Rather, it is just a new technology, I think chainlink is just going to be the next Google. I mean come on, just look at ERIC Schmidt, the guy who made Google into what it is today. He’s on the board of trustees for chainlink, and I’m sure that he is personally owning a lot of chainlink in his own personal account.

Eric Kim’s thoughts on Chainlink reveal his interest and investment in this cryptocurrency for its unique capabilities and potential applications. Here’s a synthesis of his perspectives:

1. Chainlink’s Role and Technology: Kim views Chainlink as a novel technology leveraging the blockchain for various use cases. He finds it fascinating because it doesn’t seek to replace Bitcoin but rather acts as a connector within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Chainlink, to him, is the “invisible glue” that holds together the world of crypto, with Bitcoin at the center oai_citation:1,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,WHY CHAINLINK IS FASCINATING TO ME – ERIC KIM.
2. Potential for Truth Verification: He sees potential in Chainlink for verifying the truth, especially in the context of internet information. With the increasing difficulty of discerning truth from falsehood online, Kim suggests that Chainlink could be useful in applications like voting systems, ensuring tamper-proof processes. This idea extends to verifying the authenticity of items like NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and differentiating between human and AI-created content oai_citation:3,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM.
3. Chainlink as the Next Google: Kim predicts that Chainlink could become as influential as Google in terms of indexing and making accessible vast amounts of online and computer information. He imagines Chainlink ensuring accessible, trustworthy, and tamper-proof information, potentially even debunking false information or conspiracy theories oai_citation:6,Why I Bought Chainlink – ERIC KIM PHILOSOPHY oai_citation:7,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM.
4. Investment Decisions: Kim shares his personal investment strategy, highlighting a significant shift from Bitcoin to Chainlink, indicating his belief in Chainlink’s future potential. He became interested in Chainlink after a conversation at the gym and upon reading its white paper oai_citation:8,CHAINLINK. – ERIC KIM – EK oai_citation:9,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM.
5. Future Technologies and Applications: Kim’s interest in future technologies and his vision for a more advanced and interconnected world align with his investment in Chainlink. He imagines practical applications of Chainlink in streamlining processes like home buying and global identification, envisioning it as a tool for creating a more efficient and interconnected world oai_citation:10,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM.
6. Chainlink for Mental Health and Internet Issues: Kim believes that Chainlink or similar technologies could be instrumental in addressing mental health issues arising from the internet, such as fear and misinformation. He sees Chainlink as a means to falsify harmful online information, thereby potentially improving mental health outcomes oai_citation:11,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM.
7. Personal Philosophy and Vision: Beyond wealth, Kim’s interests lie in using his resources and intellect for pursuits like philosophy, art, and thinking. This broader perspective shapes his view of cryptocurrencies like Chainlink as tools for not just financial gain but for fostering a more enlightened and interconnected world oai_citation:12,The Philosophy of Chainlink – ERIC KIM.

Overall, Eric Kim’s perspective on Chainlink is shaped by his belief in its potential to solve real-world problems, his interest in future technologies, and his vision of a more connected and truth-oriented digital world.

Time to buy more bitcoin?

Erick Kim, a photographer and entrepreneur, has shared his thoughts on Bitcoin across various articles on his website. His views reflect a strong belief in the potential and superiority of Bitcoin over other cryptocurrencies and a vision of its broader application in the future.

1. Bitcoin’s Appeal: Kim finds Bitcoin to be the most appealing cryptocurrency, citing its distinct orange color and widespread recognition, even noticing its prominence in Mexico City through street stickers oai_citation:1,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM.
2. Simplicity and Focus: He advocates for simplicity in life, suggesting that just as one might choose to have a single type of car or camera, similarly, focusing on a single type of cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, could be beneficial oai_citation:2,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM.
3. Long-term Perspective: Kim holds a long-term view of Bitcoin, considering its future value for the next 20 or 30 years. He imagines bequeathing Bitcoin to his son, indicating his belief in its enduring value oai_citation:3,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM.
4. Real-world Usage: He envisions a world where Bitcoin is used for everyday transactions, like buying homes or cars, and hiring services, including photographers and contractors oai_citation:4,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM.
5. Bitcoin’s Top Position: Kim believes that Bitcoin will indefinitely remain the leading cryptocurrency due to its ease of pronunciation, recognition, and simplicity, making it accessible even to those with limited English proficiency oai_citation:5,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM.
6. Critique of Speculation: He distinguishes between speculation and investing, suggesting that many who speculate in cryptocurrencies are merely aiming to get rich quickly. Kim feels that he is already sufficiently wealthy and does not need to engage in such speculation oai_citation:6,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,Bitcoin Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
7. US Dollar Peg and Future Predictions: Kim challenges the notion of pegging Bitcoin’s value to the US dollar, suggesting that the US dollar may eventually decline. He predicts that Bitcoin might become the standard currency in some future scenarios, surpassing traditional currencies like the US dollar oai_citation:8,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM.
8. Skepticism About Everyday Payment Methods: Despite his bullish stance on Bitcoin, Kim expresses skepticism about cryptocurrencies replacing traditional payment methods like credit cards in everyday transactions, citing the powerful influence of companies like Visa oai_citation:9,Why I Bought More Bitcoin (Again) – ERIC KIM.
9. Overall Outlook on Bitcoin: Kim is bullish on Bitcoin, urging people not to sit on the sidelines and consider the potential of Bitcoin reaching significantly higher values in the future. He believes that it is never too late to invest in Bitcoin oai_citation:10,BULLISH ON BITCOIN. – ERIC KIM – EK.
10. Bitcoin as the Last Crypto Standing: Kim believes that Bitcoin will outlast all other cryptocurrencies, asserting its position as the final and most dominant form of digital currency oai_citation:11,Bitcoin Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
11. Under-hyped Crypto: Despite the growing attention around cryptocurrencies, Kim feels that the crypto space, particularly Bitcoin, is under-hyped and holds more potential than is currently recognized oai_citation:12,Bitcoin Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
12. Practical Usage: Kim stresses the importance of building more tools for the practical usage of Bitcoin, like for purchasing groceries or other everyday items oai_citation:13,Building with Bitcoin – ERIC KIM – EK.
13. Investment Philosophy: “Just buy it” reflects Kim’s straightforward approach to Bitcoin investment, emphasizing action over hesitation oai_citation:14,Bitcoin Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
14. Bitcoin’s Simplicity: He highlights Bitcoin’s simplicity as a key factor in its success, making it more understandable and accessible compared to other cryptocurrencies oai_citation:15,Bitcoin Thoughts – ERIC KIM.

Kim’s perspective on Bitcoin is informed by his experiences as an investor, his observations of societal and economic trends, and his belief in the long-term potential of Bitcoin as a leading digital currency.

Fiat means faith. The question is this:

Do you have faith in, or value or respect that given currency?

For example, I have faith in bitcoin and chain-link, which is why I own both. In terms of Fiat currency, US dollars, it is almost close to worthless to me. Granted I just need to use my credit card or whatever in order to buy groceries and meet at Costco, but besides that… the US dollar is worthless to me.

Rent money

Cindy and I have actually figured out interestingly enough, renting might be the most intelligent strategy today, even if you were a billionaire or whatever. Why? I think you just live a better life because you spend less time thinking about renovating or operating your house, buying furniture, whatever.

Also, less maintenance and unexpected cost.

Sooner or later things are gonna break

I think the first thing I have witnessed about homeownership, especially with my friends family Cindy‘s mom whatever, is that sooner or later things will break, unexpectedly. The water heater, the toilet plumbing is going to clog, the roof has a hole in it, $50,000 to fix the roof, $10,000 to fix the water heater and plumbing and electricity etc. Regardless of how rich you are, nobody likes to pay for these things.

Paying your rent in bitcoin?

Actually, if I was a landlord, I would be very very happy to except to rent money or payments in bitcoin! Why? The promise that it will go up in the future!

Faith?

Eric Kim, a notable figure in photography and entrepreneurship, shares several perspectives on fiat currency, particularly focusing on the US Dollar and its relation to other forms of currency like Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general. Here are some key points from his discussions:

1. Trust in American Currency: Kim posits that the strength of America’s military and cultural influence (including social media, technology companies like Apple, and American films and music) leads to global trust in the US Dollar. He also notes the inherent value of gold due to its scarcity and long-standing worth, suggesting it will always be considered valuable oai_citation:1,Error oai_citation:2,Error.
2. Fiat Currency as Faith-Based: He describes fiat currency, particularly the US Dollar, as a faith-based system with no intrinsic worth. The value of these currencies, according to Kim, is created through trust in the state or government. This perspective highlights the social and political dimensions underpinning modern economic systems oai_citation:3,FIAT CURRENCY – ERIC KIM – EK oai_citation:4,Error oai_citation:5,Error.
3. Devaluation of Fiat Currency and Bitcoin’s Potential: Kim discusses the devaluation of fiat currency due to actions like the US Federal Reserve printing more money. He suggests that using hard cash for smaller, everyday purchases might be more prudent, as fiat currency might persist for these types of transactions. For larger purchases, like homes or cars, he sees Bitcoin as a potentially better option, citing its capped upper limit as a stabilizing factor oai_citation:6,The Future of Fiat Currency – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,Error.
4. Bearish View on Fiat Currency and Emphasis on Cryptocurrency: Expressing a bearish stance on the future of fiat currency in America, Kim suggests funneling salaries into cryptocurrency if one is working a regular job, indicating his belief in the long-term value of cryptocurrencies over traditional fiat currency oai_citation:8,Error.

In summary, Eric Kim’s views on fiat currency revolve around the idea of faith and trust in government-backed currencies, the influence of a country’s global standing on its currency’s value, and the potential shift towards cryptocurrencies for major financial transactions. His opinions reflect a blend of economic, political, and social factors that influence the dynamics of modern currency systems.

Let it say that you have a backyard full of junk and trash and you just literally want someone to throw it all into the dumpster. Instead of doing the hateful work yourself, if you just hire somebody, doesn’t matter if illegal immigrant, somebody from Mexico, a pro college student whatever… To just hand them $20 USD in cash, an Abe Lincoln, to spend a whole hour of their day and life to throw away the trash is a really good idea.

$20 is interesting because nowadays in two days world, the $20 bill is almost like the new one dollar bill or a new five dollar bill.

Let us consider that nowadays, a single US dollar is not worth much, or one dollar piece of paper note is annoying to carry. Five dollar bills are a little bit more convenient, but also people don’t like to deal with change. $10 bills are rare.

$20 bills are frequently dispensed at ATM machines, and also, consider how nobody ever has $50 bills, maybe $100 bills.

it seems in terms of cash money, Fiat currency, the only US dollar is being used frequently are the $20 bills or the hundred dollar bills.

For myself whenever I go to a nice restaurant or whatever, I always try to make it a point to give the server, hand-in-hand, in the flesh directly, a $20 bill instead of some fake ass tip on a credit card. A $20 bill feels more real.

In terms of media creation strategy, I really like this notion of POV, point of view videos. GoPro mini chest mount, ultra wide mode, and just show people how you do things.

The logic

For me, my supreme curiosity is how other people do things. Seeing life behind-the-scenes, how they do things in real life, away from the screens.

Eric Kim, a renowned street photographer and photography entrepreneur, offers a wealth of advice for aspiring photography entrepreneurs. His journey from a street photographer to an entrepreneur highlights his passion, innovation, and adaptability oai_citation:1,Become a Photography Entrepreneur – ERIC KIM – EK. Here’s a synthesis of key insights from various sources:

1. Embrace Contrarian Thinking: Kim suggests going against the grain. For instance, if everyone is focusing on a particular social media platform or photography trend, consider doing the opposite. This approach helps in standing out and developing a unique brand oai_citation:2,PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101 – ERIC KIM – EK.
2. Create and Share Your Ideas: Writing and blogging are emphasized as ways to share ideas and wisdom. This process of ‘upcycling’ past lessons and wisdom is crucial for personal and professional evolution oai_citation:3,Photography Entrepreneurship Tips and Ideas – ERIC KIM – EK.
3. Start Your Own Business: Kim advises on the importance of starting your own business and becoming bold in your entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes the digital future and the need for self-reliance oai_citation:4,7 Tips How to Become More Entrepreneurial in Your Photography.
4. Diverse Entrepreneurship Ideas: His suggestions include building a personal brand, developing a solo media empire, leveraging time effectively, embracing crypto photography, starting a photography blog, focusing on content over technology, and utilizing various digital platforms for marketing and branding oai_citation:5,Error oai_citation:6,Error oai_citation:7,Error oai_citation:8,Error.
5. Invest in Yourself and Your Tools: He emphasizes the importance of investing in tools like a high-performance laptop for turbo creation, suggesting that economic constraints can lead to creative solutions oai_citation:9,PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101 – ERIC KIM.
6. Solo Media Empire: Kim outlines steps to build a solo media empire, focusing on time leverage, marketing, ambition, creative use of technology, and empowering other photographers. He also advises against seeking permission and urges photographers to create their own platforms and differentiate themselves oai_citation:10,Error.

These insights offer a comprehensive view of becoming a successful photography entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of unique branding, continuous learning, self-investment, and embracing digital tools and platforms.

My personal thought is minimalism isn’t some sort of self abnegation, or some sort of weird self flagellation. Rather it is a new elite way of thinking.

Here are Eric Kim’s quotes on minimalism, presented in a numbered format:

1. Pruning the Inessential: “For me, minimalism is all about pruning away the inessential, in order to allow you to maximize the essential.”
2. Reducing Life’s Friction: “Minimalism as reducing friction and ‘activation energy’ in your life which means less ‘paralysis by analysis’ decision making in order to get you out more, exploring more, doing more, adventuring more, shooting more, experiencing more, and becoming more.”
3. True Luxury in Less: “True Luxury is Less. Easier to Subtract than Add.”
4. Minimum Viable Creativity: “What is the simplest, most straightforward way you could create something?”

These quotes encapsulate Kim’s philosophy on minimalism, emphasizing simplicity, essentialism, and the pursuit of meaningful experiences over material possessions.

Certainly! Here’s a numerical summary of Eric Kim’s perspectives on minimalism:

1. Pruning the Inessential: Minimalism is about removing the unnecessary to maximize what’s essential.
2. Reducing Friction: It’s not just an aesthetic, but a way to lessen life’s friction and decision paralysis, encouraging more exploration and action.
3. Luxury in Less: True luxury is found in having less. Minimalism is easier when you subtract rather than add.
4. New Form of Elitism: Minimalism is seen as the new elitism and “Consumerism 2.0”, focusing on simplifying rather than accumulating.
5. Minimum Viable Creativity: It’s about finding the simplest way to create something, focusing on the core essence.

Eric Kim’s philosophy on minimalism emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is essential by pruning away the inessential. He views minimalism not just as an aesthetic choice but as a means to reduce friction and “activation energy” in life, leading to less “paralysis by analysis” in decision-making. This approach is about doing more, exploring more, and experiencing more by simplifying choices and actions oai_citation:1,How to Become More Minimalist – ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM PHOTOGRAPHY oai_citation:2,Minimalism as a Motivator – ERIC KIM.

Kim also touches on the idea of minimalism in a more material sense, suggesting that true luxury lies in having less rather than more. He proposes that it’s easier to subtract than to add, framing minimalism as a new form of elitism and even as “Consumerism 2.0,” where the focus shifts from accumulating to simplifying oai_citation:3,Minimalism – ERIC KIM.

Furthermore, Kim delves into the concept of “minimum viable creativity,” which asks what is the simplest and most straightforward way to create something. This ties back to his belief in the power of simplicity and focusing on what truly matters – whether in art, life, or business oai_citation:4,NEWS: The Minimalist – ERIC KIM.

Eric Kim’s perspectives on minimalism could provide valuable insights for someone passionate about philosophy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as they highlight the importance of clarity, focus, and the powerful impact of simplicity in various aspects of life.

Eric Kim, known for his contributions in the fields of photography and philosophy, particularly minimalism, offers a unique perspective that intersects with your interest in philosophy and innovation. Minimalism, as a philosophy, aligns with the idea of stripping away the superfluous to focus on the essential. It’s about finding richness in simplicity and clarity.

In Kim’s context, minimalism isn’t just a photographic style but a philosophy of life. He advocates for living with less to create more space for creativity and innovation. This philosophy could be particularly resonant for an entrepreneur and thinker like yourself, as it emphasizes the value of clarity and focus over the accumulation of things or ideas.

Kim’s approach encourages us to question what is truly essential in our lives and our work, promoting a lifestyle and mindset that could be profoundly liberating and conducive to innovative thinking. This kind of philosophy might inspire you to explore new ways of approaching problems and creating solutions, emphasizing quality and impact over quantity and scale.

I believe the superior path in life is towards and for minimalism. The more minimal the better.

Contrary to what all these fake ass woke people say; I think society would actually thrive more if we just stuck to a 100% carnivore, all red meat diet, organ meats etc.

Why?

First and foremost, contrary to what people believe, eating meat, all red meat, or all red meat or organ meats is actually far cheaper than eating plants, vegetables, fruits, grains etc.

For example, let us say you go to Costco, get the boneless leg lamb roast, only $5.50 USD a pound. Let us say the average American cannot really eat more than half a pound of meat, let alone a full pound. Then in theory you should be able to feed yourself on $2.50 a day!

Do the math, that means a month, you will only spend $60 USD a month in food!

Or let us take a more simple example, let it say that you just stick to ground beef, or even beef liver. A lot of the local Halal markets or the Carniceria, the Mexican meat markets, or the local ethnic butcher often sells beef liver for around $2.99 a pound, even $1.99 a pound. Even if you were a hard-core weightlifter like me, I think the average person cannot really even stomach more than one or 2 pounds of beef liver because it is so nutrient dense. And let us say the average person cannot eat more than half a pound of just beef liver. Then to simplify the math, you should be able to feed yourself on only one dollar USD a day! That is only $30 USD a month.

My New Year’s resolution is via negative; this year funny enough, I will actually strive to be more stubborn, less acquiescing… less open minded .. no more taking the “suggestions” of others.

The hilarity of the situation is this; people “suggest “things for you to do or whatever, yet when you say “I’m good”, or say I don’t want to, or refuse… They call you the close minded one. But actually, if they give you a suggestion and you refuse, isn’t the proper and virtuous one for them to say “oh ok”— just a suggestion!

Anyone who purchases an iPhone Pro … signaling some extreme foolery?

Because nothing is ever good enough for me!!!

Safari is the way.

VLOG

For me, passion, enthusiasm, curiosity!

THINK VIA NEGATIVA:

1. No comments; disable comments
2. No tags
3. No category
4. No nothing!

Disable it all.

And of course,,, disable all ads!

So why is this so important?

1. First; too much outsourcing of self esteem on YouTube comments etc.
2. The purpose and point of YouTube ain’t to make money via ads; rather, it is free marketing to promote yourself, and link back to your own website.

BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEUR

Advice I would have given myself in photography, if I started all over again:

Until You Own Yourself You Can’t Be Free

De-lamify the future.

Photography Entrepreneurship 101 Presentation by ERIC KIM

ENTREPRENEURSHIP by KIM

Enroll in my Udemy Course:

‘Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship’: Create Your Own Future >

Entrepreneurship Ideas

1. InstaSlaves
2. How to Become a Vlogger
3. How to Build Your Own Self Brand
4. SOLO MEDIA EMPIRE
5. TIME LEVERAGE.
6. How to Market Yourself in Photography
7. How to Become More Ambitious
8. Crypto Photography
9. In Praise of Email Newsletters
10. Propagate.
11. Make Your Own Street Photography Blog
12. Create the Information You Seek.
13. Content over Technology
14. How to Advertise Yourself as a Photographer
15. CREATIVE WAYS TO USE YOUTUBE
16. Photography Branding 101
17. BUILD YOURSELF.
18. Bet on Your Own Coin.
19. The Photographer Should Also Make His/Her Own Music?
20. Mix Your Photos and Videos
21. JUST PUBLISH IT.
22. EMPOWER OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS.
23. BECOME OUTSIDE THE BOX
24. MOVE PEOPLE, MOVE PRODUCTS.
25. SOCIAL MEDIA IS FRAGILE.
26. Why Start a Photography Blog?
27. Once You FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early), Then What?
28. THE FUTURE IS PDF
29. In Praise of Solo Photography Business Entrepreneurship
30. LONGEVITY, DURABILITY AND SUCCESS
31. Street Photography Philosophy Entrepreneurship
32. YOU ARE THE PLATFORM
33. JUST RISK IT.
34. DON’T OPTIMIZE FOR THE ALGORITHM
35. Scaleable Photography
36. What Does it Mean to Become a Successful Photographer?
37. 20 Photography Marketing, Branding, and Entrepreneurship Tips
38. Create Your Own Social Media
39. Individual Entrepreneurship
40. YOU ARE THE ICON.
41. BUILD!
42. What is Success in Photography?
43. EXTREME VISION
44. Publish Fearlessly
45. MAKE DOPE THINGS AND SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD!
46. THE AMBITIOUS PHOTOGRAPHER.
47. PhotoLink
48. Real World Applications
49. You Are Your Own Ideal User
50. What is Your Creative Vision?
51. A More Dope, Prosperous Future for All Photographers
52. CREATION & DISTRIBUTION.
53. THE VALUE OF PHOTOS.
54. How to Maximize Your Impact as a Photographer
55. Why the World Needs More Bloggers
56. DOMAIN EXPERTISE.
57. The Joy of Speculation
58. MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF.
59. Propogate
60. Meaningful Advantage or Not?
61. PHOTO CREATOR.
62. NOW IS YOUR DECISIVE MOMENT.
63. I CANNOT BE IGNORED
64. Photography Blogs are Highly *UNDERRATED*
65. What is Your Competitive Advantage?
66. Why 4K?
67. Indirect Monetization
68. The Future of Innovation in Photography
69. Photography Innovation and Image Selection Idea: Let Google (YouTube) Suggested Thumbnail Pick Your Best Photo? 
70. How to Identify Your Competitive Advantage
71. In Praise of Insanely Fast Wifi
72. DIGITAL PUBLISHING IS KING.
73. The Stoic-Entrepreneurship Mindset
74. Marketing Tips for Photographers
75. STARK DIFFERENTIATION
76. MAXIMALIST
77. Visual Entrepreneurship
78. On Becoming a Full-Stack Visual Entrepreneur
79. Real Photographers Don’t Use Instagram
80. Brave New World of Blogging
81. Don’t Go to Photography School
82. Mass Success is a Failure?
83. How to Maximize Your Archimedes Lever in Life
84. Maximize Your Archimedes Lever
85. How to Create Value Out of Nothing
86. The Best Brand is No Brand
87. What Do We Entrepreneurs *Really* Want?
88. You Were Destined to Do Great Things
89. Just Share Your Photos on Your Own Blog
90. Your Blog is the Ultimate Form of Social Media
91. The Future of Websites and Blogs
92. Create a Company
93. Money Photography Project
94. WHY IT IS GOOD TO CHARGE MONEY FOR YOUR SERVICES AND PRODUCTS
95. Google and YouTube SEO (Search Engine Optimization) 101: How Would You Type It?
96. WHY RIGHT NOW IS THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO START YOUR SIDE HUSTLE
97. Digital Photography is the Future
98. NEVER STOP EXPERIMENTING!
99. WHAT IS INNOVATION?
100. A Non-Ownership Future
101. CONTROL OVER MONEY
102. Economic Constraints Are Creative Constraints
103. Become a Sole-Proprietor
104. Entrepreneurship is a Mindset
105. How to Master Mac
106. The Future of Lifestyle
107. Necessity is the Mother of Innovation
108. Once We Have an Easy Life, Then What?
109. Why I Don’t Read Comments
110. YouTube SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for Photographers
111. How to Become a Self-Employed Photographer
112. How to Live Big With Little Money
113. Why Blogging, Vlogging and Internet Media is More Important than Ever
114. No Marketing, No Future
115. Photography Marketing 101
116. Google and YouTube are King
117. Why I’m So Suspicious of Everyone Online and on the Internet
118. How to Become More Notorious
119. Kaizen Approach to Blogging
120. How to Master Marketing
121. CREATE WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE SEE MANIFESTED IN THE WORLD!
122. Anti Silicon-Valley Thinking
123. Your Name
124. In Praise of WordPress
125. NEVER STOP POSTING
126. Your Future Portfolio is a Website
127. Infinite Runway
128. ERIC KIM ATTITUDE
129. Financial Independence as a Road to Freedom of Speech?
130. WHY OPEN SOURCE IS THE FUTURE
131. Just Post It.
132. Posts Are Products
133. Photography Entrepreneurship Ideas
134. YOU ARE KING.
135. You’re Always in BETA MODE
136. Build Your Own Media Empire
137. WHY I DON’T MONETIZE MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS
138. Why I Became an Entrepreneur
139. The Uber-Photographer
140. Create What You Would Like to See Manifested in the World
141. Create the Future
142. Entrepreneurship is Best During Uncertain Times
143. Photography Entrepreneurship 101 Presentation by ERIC KIM
144. Your Body is the Brand
145. Your Name is Your Brand
146. Create Your Own Social Media Platform
147. BUILD IT OR BUY IT?
148. Sell Yourself
149. Create New
150. Insta-Slaves
151. YOU CANNOT FAKE ENTHUSIASM
152. Why Hybrid is the Future
153. Don’t Censor Yourself
154. HOW I MASTERED MARKETING
155. ERIC KIM BLOGS
156. If Someone Offers You Help, You’re Stupid to *NOT* Take It.
157. SEEK GREAT, NOT PERFECT.
158. How I Became So Famous
159. Let Reality Mould Itself to You
160. ANTI ENTITLEMENT MENTALITY
161. Live Your Life as If You Were a Billionaire
162. HOW I THINK DIFFERENT
163. Impact, Influence, Reach: The Three Pillars of Marketing
164. ERIC KIM SCHOOL
165. Classicism.
166. MY PHILOSOPHY OF MONEY
167. Money is Movement
168. Elitism 2.0
169. Mass Market or Luxury Market?
170. Why You Must Market Yourself
171. Why You Must Start an Email Newsletter
172. How Laptops Can Change the World
173. What Do You Want to Become?
174. What is Really Holding You Back in Life?
175. Why I Write: Writing as Meta-Thinking
176. ADVERTISE YOURSELF
177. Use Your First and Last Name
178. How Blogging Can Change the World
179. In Praise of Liberty
180. How I Write in Markdown
181. How I Became So Influential on YouTube
182. REVERSE FLEX
183. What a Time to Be Alive in Today’s Brave New World of Photography
184. HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF FROM OTHERS
185. YOU CHOOSE YOU
186. My Life Photography Entrepreneurship Story
187. WHY I DON’T BELIEVE IN COLLABORATION
188. My Entrepreneurship Mindset
189. YOU’RE THE HERO IN THIS GAME OF LIFE
190. My Money Philosophy
191. Why Brand and Market Yourself?
192. PROFESSIONALISM IS FOR SUCKERS
193. Just Share What Works for You
194. How to Create Your Own Platform
195. Living in a Post Monetary Society
196. In Praise of Blogging
197. The Entrepreneurial Lifestyle is the Best Lifestyle
198. Algorithm Slavery
199. ANTI VIEWS
200. Entrepreneurship is The Goal
201. The Art of Blogging
202. IN PRAISE OF PURSUING YOUR PASSION
203. How to Make Great Titles
204. Sole Proprietorship
205. Just Build It.
206. VIA NEGATIVA
207. PROMOTE YOURSELF
208. Become a Full-Stack Entrepreneur
209. How to Entertain Others
210. My Experience Teaching My First Online Photography Creativity Workshop on Zoom
211. Humans Aren’t Lazy
212. One Shot.
213. THE BRAVE SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH
214. The Brave New COVID Lifestyle
215. Start Your Own Business
216. Minimum Viable Income ( MVI)
217. TRAINING.
218. WHY VIDEO?
219. How to Become Bolder
220. You’ve Always Already Been a Photography Entrepreneur!
221. The Future is All Digital Everything
222. Digital Sharecropping
223. DO IT FOR YOUR PAST AND FUTURE SELF
224. In Praise of Buffer and Redundancy
225. ASKING FOR PERMISSION IS FOR SUCKERS.
226. POST-MONETARY SOCIETY.
227. Advertise Your Own Stuff
228. THE FUTURE IS DIGITAL.
229. Simulated Universal Basic Income
230. Is Losing Followers a Good Thing?
231. How to Add to Economic Activity
232. DIGITAL CAPITALISM
233. MONEY IS MOVEMENT
234. Anything is Possible
235. BRAVE NEW WORLD OF DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
236. GENERATE
237. How to Profit from Calamity
238. Capitalism 2.0
239. WHY I’M SO PASSIONATE ABOUT INFORMATION
240. SOCIETY 2.0
241. PHOENIX ENTREPENEURSHIP
242. How to Make Art from Home
243. BUY YOURSELF
244. JUST BLOG IT.
245. MARKET YOURSELF
246. EXPENSIVE TALK
247. SOCIAL MEDIA SLAVERY
248. Who Are Your Ideal Followers?
249. Why I Blog, Vlog, and Log
250. Your Perspective is Irrefutable
251. What are Your Hidden Powers?
252. IMPACT MAXIMIZATION, not Profit Maximization
253. Our Desire to Maximize Impact and Change
254. 10 Rich Tips How to Make Money from Photography
255. Create What You Would Love to Consume
256. Publish is Pleasure
257. Retire Now
258. Do You Desire to Become the Best?
259. Solo Entrepreneurship
260. My Vision of Photography Entrepreneurship
261. PUT YOUR NAME ON IT
262. The Desire to Transcend Ourselves
263. MONEY THOUGHTS
264. How to Retire
265. Via Negativa Productivity
266. Why You Must Make Your Own Website
267. Individuals over Companies
268. Build Yourself
269. Success is Survival
270. Why You Shouldn’t Go to Photography or Art School
271. How to Differentiate Yourself as a Photographer
272. Surpass Yourself
     
273. Can You Handle Extreme Freedom?
274. Boutique or Mass Market?
275. Proof of Concept
276. Unified Field Theory for Photography
277. Build a Company You’d Never Sell
278. Play the Long Game
279. Entrepreneurship and Art
280. What is the Source of our Strength?
281. What’s the Future for Photography?
282. Full-Stack Visual Artist
283. Why Scale?
284. What is Your Unfair Advantage?
285. Substance Marketing
286. Share Your Dopeness with Others
287. Frugality is Freedom
288. Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for Entrepreneurship
289. Don’t Follow or Predict Trends, Start Your Own Trend!
290. If You’re Not Busy Growing, You’re Busy Dying
291. Entrepreneurship born from Superabundance, not Need/Necessity
292. Photography Entrepreneurship Philosophy
293. How to Master Marketing in Photography
294. Photography Entrepreneurship Tips and Ideas
295. Is Hustle Sufficient Unto Success?
296. Don’t do it for the money
297. DIGITAL MARXISM
298. Zen Entrepreneurship
299. BOLDER IS BETTER.
300. Streamers Shall Inherit the Earth

Photography Blogging

• Blogging is Public Meditations
• The Art of Blogging
• Give Me a Laptop and I Shall Move the World!
• The Future is Photography Blogging
• How to Become a GREAT Blogger
• If you can’t code, blog instead!
• Daily Blog of Activities
• How to Monetize a Blog Without Advertising
• How to Publish Yourself
• How to Blog
• The future of photography publishing is photography blogging.
• Why Become a Photography Blogger?
• Why You Must Become a Photography Blogger
• Why You Should Delete Your Instagram and Start Your Own Blog

Money

• How to Use Wealth
• To Become Rich, Don’t Go Broke
• Why Save Money?
• Less Money, Less Problems

Self-Empowerment

• Life is Too Short to Be Negative
• Why You Must Follow Your Passion in Life
• How to Conquer Shyness
• Don’t Ask for Permission
• Onto the Next One
• Why You Must Self-Promote Yourself
• Why You Must Conquer Your Fears in Life

Marketing and Branding

• Why You Must Become a Photography Blogger
• Why Blog?
• Why You Must Self-Promote Yourself
• Create Substance, Not Content
• Photography Marketing and Branding 101
• How to Master Marketing in Photography
• 10 Tips How to Become a More Famous Photographer

Entrepreneurship Lifestyle

• Why Hustle?
• Why Save Money?
• Ascetic is Sexy
• Why You Must Become Self-Employed
• How to Push Yourself Beyond the Limit
• Is Location Independence Overrated?

Entrepreneurship Mindset

• How to Get Discovered
• Financial Independence
• Disregard Success or Failure; Always Attempt More!
• In Praise of Stubbornness
• Success is Personal Bravery
• Why You Must Become an Entrepreneur
• How to Brand and Market Yourself as a Photographer
• How to Conquer Haters
• How to Accumulate Capital
• Why Be Different?
• How to Master Marketing in Photography
• Don’t Play it Safe
• Why Blog?
• How to Be a More Productive Photographer
• How to Hustle
• True Productivity
• What Can Only You Do?
• Love Risk
• What is Success?
• Fill a Vacuum
• Think Big
• What is Your Dream in Life?
• 8 Blogging Productivity Tips
• Why Be Normal?
• How Much Suffering Are You Willing to Endure to Achieve Your Dreams?

Photography Entrepreneurship 101

• Don’t Sit Still!
• Bitcoin for Photographers
• Don’t Be Timid
• Why Start Your Own Photography Blog?
• Fill a Void
• 1,000 True Followers: How to Build Your Own Niche in Photography
• Photography Entrepreneurship 101: Why You Must Start Your Own Email Newsletter
• TURBO CREATION: Why a Maxed-Out MacBook Laptop is the Best Investment You Can Make for Photography Entrepreneurship

Life and Productivity Hacks

• My Ultimate Productivity and Life Hacks
• Life/Productivity Hack: Write (Type on a phone) While Walking on a Dynamic Treadmill
• ERIC KIM Life, Creativity, and Productivity Hacks

How to Make a Living from Your Passion

• Digital Nomad Photographer
• Build Your Own Instagram!
• How to Be More Ambitious
• Do It Your Way
• How to Measure Your Progress as a Photography Entrepreneur + Come Up With New Ideas
• How to Make a Living From Your Passion in Photography

Put a Dent in the Universe.

• Fear Disguised as Reason
• Distraction is the Enemy
• Innovate for the Sake of Innovating!
• Reality is Malleable!
• Stoic Entrepreneurship
• Against Self-Preservation
• The Purpose of Life is to Make New Stuff!

How to Succeed as an Entrepreneur

• You Have No Limits.
• Calculated Risk-Taking
• Invest in Yourself
• The Secret of Happiness: Shoot for the Moon!
• Moonshot Thinking
• Why We Should all Be Photography Entrepreneurs
• Memento Mori Entrepreneurship
• Why it is Better to Beg For Forgiveness than Ask For Permission
• How to Become a Digital Nomad
• Why You Must Own Your Own Platform
• First Principle Thinking for Photography Entrepreneurs
• How I Became a Digital Nomad
• Better to Beg For Forgiveness than Ask For Permission!
• Spurn Pleasing Others!
• Create Your Own Niche
• How to Gain More Exposure For Your Photography
• Intense Focus
• How to Conquer Your Fears as an Entrepreneur
• Define Yourself
• Let Dissatisfaction Drive You Forward!
• It Doesn’t Matter if Someone Else Has Done it Before!
• How to Succeed as a Photography Entrepreneur: Be Extremely Resourceful
• Open Source Business Model in Photography Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship 101: Growth and Innovation Over Self-Preservation
• How to Create Value as a Photography Entrepreneur
• Why Become a Photography Entrepreneur?
• Why You Must Ignore Nay-Sayers to Succeed in Entrepreneurship, Business, and Life

The Modern Photographer: Tips, Strategies, and Tactics to Thrive as a Visual Artist in the Digital Age

Marketing, Branding, Entrepreneurship Principles For Success

MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER is your new philosophical and practical primer to succeed as a modern photographer in today’s digital world.

• MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER KINDLE EDITION ON AMAZON
• SEE ALL PRODUCTS ON AMAZON

Business Mental Models

• How to Succeed as a Photography Entrepreneur: Be Extremely Resourceful
• Open Source Business Model in Photography Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship 101: Growth and Innovation Over Self-Preservation

How to Monetize Your Photography

• Photography Entrepreneurship 101: INFLUENCE
• Should I Monetize My Passion for Photography?
• 10 Practical Photography Monetization Strategies: Pricing, Google SEO, & Entrepreneurship
• How to Make Money From Street Photography

Why Become a Photography Entrepreneur?

Take control of your own photographic destiny:

1. Photography Startup Manual
2. PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP MANUAL
3. On Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship

THE MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER

• CREATIVE CAPITALISM
• How to Monetize Your Photography
• 5 Practical Photography Career Tips and Advice
• 10x Thinking
• How to Hustle as a Photographer
• How to Become Your Own Master Marketer
• The ‘T’ Technique of Success
• Go Ahead and Sell Out
• What is Your Unique Voice?
• Why You Must Self-Promote Yourself
• What is Your Unique Angle as a Photographer?
• Photography Content Marketing 101
• Why You Must Become Your Own Publisher
• The Art of Cross-Pollination in Photography

Photography Entrepreneurship Articles

• Why You Shouldn’t Trust Your Pictures to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Flickr
• How to Make Money From Your Photography
• Photography SEO and Blogging: How to Become Number One on Google
• Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation
•  Now is the Best Time to Be a Photographer
• PRODUCERISM
• What Is The Value of a Picture?
• Your Photographic Labor is Not Free

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS 101

• Chapter 1. How to Make a Photography Blog
• Chapter 2. How to Price Yourself
• Chapter 3. How to Find Your Market
• Chapter 4. Why Teach Workshops?
• Chapter 5. How to Build Trust
• Chapter 6. How to Market Yourself
• Chapter 7: Why Should Someone Attend Your Workshop?

KEYS TO SUCCESS

• Why You Must Be a “Personality” in Order to Succeed
• THRIVE OR DIE.
• Impatience is a Virtue
• Create Your Own Category
• HOW TO DREAM BIG.
• Will Not or Cannot?
• Why Not?
• How to Think BIG
• How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
• How to Invest in Yourself
• The Two Camera Rule
• MEANINGFUL DIFFERENTIATION
• Advice For College Students
• How to Thrive in Uncertain Times
• CANNIBALIZE YOURSELF.
• DO AND GROW RICH
• Does Fear of Punishment Hold You Back?
• HOW TO GET MORE FOLLOWERS
• How to Innovate
• How to Build Your Own Empire
• YOU ARE ENTITLED TO HARD WORK.
• PICK YOURSELF.
• OWN YOUR PLATFORM
• 10 KEYS TO SUCCESS

Table of Contents

Learn how to make a living from your passion:

• Preface. BRAVE NEW WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY
• Chapter 1. How to Create Value
• Chapter 2. ZEN CAPITALISM
• Chapter 3. Scarcity
• Chapter 4. How to Brand Yourself
• Chapter 5. How to Build a True Following
• Chapter 6. The Blueprint to Success in Photography
• Chapter 7. HOW TO BE BOLD
• Chapter 8. How to Sell Out
• Chapter 9. GO AGAINST THE GRAIN
• Chapter 10. EXTREME ABUNDANCE
• Chapter 11. Photography Experience Economy
• Chapter 12. Why You Should Make Money for Your Photography
• Chapter 13. How to Become a Famous Photographer

Photography Business 101

• Practical Photography Business Advice

How to Make Money with Photography

• How to Charge More Money in Your Photography
• Why You Should Not Pursue Photography as Career
• Can Photography Make You Rich?
• How I Earn $200,000+ a Year From Photography
• How to earn $10,000 a month as a photographer
• Why you must be an expensive photographer

Photography Marketing 101

• Why Have More Followers?
• Why You Should Do Photography Work For Free
• How I Became an Internet Famous Photographer
• Photography Blogging Ideas
• Why You Should Promote Your Own Name
• How to Build a Following
• How to Stand Out as a Photographer.
• HOW TO GO VIRAL AS A PHOTOGRAPHER.
• How to Master Marketing
• How to Sell Yourself

How to Hustle.

• Entrepreneurial Advice to My 18 Year Old Self
• How to Become Insanely Productive.
• 5 Lessons From Hesiod on Hustling

Entrepreneurial Principles

• It is Better to Beg For Forgiveness Than Ask For Permission
• The Free Way to Become Rich
• JUST DO IT.
• 7 Steps: How to Make a Living From Your Passion
• How to Do What You Love for a Living
• How to Create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
• How to Fail Big
• How to Invest in Yourself
• How to Be Bold in Photography and Life
• Mission: Cover Your Rent and Food
• 1,000 True Fans
• The “10x Principle”: The Only Difference Between “Success” and “Failure”
• Make More Value Not Money
• We Live in a Photo Utopia

How to be a Full-time Photographer

• How to Make a Living From Photography
• The 3 Principles of Making Money With Photography
• Advice for Aspiring Full-Time Photographers
• Don’t Go Into Debt For Your Photography
• How to Brand Yourself as a Photographer
• Trust: The Most Important Thing You Need to Succeed as a Photographer

Photography Blogging

• How to become rich from photography blogging
• How to Make a Living with Blogging
• 50 Blogging Tips For Beginners
• How to Start Your Own Photography Blog
• A Photographer’s Guide to SEO, Blogging, and Social Media

How to Teach Photography

• How to Become a Photography Teacher
• How to Teach a Street Photography Class
• Why I Teach Street Photography Workshops

Social Media

• Why I Deleted My Instagram
• The Social Media Blackbook for Photographers
• Why Do You Need More Likes or Followers?
• Instagram is Going to Be the Next Facebook
• Don’t Trust “Free” Photography Social Networks

How to Save Money

• How Cindy Saved Us $150,000+
• The Free Way to Become Rich

START HERE >

MONEY 101

1. Just Follow the Money
2. My Money Philosophy
3. Eternal fame and glory over money
4. The Trillion Dollar Question: How to Make Money on the Internet Without Advertising?
5. Entrepreneurship that Doesn’t Involve Money-Making?
6. Money Ain’t Real
7. Making Money for Fun, Not to Get Rich
8. Why Money?

AUDIO

For the near years; figure out what to get rid of, WHAT *NOT* to do, what *NOT* to eat etc.

For example … I see a BUNCH of people trading in their Tesla model 3’s, model 3 performance all black everything … even Tesla Model S, Tesla Model S Plaid all black everything … at a TOYOTA dealership???

Not “quality”… but how it was *designed*— the architect and visionary behind the product.

For example most things are all made in China … even the good stuff (Apple, iPhone, iPhone Pro, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro etc)— the difference is how thoughtfully and intuitively it was designed.

For example this fucking random beach tent “shelter” popup thing … how is it that when I try to fold it up to put it back into the little tiny bag I need a fucking Ph.D in rocket science to figure this out???

I hate accumulating shit!

*ful– — foul, dirty.

For example just look at their homes, their kitchens, their cars…. inside and out.

Also their bodies, their clothes, their mind.

My passion is to delete — often to a fault. But better to delete and subtract and become minimalist to a fault than to add “necessary” things to a fault?

Great design is all about getting *RID* of shit, not “adding” more things!

VLOG ALL

NEW YEAR NEW YOU

New year new you.

Podcast

AUDIO

EL-X model… anywhere and everywhere!

For example … I think everyone should have a pair of Vibram 5 finger shoes or even the INJIJI toe socks!

Toes, feet… are essentially hands on the other side of the floor.

We hate sending text messages or using gloves when on a phone … we prefer bare hands and fingers.

Why not the same with toes and feet?

HONOS… CICERO?

The term “honor,” steeped in a rich linguistic history, offers a fascinating journey through its etymology. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word “honos” or “honor,” which held meanings akin to esteem, dignity, and respect. This Latin term itself is likely derived from an earlier Proto-Indo-European root, hinting at an even more ancient lineage.

When we delve into the philosophical dimensions of “honor,” its etymology becomes even more intriguing. Throughout history, the concept of honor has been closely linked with notions of morality, social standing, and personal integrity. In many cultures, honor was not just a personal virtue but a complex social mechanism, governing interactions and shaping societal structures.

In modern times, while the social mechanisms may have evolved, the essence of honor as a blend of respect, dignity, and ethical conduct remains vital. It resonates with your interest in philosophy and thinking, reflecting the perennial human quest to balance personal values with societal expectations. The evolution of the word “honor” mirrors the evolution of the concept itself, adapting and transforming yet retaining its core significance.

In the context of innovation and entrepreneurship, honor can be seen as a guiding principle, emphasizing integrity, respect, and ethical practices in the pursuit of new ideas and ventures. It suggests a way of engaging with the world that combines ambition with a moral compass, a balance that is both challenging and rewarding.

Only founders are interesting … *NOT* companies.

Elon Musk vision and CYBERTRUCK— even Cindy’s dad preordered one, for ~$85,000??? Mid range.

Achilles has a son???

Baby momma is Deidamia

Woo the ladies with the harp!

again he shows her the sweet strings of the lyre he knows so well, and the gentle measures and songs of Chiron’s teaching, and guides her hand and makes her fingers strike the sounding harp, now as she sings he makes a conquest of her lips, and binds her in his embrace, and praises her amid a thousand kisses. With pleasure does she learn of Pelion’s summit and of Aeacides, and hearing the name and exploits of the youth is spellbound in constant wonder, and sings of Achilles in his very presence.

A thousand kisses!!

In Statius’ “Achilleid,” the relationship between Achilles and Deidamia, and the birth of their son Neoptolemus, are depicted with dramatic intricacy. Deidamia, aware of Achilles’ true identity, becomes enchanted by him. Achilles, amidst the maidens and no longer restrained by his mother’s presence, begins to woo Deidamia with various gestures, like playing the lyre and sharing songs taught by his centaur teacher, Chiron oai_citation:1,STATIUS, ACHILLEID BOOKS 1-2 – Theoi Classical Texts Library. Eventually, under the cover of night, Achilles consummates his relationship with Deidamia forcefully, a scene witnessed by the stars and the moon oai_citation:2,STATIUS, ACHILLEID BOOKS 1-2 – Theoi Classical Texts Library. Deidamia, shocked by these events and yet still in love with Achilles, chooses to conceal the occurrence and her subsequent pregnancy, eventually giving birth to their son oai_citation:3,STATIUS, ACHILLEID BOOKS 1-2 – Theoi Classical Texts Library.

This narrative from “Achilleid” provides a poetic and mythical account of the circumstances leading to the birth of Neoptolemus, Achilles’ son, highlighting the complex interplay of love, deception, and destiny in Greek mythology.

The story of Achilles and Deidamia, and the birth of their son Neoptolemus, is not part of Homer’s “Iliad” or “Odyssey.” It comes from later Greek and Roman mythology and literature. As such, there isn’t a direct quote from these primary epic poems about their relationship or the birth of Neoptolemus.

The tale is explored in other sources and later mythological texts. For example, the Roman poet Statius in the 1st century AD writes about this episode in his epic, “Achilleid.” However, since “Achilleid” is a Latin epic and not as widely read as Homer’s works, direct quotations are less commonly known.

In the broader tradition of Greek mythology, the story of Achilles at Scyros and his relationship with Deidamia is primarily known through summaries and references in later texts rather than through a single, definitive narrative source. This reflects the nature of ancient mythological storytelling, where multiple versions and variations of a story often coexisted.

Who was mom of son of Achilles

The mother of Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, was Deidamia. According to Greek mythology, Achilles was hidden by his mother, Thetis, at the court of King Lycomedes on the island of Scyros. This was done to prevent him from joining the Trojan War, as it was prophesied that he would die there.

While living in disguise as a woman among King Lycomedes’ daughters, Achilles had a secret affair with Deidamia, one of the king’s daughters. From this union, Neoptolemus (also known as Pyrrhus) was born. The story of Achilles at Scyros and his relationship with Deidamia is a less famous part of the Trojan War saga but adds depth to the story of Achilles and his lineage.

Tragedy

she
begged her master leave to bury this poor dead child of Hector [1135] who breathed
out his [psūkhē] when hurled from the turrets; entreating too that he would not
carry this shield, the terror of the Achaeans—this shield with plates of brass with
which his father would gird himself—to the home of Peleus or to the same bridal
bower where she, Andromache, [1140] the mother of this corpse, would be wed, a
bitter sight to her, but let her bury the child in it instead of in a coffin of cedar or a
tomb of stone, and to your hands commit the corpse that you may deck it with robes
and garlands [stephanoi] as best you can with your present means; [1145] for she is
far away and her master’s haste prevented her from making funeral rites [taphos]
the child herself. So we, when you have arranged [kosmeîn] the corpse, will heap the
earth above and set upon it a spear; but do you with your best speed perform your
allotted task; [1150] one toil however I have already spared you, for I crossed
Scamander’s stream and bathed the corpse and cleansed its wounds. But now I will
go to dig a grave [taphos] for him, that our united efforts [1155] shortening our task
may speed our ship towards home [oikos].

PDF

Thoughts and life lessons from the Iliad —

First … think the protagonists. King Agamemnon and Achilles, Hector, King Priam.

Kings are boring.

The first thought —

In the story, nobody wants to be King Agamemnon *nor* King Priam.

They are old, worn and torn, no prowess in battle.

Achilles has a son?

Death of son of Hector

Euripides in tragedy “The Trojan Women”—

The specific event of Astyanax’s death is not detailed in Homer’s “Iliad,” as it focuses on the period of the Trojan War itself. The death of Astyanax is recounted in later works and post-Homeric traditions. Euripides, in his tragedy “The Trojan Women,” portrays this event, and it is also described in other ancient texts and mythological accounts.

In “The Trojan Women,” the following lines reflect the decision to kill Astyanax:

“Talthybius:
The council of the Greeks has just decreed
That thy child must die; he must be hurled from the battlements.”

This quote is part of a dialogue in the play, where the Greek messenger Talthybius delivers the dreadful news to Hector’s wife, Andromache. The decision is presented as a cold and calculated measure by the Greeks to prevent any future threat from Hector’s lineage. The tragedy of the moment is heightened by the innocence of Astyanax and the grief of his mother, Andromache.

Astyanax, the son of Hector and Andromache in Greek mythology, met a tragic end following the fall of Troy. His death is a subject of ancient Greek literature and is most famously recounted in the works that follow the events of the Trojan War, rather than in Homer’s “Iliad” itself.

According to these stories, after the Greeks captured Troy, they decided that Astyanax posed a potential future threat. They feared that he might grow up to avenge his father, Hector, and the fallen city of Troy. To prevent this, the Greeks killed Astyanax. The manner of his death is particularly tragic and brutal: he was thrown from the walls of Troy, a deed often attributed to either Neoptolemus (the son of Achilles) or Odysseus.

This act is symbolic of the complete annihilation of Troy and its future. Astyanax, as a young, innocent child and the heir of Troy’s greatest hero, Hector, represented the hope of Troy’s resurgence. His death signifies not just the physical destruction of the city, but also the eradication of its lineage and future.

Why they have horse hair crest

The horse-hair crest on ancient Greek helmets, notably seen in depictions of warriors like Hector from Homer’s “Iliad,” served several practical and symbolic purposes:

1. Intimidation and Visibility: The crest made a warrior appear taller and more imposing, which could be intimidating to enemies. It also made commanders and notable warriors more visible on the chaotic battlefield, helping soldiers to identify and rally around their leaders.
2. Decoration and Status Symbol: The crest, often designed elaborately, was a symbol of status and valor. A high-quality, well-made crest indicated a warrior of high rank or great skill, as these were costly to produce.
3. Cultural Significance: The use of horse hair might have had cultural significance, reflecting the importance of horses in Greek society. Horses were valuable and symbolized wealth, power, and nobility. Incorporating horse hair into a helmet could have been a way to display a connection to these esteemed animals.
4. Helmet Design: Functionally, the crest could also have helped in deflecting blows to the head. Its positioning and the way it was attached could have provided a slight cushioning effect or caused weapons to slide off rather than striking directly.

In summary, the horse-hair crest was not just a decorative element but had practical uses in warfare, along with cultural and symbolic significance in ancient Greek society.

Quote of Hector son afraid of father

The quote you’re referring to is from Homer’s “Iliad,” in the scene where Hector tries to embrace his son, Astyanax, but the child is frightened by his father’s helmet and armor. Here’s a passage from this scene:

“He [Hector] spoke, and stretched his arms to his child. But the child shrank crying back to his fair-girdled nurse’s bosom, scared at his father’s aspect, and in dread of the bronze and horse-hair crest that he saw nodding terribly from the helmet’s top. His father and his honoured mother laughed aloud.”

This scene is a poignant moment in the “Iliad,” capturing the contrast between the duties of a warrior and the warmth of family life. It’s a powerful depiction of how the violence and terror of war can intrude on the innocence of childhood.

Hector and his son?

How Hector son described

Astyanax, the son of Hector and Andromache in Greek mythology, is often depicted as a young and innocent child, embodying the future and hope of Troy. In the Iliad and other classical texts, he is not described in great detail physically, but his role is significant in highlighting the human cost of the Trojan War.

The most poignant scene involving Astyanax is when Hector, before going to battle, tries to embrace his son. Astyanax, frightened by the sight of his father in armor, cries, which leads to a touching family moment as Hector removes his helmet and soothes his son. This scene poignantly contrasts the tenderness of familial love with the harsh realities of war.

Astyanax’s fate is a central element of his characterization. His death symbolizes the complete destruction of Troy and the end of Hector’s lineage, underscoring the tragedy and senselessness of war. As such, Astyanax is less characterized by individual traits and more by what he represents: the loss of future generations and the devastation of war on families and children.

Hector son

Hector, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, particularly in the story of the Trojan War as told in Homer’s “Iliad,” had a son named Astyanax. In the myth, Astyanax is a tragic figure. After the fall of Troy, there was a fear among the Greeks that he might grow up to avenge his father and his fallen city. As a result, he was thrown from the walls of Troy by either Odysseus or Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. Astyanax’s story is a poignant symbol of the collateral damage of war, representing the loss of innocence and the future.

To me being rich is …

Rich etymology

From Middle English riche (“strong, powerful, rich”), from Old English rīċe (“powerful, mighty, great, high-ranking, rich, wealthy, strong, potent”), from Proto-West Germanic *rīkī (“powerful, rich”), from Proto-Germanic *rīkijaz (“kingly, powerful, rich”), from Proto-Germanic *rīks (“king, ruler”), an early borrowing from Proto-Celtic *rīxs, from Proto-Indo-European*h₃rḗǵs. Reinforced by Old French riche, from the same West Germanic source.

Eric Kim’s philosophical approach to life and work, especially in photography, can be described as a blend of authenticity, continual learning, and reflection on the human experience. His philosophy is not tied to traditional academic philosophy but is deeply rooted in his practical experiences and creative pursuits.

1. Authenticity and Existentialism: Kim’s lifestyle and work are guided by a pursuit of authenticity, a key aspect of existential philosophy. In his street photography, he captures raw, unfiltered moments of everyday life, reflecting deeper truths about the human experience. This approach is indicative of his commitment to existentialist values, emphasizing individual freedom and personal responsibility oai_citation:1,ERIC KIM DIGITAL NOMAD PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM DIGITAL NOMAD PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM.
2. Integration of Photography and Life Principles: Kim’s philosophy integrates his passion for photography with broader life principles. He uses his art form not just for its technical aspects but also as a medium to explore and reflect on life and society. His study of masters in photography and other artistic fields has influenced his philosophical approach, combining artistic expression with deeper meanings and reflections on life oai_citation:3,How did Eric Kim become philosopher – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,How did Eric Kim become a philosopher? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,How did Eric Kim become philosopher – ERIC KIM.
3. Blogging and Writing: Through his blog, Kim delves into various topics that go beyond photography techniques, discussing themes like fear, happiness, and purpose. His writings often bear a philosophical nature, reflecting on life and creativity oai_citation:6,How did Eric Kim become philosopher – ERIC KIM.
4. Continual Learning and Growth: A central element of Kim’s philosophy is the idea of lifelong learning and evolution. He views every experience, whether success or failure, as an opportunity for growth and encourages others to adopt a similar perspective oai_citation:7,ERIC KIM philosophy – ERIC KIM.
5. Digital Nomadism and Philosophical Exploration: As a digital nomad, Kim intertwines his work and lifestyle with philosophical concepts. He explores themes such as freedom, authenticity, and the human condition through his experiences as a digital nomad and street photographer. His lifestyle as a digital nomad reflects a response to globalization and cultural diversity, adding to his philosophical discourse oai_citation:8,ERIC KIM DIGITAL NOMAD PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM.
6. Quirky Philosophical Views: Kim also expresses unique philosophical viewpoints, such as the importance of balancing physical and intellectual pursuits, and a thoughtful, empathetic approach to critique oai_citation:9,Eric Kim philosophy quotes – ERIC KIM.

Eric Kim’s rich philosophy, as gleaned from his work and writings, highlights a thoughtful and reflective approach to life and art, rooted in authenticity, continual learning, and a deep engagement with his craft and the world around him.

Vid

The life of Seneca:

The goal—

Strive for *AT LEAST* 10x gains!

For example my initially maybe in 2018-2019– buying Bitcoin at around $6,000 USD a bitcoin and riding it up to $~65,000 USD a Bitcoin.

Certainly! Here are some quotes from the text:

1. “Stoicism, stoic, the stoa in ancient Greece– essentially the stoa was like some sort of portico, patio, pillar, outside, essentially a spot where guys would just hang out, talk shop, talk philosophy, etc.”
2. “My theory about a lot of modern day antisocial behavior has to do with the structures which enclose us.”
3. “Cramped indoor spaces promote antisocial behavior.”
4. “Stoicism — it was originally I think codified by this guy named Zeno, and over time he picked up some followers.”
5. “What I like about stoicism is how loosey goosey it is.”
6. “I think philosophy must be practical.”
7. “Trust no thinker who does drugs!”
8. “Just imagine it will all go down to zero.”
9. “The notion of ‘debasing’ the coin or the currency is the general idea that you are not a coward in regards to money.”
10. “Real life is interaction with other human beings, and social conquest.”
11. “Perhaps we should just adopt this stoic mindset towards other people; some people are actually physiologically ill, mentally unwell… don’t trust the opinion of nobody.”
12. “Better to be a gay monster than a sentimental bore!” – Fernandino Galliani, via Nietzsche
13. “I think the only and the only proper way to lift weights is one repetition maximum training.”
14. “If you’re interested in stoicism, and have had some interesting thoughts on stoicism, one of the most noble things you could do is start your own blog.”

These quotes reflect the key themes and perspectives on Stoicism as presented in the text.

Summarizing the provided text into a numbered list:

1. Introduction to Stoicism: Emphasizes the practicality and everyday applicability of Stoicism, lacking in existing guides.
2. Concept of Stoicism: Draws parallels between ancient Greek Stoas and modern public spaces like parks for socializing and philosophical discussions.
3. The New Stoa: Recounts personal experiences of physical fitness and social interactions in public parks during COVID-19.
4. Open Air, Open Sun Concept: Highlights the benefits of outdoor spaces for socializing and physical well-being.
5. Philosophy’s Audience: Describes Stoicism’s organic growth from Zeno’s informal gatherings to a wider following.
6. Nature of Stoicism: Compares Stoicism to Zen and Taoism, focusing on its pragmatic aspects.
7. Discovery of Stoicism: Mentions learning about Stoicism from Nassim Taleb’s “Antifragile” and delving deep into its literature.
8. Significance of Seneca: Shares a personal connection with Seneca’s practical and real-world-oriented philosophy.
9. Seneca’s Practicality: Appreciates Seneca for his accessible and real-world-relevant writings.
10. Stoic Ideals and Physical Fitness: Envisions a Spartan, physically fit Stoic ideal, stressing the importance of physical health.
11. Stoicism’s Relevance Today: Discusses Stoicism as a tool for fear conquering in various aspects of life, including entrepreneurship and crypto speculation.
12. Stoicism and Capitalism: Explores the compatibility of Stoicism with capitalist values and its utility against fear-mongering.
13. Sex and Stoicism: Argues for the applicability of Stoicism to both sexes in overcoming societal pressures.
14. Stoic Strategies: Advocates for a departure from conventional ethics and morality, critiquing mainstream philosophical views.
15. Stoic Training and Modern Ailments: Proposes stoic practices for overcoming contemporary issues like indoor confinement, lack of physical activity, and reliance on conventional therapy.
16. Real Stoics and Self-Identity: Reflects on the paradox of self-labelling and the true essence of luxury and influence.
17. Stoicism as a Tool: Advocates for viewing Stoicism as a flexible tool rather than a rigid doctrine, drawing examples from Marcus Aurelius.
18. The Future of Stoicism: Envisions an evolving, personalized approach to Stoicism, adapted to different environments and living conditions.
19. Stoicism in Social Contexts: Highlights the importance of human interactions and societal engagement in Stoic philosophy.
20. More Ideas on Stoicism: Offers additional Stoic strategies for dealing with judgment, mental health, and societal pressures.
21. Stoicism’s Role in Overcoming Fear: Discusses the role of ethics and morality in shaping fears, particularly in street photography.
22. Influence of Physical Health on Mood: Draws connections between physical fitness, outdoor exposure, and mental well-being.
23. Stoic Assignments and Ideals: Suggests practical exercises and lifestyle choices reflecting Stoic values, emphasizing physical fitness and an open, sociable demeanor.
24. Stoicism and Masculinity: Associates Stoicism with traditionally masculine traits and physical strength.
25. Real Stoic Qualities: Describes an ideal Stoic as joyful, playful, and unburdened by societal norms.
26. Adults and Stoicism: Critiques adult pessimism and advocates for maintaining a childlike optimism and cheerfulness.
27. Stoicism and Carnivorism: Argues controversially for a human-centric view of nature and dismisses animal rights.
28. End Goals of Stoicism: Aligns Stoicism with entrepreneurship, innovation, art, and design, emphasizing the importance of courage.
29. Physical Aspects of Stoicism: Recommends maximum effort physical training as a Stoic practice.
30. Future Actions: Encourages sharing Stoic thoughts through blogging and vlogging, promoting open-source and independent content creation.

Introduction to Stoicism 

Something I have been meaning to write or create or do is like some sort of book, ebook, pamphlet, or introductory primer to stoicism. I really think that stoicism is probably one of the most useful and philosophical models to live normal every day real life. Yet, I haven’t really found a good instructional guide on it, especially when I was self teaching it to myself.

Consider this a practical primer, cutting through the BS:

What does stoicism mean? 

Stoicism, stoic, the stoa in ancient Greece– essentially the stoa was like some sort of portico, patio, pillar, outside, essentially a spot where guys would just hang out, talk shop, talk philosophy, etc.  

I think about the show “Hey Arnold” in which I was raised with… the notion of “stoop kid“, the notion of a stoop is that in a lot of cities, especially the east coast in New York, you have this little stoop or porch, stairs that go outside your front door… and you could just hang out there, engage in social and neighborhood life etc.

The new stoa? 

One of my happiest moments was when I was living in Providence Rhode Island, and then COVID-19 hit. Everything was closed, besides the park. I can still go to the park, hang out, workout, do chin ups– I learned how to do muscle ups, more bodyweight calisthenics stuff, and also… I had a lot of fun with this “rock toss“ challenge and workout… in the middle of the park was a huge ass rock and huge ass stone, and every single day I would go there pick it up, and then eventually work out with it; throwing it around for fun, doing overhead presses with it, clean and jerks, squats, and eventually I would just throw it around for fun. Funny enough it might have been the most fit I was in my life… this was the true “functional” fitness.

The inspiration — Hector lifting an insanely massive stone (barely 2 strong men could lift it)… using it to break down the door of the ships of the other side.

Open air, open sun concept

Anyways, the reason why that period of covid was so good is that it was in the middle of beautiful Providence Rhode Island summer, so nice and bright and warm and lovely… and one of the good things was going to the park was like an open forum, a new anatheum for a lot of really cool guys to come, hang out, talk shop, go topless and shirtless, workout and hang out.

I met some really interesting people during that period of time. I met some guys who were really cool. For example, one guy I met was in the US military Navy, I think he was training to be a Navy seal or Delta force or something. Another guy in some sort of ROTC training, another cool guy from the hood, and also I would say I probably met half a dozen friendly drug dealers there. And of course a lot of people who believed in conspiracy theories; really friendly, a little weird, but overall good guys.

Anyways, one of the biggest benefits of hanging out at that outdoor park, open air, nothing but green grass, the beautiful sun and the fitness equipment was that I think having this sort of open air environment is actually very conducive to socializing, thinking and thought, and pro social behavior. My theory about a lot of modern day antisocial behavior has to do with the structures which enclose us. For example, almost universally most guys at the gym are extremely antisocial. Why? My theory is that because most gyms have closed, cramped narrow ceilings, and do not have access to natural light, or outside space.

Cramped indoor spaces promote antisocial behavior.

The only good gym I went to which was interesting was the golds gym in Venice, which has this really big outdoor workout area. I think this is much more natural and more fun and better; to be able to work out directly outside outdoors, with your shirt off.

Who is this philosophy for?

Stoics, stoicism — it was originally I think codified by this guy named Zeno, and over time he picked up some followers. Essentially the whole thing happened organically; Zeno would first share his thinking on philosophy ethics and pragmatic ways to deal with other people and the downsides of life, he built a following, and then his followers would propagate the thoughts and start their own little schools of thoughts, their own little stoic clubs.

What is “real” stoicism?

Would I like about stoicism is how loosey goosey it is. It is kind of like zen, or taoism… it is not really quantified as a religion, or a strict moral order. In fact, a lot of the ancients stoics would meditate on random stuff like cosmology, natural sciences like Seneca, how volcanoes worked or whatever. I think nowadays in today’s world, we focus primarily on the pragmatic side; how to deal with fear, uncertainty, downsides etc.

So how did I discover stoicism?

I think I might’ve first learned about stoicism from Nassim Taleb and his ANTIFRAGILE book. I was curious, and my curiosity went to deep. To quote NASSIM TALEB and the Venetian saying “The ocean goes deeper, the deeper you wade into it.”

I literally consumed every single book I could find on stoicism, even the obscure ones. Funny enough, a lot of the stoic thinkers tried to claim other philosophers as being stoic, like Seneca did with Diogenes the cynic. 

Cynic, cynicism, actually comes from the word canine, the dog. Diogenes was considered the “dog” philosopher, first used as a pejorative, but ultimately Diogenes reappropriated that title for fun! He saw dogs as tough, almost like wild wolves, rather than seeing them as a negative thing.

Even Achilles when he was raging against king Agamemnon, he called him “dog faced“ as a heaping insult.

Who is worth reading?

First, Seneca. Seneca the younger, his dad was called Seneca the elder.

In fact, this is such a big deal because Cindy and I named our first son, Seneca, directly after the stoic philosopher. This is true soul in the game; if you name your kid after your favorite philosopher, certainly it is a sign that you really liked that philosopher, or found them impactful.

The reason why I really like Seneca the stoic philosopher is because he had real connections to real reality. What that means is he wasn’t just on the sidelines; he actually existed in the real world, engaged in real politics, was even advisor to the emperor Nero, the bad one, who eventually low-key coerced Seneca to commit suicide, in a manly, dignified manner.

I think this was because maybe… there was actually a plan to overthrow Nero, and essentially Nero found out. 

What makes Seneca so good?

I really like Seneca because his writing is accessible, practical and pragmatic, and interesting.

A lot of thinkers tend to lack connections to real reality, I have no tolerance for boring philosophers to talk about metaphysics, which is things which are not physical. Like thoughts ideas, the universe, electricity and energy, strange phenomenon and conspiracy theories on ghosts, “energy” whatever.

For a long time, I would hear the term “metaphysics” being thrown around, and I had zero idea what it actually meant. 

Meta– on top of. Or nestled within.

Physics — the physical, physical phenomenon like gravity, first principles.

The reason why metaphysics philosophers tend to be a bunch of losers is that they are all weak and anemic, nerds or geeks or weaklings who seem to have some sort of physiological degeneracy, which encourages them to opine or talk or think about impractical things, superficial things.

Personally speaking, I think philosophy must be practical. 

Practical, praxis, practice — to do!

The Spartan, Zen Stoic, demigod ideal

I have a very funny ideal; the general idea is that your body looks like a demigod, and your physiology is out of control. The general idea is one must be tall, strong, highly muscular, low body fat percentage, I’m not exactly sure what my body fat percentage is, but maybe it’s around 5%.

Also, physical fitness is critical to any stoic. My ideal is to walk 50 miles a day, eat 20 pounds of meat like Milo of Croton a day. And also, abstinence from silly things like media, alcohol, drugs, marijuana etc.

Trust no thinker who does drugs!

Even our best friend Nietzsche said that coffee was bad, because it would make people dark and gloomy. He encouraged 100% cocoa powder instead. 

You let the drugs talk I let my soul talk ayy! – Kendrick Lamar

Simple technique:

First, look at a picture or a portrait or a full body shot, ideally topless of the artist, philosopher or thinker or individual… then judge their thoughts later.

Why? My theory is this: the thoughts of an individual is hugely affected by their bodily physiology.

For example, an extreme example: if somebody is locked inside a solitary confinement cell, and not permitted to go outside for years, but, he had a pen and pad and would jot down some thoughts… Would be the quality of these thoughts? Certainly dark and morose.

Why does stoicism matter? 

In today’s world, why does it matter, what is the significance of stoicism, etc.?

First and foremost, I think we are living in a troubling time, especially with the advent of modern day internet based media and advertising. I think 99% of what is propagated on the internet is fear mongering, and what is hate? Hate is just fear.

The first thought on stoicism is that it is just fear conquering. What I discovered about street photography, is that 99% of it is conquering your fears. Conquering your fears of upsetting other people, getting in some sort of verbal or physical altercation etc. In fact my bread and butter workshop is my conquering your fears and street photography workshop, the workshop which is still interesting to me even after a decade.

Why is this so important? I think it is rooted in almost everything; conquering your fears is rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, risktaking and real life.

Even my speculation in crypto. 99.9% of crypto speculation is just balls. Having the balls to make big bets, and when things go south, knowing how to master your emotions.

A simple extra I have is this: just imagine it will all go down to zero.

It was useful because when I was in college, my sophomore year I got really into trading stocks, and I eventually lost my whole life savings, maybe around $3500 USD, and some bad penny stock which I actually misread the financials… the whole time I thought the company was making a profit, but actually it was taking a loss. I actually didn’t know that if profits are written in parentheses, it means a loss.

It was funny because my initial start as an investor was back in high school, I bought some Adobe stock when I was a high school junior, and also some mutual funds, which both went up after about 4-5 years.

Also I remember in elementary school computer class, when I was in the sixth grade in Bayside Queens, there was some sort of stock stimulation trading game, and actually it was funny… the kids who made the most money and were the most successful just put 100% of everything into Apple, note this is when we were only 12 years old, and I was born in 1988.

Stoicism and capitalism?

Funny enough, it seems that stoicism actually plays well with capitalism. Why? According to modern day capitalist thinking, the best way to approach life is to be objective, strong, stoic, unemotional, logical and rational.

Also, with modern day media there is so much fear mongering in the news, about some sort of global armageddon, global financial ruin, etc. I call it “fear porn”.

Therefore stoicism as a mindset is useful to think and position your mind in such a way that you could consider that life is all upside, no downside.

In fact, if I could summarize stoicism in one sentence, it is that life is all upside, no downside. Inspired by NASSIM TALEB.

Sex and Stoicism

So, is stoicism useful to you if you’re a man or a woman? Does it matter?

The good thing is I think it could apply to both sexes. Conquering sexism and social pressures is useful if you’re woman, and also if you’re a man.

Also, gender is social. Lot of the expectations set on us by society is socialized and gamed to a certain degree.

Stoic strategies 

First, we got to unchain ourselves from modern day ethics and morality. I believe that all modern day philosophy and thinking and ethics and religion is bad.

For example, the notion of turning the other cheek is a patently bad one. Why did Jesus turn his cheek? It is because he lacked on army.

Also, philosophically I think we should put no trust in Socrates. I thought which has puzzled me for a long time was this “Why was Socrates so ugly?

Monster in face, monster in soul.

I think Socrates was a degenerate, and he lacked any sort of real power. Therefore he turned logic and rationality into his terrorizing weapon (via Nietzsche). Back in the day, you didn’t need logic or rationality to have things your way, you simply was able to dictate that which you wanted to pause it, because you had a military force behind you. Just think about Machiavelli and IL PRINCIPE– the reality of being a mercurial prince, king, and military leader is hard, stoic, “immoral”. But ultimately it all comes down to war, conquest, the military.

Trust nobody who uses rationality or logic as their tyrannizing weapon. 

In fact, I believe that all should have the body and strength of some sort of super soldier. Essentially look like all the guys from the movie 300, this is our ideal.

Demigod physique. 

What has helped me

1. Allow yourself to be a bad, immortal, “evil” person. When you decide to adopt an unorthodox way of thinking and living, you’re going to rub some feathers the wrong way. And truth be told, even if you act in a strange vibrant way… At worse you’re only “mildly” annoying other people.
2. For good inspirations, I think the best stoic writers and thinkers include Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius and also the humor of the cynic philosopher Diogenes. I would even posit the idea that one could consider Alexander the Great as a stoic. Why? When you’re trying to create an empire, and you always have your life on the line, certainly this takes a stoic mindset. Also, let us think and consider that Alexander the Great had a copy of the Iliad by his bedstand, it was the only book he traveled with during his military tours.
3. Imagine the worst possible case scenario, and backtrack: Apparently even NASSIM TALEB would do this when he was a trader; every single day when he would go to his trading desk, he would assume that his investments would all go to zero, and if that wasn’t the case every single day, it was just upside. Therefore for myself, I just think to myself very simple; imagine like I got zero dollars, zero money, and literally all I need is meat, a Wi-Fi connection and I’m good. 
4. Live like a poor person: The notion of “debasing“ the coin or the currency is the general idea that you are not a coward in regards to money. The best way to think about money is like a social tool; I think money is actually just codified labor. If you want people to clean bathrooms, run the cashiers stand, you have to promise them money. Even Seneca said the upsides of simulated poverty; essentially living like a poor person, or even a homeless person when you don’t need to… is the ultimate position to be in. Why? True freedom of spirit and soul; as a philosopher thinker writer or whatever… you cannot be “canceled”, because there is nothing to cancel. As long as you could pay your rent, buy meat at Costco, and publish your thoughts to your own self hosted website blog, and pay your server fee, you have 100% freedom. And also, still… America is the best place to be because there is true freedom of speech and expression, you don’t want to be a trillionaire but not be able to say what’s really on your mind. And I think this is the big issue with entertainers, actors, media people… as long as you’re signed to a contract, you don’t run your own production company, or, you’re still a slave to money… you’re not really going to see what’s really on your mind. Why is it that the Rock cannot say anything bad about China, or Tibet? Because he is still enslaved by the media corporation. New slaves by Kanye West.

And this is the true courage of Kanye West; he literally put everything on the line, and even lost his spouse and I think maybe his kids? All for the sake of revealing inequities. 

“I throw these Maybach keys fucking c’est la vie! I know that we the new slaves.”- Ye

Stoic training

The fun thing about stoicism is that you could just make it up as you go, devise your own strategies and whatever.

“Fucking c’est la vie!” My favorite Kanye West line.

Essentially the general idea is that in life, one should not take things too seriously. Laughter is golden, I forget the philosopher who was called the laughing philosopher… Democritus?; better to laugh about the follies of human beings rather than to be dark and morose about it.

Also, thoughts from the Odyssey; if you look far enough  into the future, everything becomes comedic and hilarious.

So when you’re in some sort of bad situation, just think to yourself “Perhaps one day, 20 or 30 years from now… I will look back at this and just laugh!” It will just be humorous.

Honestly, laughter, and kind of being able to joke about things might be the best way to live life and deal with setbacks. 

Modern day ailments

Problems in modern day life:

1. Too much time spent indoors, not enough time out in the sun. Perhaps it is better to be out outside all day, and joyful, even with the risk of getting skin cancer or whatever… rather than to be indoors, scared, weak and anemic. Differences between if you’re a man or a woman, but still… the most beautiful skin has a sunkissed, olive color tone; the true privilege is having a full body tan. 
2. Get chatGPT, the paid premium one. And use the image generation AI art tool DALL-E. People pay therapists to just speak their mind, and get some sort of sounding board. I actually think it’s much better to chat with AI instead; because it will not judge you, and ultimately what is a therapist anyways? A therapist is just a mirror, a sounding board for you to verbalize and flesh out your thoughts. Often when we talk about our problems, 90% of the issues go away because once we verbalize it, we feel much better about ourselves. The next thing I’m going to do is build some sort of therapy bot. 
3. Not enough walking: I have never met anybody who walks 30,000 steps a day and is depressed. Even my friend Jimmy, who works as a US postal worker delivering the mail, he walks around 30,000 steps a day and is always bright cherry and jovial. I think this is also where people who hike a lot or walk a lot in nature are so happy; when you’re able to walk around a lot, and zen out… you just feel much better. My simple suggestion is when you go on a hike or a walk in nature or even in the city… leave your phone at home, or locked inside your glove compartment, and don’t bring any headphones or speakers or Apple watches or whatever. Just bring along your camera, and enjoy. My personal ideal is the bear lifestyle; walking 50 miles a day. 

Real stoics don’t call themselves Stoics?

A funny thing I have learned is that when you call something something, it isn’t that.

For example, if someone calls something a “luxury car”, it ain’t. For example, a true modern day luxury car is maybe a Tesla, but Tesla never calls itself a luxury car. Also the ultimate luxury technology company is probably Apple… but Apple is very intelligent and not calling themselves a luxury brand.

A pro tip is when it comes to websites, read the alternative text, the header text, the stuff that shows up in the tab of your browser window. If the website, the automotive retailer tries to market themselves as a “luxury” brand, typically it is actually a sign that it isn’t a luxury brand it isn’t luxury brand.

Thought: what are some good examples of true luxury brands which don’t overly calls itself luxury? 

In someways, we can think and consider stoicism as our new luxury. In fact, having luxury, luxury of mind and soul… and luxury of freedom of speech, isn’t this the ultimate luxury?

When somebody asked Diogenes the cynic; “What is the best human good”? He said “Freedom of speech, speaking your mind, having the power to see whatever is on your mind.”

In fact, my current joy is becoming more and more free talking, and free riding. What that means is this; I’m ain’t going to censor myself no more, even if I might be politically incorrect insensitive or whatever. 

Also, I would prefer to speak my mind and seriously hurt the feelings of others, rather than soften it for the sake of the other person. 

Similarly speaking, when people call themselves “influencers”, they are not influencers.

Stoicism as a technique and tool, not the end

Ultimately I think we should think of stoicism just like having another tool inside our tool kit. For example, if you’re a chef, you’re going to have different knives for different purposes. If you’re going to cut a big piece of meat, you probably want a big ass meat cutting knife, not something you would use to slice an apple with. Similarly speaking, if you’re going to scoop out the insides of an avocado, better to use a spoon rather than using a fork, or a knife. 

I think the problem is when some people get too into stoicism (I prefer writing stoicism with a lowercase), they think that everything needs to be consistent, and must fit into this nice little neat box of what is considered “stoicism“. This is a bad line of thinking… let us consider that Marcus Aurelius never even mentioned stoicism in his writings, his collections of thoughts, which we moderns call THE MEDITATIONS… it was just essentially his personal diary, to help him conquer his own personal fears and thoughts, I don’t think he ever intended it to be published publicly. I think he just wrote it to himself as self therapy. And I think the only stoic philosopher he even mentions is maybe Epictetus.

The future of stoicism?

For myself, I just come out with certain to work out thoughts and techniques because it helps me, and when I find these tricks or techniques or secret hacks or cheat codes… My passion is to simply share it with others. 

And ultimately, things are ever in flux and evolving and changing and adapting.

For example, I’ve discovered the quality of my thinking is different when I am in Culver City Los Angeles, compared to being in the boring suburbs of Orange County.

Also depending on my social environments… my stoic thoughts are different when I am in a gym, vs just working out by myself in my parking spot in the back of my apartment.

Also, the quality of my thoughts is different when living with family members or other people versus just living with myself Cindy and Seneca.

Stoicism is all about living with other people

Assuming you’re not growing your own vegetables and living in the middle of nowhere… you probably have some interaction with other human beings. As long as you have an iPhone, an Android phone, a smartphone, a 4G or 5G internet connection, wifi, a laptop, have to buy groceries somewhere… you’re still going to have to interact with other human beings.

And this is good. There is no other greater joy than other human beings.

In fact, modern-day society is strange because in someways, the ethos is to be antisocial and to be cowardly. But in fact, the best way to think about things is that real life is interaction with other human beings, and social conquest. One can imagine a lot of modern day entrepreneurship as simply a big dick swinging contest. He who is the most masculine confident tall and strong and stoic shall win.

More ideas

Assume that everyone is mentally insane: Have you ever been out in public, and you see some sort of crackhead or strange homeless person who acts radically, smells terrible, and is obviously mentally ill? Do you hate them for it? When they say something weird to you… do you take it personally? No. Why? They are crazy. Perhaps we should just adopt this stoic mindset towards other people; some people are actually physiologically ill, mentally unwell… don’t trust the opinion of nobody.

A lot of people are trying to actually deal with their own inner demons: For example, becoming the successful photographer and street photographer I am today… I’ve dealt with some individuals who would say anonymous bad things about me, and later I found out that their mom just died or something. I cannot imagine what it feels like losing a mother… therefore if somebody spew some hate on me because something bad happened to them, I’m not gonna take it personally.

Self-flagellation: I think a lot of people who are sick, mentally or physiologically self flagellate themselves. Essentially the way that they deal with other people or themselves is some sort of metaphorical self-flagellation.

For example… you know those strange individuals who have the whip and whip themselves, and inflict pain on themselves? I think some people do this metaphorically to themselves and others.

You just want to stay away from them.

Why so scared?

My personal theory on fear is that a lot of it is tied to morality and ethics. I think the general idea is not necessarily that we are afraid of anything… I think the true fear is that we’re afraid that we are some sort of bad evil unethical immoral person.

For example in street photography, the general ethical thought is that it is immoral to take a photo of somebody without their permission, because there is some sort of it inherent evil behind it. Is this true? No. Taking photos and not really a big deal.

Why do people make such a big deal out of small things?

I think it is because some people are just overly sensitive, which once again comes from some sort of physiological weakness.

For example, if you’re a weightlifter who could lift 1000 pounds, assuming you’re not taking any steroids or anything… are small things going to bother you? No. But let us assume that you are a skinny fat man, all you do is drink alcohol and smoke marijuana and watch Netflix, and you spent too much time on Reddit… you are 40% body fat, and have never lifted in your life. And also your testosterone is low and you never go outside. Certainly the quality of your thoughts is going to be different than if you’re a happy gay monster, lifting weights outside in the direct sun, laughing and having fun. 

In fact, I’ve actually personally discovered that the reason why a lot of people hate me is because I am so happy jovial and gay. They are secretly suspicious or envious of me? 

Weather and mood

Probably one of my worst experiences was this jarring transition; I was super happy insanely happy being in Vietnam in 2017; with a beautiful weather, the beautiful light, the happy people the great amenities etc.… and then that winter Cindy and I went to Europe, in Marseille Berlin and Prague, and maybe London… seriously the worst winter of my life. Why? I wonder if so much miserable feelings and thoughts simply comes from the darkness and lack of light. a lot of Europe is actually quite miserable; dark, unhygienic, morose.

Even Nietzsche had a thought about Schopenhauer; How much of these emo European philosophers came from the fact that it was just complaining about the cold weather in Germany etc.?

For myself, my ideal weather is Southeast Asia; I love being in Phnom Penh Cambodia, Vietnam etc. In the states, am I the only one who loves living in Los Angeles? Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar said that LA was the best for women weed and weather… I would definitely say the biggest upside of living in Los Angeles is the light, the sunlight. It actually does get quite cold here, but usually most reliably even in December during the winter time, the sun will always come up. As long as there is bright sunny light, I will be happy. And I think maybe for myself, considering that I am a photographer, and photography means painting with light… light for me is critical.

I also wonder how much of it is a physiological thing and a genetic trait; for example I could even recall being a young child, and my mom telling me that the most critical thing in finding a home or an apartment was light and natural light. Even now… 90% of my happiness comes from being able to have access to natural light, ideally floor to ceiling windows facing directly the sun, having some sort of modern temperature regulated apartment and home. Even living in our tiny studio minimalistic luxury apartment in Providence Rhode Island, where it was always 75° warm and cozy, and not frigid and damp and cold and dark and humid… I was always good. But moving to an older house, where it always felt damp and cold… this literally lowered my happiness by 1000%.

Therefore, if you’re feeling miserable sad or whatever… I say spend three months living in Hanoi or Saigon in Vietnam, or go to Phnom Penh Cambodia. I wonder if 90% of peoples misery is simply due to the weather.

Stoic assignments

”Better to be a gay monster than a sentimental bore!” – Fernandino Galliani, via Nietzsche

My stoic ideal is somebody who is happy, gay, smiling, no headphones or AirPods on, no sunglasses on, no hat, no facial hair, no baggy oversized clothing, no tint in their car. Somebody who makes great eye contact, laughs, stands up upright, jokes, and fools around. Like an overgrown child.

Also, lift weights at least once every day, ideally in the direct sun. Just buy some weightlifting equipment on Titan.fitness, I like the farmers carry handles, the Olympic loadable dumbbell, and also the Texas power squat bar. Just buy some cheap weights, and or buy a heavy 400 pound sandbag, and just have fun throwing it around.

True stoics are masculine

A true stoic should look something like Hercules or Achilles. Or like ERIC KIM; I have the aesthetic and the physique of Brad Pitt in FIGHT CLUB except with a lot more muscle. Like my friend Soren says, the Adonis physique and proportions.

A real stoic is sexy

I think a real stoic is sexy, happy and fun. Who doesn’t take life too seriously; and think of everything like a fun game. A real stoic would be joyful and cheery like three-year-old child without any adulteration from the outside world.

Why do adults become so dark and morose?

I don’t like talking with or hanging out with adults, uninteresting.

At what point or age do people become so emo?

Typically, highschoolers are very optimistic. Even college students. But I think at least in maybe college in high school nowadays… the bad trend is towards “over concern”, about the world the planet ethics animals etc.

I find a lot of this thinking superficial, performative, and uncritical. I think “animal rights“, “saving the planet” is this new pseudo world religion; which is just capitalism 3.0. I find the whole pet industry the whole dog industry to be insanely bizarre, and I trust nobody who talks about “saving the planet“ who owns an iPhone, owns any sort of car, or has an Amazon prime subscription. Certainly not any vegans.

A real stoic is a carnivore 

Animals are animals. They are lower on the hierarchy and totem pole on earth. Man is the apex predator, the apex bully and the apex tyrant.

Should we care for animals or “animal rights”? No. Animals are our slaves.

If you consider even dogs and pets… they are essentially our emotional slaves. People talk a lot about the virtuosity of dogs being loyal or whatever… and giving you unconditional love. This seems like some sort of emotional slavery.

The only dogs I respect are some sort of canine dogs, some sort of attack or defense dogs, or hunting dogs. For example, John Wick 3; Halle Barry and her dogs. An animal should either be a weapon, or nothing.

Why do people care about animals so much?

Essentially it looks like men no longer have a backbone. No more spine.

I trust nobody who owns a dog.

Let us not forget; they call it dog ownership, or “owning a pet”. There is no more concept of “human ownership, or “owning a human.”

End goals 

What is the end goal of humanity? To me it is towards entrepreneurship, innovation, art and aesthetics, philosophy etc. Design.

Stoicism should be considered a tool which could aid you in these things.

For example, I think 99% of entrepreneurship is courage. Stoicism could help you with that.

I also think with design, great design is also 99% courage, having the courage to attempt something that won’t sell or be received well… stoicism is all about practical courage. The only designers with courage include Steve Jobs, Jony Ive, Elon Musk, Kanye West. 

Also, weightlifting. To attempt to lift a certain weight you have never attempted before takes great courage. For example, me atlas lifting 1000 pounds; that is 10 plates and a 25 on each side, this is true stoic training. Why? The fear of injury is what holds most people back; if you had successfully conquered this fear and not injured yourself, this is pure stoic bliss.

The physical

I think the only and the only proper way to lift weights is one repetition maximum training. That is; what is the maximum amount of weight you’re able to successfully lift or move, even half an inch?

To me, the courage is the success. Even if you had the courage to attempt it… that is what is considered success. 

Simple exercises to do include the atlas lift, innovated by ERIC KIM, or a one repetition max rack pull.

Or, a high trap bar deadlift, heavy Farmer’s walks, or heavy sandbag carries. Or even a simple thing you could do is go to the park or to the local nature center, find the biggest rock there and just see if you could pick it up.

Now what?

If you’re interested in stoicism, and have had some interesting thoughts on stoicism, one of the most noble things you could do is start your own blog. I think blogs are 1000 times more effective than publishing some sort of static printed book; I think the problem in today’s world is that everyone is seeking some sort of legitimacy by being picked up by some sort of legitimate publisher and getting “published“, and seeing your printed book at Barnes & Noble whatever.

I say it is better to be open source, free and permissionless, decentralized. Just publish your thoughts and book as a free PDF, and just host it on dropbox, Google Drive, or your own web server. Share the link freely, and also just publish the raw text as a big blog post. 

Even Sam Bankman-Fried wisely thought; 99.9% of books could just be summarized as big blog posts.

Don’t trust any modern day published book which isn’t free, because… there is some sort of hidden clout chasing somewhere. 

Even one of the worst compromises that led to the demise of Ray Dalio was the fact that he took his Principles book, which was essentially a free ebook PDF on his website, and then took it off, because I think he got a book deal with Simon and Schuster. After he did that, he lost my respect.

If you’re already independently wealthy, and you don’t crowd source your self-esteem… why would you need to externally validate yourself by getting some sort of constipated publisher and annoying editor?

Editors are bad.

Now what?

Start your own blog and start blogging your own thoughts on stoic philosophy, and even start a YouTube channel and start vlogging on it. My generalized thought is simple: if your thought your idea your blog post your video or whatever could even impact the life of one other human being on planet earth… it is worth it.

ERIC

What is the secret to the maximum amount of happiness in life? The maximum amount of danger. (Nietzsche).

ERIC

Something which happened about a year ago —

No more glocks

Vlog

The story

Long story short, some idiot brings his gun to my sister’s wedding, leaves it inside the holster in his backpack in the guest checking room, some random lady at the party who steals a bunch of stuff inside the guest checking room discovers the gun, hides it under my backpack on top of my son’s car seat, and flees the scene.

Simple morales to the story

First and foremost, if you are a registered gun owner, have a conceal and carry license, etc., don’t bring your gun to a wedding. Or any big event or family gathering, where no potential danger is eminent.

Second, if you’re going to get married, or even go to a wedding, etc., kindly ask the host whether the space is a “gun free zone.” Also, if you’re going to plan a wedding, tell your guests that this is a gun free wedding, or a gun free zone, and not to bring your firearms.

Discovering the Glock pistol

Essentially unbeknownst to us, during the wedding, a lady named Ruby, a “friend“ of the grooms mom was invited to the wedding, and the lady has some serious mental issues. I think she was drunk and high off Xanax at the wedding, and during the wedding she actually went to the guest check in bedroom, and rummaged through everyone’s stuff, stole a bunch of phones and cash, stole all of the credit cards and cash out of my wallet, and fled the scene. Apparently she also discovered Joseph’s gun (Joseph is the name of the fucking idiot who brought his gun to the wedding) in Joseph’s backpack, which was left unattended in the guest checking room, which contained his Glock pistol inside a holster. Ruby was able to successfully, even when drunk and high, take the Glock pistol out of the holster, and somehow hide it in between my backpack and my sons car seat.

The bigger ethical issue at hand

Ultimately, I think trying to ascribe “fault” or “blame in the situation is vain and empty. Instead, what is actually a far more critical is to address bigger issues at hand:

Should one be ethically allowed to bring a conceal and carry weapon, a pistol to a wedding party, without anyone else knowing it?

For myself, I have no issue with people owning guns, and I’m also not anti-gun ownership or anti-guns. I’m a Boy Scout Eagle Scout, and I was able to successfully get my rifle and shotgun merit badge, in the same summer, so I know how to properly handle guns. Also truth be told, gun ownership is baked into America’s constitution and law, which means that guns will never go away in America.

For myself personally, I just want to be as far away from people, who have conceal and carried weapons or pistols on them. I have no issue with them owning them, I just don’t want to be around her physically. In the same room, or even the same area.

Takeaway thoughts

Therefore some ideas:

1. Put up signage saying that you are entering a gun free zone. You’re not permitted to bring your gun, or your conceal and carry gun on these premises.
2. If you’re going to get married, and you send out an invite, in the mail or email, say that this is a gun free wedding, please leave your firearms at home.
3. When insane situations arise, just open your iPhone and call 911. Better to report things, suspicious activity, even if there is a .01% chance that it might be fatal or dangerous, than not to. We must prevent another sandy hook.
4. Let us say that you are in a situation, in which potential gun violence can happen. Better to just inform all of the guests, call off the event and the wedding, even at the risk of spoiling your sister’s wedding. For example, my personal regret is after discovering the gun, what I should have done was first call the cops, and then inform all the guests that I discovered a gun in the guest bedroom, and I should’ve called off the wedding.
5. Don’t go to Walmart, or shop at places like dollar tree, or go to places which might have people who have a higher precedents for people carrying firearms. Superficially I have discovered that most people who brandish firearms tend to be lower socioeconomic status. Don’t hang out in bad neighborhoods, or even fill up your gas in dangerous neighborhoods. Perhaps this is a plus one for owning a Tesla or electric car.
6. Whenever you discover a firearm, unattended, just call 911 and call the cops and report it.