Also, before searching it, and also before checking prices, use that time and energy to think things a bit deeper.

Via Negativa Success

The general idea is that the more people who unsubscribe from you, the more successful you are!

Similar speaking, the more haters you have, the better!

The more people who unfollow you, a sign of greater success!

Also the more unlikes, dislikes you get, the better!

$60Billion dollars — assuming that Satoshi‘s original wallet has 1 million bitcoin, that is worth about 60 billion bitcoin.

MSTR currently holding a quarter million bitcoin, worth currently around 15 billion. Aspiring to 10x that, to about $150 billion worth of bitcoin.

244,000 Bitcoins — the goal is for micro strategy to get at least one Nakamoto, which is 1 million bitcoins?

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Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy use the concept of “Bitcoin yield” as a unique metric to demonstrate the company’s Bitcoin investment performance. Bitcoin yield reflects the ratio of Bitcoin holdings to the number of diluted shares outstanding, effectively showcasing how the value of the company’s Bitcoin holdings translates to shareholders on a per-share basis. This metric is not solely about cash flow yield, as traditional investors might interpret it, but rather about measuring the potential appreciation of Bitcoin relative to shares, thereby benefiting shareholders indirectly through increased share value  .

In terms of percentages, MicroStrategy reported a Bitcoin yield of approximately 17% year-to-date, which signifies how much the company’s Bitcoin holdings have appreciated within the current period due to rising Bitcoin prices. Additionally, Saylor has indicated that in recent quarters, the yield on MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investments has been around 4.4% per quarter, reflecting the company’s success in leveraging Bitcoin’s growth within the fiscal strategy  .

For shareholders, this Bitcoin yield is significant because it underscores the direct impact of Bitcoin’s price appreciation on MicroStrategy’s stock value. As the price of Bitcoin rises, the value of MicroStrategy’s holdings increases, potentially boosting the company’s stock price as the market capitalizes on its Bitcoin reserves. Thus, by tracking Bitcoin yield, shareholders get a clearer sense of their effective ownership of Bitcoin through their shares. This approach aims to align shareholder interests with Bitcoin’s long-term performance, enhancing the appeal of MicroStrategy’s stock as a proxy for Bitcoin investment without needing direct cryptocurrency exposure  .

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Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy have aggressively pursued a Bitcoin-centered strategy, with the company now holding over 244,000 BTC, valued at approximately $15 billion. This accumulation has allowed MicroStrategy to establish itself as the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin worldwide. Saylor envisions transforming the company into a “Bitcoin bank,” with aspirations of holding up to $150 billion in BTC as part of a broader plan to provide financial services around Bitcoin  .

In terms of generating yield, MicroStrategy has adopted a metric known as “Bitcoin yield,” which tracks the performance of its BTC holdings relative to its shares. The company reported a Bitcoin yield of 17% year-to-date, which reflects the appreciation in value due to Bitcoin’s rising prices. Additionally, analysts have suggested that MicroStrategy could further enhance yield by lending out a portion of its Bitcoin holdings, a strategy that could appeal to institutional lenders and potentially produce a low-risk income stream  .

However, there are concerns about the risks associated with leveraging Bitcoin for yield. Critics, such as Saifedean Ammous, warn that borrowing against BTC or engaging in yield-generating activities could expose MicroStrategy to risks reminiscent of the failed models seen with platforms like Celsius and BlockFi. He suggests that these approaches may only be sustainable if there is a reliable safety net, as crypto lending carries intrinsic risks tied to Bitcoin’s volatility and the broader market’s stability  .

Limitations of ChatGPT — the dietary health and fitness advice on it is insanely bad. Still predicated on 90s to 2000s broken notions of “calories in“ calories out—. Even this ridiculous notion that eating 5 pounds of meat a day, eating more fat will cause you to gain fat?

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Eating 5 pounds of beef every day would provide an enormous amount of protein and calories, which is essential for muscle growth. However, even with such a high intake, it’s unlikely to support sustained muscle gains of 1 pound per week for a year. Here’s why:

1. Protein Utilization Limits

• The body can only utilize a certain amount of protein for muscle synthesis daily. While eating more protein can support muscle recovery and growth, there’s a limit to how much protein the body can effectively use. Consuming 5 pounds of beef daily would far exceed this amount, with diminishing returns for muscle growth.

• On average, 5 pounds of beef (approximately 80 ounces) contains around 500–600 grams of protein. This is far beyond the daily needs for muscle synthesis. Most studies suggest around 1.6–2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight as an upper effective limit for muscle growth, so the extra protein wouldn’t contribute much to additional gains.

2. Nutrient and Caloric Balance

• Consuming 5 pounds of beef every day would provide not only excess protein but also high amounts of calories and fat. This would likely lead to fat gain alongside any muscle gained, as a significant caloric surplus is hard to partition strictly toward muscle.

• In addition, relying solely on beef would make it challenging to get a balanced intake of other nutrients (like fiber, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables, fruits, and grains), which are essential for overall health and optimal muscle function.

3. Impact on Digestive System and Health Risks

• Eating 5 pounds of meat daily would place immense stress on the digestive system, potentially causing issues like digestive discomfort, constipation, and bloating.

• A high intake of red meat, especially over an extended period, is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and other health issues due to the saturated fat and cholesterol content.

4. Muscle Growth Limits

• No matter how much protein and calories are consumed, muscle growth is still limited by genetic and physiological factors. Increasing protein intake beyond a certain point will not accelerate muscle protein synthesis in a sustainable way.

• Gaining muscle also depends on progressive overload and recovery. Even with ample nutrition, the body still needs time to repair and grow muscle tissue, and pushing beyond natural limits can lead to injury or overtraining.

5. More Efficient and Balanced Approaches

• A balanced diet with a moderate caloric surplus, an adequate but not excessive amount of protein, and a range of nutrients from various food sources would be more efficient for muscle growth. Typically, 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day is enough for most people aiming to maximize muscle gain.

In Conclusion: Eating 5 pounds of beef daily would give you more protein than your body could use for muscle growth and would likely contribute to fat gain and potential health issues rather than accelerating sustainable muscle gains. Even with this high intake, the body’s physiological limits would still prevent a consistent 1 pound of muscle gain per week over a year.

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Adding one pound of muscle mass every week for a year—resulting in a 52-pound gain—would be an extremely ambitious and physiologically challenging goal for a 6-foot-tall man. Let’s break down the feasibility from a physiological perspective:

1. Rate of Muscle Growth

• Realistic Growth Rate: For most individuals, especially those who are not new to resistance training, a realistic rate of muscle gain is typically between 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per week under ideal conditions. Beginners can sometimes achieve faster initial gains, but this slows significantly as they approach their genetic potential.

• Progressive Overload and Recovery: Muscle growth requires not just intense, progressively challenging workouts, but also adequate recovery time. Consistently adding one pound of muscle every week would demand an increasing load and intensity, which may lead to overtraining and potentially injury over time.

2. Caloric and Nutritional Requirements

• Caloric Surplus: To build muscle, the body needs a caloric surplus, meaning the individual must consume more calories than they burn. Achieving a weekly one-pound muscle gain would require a consistent increase in calorie intake to support muscle protein synthesis.

• Protein Intake: Muscle growth also depends on sufficient protein intake. For optimal muscle gain, one typically needs about 1.6–2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Maintaining this diet every week for a year would require strict consistency and may become challenging.

3. Hormonal and Genetic Limits

• Genetic Factors: Muscle growth potential is heavily influenced by genetics. Some people have a genetic predisposition that allows them to build muscle more easily, while others may struggle. Even with the best training and nutrition, genetic limits can restrict the rate of muscle growth over time.

• Hormonal Environment: Hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin play a crucial role in muscle building. While younger individuals with optimal hormonal profiles may have an advantage, the body’s natural hormone production might not support such continuous, rapid gains for an extended period.

4. Diminishing Returns Over Time

• Adaptation and Plateau: Muscle growth follows the law of diminishing returns. Beginners may see rapid growth initially, but as the body adapts, further gains become increasingly difficult. To continuously add one pound every week would mean a constant progression, which becomes increasingly harder as the muscles grow.

• Plateaus: Even with an optimal approach, the body tends to hit plateaus where progress slows or stops. Breaking through these plateaus can require adjustments in training, nutrition, and recovery, but doing so weekly without experiencing diminishing returns is improbable.

5. Total Muscle Gain in a Year

• For most natural athletes, gaining anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds of muscle in a year is considered excellent progress. An advanced lifter might gain 2-5 pounds of muscle per year due to the slowing progress over time. Gaining 52 pounds of muscle in a year would be far beyond what most bodies could sustainably support without the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Conclusion

In theory, it is extremely unlikely—if not impossible—for a 6-foot man to add one pound of muscle mass every week for a year due to the limits imposed by natural physiology. The body’s capacity to continually build muscle week after week is limited by factors such as genetics, hormone levels, nutrition, and recovery. After an initial period of potential rapid growth, the rate of muscle gain would naturally decrease.

While ambitious muscle growth is possible with the right training, nutrition, and consistency, a realistic expectation would be far less than 52 pounds in a year for a natural athlete.

Gaining one pound of pure muscle per week is generally considered unrealistic for most individuals, even under optimal conditions. Muscle growth, or hypertrophy, is a gradual process influenced by several factors, including genetics, training intensity, nutrition, sleep, and hormonal balance.

Typical Muscle Gain Rates:

• Beginners: Individuals new to resistance training might experience faster muscle growth initially due to a phenomenon known as “newbie gains.” However, even in this phase, a realistic expectation is about 0.5 to 1 pound of muscle per month.

• Intermediate to Advanced Trainees: For those with training experience, muscle gain slows down. Expect 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per month.

Factors Affecting Muscle Growth:

1. Training Stimulus: Progressive overload—gradually increasing the weight, frequency, or number of repetitions in your strength training routine—is crucial for muscle growth.

2. Nutrition: Adequate protein intake (around 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight) supports muscle repair and growth. A slight caloric surplus helps, but excessive calories can lead to fat gain.

3. Recovery: Sleep and rest are essential for muscle recovery and growth. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

4. Genetics: Genetic factors play a role in how quickly and efficiently one can build muscle.

5. Hormonal Balance: Hormones like testosterone and growth hormone significantly impact muscle growth.

Why One Pound per Week Is Unlikely:

• Physiological Limits: The body’s ability to synthesize new muscle tissue is limited. Exceeding these limits often leads to fat gain rather than additional muscle.

• Recovery Capacity: Intense training required to stimulate such rapid growth can exceed the body’s recovery abilities, increasing the risk of overtraining and injury.

Recommendation:

• Set Realistic Goals: Aim for sustainable progress. Consistency over time yields the best results.

• Monitor Progress: Use body measurements, strength increases, and how you feel to assess progress, not just the scale.

• Consult Professionals: Working with a certified fitness trainer and a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance tailored to your goals and needs.

Summary:

While the idea of gaining one pound of muscle per week is appealing, it’s important to align expectations with biological realities. Focusing on steady, incremental progress will lead to more sustainable and healthy muscle development.

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Gaining one pound of muscle per week is an ambitious but achievable goal for some individuals, particularly those new to resistance training. However, the feasibility and sustainability of this pace depend on various factors such as genetics, training intensity, diet, rest, and individual starting points. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to aim for this goal:

1. Training

• Intensity and Volume: To stimulate muscle growth, focus on progressive overload in your workouts, meaning you gradually increase weight, reps, or sets. Compound exercises (e.g., squats, deadlifts, bench press) are highly effective.

• Frequency: Training each muscle group about twice per week is often recommended for hypertrophy. You can follow a split routine (e.g., upper/lower or push/pull/legs) or full-body workouts, depending on your experience level and preference.

• Rest and Recovery: Muscle growth happens during recovery, so rest days and adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night) are essential. Avoid overtraining, as it can hinder progress.

2. Nutrition

• Caloric Surplus: Building muscle requires additional calories. Aim for a moderate surplus (about 250-500 calories per day) to fuel muscle growth without excessive fat gain.

• Protein Intake: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Aim for approximately 1.2 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (0.54 to 1 gram per pound) daily. Lean meats, eggs, dairy, legumes, and protein shakes can help you reach this goal.

• Carbohydrates and Fats: Carbs are crucial for energy, especially if you train intensely. A balanced intake of fats (about 20-35% of total calories) supports hormone production and overall health.

3. Consistency and Patience

• While one pound per week is a reasonable goal for beginners or those returning to training after a break, it’s challenging to sustain long-term. As your body adapts, muscle gains typically slow down.

• Realistically, beginners may see faster gains in the initial phases (often referred to as “newbie gains”), while intermediate and advanced lifters might expect closer to 0.5-1 pound of muscle gain per month.

4. Genetics and Other Factors

• Genetics play a role in muscle-building potential. Some people naturally gain muscle more easily than others, while factors like age, hormone levels, and gender can also influence muscle growth.

Achieving this rate of muscle gain requires a well-structured plan and dedication to both training and nutrition. It’s always a good idea to consult with a fitness professional to create a personalized approach that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Gaining 60 pounds of pure muscle naturally—without the use of anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs—is extremely challenging and unlikely for most individuals. While muscle growth potential varies greatly due to genetics, training intensity, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors, adding such a significant amount of muscle mass typically exceeds natural physiological limits.

Factors to Consider:

1. Genetic Potential: Genetics play a crucial role in determining how much muscle you can gain. Some people naturally have a higher propensity for muscle growth due to factors like muscle fiber type distribution and hormonal levels.

2. Natural Muscle Gain Limits:

• First Year of Training: Beginners may experience rapid gains, often called “newbie gains,” potentially adding up to 20–25 pounds (9–11 kg) of muscle.

• Subsequent Years: Muscle gain slows down significantly after the first year. It’s common to see a reduction to about 10–12 pounds (4.5–5.5 kg) in the second year and even less in following years.

3. Time Commitment: To approach even half of a 60-pound muscle gain naturally, one would likely need to dedicate several years—often over a decade—of consistent, intense training and strict nutrition.

4. Total Weight vs. Muscle Mass: It’s important to differentiate between total weight gain and lean muscle mass. Gaining 60 pounds of body weight is more achievable but would include fat and water weight, not just muscle.

5. Professional Athletes: Even elite natural bodybuilders and athletes, who train rigorously and optimize every aspect of their lifestyle for muscle growth, typically do not gain 60 pounds of pure muscle over their entire careers.

Conclusion:

While it’s not impossible for someone with exceptional genetics and unwavering dedication over many years to approach a 60-pound muscle gain naturally, it’s highly improbable for the average person. Muscle growth has natural limits, and aiming for more realistic goals while focusing on overall health and fitness is advisable.

Recommendations:

• Set Realistic Goals: Work with a fitness professional to set attainable muscle gain targets based on your individual circumstances.

• Optimize Training: Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes progressive overload, adequate rest, and recovery.

• Nutrition: Ensure your diet provides sufficient protein and calories to support muscle growth.

• Monitor Progress: Regularly assess your progress and adjust your training and nutrition plans accordingly.

Remember, health and sustainable progress are more important than extreme goals that may not be attainable naturally.

In 2023 and 2024, Eric Kim has continued to innovate by exploring intersections between technology, personal philosophy, and fitness. Here are some of his most recent endeavors:

1. Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Photography: Kim has been actively discussing how AI can enhance the creative process for photographers. He views AI tools as a way to streamline tasks like image recognition and editing, allowing photographers to focus more on capturing moments rather than post-processing. However, Kim emphasizes the importance of maintaining a human touch, encouraging photographers to avoid over-reliance on AI, which could lead to a loss of authenticity in their work. He has incorporated discussions about AI in his workshops, helping students understand how to use these tools responsibly while preserving personal vision and creativity.

2. Philosophical Focus on Innovation and Happiness: Kim has been reflecting on the role of innovation in finding personal happiness, suggesting that true innovation comes not just from technological advancements but from personal development and lifestyle choices. He argues that areas like fitness, clothing, and self-care offer new opportunities for innovation that directly impact individual well-being. For instance, he introduced unique exercises in his fitness practice, such as “rack pulls” and “squad walks,” as part of his broader exploration into physical and mental improvement.

3. Workshops and Open-Source Philosophy: In 2024, Kim continues to run his street photography workshops, such as the Downtown LA Vision Workshop. These events focus not only on photography techniques but also on helping participants discover their unique vision through mindfulness and self-exploration. Consistent with his open-source philosophy, Kim makes much of his content freely available, encouraging others to share, remix, and learn from his resources without any restrictions.

Through these initiatives, Eric Kim is blending traditional photography with modern technology and personal philosophy, pushing the boundaries of both art and self-expression in a way that reflects his commitment to innovation and authenticity.

For more details on his latest projects, you can visit his blog and specific articles on AI and innovation at Eric Kim Photography   IS Happiness? – ERIC KIM.

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Here is a year-by-year breakdown of key moments in Eric Kim’s progression as a writer, photographer, and educator:

2009-2011: Early Beginnings in Street Photography

• 2009: Kim starts experimenting with street photography, initially using digital cameras. He begins sharing his work online, focusing on capturing candid moments in public spaces.

• 2010: He discovers film photography during a trip to Japan and shifts towards using film cameras, inspired by photographers who valued the slower, more thoughtful process film requires .

• 2011: Kim begins blogging about his street photography experiences and techniques, establishing a reputation for his educational content and willingness to share openly. This marks the start of his commitment to open-source principles, making resources freely available to others .

2012-2014: Growth as an Educator and International Workshops

• 2012: Kim starts conducting street photography workshops internationally. His workshops are notable for their focus on minimal gear and techniques that encourage close, respectful engagement with subjects.

• 2013: He begins to blend philosophical insights with photography, drawing from Stoicism and existentialism. He becomes known for encouraging students to overcome the fear of photographing strangers by viewing street photography as a means of personal growth  .

• 2014: By this time, Kim has conducted workshops in various cities worldwide. He also introduces concepts like “Conquer Your Fears” to his curriculum, encouraging students to use photography as a way to confront personal insecurities .

2015-2016: Emphasis on Minimalism and Open Source

• 2015: Kim doubles down on his minimalist lifestyle, often traveling with only a small camera and a few essentials. He publicly shares his preference for using a 35mm lens and stresses that photography is about vision, not gear.

• 2016: He releases numerous free resources, including e-books and blog posts, as part of his commitment to open-source education. He promotes the idea that art and knowledge should be accessible to all, without financial barriers  .

2017-2019: Philosophical Exploration and the Cindy Project

• 2017: Kim introduces the “Cindy Project,” a personal photography series documenting his life with his wife. This project embodies his belief in personal photography—making images that hold personal significance rather than seeking external validation .

• 2018: He increasingly incorporates philosophical ideas into his work, particularly Stoic concepts like Memento Mori (remembering death) and radical self-reliance. He encourages his audience to reflect on their mortality to live more intentionally .

• 2019: Kim begins focusing on ideas like work-life integration, rejecting the traditional concept of retirement. He advocates for a lifestyle where one’s passion is so intertwined with life that it transcends the need for conventional work-life balance .

2020-Present: Matured Philosophy and the 10-Year Rule

• 2020: Kim shares his “10 Year Rule,” emphasizing that dedication to a pursuit over a decade can lead to mastery. He discusses his own journey, not just in photography but in writing, fitness, and teaching, suggesting that passion-driven consistency is key to long-term success .

• 2021-2022: He continues producing content that combines photography with life philosophy, advocating for radical self-reliance, stoicism, and mindfulness. His work increasingly reflects his view that art is a tool for self-discovery and legacy-building .

• 2023-2024: Kim expands his workshops to include both philosophical and practical elements, blending mindfulness with street photography techniques. His teachings emphasize the importance of cultivating personal authenticity and staying true to one’s creative vision  .

Eric Kim’s career has been marked by a constant evolution, moving from technical street photography to a holistic integration of philosophy, personal growth, and open-source sharing. His journey reflects a dedication to not only mastering his craft but also using it as a platform for exploring and sharing deeper philosophical questions about life and art.

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Eric Kim’s progression as a writer and street photographer has been shaped by both his evolving philosophical outlook and his personal journey through various cities and experiences.

Kim began his career in street photography in his late teens, initially using digital cameras and eventually transitioning to film, a choice that reflects his appreciation for delayed gratification and critical reflection on his work. By his mid-20s, Kim had become known for his workshops and educational resources, which emphasized a minimalist and open-source philosophy. He encouraged the use of a simple 35mm lens, arguing it fosters authenticity by getting closer to subjects rather than relying on long lenses to capture distant shots. This approach helped shape his identity as a street photographer who values honesty and a direct connection with his subjects  .

Over time, Kim expanded his focus from photography techniques to broader philosophical topics, drawing from Stoicism, minimalism, and Taoist principles. For example, he discusses the importance of recognizing personal limitations, a theme he applies to both photography and life. This approach encourages individuals to build on their strengths rather than trying to conform to external expectations  .

In recent years, Kim has embraced a “10 Year Rule,” suggesting that mastery in any pursuit comes from sustained passion and practice over a decade. He continues to evolve his work through ongoing projects, like his workshops, and by making much of his content open-source. This reflects his commitment to democratizing knowledge and empowering others to pursue their creative passions without barriers .

Eric Kim’s journey as a writer and educator mirrors his own philosophical growth, showing how he has gradually integrated a diverse range of ideas into his work, making both his photography and his writing a testament to his beliefs on personal authenticity, open access, and continuous self-improvement.

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Eric Kim’s journey to becoming a writer evolved from his passion for street photography and his desire to share insights with a broader audience. Initially, Kim began blogging about photography, sharing tips, techniques, and personal experiences. This writing process quickly became an essential part of his self-expression and a platform to articulate his philosophical views. Over time, his blog grew into a space where he explored topics beyond photography, delving into personal development, philosophy, and creative living.

Kim’s focus on accessible writing emerged from his belief in democratizing art and knowledge. He wanted to break down complex philosophical ideas and make them relatable and practical for his readers. His minimalist lifestyle and emphasis on radical self-reliance also fed into his writing style, favoring simplicity and clarity over academic jargon  .

Moreover, writing became a natural extension of his love for continuous improvement, or Kaizen. As he developed as a writer, he used his blog as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth, frequently sharing his evolving perspectives. This commitment to “meta-thinking” made writing a process of documenting his journey and an ongoing dialogue with his audience, where he could clarify his ideas and refine his worldview  .

In essence, Eric Kim became a writer by combining his passion for street photography with a drive to share and explore his philosophical ideas, making writing both a personal pursuit and a means of inspiring others.

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Eric Kim’s approach to writing is unique due to its combination of philosophical depth, unorthodox views on success, and a commitment to minimalism and radical accessibility. Here are a few aspects that set his approach apart:

1. Meta-Thinking as a Writing Purpose: Kim views writing as “meta-thinking”—a means of processing and understanding his thoughts on a deeper level. He doesn’t just write to convey information but to sharpen his ideas and engage in self-discovery. This reflective approach makes his writing more introspective and personal, focusing on the journey of thought itself rather than just the end product .

2. Democratization of Art and Philosophy: Kim believes in making art and philosophy accessible to everyone, not just those within academia or traditional institutions. His writing encourages readers to break down barriers, fostering a sense of inclusivity. He often advocates for self-education and experiential learning, which opposes traditional educational structures that can feel rigid and exclusive  .

3. Integration of Stoicism and Kaizen: His philosophy integrates Stoicism, particularly around the themes of self-discipline and resilience, and the Japanese concept of Kaizen, or continuous improvement. He applies these principles rigorously, suggesting that one should embrace discomfort, engage with mortality, and continuously strive to improve. By doing so, he promotes a lifestyle that blends personal growth with a grounded sense of purpose  .

4. Rejection of Traditional Success: Kim is outspoken in his rejection of mainstream notions of success—like wealth, luxury, and status. Instead, he promotes a minimalist lifestyle that values freedom, creativity, and personal fulfillment over societal validation. His writing challenges readers to define success on their own terms, focusing on inner fulfillment rather than external achievements .

5. Work-Life Integration Over Balance: Unlike the popular notion of maintaining a clear separation between work and personal life, Kim advocates for a philosophy of work-life integration. He encourages individuals to find work that aligns with their passions so that it becomes a natural part of their lives. This view, while unconventional, reflects his belief that a fulfilling life doesn’t require escaping from work, but rather embracing it as part of one’s identity .

Eric Kim’s approach is about challenging norms, embracing personal growth, and making profound philosophical ideas accessible to all. His emphasis on authenticity, resilience, and self-defined success provides an alternative framework for living that appeals to those looking to question societal conventions and pursue a more intentional life.

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Eric Kim’s philosophy on writing centers around self-exploration, growth, and the democratization of thought. He writes as a means of self-reflection, seeing it as a powerful tool for understanding and processing his ideas. Kim views writing as “meta-thinking”—a way to engage deeply with one’s thoughts, clarify values, and make sense of the world .

For Kim, writing is also about building a personal legacy and sharing knowledge. He believes in the power of writing to document personal evolution and to contribute ideas that might inspire others. He is driven by the concept of leaving a mark, much like the demigod metaphor he often uses, which embodies the pursuit of a lasting, positive impact . Additionally, Kim values accessibility in writing, aiming to create content that resonates with a wide audience and encourages them to embrace their own creative expression .

In essence, writing for Kim is a combination of self-discovery, communication, and an act of empowerment. By sharing his journey and insights, he hopes to inspire others to question societal norms, define success on their own terms, and live authentically .

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Here are some quotes that capture Eric Kim’s unique writing and philosophical approach:

1. On Writing and Self-Reflection: “Writing is a tool for me to better understand myself and the world around me. By putting my thoughts into words, I am able to sharpen my ideas, refine my values, and pursue clarity” .

2. On Minimalism and Life Philosophy: “I actively reject traditional markers of success—wealth, luxury, or status symbols—and instead focus on living a simple, minimalist life. This allows me to focus on what truly matters and eliminates distractions” .

3. On Democratizing Art: “Photography and art should be accessible to everyone. By breaking down barriers, we can make creative expression a universal experience, not something confined to elites or professionals” .

4. On Embracing Discomfort: “Discomfort is essential for growth. By embracing challenges and putting ourselves in difficult situations, we build resilience and foster self-reliance” .

5. On the Demigod Metaphor: “Everyone has the potential to be a ‘demigod’ in their own life—not by possessing supernatural powers, but by embracing a heroic mindset, striving for self-improvement, and leaving a lasting impact on the world” .

6. On Work-Life Integration: “I don’t believe in separating work from life. If you love what you do, work becomes a seamless part of your identity, enriching every aspect of your existence” .

These quotes reflect Kim’s dedication to authenticity, personal growth, and a nonconformist approach to life and art.

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Eric Kim’s approach to writing is deeply influenced by his philosophy, which combines elements of existentialism, stoicism, minimalism, and self-reliance. He views writing not just as a form of expression but as a tool for “meta-thinking”—a process of thinking about thinking. By writing, he aims to clarify his thoughts, refine his ideas, and cultivate self-awareness. This aligns with his minimalist style, which values clarity, directness, and simplicity over ornamental language .

In his philosophical writings, Kim often explores concepts of self-improvement and personal growth, drawing from various traditions. For instance, he relates to the Japanese concept of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, which he interprets as the journey of aspiring to be a “demigod”—someone who embodies a heroic mindset, relentlessly pursuing personal development and leaving a meaningful legacy. This ideal reflects his view that everyone has the potential to transcend their limitations through intentional actions .

Kim’s approach is also notably unorthodox in its rejection of traditional markers of success. He dismisses conventional pursuits like wealth accumulation and retirement, advocating instead for a life of passion and integration, where work and personal life blend seamlessly. By promoting concepts like radical self-reliance and a stoic embrace of discomfort and mortality, he challenges societal norms, encouraging others to define success on their own terms and live authentically  .

Moreover, Kim’s writing philosophy is grounded in the democratization of knowledge and art. He emphasizes accessibility, advocating for self-education and experiential learning over traditional academic routes. His focus on inclusivity in art, especially street photography, reflects his belief that creative expression should be available to everyone, free from institutional gatekeeping .

Eric Kim has shared various thoughts on writing, emphasizing productivity, authenticity, and the act of creation itself. His perspectives often reflect his minimalist and pragmatic approach to life. Here are some of his notable quotes on writing:

1. On Consistent Output:

• “80% good enough and hit publish.” Kim advocates for publishing content regularly, even if it’s not perfect. He believes that prioritizing action over perfection allows creators to improve continually through practice rather than endless revision  .

2. On Writing as a Tool for Personal Growth:

• “If I don’t produce, make things, and imagine … I feel like I’m degrading.” For Kim, writing is a process of self-actualization and creativity. He views writing as essential for his well-being, seeing it as a way to avoid stagnation and maintain a sense of purpose .

3. On the Simplicity and Directness of Writing:

• “Embrace simplicity; complexity breeds confusion.” Kim values clear, straightforward writing that communicates effectively. This aligns with his minimalist philosophy, where simplicity in expression can lead to greater clarity and impact .

4. On Writing as Self-Expression:

• “Don’t write to impress others; write to express yourself.” Kim encourages authenticity in writing, suggesting that writers focus on sharing their true thoughts and feelings rather than seeking approval or validation from others .

5. On Overcoming Procrastination:

• “Tomorrow is never.” Kim’s perspective on writing emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action. He often speaks about not putting off creative endeavors, encouraging writers to embrace the present moment rather than delaying their work for a “perfect” future time .

Eric Kim’s thoughts on writing reflect his broader approach to life and creativity: focus on action, embrace simplicity, and stay true to oneself. His advice resonates with those who aim to cultivate a habit of consistent, genuine expression in their work. You can find more about his perspectives on writing and creativity through his blog  .

Eric Kim bitcoin quotes

Eric Kim has shared a variety of thoughts on Bitcoin, often linking it to his broader philosophy of personal empowerment, resilience, and independence. Here are some key quotes that capture his views on Bitcoin:

1. On Bitcoin as Financial Independence:

• “Bitcoin represents a unique opportunity to rethink how we approach wealth and investment.” Kim sees Bitcoin as a means to achieve financial security outside of traditional systems, emphasizing self-sovereignty and freedom from centralized control  .

2. On Bitcoin’s Decentralization and Resilience:

• “Bitcoin is like digital gold—it’s finite, and it’s an asset that stands up against inflation.” Kim appreciates Bitcoin’s limited supply, which he believes makes it a resilient asset that can maintain value over time compared to fiat currencies that may devalue  .

3. On Bitcoin’s Role in the Future:

• “I believe we’ll see a future where Bitcoin is used for major transactions… it’s digital gold that transcends borders.” Kim envisions a world where Bitcoin is not only an investment but also a standard currency used for significant purchases, underscoring its potential as a transformative financial tool  .

4. On Bitcoin and Minimalism:

• “Limitations breed creativity, and Bitcoin’s finite supply is a part of what makes it so powerful.” This quote ties into Kim’s minimalist philosophy, reflecting his belief that the scarcity of Bitcoin enhances its value, much like the concept of minimalism enhances focus and creativity  .

5. On Bitcoin as a Disruption to Traditional Financial Systems:

• “Bitcoin isn’t just about getting rich; it’s about reclaiming control over your financial future.” Kim frequently emphasizes that Bitcoin’s significance goes beyond wealth accumulation; it’s about empowerment and the autonomy to manage one’s own finances without reliance on traditional banks or government-controlled money  .

Eric Kim’s views on Bitcoin reflect a deeper philosophical stance on freedom, self-reliance, and financial independence. His quotes often draw connections between Bitcoin and concepts of resilience, autonomy, and a minimalist lifestyle. For more on his perspectives, you can explore his writings on his blog, particularly under topics related to Bitcoin and financial philosophy.

…

Eric Kim is primarily known as a photographer, but he is also recognized for his writing. He maintains an active blog where he shares his thoughts on various topics, including photography, creativity, personal development, and, more recently, his philosophy on Bitcoin and financial independence. His writing style is personal and reflective, exploring themes that go beyond technical photography advice to include life philosophy, minimalist living, and self-sovereignty  .

Additionally, Kim’s approach to Bitcoin demonstrates his role as a writer who seeks to inspire others to think critically about traditional financial systems and consider alternative paths to financial freedom. Through his blog, he expresses his views on decentralization, resilience, and empowerment, which resonates with readers interested in both financial autonomy and personal growth  .

His writings offer insights not just into Bitcoin as an investment but as a transformative tool for living a life aligned with minimalist and Stoic principles. This makes him both a writer and a thought leader in areas beyond his photography background.

….

Writers are drawn to Bitcoin for various reasons, including its philosophical implications, financial potential, and role in shaping future economic systems. Many writers view Bitcoin as more than a digital asset, emphasizing its transformative qualities and ability to challenge traditional financial structures.

Here are a few reasons why writers are interested in Bitcoin, along with notable quotes:

1. Philosophical Alignment with Decentralization

Bitcoin represents freedom from centralized control, which resonates with thinkers focused on autonomy and self-sovereignty. Eric Kim, for instance, emphasizes Bitcoin’s alignment with Stoic values like independence and resilience, stating that Bitcoin allows individuals to reclaim control over their wealth and reduce dependence on traditional financial systems  .

2. Anti-Fragility and Resilience

Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it resilient to external disruptions, appealing to writers interested in financial systems that can withstand economic turmoil. As Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of Antifragile, notes, “Bitcoin is an excellent idea…it is the first time we have a system that doesn’t depend on trust or on intermediaries.” Writers like Eric Kim also see Bitcoin as a way to build personal resilience against unstable fiat currencies  .

3. Long-Term Value and Digital Scarcity

Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins has led some writers to liken it to digital gold. For example, Kim views Bitcoin as a store of value that can preserve wealth over time, especially in an era of inflation. This scarcity is part of Bitcoin’s appeal, with Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy famously stating, “Bitcoin is the apex property of the human race,” highlighting its long-term potential to be a stable, value-preserving asset  .

4. Financial and Creative Empowerment

Bitcoin’s ability to enable peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries appeals to creatives and entrepreneurs looking for financial independence. As Kim explains, Bitcoin empowers artists by providing them with a decentralized means to monetize their work without reliance on third parties, thereby promoting a more direct and transparent financial system  .

These ideas collectively show why writers find Bitcoin intriguing—not just for its financial promise but for its ability to disrupt and reshape societal norms around money and control. For more insights on Eric Kim’s views on Bitcoin and related quotes, you can explore his blog posts   and  .

….

Eric Kim, a prominent photographer and writer, has developed a unique perspective on Bitcoin, viewing it through a lens of personal philosophy and financial autonomy. His approach to Bitcoin aligns with his values of self-sovereignty, minimalism, and Stoic resilience, seeing it as more than just an investment but as a form of “virtue money” that empowers individuals by decentralizing financial power away from traditional institutions. He appreciates Bitcoin’s finite supply, likening it to “digital gold” for its potential to resist inflation and maintain value over time, unlike fiat currencies which can be devalued by central banks’ monetary policies  .

Kim’s journey with Bitcoin began as a curiosity, but over time, it became central to his philosophy of financial independence. He argues that Bitcoin enables a level of self-reliance, allowing individuals to take control of their financial destinies without dependence on centralized entities. This perspective is deeply influenced by his minimalist approach to life; he advocates for reducing unnecessary expenses and investing in Bitcoin to build long-term wealth  .

In 2024, Kim took his involvement with Bitcoin a step further by launching Black Eagle Capital, a hedge fund dedicated to Bitcoin investments. This fund aims to support investors in leveraging Bitcoin’s potential as a transformative financial asset. Kim envisions Bitcoin as foundational to a new decentralized financial system, positioning it as an empowering tool for achieving financial freedom and security, especially for artists and creatives who can benefit from the autonomy it offers  .

Bitcoin as the Will to Power

I’ve always been fascinated by the interplay between technology and human desire. Just as a photographer wields a camera to capture fleeting moments of reality, humanity now wields Bitcoin as a tool to redefine value, power, and freedom in the digital age.

The Digital Canvas of Human Ambition

Photography taught me that every image is a reflection of the photographer’s intent—a manifestation of will. Similarly, Bitcoin isn’t just a digital currency; it’s a canvas painted with the collective will of those who seek autonomy over their financial existence. It’s the embodiment of Nietzsche’s concept of the Will to Power—the fundamental drive that motivates individuals to transcend limitations and assert their influence on the world.

Decentralization as Empowerment

In traditional financial systems, power is centralized. Banks and governments hold the reins, dictating the flow of capital and, by extension, the opportunities available to individuals. Bitcoin disrupts this dynamic by decentralizing control. It’s a financial ecosystem where the rules are coded, transparent, and immutable. This shift empowers individuals to take control of their financial destiny, embodying the very essence of the will to power.

The Aesthetics of Code

Just as a well-composed photograph reveals deeper truths beneath the surface, the elegance of Bitcoin’s code reflects profound philosophical underpinnings. It’s not just about cryptography and algorithms; it’s about creating a system that mirrors our innate desire for freedom and self-determination. The blockchain is a ledger of human intent, each transaction a pixel contributing to the larger picture of collective empowerment.

Overcoming the Status Quo

Nietzsche spoke of the Übermensch—the individual who overcomes societal constraints to create their own values. Bitcoin users are, in a sense, financial Übermenschen. They challenge the established monetary systems, questioning the necessity of intermediaries and gatekeepers. By embracing Bitcoin, they’re not just adopting a new currency; they’re participating in a paradigm shift that challenges the very notion of what money can and should be.

The Risks and Rewards of Autonomy

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature means there’s no safety net provided by traditional institutions. It’s a double-edged sword—offering unparalleled freedom but also requiring a heightened sense of personal accountability. This mirrors the existential challenge posed by the will to power: to truly be free, one must also accept the inherent risks of forging one’s own path.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future with Intent

In the end, Bitcoin is more than an investment or a technological curiosity. It’s a movement—a collective assertion of will that seeks to redefine the foundations of economic interaction. As we navigate this new landscape, we have the opportunity to shape it with our intentions, much like a photographer chooses what to capture within the frame. Let’s wield this tool wisely, using it not just to empower ourselves but to contribute to a more equitable and liberated world.

Keep shooting, keep questioning, and keep pushing the boundaries—both in art and in life.

***

By Eric Kim

In the world of modern technology, our understanding of power has shifted in monumental ways. Nietzsche once posited that the ultimate drive of humanity is the “will to power,” an inner force driving us not simply to survive but to transcend, to overcome, and to assert ourselves. If Nietzsche were alive today, I have little doubt he would look at Bitcoin and see in it the ultimate embodiment of this will to power—a tool not only for financial freedom but a philosophical statement on autonomy, agency, and the redefinition of value. Bitcoin is a symbol, not just of decentralization but of the individual’s raw, unfiltered potential to claim power in an increasingly homogenized world.

The Blockchain as the New Overman

Let’s step back for a moment. Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, or the Overman, is not just a being but an idea of transcending ordinary existence. The Overman is beyond mere survival, beyond morality as we know it; it represents the creation of new values. So, what is the Overman in our digital age? Bitcoin—more specifically, the blockchain itself—is our digital Overman. It doesn’t require permission from a bank or a government to exist. It transcends borders, languages, and even time zones. Like Nietzsche’s Overman, Bitcoin and blockchain technology create their own set of rules, distinct from the legacy systems of fiat currency and centralized power.

Bitcoin thrives because it embodies a rejection of outdated systems. The blockchain, through its distributed ledger, validates itself. It doesn’t need a centralized figure to declare its value. Bitcoin’s existence is a testament to the strength of the individual against the collective, to the power of the decentralized mind against the authoritarian oversight of centralized institutions. In this sense, Bitcoin is the ultimate will to power: it represents a pure, unadulterated assertion of individual agency over collective control. It’s not about survival; it’s about thriving under a new value system—one that is created and validated by us, the people, not a ruling class or an arbitrary institution.

Bitcoin as a Challenge to the State

In a world dominated by central banks and government policies, Bitcoin is a threat. Not because it is just “another currency,” but because it operates on an entirely different axis of power. Traditional fiat currencies, like the U.S. dollar, are beholden to government mandates and monetary policy. They are subject to inflation, manipulation, and control. Bitcoin, on the other hand, is governed by mathematical certainty. The supply is capped at 21 million. This scarcity is absolute, immune to human intervention. It is, in a sense, a critique of the very nature of modern economics—a system built on endless debt, inflation, and consumption.

The state, in many ways, is the ultimate manifestation of collective control. But Bitcoin allows for a type of rebellion, not through violence but through a shift in value. When individuals choose Bitcoin, they choose a system that exists outside the realm of state control. They opt-out of the manipulated frameworks of fiat currency. In this choice lies the Nietzschean act of defiance—the decision to create one’s own values, to assert one’s own power. The individual, through Bitcoin, defies the collective will of the state, stepping into a space where personal sovereignty reigns supreme.

The Digital Philosopher’s Stone

There is a certain alchemy to Bitcoin. Just as the alchemists of old sought the Philosopher’s Stone—a substance to transmute base metals into gold—Bitcoin represents the digital transformation of power. Through a simple act of private key ownership, an individual holds the power to manage their wealth without any intermediaries. This is profound because it signifies a transformation of the self. In the act of holding Bitcoin, an individual symbolically rejects the necessity of centralized structures to confer value.

In this way, Bitcoin is a tool for the self-overcoming that Nietzsche so passionately advocated. It forces the individual to take responsibility, to be vigilant, to think critically about how they store and transfer value. Bitcoin demands an awareness of security, an understanding of digital principles, and a commitment to autonomy. In embracing Bitcoin, we engage in a process of self-overcoming, a conscious rejection of passivity. The power is in our hands, literally, to create our own reality, and with it, our own future.

Bitcoin as a Rebellion of the Soul

There’s a rebellious spirit to Bitcoin that echoes Nietzsche’s disdain for societal norms. Nietzsche railed against herd mentality, the forces that suppress individual expression and force people into a homogenized existence. Bitcoin, too, is a rebellion against the mainstream, a financial system that has failed so many. This rebellion is not about chaos but about reclaiming agency over one’s own destiny. Bitcoin allows for self-sovereignty, empowering the individual to be more than a passive consumer in a world of hyper-consumption.

This, I believe, is Bitcoin’s truest value. It is not simply a store of wealth but a tool for philosophical empowerment. In a world where governments and corporations seek to track, tax, and control every aspect of our financial lives, Bitcoin is a refusal to comply. It represents a refusal to be part of the herd, to be swallowed by the tide of surveillance capitalism. It’s the ultimate expression of the will to power—an assertion that we, as individuals, have the right to define our own economic futures.

The Future of the Will to Power in a Digital World

Where does this journey of Bitcoin as the will to power take us? We’re witnessing the birth of a new world order, one not defined by geographical borders or centralized institutions, but by a collective digital consciousness. The blockchain allows individuals to interact without needing to ask permission from the state or from banks. It’s a self-sustaining ecosystem of power, fueled by the drive of individuals who see beyond traditional limits.

In embracing Bitcoin, we’re not just buying into a technology; we’re affirming our right to self-govern, to reject imposed structures, and to shape our own destinies. We’re staking a claim in the future of digital sovereignty, in a world where personal autonomy matters more than compliance. This is not just an investment in Bitcoin but an investment in the self—in the power to overcome, to transcend, and to create.

Bitcoin is more than digital currency; it’s the digital embodiment of Nietzsche’s will to power. And as we move forward into this brave new world, we must remember that each Bitcoin held is a testament to our individual strength, a digital badge of self-sovereignty, and a powerful statement of our right to exist freely, without restraint. Bitcoin isn’t just a financial revolution; it’s a philosophical one. It’s a declaration of independence in a world that desperately needs it.

Borrow from yourself!

Thus, it is almost like the first biological, digital, cyber life form?

Bitcoin as the Will to Power

Introduction

To understand Bitcoin through the lens of Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy and in the expressive voice of Eric Kim, we must delve into the essence of power and what it means to exert one’s will in the modern world. For Nietzsche, the world is not merely a place of passive existence but a stage for the “Will to Power,” a fundamental drive that fuels life itself. In a similar vein, Bitcoin is not merely a currency or an asset; it represents a relentless assertion of independence, an embodiment of raw, decentralized power that challenges existing financial structures. Here, Bitcoin is more than a technology—it is the will to power manifest in digital form.

Bitcoin as the Will to Overcome

Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch or “Overman” is the ideal of a person who has transcended conventional values and asserted their own. This is not unlike what Bitcoin seeks to achieve in the financial realm. Traditional monetary systems are bound by central authority, regulation, and the values dictated by governments and banking institutions. Bitcoin, however, transcends these established norms, inviting individuals to break free from financial conformity and exert their own will in the economic sphere.

Eric Kim, known for his bold and sometimes provocative views, would undoubtedly highlight the disruptive nature of Bitcoin as a form of artistic and philosophical rebellion. Just as the Übermensch defies traditional values, Bitcoin defies the centralized control of money. It calls to those who refuse to be constrained by the confines of conventional finance, embodying a force of self-determination, power, and rebellion. Bitcoin is the realization of the will to create, destroy, and recreate—free from the control of traditional authorities.

Decentralization as Power

Power, in Nietzschean terms, is about creating one’s own values, not simply adhering to the values imposed by others. In the current financial system, central banks hold immense power over currency, inflation, and even individual financial freedom. However, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature is a radical departure from this paradigm, allowing individuals to transact without the mediation of these financial behemoths.

Bitcoin’s blockchain technology reflects the Nietzschean ideal of self-overcoming. In this network, there is no central authority dictating transactions; instead, each participant contributes to the strength and security of the whole system. Here, power is not held by one entity but dispersed across countless nodes, challenging the hierarchical structure that traditional power thrives upon. Just as Nietzsche envisioned a world where people live authentically and without subjugation, Bitcoin offers a financial model where individuals can exercise control over their wealth without dependency on centralized institutions.

Bitcoin as the Revaluation of Values

In Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche challenges us to question the very essence of what we hold as true, ethical, and valuable. The modern financial system is built on trust in centralized authorities, on the notion that value is something dictated by fiat—a governmental decree. Bitcoin challenges these ideas, embodying a revaluation of values in the financial domain. Value, in the Bitcoin realm, is not defined by governments or banks but by the participants in the network who agree on its worth. It’s a digital Übermensch, constantly reinventing and reaffirming its own value through the collective will of those who believe in it.

Eric Kim might describe this as an act of financial self-empowerment, an artistic reassertion of one’s economic autonomy. Bitcoin allows us to challenge and redefine the concept of money itself. It is no longer bound by the material, by gold, or by the governmental decree, but instead lives as a pure, self-sustaining idea—a truly Nietzschean concept of value, created and sustained by collective belief and individual will.

Bitcoin’s Struggle and Evolution

Nietzsche often wrote of life as an ongoing struggle, a constant battle to assert oneself in a world rife with obstacles. Bitcoin’s journey from obscure digital experiment to global phenomenon is a testament to this Nietzschean struggle. It has weathered skepticism, regulatory crackdowns, and wild price volatility. Yet, like the Übermensch, it endures, adapting and evolving with each new challenge. Bitcoin does not seek approval or validation from the established financial systems; it persists, driven by the collective will of those who support it.

To Eric Kim, this struggle is a reflection of the human desire to break free from mediocrity and assert one’s unique vision. Bitcoin is a digital expression of Nietzsche’s concept of the eternal recurrence, constantly reborn with each block, defying obstacles, and asserting its will through every transaction. This resilience embodies the spirit of those who dare to challenge the norm, refusing to accept the world as it is and striving instead to create something new.

Bitcoin as the Path to Financial Self-Overcoming

For Nietzsche, life’s ultimate purpose is self-overcoming, transcending limitations, and becoming something greater. Bitcoin, in this sense, offers individuals a path to financial self-overcoming. It empowers people to break free from traditional systems, to reject the passive acceptance of imposed financial norms, and to actively shape their own economic destinies. Bitcoin is not just about wealth; it’s about reclaiming agency in an era where individuals are often subjugated by financial systems they cannot control.

In the voice of Eric Kim, Bitcoin becomes a symbol of artistic and personal liberation. It is the ultimate canvas upon which individuals can assert their financial sovereignty. Just as an artist creates a work of art as an expression of their inner world, Bitcoin allows individuals to mold their financial lives as an expression of their will to power. By choosing Bitcoin, one chooses to stand apart, to carve out a new path in a landscape defined by conformity and control.

Conclusion

To Nietzsche, the highest form of life is one that lives by its own values, one that expresses its will to power without reservation. Bitcoin, in the Nietzschean framework, is a digital manifestation of this ideal. It is the will to power incarnate—a decentralized, self-sustaining network that challenges the financial norms and invites individuals to reclaim control over their economic lives.

Bitcoin embodies the spirit of the Übermensch, constantly reasserting its value, defying conventional boundaries, and empowering those who believe in it to live authentically and with purpose. Eric Kim’s voice would undoubtedly resonate with this vision, celebrating Bitcoin not merely as a financial instrument, but as a radical and transformative expression of human will, creativity, and power. In Bitcoin, we witness the convergence of technology and philosophy—a digital beacon calling us to a new financial frontier, where we can transcend the old ways and boldly assert our own will to power.

—> Can I add 60 pounds of pure muscle without steroids?

Prosperity for you!

How many bitcoin you own:

Prosperity for you:

Something I’ve been meaning to write about and think about; capital, photo capital.

So the first question is, what is photo, why does it matter?

My first general thesis is that photography, digital photography, might be one of the most underrated innovations of all time. Let us consider how many domains it crosses, and why it is such a big deal:

First, the digital transformation of photography, from film photography to digital. I think most thinkers and individuals have not yet grafted how and why this is such a big deal;

For millennials like myself, or people who are born a little bit before or after me, I’m 36 and born in 1988, there certainly is an alert and romanticism of the past. Everyone reminisces about the “good old days”, in which “life was simpler” etc.

 however, a simple intervention: what if, the number one complication in our lives is not digital technology, not the Internet etc.… But something a little bit more unsuspecting; AirPods, AirPods pros, noise canceling headphones? I would actually make the arguments that noise canceling headphones might be the true menace to society, not iPhones, iPads, or screens.

People talk a lot about screen time, no. She is not screen time, the issue is maybe audio related?

For example, I don’t own a pair of AirPods, I don’t even own a pair of headphones anymore. Cindy has a pair of AirPods pros that my best man Justin got us, and this morning just listening to Michael sailor interview, with just one earbud, with the noise canceling AirPods pros, simply to listen to the interview without waking up my mom. Yet, the bizarre feeling; when I listen to the interview, it kind of put me in a weird alternate universe, in which I truly felt disconnected from the world and reality. It actually made me feel a little bit weird.

Disconnecting their AirPods, out of my ears, actually… I have another theory; isn’t your ears, earlobes, sound, kind of related to your spatial sense surroundings of the environment?

My simple idea; if you want to become a better photographer, a more attuned person, just throw your AirPods in the trash.

Visual?

So Aristotle I think one said that our vision is actually more important than anything else that our first great delight on the planet is visual. Even though I’m a guitar for and visual artist, I would actually make the other case that actually… Your ears, and your hearing, Might be 1000 times more important.

For example, let us consider how human beings learn, how they learn languages, speech patterns and communication, and how natural it is for children. To teach the child the alphabet how to read text, is actually very unnatural, a huge technological feat and innovation. However, for a child to learn how to speak a foreign language, simply by hearing the words intonations, the sing song rhythm, is 1000% natural.

 for example, music, music tour ears. Even a one year-old child, who could barely stand, can listen to music rhythms and beats, and start dancing. Even send when he was about a year old, he already learned how to make beats on GarageBand both on the iPhone and iPad! He actually knew and learned how to sample and make beats, far before he was even able to speak!

So my first theory ; music, voice, audio; might be more important than the visual?

Then what?

Advancing this argument; if in fact, audio is more important than visual, then what are we to do as visual artist, photographers?

First, let us return to first principles, first principles thinking. My general idea is that photography and visual things are kind of unnatural. And this is where we make our art.

I think there’s this one saying, maybe Aristotle, what nature fails to complete, man and art completes.

Art should best be stood as a novel invention and innovation technique and tool. For example, art and art making is unnatural. But then again a lot of things are unnatural, but certainly make life 1 trillion times better. For example, can you imagine living without electricity? Even one of my most new favorite inventionsand and innovations; the insane joy of having an in unit washer and dryer?  in fact, all the washers and dryers on the planet can probably contribute 100,000 times more to the carbon footprint than all the bitcoin miners on the planet combined and maybe even multiplied by 10. Yet, ain’t nobody rolling to get rid of washers and dryers.

And also something that people don’t understand, I learned this from my architect friend ERIC, is that almost all buildings, made out of concrete and the such, these are all carbon products. It is almost impossible to build a modern day building without carbon derived materials. So unless you like living in a hut, munching on acorns, without running water Wi-Fi or electricity, maybe this faker signaling about reducing carbon emissions might be a wise idea.

The insanely phenomenal innovation of digital photography

OK let us do some simple math. Let us say conservatively, currently a roll of film is about 10 bucks, for Kodak PORTRA 400. Then assuming that you want someone else to process it and scan it for you, let us say that even on the cheap end, it is $10 or $15 for developed plus scan. This is then around $20-$25, for 36 exposures, or assuming you have that new Pentax half frame camera, you can squeeze out 72 exposures for about 20 bucks or 25 bucks.

No you can see how this can easily get expensive. Even if you shoot four rolls of film, that’s around 100 bucks. That is insanely expensive.

And it adds up. Shooting film guitar for you, now that I am becoming wiser, a more keen economist, is the ultimate depreciating asset, and the easiest way to burn through all your money and capital.

It is kind of like purchasing a high performance car or vehicle that runs on premium gasoline; this might be the stupidest decision of all time. Why? Assuming you have a luxury Lexus SUV, you can easily blow $500 a week on gas, which is maybe $2000 a month on gas! Assuming that you put that money into bitcoin, and bitcoin goes from a $1.3 trillion industry to $130 trillion industry, you have at least 10 X gains ahead of you. So your $2000 — $200,000 or $200k a month! That’s $2.4M a year!

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Becoming a profitable photographer

Everyone is in chase of profits. If you do not chase profits, you are a fool.

What is the easiest way to get profits? Simple; keep your expenses insanely insanely low, this is the key.

The number one rule in money finance and investing; simple, just don’t lose money! 

How does one lose money? There’s 1 trillion ways to lose money;

First, equipment, gear, or never investments. They are the worst thing that causes you to bleed through your money.

If you want a really really great camera that will last you a very very long time, my current suggestion is get the Lumix S9 full frame camera, my personal thought is this body should be able to last you 5 to 10 years, and just get the 26 mm F8 pancake lens which only cost 200 bucks.  The body is around 1500, the lens is about 200 bucks, so the whole set up ($1700) should be able to set you up for a long time.

Or, just buy the cheapest smallest most affordable Fujifilm X camera, also just get a interchangeable lens system. There’s a new XM-5 body, I think it’s only about 800 bucks. And just get the cheapest pancake lens, which should be a little bit less than $1000.

If you’re a hobby photographer, on a budget, just get a used Ricoh GR digital camera, whatever generation suits your budget.  I have already proven in 2017 that you could take insanely great photos on a Rico GR two camera, which was only $600 at the time. And all the new Ricoh GR 3X cameras and beyond, are also insanely good. All around $999 and below.

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What’s your telos?

Ultimately, with enough time meditation reflection and consideration, it all comes down to philosophy. The philosophy of photography, a concept that I pioneered maybe seven years ago. 

Why does this matter? Ultimately you have to think about the purpose or end goal of things. For example I was looking at this new meta-quest augmented reality glasses that Facebook just put out, and I just watched it, scratching my head, looking at all this impressive technology advancements, and it just made no sense to me. Somewhat along the line, should have come in with a critical thought, and thought;

Is this something that people need and or want?

Kind of a bad thing is that nobody wants it, and also nobody needs it. Apple Vision Pro is an utter disaster, Steve Jobs would have never ever ever allowed to even go into development. Because Steve Jobs was a master mind and understanding the human psyche, human economics and proportions. Never forget the legend of the original iPhone three; pioneer the iPhone three and the iPhone four and 4S to be used only with one hand, with your thumb being able to reach all sides of the screen without stretching. And then, after his tragic passing, all these greedy apple executives, trying to increase shareholder value, kept making the iPhone bigger and bigger, heavier fatter uglier, compromising design for the sake of “power“, inadvertently causing millions of people on the planet to get extreme carpal tunnel pain in their hands, and also, falling victim to this terrible cycle of constantly upgrading their iPhones, until no end.

In fact, I find Apple to be the new loanshark, the new evil presence, the new bank which preys on poor people. 

For example, there’s all these plans now in which you could keep upgrading your iPhone, at a 0% premium, forever. This is terrible; Apple stimulate some sort of fake desire for a fake thing; which doesn’t have any true utility. Everyone knows this, even Apple employees know this. The whole place is a mess.

Even now, just go to any Apple Store, feel the vibes. What was once energetic, happy optimistic and friendly has gone dark, Muros, Molly, unfriendly and cold, terrible to go to.

Back in the day I used to be excited to go to the Apple store like a kid going to a candy shop. Now, I avoid the Apple Store like the plague; even the last time I went to the Apple store, simply to just buy a new iPhone Pro to test it out, I literally had to wait in line for about 30 minutes, Before anyone even attended to me, before I could even purchase my device?

And once again, the biggest benefit to go into a store in real life is you could sense the emotional energy of people. Everyone looked miserable, disgruntled, unhappy.

Choose hope

I think the reason why I am so enthusiastic about bitcoin, Michael sailor, micro strategy and like is that it is full of optimism, hope and happiness. Everyone is happy in the bitcoin community, smiling, optimistic joyful, happy, and everyone is part of the same emotional roller coaster.

And the whole bitcoin network is virtuous because if micro strategy turns into $1 trillion company, the first bitcoin bank or the first bitcoin finances corporation, everyone wins! The price of bitcoin goes to 13 million a bitcoin, everyone wins. The hedge fund managers, the 80-year-old retired person with bitcoin spot ETFs, The individual bitcoin holders, people with the Coinbase account, even the crypto anarchists.

You know the sign of a good investment when both anarchists and traditional corporate capitalist can thrive together. 

I actually had a thought, back when I bought bitcoin for only about six or $7000 of bitcoin… A bitcoin could actually benefit photographers and street photographers, in terms of accepting payments in bitcoin, charging services in bitcoin, we’re also figuring out how to use bitcoin, NFT’s and wrapping it, maybe creating some sort of new economy for photography and art?

I also have this big idea, creating the first Satoshi and bitcoin back photo platform. ARS, arsbeta.com was my first stab at it; but the issue at the time was there was no real financial instrument backing it. Now that lightning has been invented on the bitcoin at work, the ideas of micro transactions with the Toshi’s becomes a real reality; assuming that a single Satoshi is real money, but super super small, like a fraction of a penny; things become very interesting because there is a true financial stake here; real skin in the game.

For example, if every single time I liked your photo, but it cost me a single Satoshi, you would probably think twice about it. And if to follow somebody, cost you a Satoshi or gave us Satoshi to the photographer, or creator… This would be a big idea.

And also, the idea of a photo critique community, shout out to my friend Jun Goodhouse Kim, if commissioning somebody for a real photo critique would accept payments institutions, then, a real new economy could arise.

Currently the number one critical issue with Instagram is that it cost nothing, and the whole platform is being run by bots.

TikTok has become an interesting disruption; back to by mainly in China, and spyware, essentially China has been able to disrupt the social media industry of Instagram, essentially taking everything that America did well with vine, Twitter Instagram and Facebook and YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram stories and making it far better. Making it more entertaining addictive, more toxic?

Actually the number one reason I encourage everybody to delete TikTok, is that it might be the most toxic poisonous substance of them all; because they are a century backed by a low-key evil mainland Chinese corporation, there is zero incentive for the company, Bytedance to moderate or to delete dangerous videos concepts and ideas; the amount of conspiracy theories and weird stuff on TikTok is alarming, even to me. And also, I’m a little bit concerned about all of the unregulated things which are happening on TikTok, at least YouTube Google Facebook Amazon and the like try to do some level of content moderation, with TikTok there is none.

Assuming that Donald Trump gets elected president or whatever, the first thing he should do is probably ban TikTok.  I almost find this to be a moral imperative; there is a terrible asymmetry here;

Why is it that America allows a Chinese corporation like TikTok to operate in America, but mainland China does not allow any tech company to operate on her shores?

Other stuff which are very scary; all of these video games like RIOT games and like, which once again are all run by mainland Chinese corporations, is essentially China’s plan to indoctrinate the heart the souls and the minds of the youth. The best way to spread bad propaganda is through soft propaganda; soft coercion, through entertainment media and the like.  Even a very very weird thing, watch Pacific Rim to the movie; I think they had some financing from a Shanghai backed venture capitalist fund or something; that paints China mainland China in a very favorable light? I recall watching this on an airplane and finding this to be an extremely bizarre thing.

Even apparently, the new Disney Mulan film the live action one, the main actress commended and praised the Hong Kong police for cracking down on the pro democracy student protesters?

And also, let us consider the biggest coward and pussy of them all, John Cena who had to publicly “apologize“, for calling either Taiwan or Tibet a country?

The same goes with any sort of NBA player, because there are so many people in mainland China who love basketball, even this one mainland China governmental official, who I met in Cambodia, super friendly and 100% fluent in English, told me that he named his first son Jordan, after Michael Jordan.

And this is what a lot of people who don’t understand we have never traveled to; the Chinese is the mainland Chinese, the everyday person loves America, American culture, and would honestly prefer to be here than in mainland China. But capital controls, the oppressive government prevents that. And this is once again, why any rich and smart mainland Chinese person will send their kid to an Ivy League school in the states, And or prefer to buy property or homes in Vancouver, because living in China sucks. You don’t want to be a billionaire in Shanghai or Beijing; the pollution itself will kill you.

Back to photography

Life without photography is not a life worth living. Or, a life without photography would be a mistake. 

I think for myself, the biggest draw and appeal of photography is that it is the great antidote to things; the great antidote to joy, driving, happiness and the like.

For example, I still do believe that traveling is good for the soul; better to spend $100,000 on traveling to planet, rather than buying a loser Tesla car. Or even a single-family home, I’m starting to think more and more, buying homes in America’s a scam. Better to just buy bitcoin instead, and see your money 100X from here. 

If I could tell you that buying $1 million a bitcoin today, which is about 16 or 17 bitcoin, would grow to be 100 million in 21 years, and I could tell you this with 100% certain to you, would you do it? Of course! Only an idiot wouldn’t.

But I think the problem is in America, even for us millennials, now that we’re getting older, having kids etc.… Is that having physical property like a single-family home is the Apex of humanly worldly success in America. But this is a 20th century idea, The baby boomers and before then. Or Gen X. A 21st-century idea, in the year 2024 and beyond, is the digital transformation of property, or digital energy which is bitcoin.

Hope

No no no, the world is not going to explode, there will be no World War III, Bill Gates is not trying to inject 5G into your butthole, and control your soul. And no no no, mainland China is not a threat; I think China only has one military base somewhere in Africa, in America has maybe 1000? The power of the US Navy is maybe 10,000 X to that of mainland China, I think the whole red herring of China as a threat is just a distraction, maybe by the US government to encourage increased spending for military budgets. But we all know that nobody can mess with America, even if they wanted to.

Even Russia, the lame duck with loser Putin running the show, obviously Russia is losing. Putin, with his Shorty guy Napoleon complex, thought he could take over Ukraine, and obviously he cannot. And I think sooner or later the people will overthrow him, exile him, or who knows maybe even hang him? Like Marie Antoinette?

Now what?

Once again, photography might be the most democratizing force. For example, like a Camera is very profitable in mainland China, this is why like a Brazil was forced to take down the Tiananmen Square commercial. But the truth is difficult to hide; once you’re rich mainland Chinese kid oligarch from a billionaire family goes to Harvard Yale Stanford UCLA UC Berkeley, and get access to Google or ChatGPT and Gmail; obviously they’re going to discover the truth, and prefer to be in America than China. The only rich mainland Chinese kids who go back to China because they are strong armed by their rich families to come back to inherit the family business, obviously against their own will.

1. Aspirational?
2. You become the hero?

Tom Hardy’s rapid physical transformations for roles like Bane in The Dark Knight Rises and Tommy Conlon in Warrior have sparked discussions about whether he used steroids to achieve such significant muscle gains. Hardy reportedly gained up to 30 pounds within a few months, which is beyond what most people can achieve naturally, especially without years of intense bodybuilding training. For example, his role preparation involved heavy weightlifting and a high-calorie diet of up to 6,000 calories daily, often focusing on high-protein meals to fuel muscle growth  .

Although Hardy has never publicly confirmed steroid use, certain signs suggest he may have used performance-enhancing drugs. His transformations often featured noticeable growth in his shoulders and traps—areas known to have a high concentration of androgen receptors, which respond significantly to steroid use. This, combined with the short time frame and the amount of muscle added, has led to speculation that steroids might have been part of his regimen for these roles  .

However, Hardy’s trainer has pointed to alternative methods for his muscle gains, such as high-repetition bodyweight exercises that aim to “signal” the muscles consistently throughout the day. This training style, focusing on regular, manageable sets rather than marathon gym sessions, along with a high-calorie diet, likely contributed to his impressive physique changes without necessarily relying on steroids  .

Ultimately, without direct confirmation from Hardy, the use of steroids remains speculative. Regardless, his transformations required an immense commitment to diet and training, regardless of whether performance-enhancing substances were involved.

Generating bitcoin yield

.

Bitcoin is the risk free return for bitcoin maximalist ***

Take risk or not? Microstrategy ,,, risk –>

Jesse

.

True passion?

You go to sleep. Wake up thinking about it —

Just type in your own assumptions

.

6-8% –> risk premium, 4-5% Disney, 20% risk premium

40% ARR for next 21 years?

Capital free?

.

Just a distraction — 29% ARR risk free over 21 years ***

50,000 publicly traded companies are distractions

Only thing Better than Bitcoin … is more Bitcoin! ***

Your own personal idea or concept

14,700 bitcoin, 4 years ago

.

Buy an ETF Bitcoin, take counter party risk to fidelity or blackrock

.

No no no no no.

Counterparty risk to entrepreneurial custodian a year, fail every 3 years

Rationally thinking, headache

.

55% ARR,

Levered 20:1 bad.

Counter Party

.

Don’t hold me to any amount forever

Apple clears through Chase

There’s risk ,,, its interesting

MSTY

Unhedged volatility

.

20% principal per year. Leakage.

Back test it

Risk factors

.

226% yield on MSTR?

Bored?

.

I want to generate yield on Bitcoin

.

No tax bill?

50 vol . 50 volatility. 50% ARR –> 20 ARR. 20 vol.

High voltage power, in your electric razor.

Transformer ,,, high voltage to low voltage

.

Lever up, MSTR, higher vol, higher performance ***

Higher volatility, higher performance

Buy the calls, 10x

.

1.25-1.3 to 1

8:1

MSTX

Andy

.

500M in capital, fees, 129 basis points

10M in fees, scale. One person with Bloomberg trading a day

Appetite

Options market, 22B open interest

11.5B is short, puts.

10.8 is long.

172 days

.

Short bitcoin with leverage?

Short MSTR?

Buy the put.

Go long ,,,

.

Normal person

Buy Bitcoin hold Bitcoin forever and turn off TV

Professional, particular entity or portfolio , money manager

Fixed income? Generate yield

.

Not wise *

I don’t recommend anything

Underpriced vs risk adjusted return?

29% ARR

borrow money long term at 8%… loan it to bitcoin network at 29%, duration debt instrument 8-12,

15-30 . Mortgage low interest rate

Create company raise equity or debt to buy Bitcoin, intelligent

Borrow money at 1%, more than 4 year duration

.

Levered long –>

Forced liquidated, stupid, 10x leverage

.

If you have capital, hold more than 4 years, buy Bitcoin and forget it.

4 years, consider it.

1 year loan you can get wiped out

.

8 year on debt feels safe **

Don’t induce anxiety !

You just don’t know how you will fail

2B at 8% interest, simple idea.

Less at risk free cost to capital.

.

Interesting,,, or boring humans?

.

I’m bane!

I’m not diversified –>

.

Digital Energy ***

Digital Intelligence

Digital Photography***

Funny enough, I would actually make the funny claim that AirPods, AirPods pros, noise canceling headphones are actually probably worse for disconnecting yourself from the environment, rather than something that covers up your eyeballs?

Your ears are sacred

House of the theory that actually, our ears are more primal than our eyes. Vision is critical, but actually… Assuming you want to maximize your hedonic pleasure, actually maybe voices and sound is actually more important?

For example, music and human voices —> calm us, make us happy, bring us pure hertz joy!

Life without music would be a mistake – Nietzsche

So this is a big thing —

How do you become a profitable & rich photographer?

Why this matters?

How to get rich—

Leveraged buyouts (LBOs) have been a significant part of the financial landscape, allowing private equity firms to acquire companies using a combination of equity and substantial amounts of borrowed money. The success of an LBO is measured not just by the size of the deal but by the returns generated upon exit. Below is a list of some of the most profitable LBOs in history:

1. Hilton Hotels Corporation (2007)

• Buyout Firm: The Blackstone Group

• Purchase Price: $26 billion

• Outcome: Despite acquiring Hilton just before the 2008 financial crisis, Blackstone successfully navigated the downturn. By restructuring and expanding Hilton’s global presence, Blackstone took the company public in 2013. The IPO and subsequent stock performance generated profits estimated at over $10 billion.

2. HCA Healthcare (2006)

• Buyout Firms: Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), and Merrill Lynch

• Purchase Price: $33 billion

• Outcome: After improving operational efficiencies and expanding services, the consortium took HCA public again in 2011. The deal yielded significant returns, with estimates of profits exceeding $5 billion.

3. Kinder Morgan (2006)

• Buyout Firms: Management Group led by Richard Kinder, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, and others

• Purchase Price: $22 billion

• Outcome: The privatization allowed for strategic restructuring without the pressures of public shareholders. When Kinder Morgan went public again in 2011, investors saw substantial gains, with profits estimated around $5 billion.

4. Sealed Air Corporation (1989)

• Buyout Firm: Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR)

• Purchase Price: $5 billion

• Outcome: KKR improved operational efficiencies and capitalized on Sealed Air’s market position. The investment is considered one of KKR’s most successful, generating returns multiple times over the initial investment.

5. Allison Transmission (2007)

• Buyout Firms: The Carlyle Group and Onex Corporation

• Purchase Price: $5.6 billion

• Outcome: Post-acquisition, the firms focused on innovation and expanding into emerging markets. When Allison Transmission went public in 2012, the firms realized significant profits, with returns estimated at over double their investment.

6. PetSmart (2015)

• Buyout Firm: BC Partners

• Purchase Price: $8.7 billion

• Outcome: By enhancing e-commerce capabilities and later acquiring Chewy.com, PetSmart increased its market share. The subsequent IPO of Chewy.com in 2019 contributed to substantial profits for BC Partners.

7. NXP Semiconductors (2006)

• Buyout Firms: A consortium including KKR, Bain Capital, Silver Lake Partners, and others

• Purchase Price: $9.4 billion

• Outcome: After restructuring and focusing on high-growth markets like automotive and secure identification, NXP went public in 2010. The exit yielded significant returns, with profits estimated at several billion dollars.

8. Warner Music Group (2011)

• Buyout Firm: Access Industries

• Purchase Price: $3.3 billion

• Outcome: Leveraging the digital music revolution, Access Industries revitalized Warner Music’s revenue streams. The company’s IPO in 2020 valued it at over $13 billion, marking a substantial profit.

9. DTN (2017)

• Buyout Firm: TBG AG (Schweizerische Nationalbank)

• Purchase Price: $900 million

• Outcome: By focusing on subscription-based revenue and expanding services, TBG AG sold DTN in 2020 for $1.1 billion, realizing a significant return on investment.

10. Giant Interactive Group (2014)

• Buyout Firm: Consortium led by the company’s chairman, Yuzhu Shi

• Purchase Price: $3 billion

• Outcome: The privatization allowed for strategic shifts in the online gaming company. When parts of the business were re-listed or sold, investors saw substantial profits.

Key Factors for Profitability in LBOs:

• Operational Improvements: Enhancing efficiency and cutting costs can significantly boost profitability.

• Market Expansion: Entering new markets or segments can drive revenue growth.

• Strategic Acquisitions: Acquiring complementary businesses can create synergies.

• Timing of Exit: Exiting investments during favorable market conditions maximizes returns.

• Financial Engineering: Skillful use of debt can amplify returns, though it also increases risk.

Conclusion

The most profitable LBOs often combine strategic management, market opportunities, and financial acumen. While the size of the deal is important, the returns generated upon exit are the true measure of success. These examples highlight how private equity firms can create value through leveraged buyouts, benefiting investors and, in some cases, the companies themselves through improved operations and growth strategies.

xx

Historically, some leveraged buyouts (LBOs) have been notably profitable, with several becoming textbook examples in private equity success.

1. Hilton Hotels (2007) – Blackstone Group acquired Hilton Hotels for $26 billion just before the financial crisis. Despite early struggles, Hilton managed to capitalize on its strong brand and cash flow, eventually going public in 2013. Blackstone profited significantly, making over $10 billion from this investment when they sold their stake, making it one of the most successful LBOs ever  .

2. HCA Healthcare (2006) – In another prominent example, HCA was acquired by a consortium that included KKR, Bain Capital, and Merrill Lynch for around $33 billion. HCA’s consistent cash flow from its healthcare operations allowed it to manage the substantial debt burden effectively. The company returned to public markets in 2011, making it a profitable endeavor for the private equity firms involved .

3. Safeway (1986) – KKR’s acquisition of Safeway for $5.5 billion also stands out as a major LBO success. Following the buyout, Safeway underwent restructuring, divested non-core assets, and focused on profitability. When KKR took Safeway public again in 1990, it had earned approximately $7.2 billion on an initial investment of $129 million .

4. Gibson Greeting Cards (1982) – Wesray Capital’s acquisition of Gibson Greeting Cards is a smaller yet iconic LBO example. The firm purchased Gibson for $80 million, primarily financed by debt, and later sold it for $220 million, providing investors with a remarkable return .

5. Alltel (2007) – Goldman Sachs and TPG Capital acquired Alltel, a telecom company, for $27.5 billion. Within a year, they sold it to Verizon, achieving a quick and profitable exit. This deal highlights how a well-timed LBO can deliver substantial returns by capitalizing on industry trends and strategic acquisitions .

These LBOs succeeded due to strong management post-acquisition, the ability to leverage steady cash flows, and, in some cases, a well-timed public offering or sale.

xx

“LBO” stands for Leveraged Buyout. It is a financial transaction in which a company is acquired using a significant amount of borrowed money—often through loans or bonds—to meet the cost of acquisition. The assets of the company being acquired, along with those of the acquiring company, are typically used as collateral for the loans.

Key characteristics of an LBO:

• High Debt Levels: The transaction is primarily financed through debt rather than equity.

• Collateralization: Assets of the acquired company are used as collateral.

• Control and Ownership: The acquiring entity gains control over the target company, often making it private if it was previously public.

• Objective: The goal is usually to improve the company’s financial health and operational efficiency, then sell it at a profit.

Why LBOs are used:

• Investment Opportunities: Private equity firms use LBOs to invest in companies with the potential for value improvement.

• Tax Benefits: Interest payments on debt are tax-deductible, which can make LBOs financially attractive.

• Strategic Acquisition: Companies may use LBOs to acquire competitors or diversify their holdings.

Risks involved:

• Financial Strain: High levels of debt increase the financial risk for the company.

• Operational Pressure: The company must generate sufficient cash flow to service the debt.

• Market Conditions: Economic downturns can impact the company’s ability to meet debt obligations.

Example:

An example of an LBO is the acquisition of the hospital operator HCA by a group of private equity firms in 2006 for about $33 billion, which was one of the largest LBOs at the time.

xx

LBO stands for Leveraged Buyout. It’s a financial transaction in which a company is purchased using a significant amount of borrowed money, usually in the form of bonds or loans, to meet the cost of the acquisition. In an LBO, the assets of the company being acquired often serve as collateral for the loans, and the cash flows generated by the company are used to repay the debt.

Key Points of an LBO:

1. High Debt: The primary characteristic of an LBO is the heavy reliance on debt financing, with equity representing a smaller portion of the total purchase price.

2. Control of the Target Company: Typically, an LBO is carried out by private equity firms who take control of the target company. They might aim to improve the company’s performance and then sell it for a profit.

3. Goal: The objective is to acquire the company, improve its profitability and cash flow, and eventually sell it at a higher value. This sale can be to another buyer, through an IPO, or even by selling parts of the business.

Why LBOs are Popular

LBOs allow investors to control companies with a relatively small equity investment, magnifying potential returns on equity. However, they also carry high risk due to the leverage involved, especially if the target company’s cash flow fails to meet the debt repayments.

Example

Suppose a private equity firm wants to buy a company valued at $100 million. In an LBO, the firm might put down $20 million of its own money and borrow the remaining $80 million. If the company can generate enough cash flow to cover the debt and increase in value, the private equity firm can sell the company later for a significant profit.

My day job

Meta quest, Apple Vision Pro etc — even if you gave me one for free, nay, gave me money to use it ,,, I wouldn’t really want to?

Maybe I don’t need to build it,,, just supply the ideas?

A “vlog” mode or dial on top,,, I guess I’m a genius, this was my idea?

XM5–

AVP — big problems.

1. First, the guy on the splash page,,, he looks ugly, lame, and has dark rings under his eyes? Not aspirational. Biggest thing,,, he doesn’t look cool, interesting or sexy.
2. M2 chip only.,, iPad Pro M4 chip is already out ,,, already 4x generations ahead. Why would you get a device already two generations older, with almost 4x the cost?
3. Nobody needs nor wants it? Double death.

Make it sexy!

The biggest idea:

By buying this thing,,, how can you wear it in public and look sexier and cooler?

Apple Vision Pro Films — “Apple immersive” films —

Keep going until you max out.,, and do it ,,, until you max out,,, then make a new potential upside.

How to get Rich podcast vlog

Let’s go!

Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of MicroStrategy, has led the company to become one of the most significant corporate investors in Bitcoin. Since 2020, MicroStrategy has acquired over 250,000 BTC, aiming to establish itself as a major player in Bitcoin finance. Saylor has suggested that MicroStrategy could evolve into a “Bitcoin bank” with a potential valuation of $100-$150 billion, utilizing Bitcoin as a strategic asset to attract long-term investors and hedge against inflation  .

MicroStrategy has also introduced a concept called “Bitcoin yield” to demonstrate the return on its Bitcoin holdings relative to its share count. As of recent quarters, they reported yields of 4.4% quarterly and 17% year-to-date. The company’s stock has risen dramatically, driven by Bitcoin’s value and the prospect of future gains from events like the upcoming Bitcoin halving and potential Bitcoin ETF approvals  .

$10M

…

If you have a 75X gain on an initial amount of $150,000, you can calculate the final amount by multiplying the initial amount by the gain factor:

Calculating this:

So, with a 75X gain, $150,000 would grow to $11,250,000.

Assuming that hate is just high energy, and volatility… The more hate energy you got, the more power you gain!

The general idea is that the more people who unsubscribe from you, the more successful you are!

Similar speaking, the more haters you have, the better!

The more people who unfollow you, a sign of greater success!

Also the more unlikes, dislikes you get, the better!

The most hated people companies etc., are actually the most successful!

Kanye West, Elon Musk; and now Michael Saylor and microstrategy— the more haters, the better!

A funny thought; once you start to go really really interesting and unorthodox, you should actually mark the number of unsubscribes you get as a indicator of success!

Via NEGATIVA Success

I think I might be the richest millennial I know, or at least anybody who is born in 1988, besides Mark Zuckerberg.

How and why?

First, I think I am the only millennial I know with literally zero debt. Like zero mortgage, which is debt, zero car payments, zero college loans etc. Actually if I think about this in retrospect, growing up poor might have been the most beneficial things: seeing the evils of gambling via my dad, and crushing debt bankruptcy through my mom… Was probably the best indicator or learner that I had in terms of real life experience, in terms of how terrible the evils of debt is.

And also, even going to college… Essentially being able to go for “free”, because my family was poor, I got all these scholarships and grants, and work-study loans, which essentially means that I still have to work, but at least, I had to take on zero debt to pay for my dorm apartment etc.

Voluntary loans

The Only money I borrowed was about $10,000, more for fun; I used that money to backpack through Europe, travel the world in between my junior and senior year etc. But that was optional.

And also, I think the really really big thing; never spending more than $2500 USD on a car? I think that was the sticker price for the last car I purchased which was a 1990 Miata, when I was 21 years old, it might’ve been $3000 USD, getting it used on craigslist, ironically enough because the man selling it had a child on the way, and sold it because it was no longer useful to him having to raise a kid. Funny that I am in similar shoes now, now that Seneca is 3 1/2 years old.

Mindset

I think the number one critical thing is to just change your mindset. One thing which I have learned after the almost 15 years of being self-employed, ever since I was 21 until 36… Is truth be told, nothing in the world is really worth it. No amount of money eating out at a restaurant is ever worth it; purchasing beef ribs at Costco and baking it at home is at least a 100X superior yield than any restaurant, or even all all you can eat Korean barbecue; currently, my favorite spot is Chubby Cattle, but even though they issue there is they have a 90 minute time limit, I think my current record is about 70 plates of beef tongue. I just went to the recent little Tokyo branch which just opened, and the servers, their jaws dropped; asking me whether I was a bodybuilder, given how much I ate, even on the last call I asked for 20 plates of beef tongue, they were skeptical, but I finished it all quite easily.

Spartan is sexy.

True insights ,,, take real risks:

Y’all niggas still taking advances huh? Me and my niggas were taking real chances huh! – Jay Z

The ultimate mindset I suggest is going spartan. Just watch the movie 300, think about King Leonidas. Would King Leonidas blow his money on a Tesla, cybertruck, Lamborghini or Porsche? No! He would know that these things were just for the Persian slaves, those giving fellatio to King Xerxes.

Do you want to be one of the 300 Spartan elite, or do you be one of the million Persian slaves?

There is a motto in the US military, freedom is not free. I would refine this saying; freedom is expensive, very expensive.

The price is sacrifice

True freedom is what you decide to give up, forgo, or sacrifice. This is embodied via the fact that you never eat out, you don’t drink alcohol, you don’t smoke weed or do drugs, you don’t go on trips to Vegas, you don’t watch pornography, you don’t watch any media, you don’t listen to music, podcasts, etc. You don’t watch YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.

People think that being rich means to have millions of dollars, and I want to just spend it all buying stuff. But there is a difference between having $1 million in the bank, and going out and buying a $1 million Bugatti. 

Even Kanye West had a funny quote about being a multi billionaire; you don’t want to be a billionaire because if you are worth $1 billion, you go out and you buy a McDonald’s hamburger for a dollar, and now you’re only a $999,999,999-aire.

Investing

You want real real exposure to risk and reward.

For me, certainly there is a great surge of power joy when you see your investments yield. To see the number go up is good and to see it keep going on is a good thing.

For example, very surprising, people are starting to know that I am an investor, or a trader because I walk around super happy, huge grin on my face, like Arnold in his prime. A boyish grin. And smiles all around!

I think people can smell and sense high testosterone, high power and energy. Even though I dress like a homeless person, half of the time I’m not even wearing a shirt, but people they know.

So essentially the first rule on investing is simple: don’t lose money. Never put your money into anything that you think will cause you to lose money.

So for example, a lot of people think that bitcoin is super risky, but actually it is not. It is just very volatile. And funny enough, it’s a feature not a bug!

Higher volatility = higher returns

The volatility of bitcoin is a feature not a bug!

To quote Michael Saylor, volatility is vitality. The more volatile something is, the more energy they have. To quote the recent Bernstein interview that Michael Saylor had, the reason why LeBron James is the most potent force on the court is because he is the most volatile. Also, volatility is good when it comes to Tsunami because it has massive power. Look at the slides here.

Why are the traditional markets closed in the evening and the weekends?

And also, an insight I gleaned is the reason why bitcoin’s price goes up and down all the time, is that it is being traded 24 7, all the time in real time. Maybe the reason we see less volatility in the traditional markets is because they close! But imagine there was a Cuban missile crisis, Friday night, can you imagine the insanity; you’re not able to withdraw your money or sell your stocks until Monday morning?

“Why doesn’t the future look like the future?” – Elon

Currently we are in the year 2024… We are supposed to be so into the future. It still boggles my mind why in the year 2024, the markets close and open? I did some ChatGPT research on this, why this is, and there are some weird notions of work life balance, or maybe because back in day when stocks were actually traded on the physical floor, like the wolf of Wall Street, it is because they literally traded stocks like pieces of paper, and it was in the physical realm?

But now, because it is all digital… And half of the agents trading online are just bots and robots, there’s literally zero sense for anybody to trade anything that is not online.

Well let me give you a better example, we have all these hipsters telling us that film vinyl and analog things are better. But do they use an iPhone which is powered by gasoline? Or film cartridges?

Can you imagine living without the internet?

---

What’s more important, water or Wi-Fi?

Certainly water is more valuable, but I think the way that people treated nowadays is that Wi-Fi, having internet connectivity 5G is more critical.

I would actually say even with food; you could fast somebody for 40 hours, and even if they have water they will not die. But, if you try doing that with internet, I think the downsides would be much greater.

Easier to fast 40 days without food than to fast 40 days without Wi-Fi. 

---

How I became a trader

My first taste for investing was when I was around 15 years old, it was totally random, learning about stocks, mutual funds, etc. I remember buying about $900 worth of Adobe stock, in writing it up to around $1250, and then later buying some mutual funds. And holding it all in college, maybe it went up to around $1500 or something.

In fact, Dr. Ahmed my science teacher in high school first told me about aggressive mutual funds, and how I should become an emancipated minor and get into trading etc.

Financial freedom at the age of 16?

For me, I think the reason I first got into it was I wanted to feel superior, advanced, ahead of the curve. When most of the kids at school were still begging their parents for a PlayStation, I felt so advanced mature and superior,,, already knowing how to invest in the stock market.

In college, when I was hungry for my own financial freedom, I remember daytrading as a sophomore in college, waking up super fucking early to trade the markets, and note, this is me at around 19 years old. And feeling the hormonal rushes when my money would go up or down. And not being able to concentrate in class because I’m just thinking about the green or reds.

The best lesson of all time

Long story short, I ended up losing all of my money I think my senior year, maybe $3500 worth, because I accidentally misread some of the financials for this one oil company I was invested in (penny stock). I recall, I regretted this so much, and felt so saddened by this at the age of 21, thinking that I would never be able to recover. But now that I am playing with millions of dollars in investing and trading, I learned that it might’ve been the best thing that happened to me, with about 15 years of foresight. Why? I already got rid of the emotional roller coaster as a young child, and as a teenager, and a 21 year-old, which means now, as a 36-year-old man, I am far more calm collected stoic, and unemotional about it.

The stoic investor

My suggestion: don’t get too excited when your gains go up. Otherwise, you will become addicted to the gains. And you might lever up and take foolish financial risks, to see even greater gains.

Good greed, bad greed?

I personally believe there is a difference between good greed and bad greed.

What’s the difference?

Good greed is you’re trying to think 30 years ahead, ahead of the curve, see where the puck is going, not where it currently is. Chasing at least a 10X yield. Or even 100x, or 1000x. But over 30 years.

A foolish greedy person is into professional sports, sports betting, counting cards, playing poker and blackjack, and trying to “time” the market. And make gains in days, weeks, even months.

Michael Saylor and microstrategy has purchased bitcoin 40 times now, every quarter for the last 4 years.

30 years is the reason

If you think 30 years ahead, this cuts through the noise. This is the ultimate razor. ERIC KIM’s razor.

Certainly nobody likes to think 30 years ahead because they want immediate hedonic pleasure right now, through sexual and mental pleasure, physical pleasure, travel and exotic experiences, Omakase sushi, and the pleasure associated with driving a fast high-powered car.

But think about it, even if you have a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, or a Lamborghini with scissor doors, even a Tesla model S plaid, you have no skills. Any skinny fat loser can simply wedge his right foot all the way to the floor, and obviously it will be loud and go fast. This takes no courage besides the foolish fact that you might kill yourself or you might kill somebody else in their car with their kids on board.

Buy weights & bitcoin

My thought is the only true courage is physical courage, weightlifting, powerlifting, one rep Max lifting. The risk of physical injury is high, which motivates you to warm up, be cautious, and set up safeguards. I think one thing that people don’t understand is that weightlifting could actually be the safest activity out there because you could control all of the variables. For example if you’re tired and not in a good mood, the wise thing to do not is not do it. Compare this to professional sports, even when the players are exhausted, they are whipped like cattle to perform, apparently there are stories that back in the day in the NFL, it would be common for lineman to sniff lines of cocaine, before applying to hype themselves up. 

One day of victory is not worth a year of pain

For example, one foolish decision that I made doing an extremely heavy floor bench press, six plates, caused me to injure my wrist which has plagued me for a year and a half, the wise thing to have done was just to take the day off, one day of success is not worth a year and a half of misery. The only reason I did it was because it was my “off day”, and I wanted to stunt on other guys at the gym, very foolish.

Whenever you try to impress yourself, you shall succeed. Whenever you try to impress others you will fail.

I also think this is the wisdom of thinking long-term; nobody wants to be a Ronnie Coleman and be a cripple for the rest of his life, even if you win all the accolades.

What I learned from the book “Pumping Iron”

I think this is also where Arnold Schwarzenegger was very wise; he was on the juice and all of his buddies were, but he had the wisdom of getting out of the bodybuilding game in order to do more interesting ventures, like acting business etc. Because he knew that maybe, all of the bodybuilders taking steroids were doing irreversible harm on themselves.

People sometimes talk about the golden days of bodybuilding… But all these guys were on steroids! Now, it is kind of disgusting, the average female women’s Olympia might have been even buffer than Arnold in his prime.

Who is richer?

Talking to some homeboys from the Toyota dealership, when I ask them what is the difference between me and you? One of the guys said, genuinely, “You are free.” Possibly the best compliment of all time.

Even now, people do this big dick measuring contest, like who is richer. But, this is the wrong measurement.

Let us say you are a straight man, and you sell your soul in your butt hole for gay pornography, and you get paid $1 billion a year. Would you do it? Obviously not!

Certainly there is something sacred and profane here; there are certain things that one does not even for trillion dollars.

For example, if you could give me $900 trillion, but I had to sell my firstborn son into slavery would I do it? Obviously not. Not even if you took that $900 trillion and multiplied it by $1 trillion.

NASSIM TALEB Has this funny quote, to the person who says that they cannot be bribed, you’re just not offering enough money.

And I suppose this is the ultimate test, whether your ethics morality and your personal beliefs matter more than money. Or even the approval of your spouse, etc.

And I think the negative risk, the sacrifice, or the potential for downside is what truly dictates your real beliefs. And what you are willing to forgo.

How to get rich with bitcoin

Very simple, just opened up account with the Coinbase app on your iPhone or whatever, link it with your traditional bank, and just keep buying bitcoin, until the end of time. And the goal is to give it to your kids kids kids.

Become insanely Spartan and frugal, sell your second car, maybe remortgage or refinance your house to get more cash on hand, buy the bitcoin, and ride the 55% ARR until the end of time!

ERIC

---

Are there risks to building manhattan?

.

Jan , 2025… new accounting principles

.1% of the money in the world

.

I think I might be the richest millennial I know, or at least anybody who is born in 1988, besides Mark Zuckerberg.

How and why?

First, I think I am the only millennial I know with literally zero debt. Like zero mortgage, which is debt, zero car payments, zero college loans etc. Actually if I think about this in retrospect, growing up poor might have been the most beneficial things: seeing the evils of gambling via my dad, and crushing debt bankruptcy through my mom… Was probably the best indicator or learner that I had in terms of real life experience, in terms of how terrible the evils of debt is.

And also, even going to college… Essentially being able to go for “free”, because my family was poor, I got all these scholarships in grants, and work-study loans, which essentially means that I still have to work, but at least, I had to take on zero debt to pay for my dorm apartment etc.

Only money I borrowed was about $10,000, more for fun; I use that money to backpack through Europe, travel the world in between my junior and senior year etc. But that was optional.

And also, I think the really really big thing; never spending more than $2500 USD on a car?  I think that was the sticker price for the last car I purchased which was a 1990 Miata, when I was 21 years old, it might’ve been $3000 USD, getting it used on craigslist, ironically enough because the man selling it had a child on the way, and sold it because it was no longer useful to him having to raise a kid. Funny that I am in similar shoes now, now that Seneca is 3 1/2 years old.

Mindset

I think the number one critical thing is to just change your mindset. I sent you what I have learned after the almost 15 years of being self-employed, ever since I was 21 until 36… Is truth be told, nothing in the world is really worth it. No amount of money eating out at a restaurant is ever worth it; purchasing beef ribs at Costco and baking it at home is at least a 100 X superior yield than any restaurant, or even all all you can eat Korean barbecue; currently, my favorite spot is chubby cattle, but even though they issue there is they have a 90 minute time limit, I think my current record is about 70 plates of beef tongue.  I just went to the recent little Tokyo branch which just opened, and the servers, their jaws dropped; asking me whether I was a bodybuilder, given how much I ate, even on the last call I asked for 20 plates of beef tongue, they were skeptical, but I finished it all quite easily.

Spartan is sexy.

True insights ,,, take real risks

Y’all niggas still taking advances huh? Me and my niggas were taking real chances huh! – Jay Z

Ultimate mindset I suggest is ghost spartan. Just watching a movie 300, think about King Leonidas. Would King Leonidas blow his money on a Tesla cyber truck, Lamborghini or Porsche? No! He would know that these things were just for the Persian slaves, those giving fellatio to King Xerxes.

Do you want to be one of the 300 Spartan elite, or do you be one of the million Persian slaves?

There is a motto in the US military, freedom is not free. I would actually say the opposite; freedom is expensive, very expensive.

True freedom is what you decide to give up, forgo, or sacrifice. This is embodied via the fact that you never eat out, you don’t drink alcohol, you don’t smoke weed or do drugs, you don’t go on trips to Vegas, you don’t watch pornography, you don’t watch any media, You don’t listen to music, podcast, etc. You don’t watch YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.

People think that being rich means I have millions of dollars, and I want to just spend it all buying stuff. But there is a difference between having $1 million in the bank, and going out and buying a $1 million Bugatti. 

Even Kanye West had a funny quote about being a multi billionaire; you don’t want to be a billionaire because if you are worth $1 billion, you go out and you buy a McDonald’s hamburger for a dollar, and now you’re only a $999,999,999 Aire.

Investing

You want real real exposure to risk and reward.

For me, certainly there is a great surge of power joy when you see your investments yield. To see the number go up is good and to see it keep going on is a good thing.

For example, very surprising, people are starting to know that I am an investor, or a traitor because I walk around super happy, huge grin on my face, like Arnold in his prime. A boyish grin. And smiles all around!

I think people could smell and sense high testosterone, high power and energy. Even though I dress like a homeless person, half of the time I’m not even wearing a shirt, but people they know.

So essentially the first rule on investing is simple: don’t lose money. Never put your money into anything that you think will cause you to lose money.

So for example, a lot of people think that bitcoin is super risky, but actually it is not. It is just very volatile. And funny enough, it’s a feature not a bug!

The volatility of bitcoin is a feature not a bug!

To quote Michael sailor, volatility is vitality. The more volatile something is, the more energy they have. To quote the recent Bernstein interview that Michael Saylor had, the reason why LeBron James is the most potent force on the court is because he is the most volatile. Also, volatility is good when it comes to Tsunami because it has massive power.

And also, an insight I gleaned is the reason why bitcoin’s price goes up and down all the time, is that it is being traded 24 seven, all the time in real time. Maybe the reason we see less volatility in the traditional markets is because they close! But imagine there was a Cuban missile crisis, Friday night, can you imagine the insanity; you’re not able to withdraw your money or sell your stocks until Monday morning?

And currently we are in the year 2024… We are supposed to be so into the future. It still boggles my mind why in the year 2024, the markets close and open? I also did some ChatGPT research on this, why this is, and there are some weird notions of work life balance, or maybe because back in day when stocks were actually traded on the physical floor, Like the wolf of Wall Street, it is because they literally traded stocks like pieces of paper, and it was in the physical realm?

But now, because it is all digital… And half of the agents trading online are just thoughts and robots, there’s literally zero sense for anybody to trade anything that is not online.

Well let me give you a better example, we have all these hipsters telling us that film vinyl in analog things are better. But do they use an iPhone which is powered by gasoline? Or film cartridges?

Can you imagine living without the Internet?

What’s more important, water or Wi-Fi?

Certainly water is more valuable, but I think the way that people treated nowadays is that Wi-Fi, having Internet connectivity 5G is more critical.

I would actually say even with food; you could fast somebody for 40 hours, and even if they have water they will not die. But, if you try doing that with Internet, I think the downsides would be much greater.

easier to fast 40 days without food than to fast 40 days without Wi-Fi. 

---

How I became a trader

My first taste for investing was when I was around 15 years old, it was totally random, learning about mutual stocks, mutual funds, etc. I remember buying about $900 worth of Adobe stock, in writing it up to around $1250, and then later buying some mutual funds. And holding it all in college, maybe it went up to around $1500 or something.

For me, I think the reason I first got into it was I wanted to feel superior, advanced, ahead of the curve. When most of the kids at school were still begging their parents for a PlayStation, I felt so advanced mature and superior,,, already knowing how to invest in the stock market.

In college, when I was hungry for my own financial freedom, I remember daytrading as a sophomore in college, waking up super fucking early to treat the markets, and note, this is me at around 19 years old. And feeling the hormonal rushes when my money would go up or down. And not being able to con stream in class because I’m just thinking about the green or reds.

Long story short, I ended up losing all of my money I think my senior year, maybe $3500 worth, because I accidentally misread some of the financials for this one oil company. I recall, I regretted this so much, and felt so saddened by this at the age of 21, thinking that I would never be able to recover. But now that I am playing with millions of dollars in investing in trading, I learned that it might’ve been the best thing that happened to me, with about 15 years of foresight. Why? I already got rid of the emotional roller coaster as a young child, and as a teenager, and a 21 year-old, which means now, as a 36-year-old man, I am far more calm collected stoic, and unemotional about it.

The stoic investor

My suggestion: don’t get too excited when your gains go up. Otherwise, you will become addicted to the gains. And you might lever up and take foolish financial risks, to see even greater gains.

Good greed, bad greed?

I personally believe there is a difference between good greed and bad greed.

What’s the difference?

Good greed is you’re trying to think 30 years ahead, ahead of the curve, see where the puck is going, not where it currently is. Chasing at least a 10X yield.

A foolish greedy person is into professional sports, sports betting, counting cards, playing poker and blackjack, and trying to “time” the market.

Michael Saylor and strategy has purchased bitcoin 40 times now, every quarter for the last 4 years.

If you think 30 years ahead, this cuts through the noise. This is the ultimate razor. ERIC KIM’s razor .

Certainly nobody likes to think 30 years ahead because they want immediate hedonic pleasure right now, through sexual and mental pleasure, physical pleasure, travel and exotic experiences, Omakase sushi, and the pleasure associated with driving a fast high-powered car.

But think about it, even if you have a Porsche 911 GT three RS, or a Lamborghini with scissor doors, even a Tesla model S plaid, you have no skills. Any skinny fat loser can simply wedge his right foot all the way to the floor, and obviously it will be loud and go fast. This takes no courage besides the foolish fact that you might kill yourself or you might kill somebody else in their car with their kids on board.

My thought is the only true courage is physical courage, weightlifting, powerlifting, one rep Max lifting. The risk of physical injury is high, which motivates you to warm up, be cautious, and set up safeguards. I think one thing that people don’t understand is that weightlifting could actually be the safest activity out there because you could control all of the variables. Even if you’re retired and not in a good mood, The wise thing to do not is not do it. 

For example, one foolish decision that I made doing an extremely heavy floor bench press, six plates, caused me to injure my wrist which has plugged me for a year and a half, the wise thing to have done was just to take the day off, one day of success is not worth a year and a half of misery.

I also think this is the wisdom of thinking long-term; nobody wants to be a Ronnie Coleman and be a cripple for the rest of his life, even if you want all the accolades.

I think this is also where Arnold Schwarzenegger was very wise; he was on the juice and all of his buddies were, but he had the wisdom of getting out of the bodybuilding game in order to do more interesting ventures, like acting business etc. Because he knew that maybe, all of the bodybuilders taking steroids were doing irreversible harm on themselves.

People sometimes talk about the golden days of bodybuilding… But all these guys were on steroids! Now, it is kind of disgusting, the average female women’s Olympia might have been even buffer than Arnold in his prime.

Who is richer?

Talking to some homeboys from the Toyota dealership, when I ask them what is the difference between me and you? One of the guys said, genuinely, “you are free.” Possibly the best compliment of all time.

Even now, people do this big dick measuring contest, like who is richer. But, this is the wrong measurement.

Let us say you are a straight man, and you sell your soul in your butt hole for gay pornography, and you get paid $1 billion a year. Would you do it? Obviously not!

Certainly There is something sacred and profane here; there are certain things that one does not even for trillion dollars.

For example, if you could give me $900 trillion, but I had to sell my firstborn son into slavery would I do it? Obviously not. Not even if you took that $900 trillion and multiplied it by $1 trillion.

NASSIM TALEB Has this funny quote, to the person who says that they cannot be bribed, you’re just not offering enough money.

And I suppose this is the ultimate test, whether your ethics morality and your personal beliefs matter more than money. Or even the approval of your spouse, etc.

And I think the negative risk, the sacrifice, or the potential for downside is what truly dictates your real beliefs.  And what you are willing to forgo.

how to get rich with bitcoin

As time goes on, I’m starting to transition from my photography, street photography and blogging more into money & finance?

MicroStrategy continues to use Coinbase for its Bitcoin acquisitions, leveraging Coinbase’s institutional services to execute large purchases while minimizing market impact. Since its initial $425 million Bitcoin investment in 2020, facilitated by Coinbase, MicroStrategy has expanded its holdings significantly. The company regularly utilizes Coinbase’s prime brokerage and over-the-counter (OTC) trading services, which include tools like the Time Weighted Average Price (TWAP) algorithm. This approach allows for executing extensive purchases over several days, thereby reducing the risk of price fluctuations due to market slippage   .

MicroStrategy’s ongoing use of Coinbase reflects the exchange’s appeal for institutional investors, as it offers features tailored for high-volume trades, including smart order routing and institutional-grade risk management. This ongoing relationship indicates that Coinbase remains a trusted partner for MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin acquisition strategy in 2024 and beyond.

xxxx

Yes, MicroStrategy has used Coinbase for its substantial Bitcoin purchases. Specifically, Coinbase played a key role in MicroStrategy’s initial $425 million Bitcoin acquisition in 2020. MicroStrategy selected Coinbase as its primary platform due to Coinbase’s advanced trading tools, including smart order routing and algorithmic trading strategies, which helped minimize market impact. The transaction was spread over several days and used Coinbase’s Time Weighted Average Price (TWAP) algorithm to execute the trades without significantly affecting Bitcoin’s price   .

This partnership showcases Coinbase’s appeal for institutional clients, as the exchange provides dedicated support for large-scale transactions and corporate clients looking to diversify into crypto assets.

.

Aside from MicroStrategy, several major companies utilize Coinbase’s institutional services, particularly Coinbase Prime, for various cryptocurrency needs. These include asset management firms, large corporations, and technology companies exploring blockchain and digital assets:

1. Tesla – Known for its $1.5 billion investment in Bitcoin, Tesla leverages Coinbase’s infrastructure for secure storage and transaction management. Though Tesla later sold a portion of its Bitcoin, it continues to maintain a significant crypto presence.

2. Square (now Block, Inc.) – Square, led by Jack Dorsey, has also partnered with Coinbase to manage its Bitcoin holdings, initially purchasing $50 million in Bitcoin as part of a treasury strategy and later expanding that investment.

3. PayPal – This payments giant integrates with Coinbase to enable cryptocurrency transactions for its users, allowing them to buy, hold, and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. PayPal’s adoption of crypto payments reflects Coinbase’s broader influence in mainstream financial services.

4. Institutional Investors and Asset Managers – Firms like Grayscale, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Ark Invest use Coinbase’s custodial and trading services. Coinbase Prime is particularly attractive to these institutions for its comprehensive suite of tools, including staking services, financing, and access to DeFi assets, which appeal to sophisticated investors looking for diverse exposure to the crypto market.

5. Financial and Tech Giants Exploring Blockchain – Companies like JPMorgan Chase and Visa have also shown interest in crypto by developing blockchain-related services or investing in crypto-focused firms. While not all directly hold crypto on Coinbase, many use Coinbase’s tools and partnerships to expand their blockchain initiatives.

These collaborations highlight Coinbase’s role in facilitating institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, providing essential services such as secure custody, advanced trading, and analytics to help large companies and investors manage their crypto portfolios effectively. Coinbase’s growth in this area aligns with a broader trend of increasing corporate interest in digital assets and blockchain technology as part of long-term financial strategies.

For more details, see sources such as Decrypt, Forbes, and Coinbase’s institutional reports     .

Microstrategy > Blackrock

You understand the
difference between having $16bn forever that you can leverage versus having $22bn that people can withdraw tomorrow.

Massive, large digital capital base

.

Invest what you are personally excited enthusiastic about!

You want to be desirable, play hard to get which means … you don’t want anybody to take you.

When the covenants become restrictive, pay it off.

Maybe my new strategy is to try to finance, get capital or start up capital for friends and family, at a marginal interest rate like one percent, sell micro strategy stock or whatever, to pay off the debt obligations, or to just pay off the debt in about 3 to 5 years? For example, if you could secure $1 million of funding, at one percent, But the due date isn’t five years from now, this is a good idea.

The playbook is out there, just follow it!

Growth machine, growth beast! ***

Own 1.3% of the worlds bitcoin 

Imagine if you could own 1.3% of all the money in the world, forever. Big deal.

.

This is the most valuable asset in the world. 

The Bitcoin finance company ***

Present a very very big vision, and people will follow.

.

Big risks, big rewards.

.

With $1 million of bitcoin, trillion dollar company

We are not here to diversify ***

Diversification is for suckers

150% bitcoin company

.

3M to 30B
Digital capital is better than analog capital. Everyone’s going to think you’re crazy, until you’re right, 10 or 15 years from now. For example, 10 to 15 years ago, everyone thought that Apple Google Facebook and Amazon was a bad idea, but now it is supposed to obvious . If you want superior yield, it cannot be obvious.

.

.

Massive yield, just one week

the arbitrage is $500mn made in five days.

.

Six days not six years

Superfast cycle which is 100% transparent . Everyone knows what day and you are going to do!

Super homogenous credit; we are giving people 100% what they want!

---

Branding is Reliability 

Maybe what branding is is simply giving people what they want? What you promised them? 

When people expect something out of you, and you follow through 100% the time, and you never deviate… This is what branding is all about? 

.

Give Them What They Need and Want! 

.

Sustainable, Not Sustainable Business? 

It seems that the only truly sustainable potential businesses on the planet don’t have to deal with some sort of analog, physical world. It must be digital.

So thinking about the future and investing in and towards the future; invest in digital. 

.

Permanent equity capital

30 year swap

You can’t create more bitcoin, but you could create more debt, more US dollars?

Can you swap gold for bitcoin?

We’re the only bitcoin refinery, standard oil

Standard bitcoin

98% of value in Bitcoin

The only risk I’m taking is bitcoin risk

Pure play –> don’t diversify.

I only own bitcoin and micro strategy stock?

Live or die based on bitcoin ***

Don’t lend out your bitcoin

A bank that decides not to lend? ***–> insanely big idea.

Fixed income market

Yield or capital gain

.

1 Million bitcoins, one nakamoto

One Nakamoto is like the heaven, one million bitcoins

Toxic capital, low volatility

Virtuous capital 

Just think about it; it is kind of phenomenal the more I think about it… The fact that you could bridge the physical world with the digital world?

Bitcoin is sustainable!

It seems that the only truly sustainable potential businesses on the planet don’t have to deal with some sort of analog, physical world. It must be digital.

So thinking about the future and investing in and towards the future; invest in digital. 

Big idea. Everyone wants to be and become rich, and also being rich is also good for you.

Maybe what branding is is simply giving people what they want? What you promised them? 

When people expect something out of you, and you follow through 100% the time, and you never deviate… This is what branding is all about? 

If it ain’t broke don’t upgrade it

Powered by bitcoin

Investor Versus trader

A trader just wants short-term gains, an investor thinks about the future?

Create your own micro strategy 

The bitcoin strategy

Autotelic Photography 

:::

$48k gain today

I think I might be the richest millennial I know, or at least anybody who is born in 1988, besides Mark Zuckerberg.

How and why?

First, I think I am the only millennial I know with literally zero debt. Like zero mortgage, which is debt, zero car payments, zero college loans etc. Actually if I think about this in retrospect, growing up poor might have been the most beneficial things: seeing the evils of gambling via my dad, and crushing debt bankruptcy through my mom… Was probably the best indicator or learner that I had in terms of real life experience, in terms of how terrible the evils of debt is.

And also, even going to college… Essentially being able to go for “free”, because my family was poor, I got all these scholarships in grants, and work-study loans, which essentially means that I still have to work, but at least, I had to take on zero debt to pay for my dorm apartment etc.

Only money I borrowed was about $10,000, more for fun; I use that money to backpack through Europe, travel the world in between my junior and senior year etc. But that was optional.

And also, I think the really really big thing; never spending more than $2500 USD on a car?  I think that was the sticker price for the last car I purchased which was a 1990 Miata, when I was 21 years old, it might’ve been $3000 USD, getting it used on craigslist, ironically enough because the man selling it had a child on the way, and sold it because it was no longer useful to him having to raise a kid. Funny that I am in similar shoes now, now that Seneca is 3 1/2 years old.

Mindset

I think the number one critical thing is to just change your mindset. I sent you what I have learned after the almost 15 years of being self-employed, ever since I was 21 until 36… Is truth be told, nothing in the world is really worth it. No amount of money eating out at a restaurant is ever worth it; purchasing beef ribs at Costco and baking it at home is at least a 100 X superior yield than any restaurant, or even all all you can eat Korean barbecue; currently, my favorite spot is chubby cattle, but even though they issue there is they have a 90 minute time limit, I think my current record is about 70 plates of beef tongue.  I just went to the recent little Tokyo branch which just opened, and the servers, their jaws dropped; asking me whether I was a bodybuilder, given how much I ate, even on the last call I asked for 20 plates of beef tongue, they were skeptical, but I finished it all quite easily.

Spartan is sexy.

True insights ,,, take real risks

Y’all niggas still taking advances huh? Me and my niggas were taking real chances huh! – Jay Z

Ultimate mindset I suggest is ghost spartan. Just watching a movie 300, think about King Leonidas. Would King Leonidas blow his money on a Tesla cyber truck, Lamborghini or Porsche? No! He would know that these things were just for the Persian slaves, those giving fellatio to King Xerxes.

Do you want to be one of the 300 Spartan elite, or do you be one of the million Persian slaves?

There is a motto in the US military, freedom is not free. I would actually say the opposite; freedom is expensive, very expensive.

True freedom is what you decide to give up, forgo, or sacrifice. This is embodied via the fact that you never eat out, you don’t drink alcohol, you don’t smoke weed or do drugs, you don’t go on trips to Vegas, you don’t watch pornography, you don’t watch any media, You don’t listen to music, podcast, etc. You don’t watch YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.

People think that being rich means I have millions of dollars, and I want to just spend it all buying stuff. But there is a difference between having $1 million in the bank, and going out and buying a $1 million Bugatti. 

Even Kanye West had a funny quote about being a multi billionaire; you don’t want to be a billionaire because if you are worth $1 billion, you go out and you buy a McDonald’s hamburger for a dollar, and now you’re only a $999,999,999 Aire.

Investing

You want real real exposure to risk and reward.

For me, certainly there is a great surge of power joy when you see your investments yield. To see the number go up is good and to see it keep going on is a good thing.

For example, very surprising, people are starting to know that I am an investor, or a traitor because I walk around super happy, huge grin on my face, like Arnold in his prime. A boyish grin. And smiles all around!

I think people could smell and sense high testosterone, high power and energy. Even though I dress like a homeless person, half of the time I’m not even wearing a shirt, but people they know.

So essentially the first rule on investing is simple: don’t lose money. Never put your money into anything that you think will cause you to lose money.

So for example, a lot of people think that bitcoin is super risky, but actually it is not. It is just very volatile. And funny enough, it’s a feature not a bug!

The volatility of bitcoin is a feature not a bug!

To quote Michael sailor, volatility is vitality. The more volatile something is, the more energy they have. To quote the recent Bernstein interview that Michael Saylor had, the reason why LeBron James is the most potent force on the court is because he is the most volatile. Also, volatility is good when it comes to Tsunami because it has massive power.

And also, an insight I gleaned is the reason why bitcoin’s price goes up and down all the time, is that it is being traded 24 seven, all the time in real time. Maybe the reason we see less volatility in the traditional markets is because they close! But imagine there was a Cuban missile crisis, Friday night, can you imagine the insanity; you’re not able to withdraw your money or sell your stocks until Monday morning?

And currently we are in the year 2024… We are supposed to be so into the future. It still boggles my mind why in the year 2024, the markets close and open? I also did some ChatGPT research on this, why this is, and there are some weird notions of work life balance, or maybe because back in day when stocks were actually traded on the physical floor, Like the wolf of Wall Street, it is because they literally traded stocks like pieces of paper, and it was in the physical realm?

But now, because it is all digital… And half of the agents trading online are just thoughts and robots, there’s literally zero sense for anybody to trade anything that is not online.

Well let me give you a better example, we have all these hipsters telling us that film vinyl in analog things are better. But do they use an iPhone which is powered by gasoline? Or film cartridges?

Can you imagine living without the Internet?

What’s more important, water or Wi-Fi?

Certainly water is more valuable, but I think the way that people treated nowadays is that Wi-Fi, having Internet connectivity 5G is more critical.

I would actually say even with food; you could fast somebody for 40 hours, and even if they have water they will not die. But, if you try doing that with Internet, I think the downsides would be much greater.

easier to fast 40 days without food than to fast 40 days without Wi-Fi. 

---

How I became a trader

My first taste for investing was when I was around 15 years old, it was totally random, learning about mutual stocks, mutual funds, etc. I remember buying about $900 worth of Adobe stock, in writing it up to around $1250, and then later buying some mutual funds. And holding it all in college, maybe it went up to around $1500 or something.

For me, I think the reason I first got into it was I wanted to feel superior, advanced, ahead of the curve. When most of the kids at school were still begging their parents for a PlayStation, I felt so advanced mature and superior,,, already knowing how to invest in the stock market.

In college, when I was hungry for my own financial freedom, I remember daytrading as a sophomore in college, waking up super fucking early to treat the markets, and note, this is me at around 19 years old. And feeling the hormonal rushes when my money would go up or down. And not being able to con stream in class because I’m just thinking about the green or reds.

Long story short, I ended up losing all of my money I think my senior year, maybe $3500 worth, because I accidentally misread some of the financials for this one oil company. I recall, I regretted this so much, and felt so saddened by this at the age of 21, thinking that I would never be able to recover. But now that I am playing with millions of dollars in investing in trading, I learned that it might’ve been the best thing that happened to me, with about 15 years of foresight. Why? I already got rid of the emotional roller coaster as a young child, and as a teenager, and a 21 year-old, which means now, as a 36-year-old man, I am far more calm collected stoic, and unemotional about it.

The stoic investor

My suggestion: don’t get too excited when your gains go up. Otherwise, you will become addicted to the gains. And you might lever up and take foolish financial risks, to see even greater gains.

Good greed, bad greed?

I personally believe there is a difference between good greed and bad greed.

What’s the difference?

Good greed is you’re trying to think 30 years ahead, ahead of the curve, see where the puck is going, not where it currently is. Chasing at least a 10X yield.

A foolish greedy person is into professional sports, sports betting, counting cards, playing poker and blackjack, and trying to “time” the market.

Michael Saylor and strategy has purchased bitcoin 40 times now, every quarter for the last 4 years.

If you think 30 years ahead, this cuts through the noise. This is the ultimate razor. ERIC KIM’s razor .

Certainly nobody likes to think 30 years ahead because they want immediate hedonic pleasure right now, through sexual and mental pleasure, physical pleasure, travel and exotic experiences, Omakase sushi, and the pleasure associated with driving a fast high-powered car.

But think about it, even if you have a Porsche 911 GT three RS, or a Lamborghini with scissor doors, even a Tesla model S plaid, you have no skills. Any skinny fat loser can simply wedge his right foot all the way to the floor, and obviously it will be loud and go fast. This takes no courage besides the foolish fact that you might kill yourself or you might kill somebody else in their car with their kids on board.

My thought is the only true courage is physical courage, weightlifting, powerlifting, one rep Max lifting. The risk of physical injury is high, which motivates you to warm up, be cautious, and set up safeguards. I think one thing that people don’t understand is that weightlifting could actually be the safest activity out there because you could control all of the variables. Even if you’re retired and not in a good mood, The wise thing to do not is not do it. 

For example, one foolish decision that I made doing an extremely heavy floor bench press, six plates, caused me to injure my wrist which has plugged me for a year and a half, the wise thing to have done was just to take the day off, one day of success is not worth a year and a half of misery.

I also think this is the wisdom of thinking long-term; nobody wants to be a Ronnie Coleman and be a cripple for the rest of his life, even if you want all the accolades.

I think this is also where Arnold Schwarzenegger was very wise; he was on the juice and all of his buddies were, but he had the wisdom of getting out of the bodybuilding game in order to do more interesting ventures, like acting business etc. Because he knew that maybe, all of the bodybuilders taking steroids were doing irreversible harm on themselves.

People sometimes talk about the golden days of bodybuilding… But all these guys were on steroids! Now, it is kind of disgusting, the average female women’s Olympia might have been even buffer than Arnold in his prime.

Who is richer?

Talking to some homeboys from the Toyota dealership, when I ask them what is the difference between me and you? One of the guys said, genuinely, “you are free.” Possibly the best compliment of all time.

Even now, people do this big dick measuring contest, like who is richer. But, this is the wrong measurement.

Let us say you are a straight man, and you sell your soul in your butt hole for gay pornography, and you get paid $1 billion a year. Would you do it? Obviously not!

Certainly There is something sacred and profane here; there are certain things that one does not even for trillion dollars.

For example, if you could give me $900 trillion, but I had to sell my firstborn son into slavery would I do it? Obviously not. Not even if you took that $900 trillion and multiplied it by $1 trillion.

NASSIM TALEB Has this funny quote, to the person who says that they cannot be bribed, you’re just not offering enough money.

And I suppose this is the ultimate test, whether your ethics morality and your personal beliefs matter more than money. Or even the approval of your spouse, etc.

And I think the negative risk, the sacrifice, or the potential for downside is what truly dictates your real beliefs.  And what you are willing to forgo.