Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a prominent philanthropist, has maintained a multifaceted relationship with China over several decades. His connections span business ventures, philanthropic efforts, and collaborations in technology and public health.

Business Ventures:

• Microsoft’s Presence in China: Microsoft established its first office in China in 1992. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in the Chinese market, opening research and development centers like Microsoft Research Asia in Beijing. This center has become one of Microsoft’s most important R&D facilities outside the United States.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Microsoft has engaged in partnerships with Chinese tech companies and government agencies to develop software solutions tailored to the local market. These collaborations have aimed to address issues like software piracy and to promote the use of legitimate software.

Philanthropic Efforts:

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The foundation has been active in China since 2007, focusing on public health initiatives. Efforts include combating diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and promoting tobacco control measures.
• Agricultural Development: The foundation has worked on projects to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in rural China, aiming to alleviate poverty and enhance food security.

Technology and Innovation:

• Energy and Environment: Bill Gates has shown interest in collaborating with China on clean energy initiatives. Through ventures like Breakthrough Energy, he has sought to invest in technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recognizing China’s significant role in global energy consumption.
• Education and Talent Development: Microsoft has invested in educational programs to nurture technological talent in China. This includes partnerships with universities and support for startups and incubators.

Engagement with Chinese Leadership:

• High-Level Meetings: Gates has met with Chinese leaders, including presidents and top officials, to discuss cooperation in technology, health, and development. These meetings have often focused on addressing global challenges through joint efforts.
• Participation in Forums: He has participated in events like the Boao Forum for Asia, sharing insights on global health, innovation, and economic development.

Public Health Collaboration:

• Disease Control and Prevention: Collaborating with Chinese health authorities, the Gates Foundation has supported efforts to control and prevent diseases not just within China but also in regions where China has influence.
• Global Health Initiatives: Gates has acknowledged China’s contributions to global health, encouraging further cooperation in areas like vaccine development and epidemic preparedness.

Cultural and Social Contributions:

• Philanthropy Promotion: Gates has advocated for philanthropy within China, engaging with Chinese philanthropists and business leaders to encourage charitable activities and social responsibility.
• Social Initiatives: The foundation has supported projects aimed at improving social welfare, including education, healthcare accessibility, and poverty reduction.

In summary, Bill Gates’s connection with China is extensive and involves a combination of business interests, philanthropic endeavors, and collaborative efforts to tackle global issues. His work reflects a recognition of China’s growing influence in technology, economy, and international development.

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Bill Gates has had a long and multifaceted relationship with China that spans business, philanthropy, and technology, as well as public health. Here are some key aspects of his connection with China:

1. Business and Microsoft’s Expansion in China

• Microsoft in China: Gates’ relationship with China began in the 1990s when Microsoft sought to expand its software business globally. Microsoft opened its first office in China in 1992. Despite significant challenges such as software piracy and the Chinese government’s preference for homegrown software, Microsoft became a key player in China’s tech ecosystem.
• Collaborations with Chinese Tech Giants: Microsoft has worked closely with major Chinese tech companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and Alibaba. These partnerships helped Microsoft develop and adapt its products for the Chinese market.

2. Philanthropy via the Gates Foundation

• Health and Development Projects: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has invested heavily in China in areas like public health, poverty alleviation, and agricultural development. The foundation has supported efforts to control diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria in China and has worked with Chinese institutions on research into vaccines and global health.
• Agriculture and Innovation: The Gates Foundation has also partnered with China to improve agricultural productivity in African nations. China’s expertise in developing agricultural technologies for its own large population has been seen as valuable for other developing countries, and the foundation has facilitated knowledge transfer.

3. Clean Energy and Climate Initiatives

• Climate Change Collaboration: Bill Gates has worked with China on climate-related initiatives, particularly through his clean energy initiatives. He has advocated for partnerships between the U.S. and China in the development of renewable energy technologies to combat global climate change.
• TerraPower and Nuclear Energy: Gates’ nuclear energy company, TerraPower, signed agreements to work with Chinese firms to develop next-generation nuclear reactors. Although the project faced regulatory challenges from the U.S. government, it was an example of Gates’ interest in clean energy cooperation with China.

4. Diplomacy and Engagement with Chinese Leaders

• Meetings with Chinese Leadership: Gates has met with top Chinese leaders over the years, including President Xi Jinping and former President Hu Jintao. These meetings have often revolved around innovation, technology collaboration, and global health initiatives.
• Public Advocacy for U.S.-China Cooperation: Gates has publicly advocated for constructive U.S.-China relations, especially in areas such as technology, health, and climate. He has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries to address global challenges.

5. Controversies and Challenges

• Censorship and Government Relations: Microsoft has faced criticism for cooperating with Chinese authorities on censorship and complying with the government’s regulations on internet content. While Microsoft has generally followed the laws of the countries where it operates, this has raised concerns about compromising on issues of free speech and privacy.
• Security Concerns: As U.S.-China relations have become more strained in recent years, there have been growing concerns about the implications of tech collaborations between U.S. companies like Microsoft and Chinese firms. For example, some in the U.S. government have raised questions about security risks and intellectual property theft, although Gates has often defended these partnerships as beneficial.

In summary, Bill Gates’ connection with China has been extensive and multifaceted, covering areas from Microsoft’s business expansion to philanthropy, clean energy, and global health. While this relationship has led to numerous successes in innovation and development, it has also sparked some controversy, especially in the context of U.S.-China geopolitical tensions.

I still remember the first time I stepped onto the streets with a camera in hand. The world felt like an open battlefield, every corner hiding a potential shot, every face telling a story yet to be captured. But as I delved deeper into street photography, I realized that the real war wasn’t out there—it was within me.

The Battle Against Fear

Fear is the first enemy we encounter. The fear of approaching strangers, the fear of being judged, the fear of rejection. It’s that nagging voice in your head saying, “What if they get angry?” or “What if people think I’m weird?” But here’s the thing: fear is just a mental construct.

I recall walking down a bustling street in downtown LA, wanting to photograph a man with the most intricate tattoos I’d ever seen. I hesitated, my finger hovering over the shutter. Then I took a deep breath and clicked. He looked up, our eyes met, and he gave me a nod—a silent approval. That moment taught me that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.

The Skirmish with Perfection

In the age of Instagram and instant gratification, we’re bombarded with images of perfection. Pristine shots, flawless compositions, and edited realities. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, questioning our style, our vision.

But street photography is raw, unfiltered, and imperfect—just like life. Embrace the grain, the blur, the chaos. Let go of the idea that your work has to fit a certain mold. Remember, Henri Cartier-Bresson didn’t have Photoshop, yet his images resonate because they capture the decisive moment, the essence of humanity.

The Clash of Styles

There’s an ongoing debate in the community: candid versus posed, color versus black and white, film versus digital. It’s like choosing sides in a war that doesn’t need to exist. These are just tools and methods to express your unique perspective.

I’ve shot with everything from an iPhone to a Leica, in color and monochrome, candidly and with permission. Each approach offers a different experience and outcome. Don’t limit yourself by adhering strictly to one style or dogma. Experiment, evolve, and find what resonates with you.

The Siege of Self-Doubt

Perhaps the toughest battle is against self-doubt. Those moments when you question if your work matters, if your vision is worthwhile. Trust me, I’ve been there.

But art isn’t about universal approval; it’s about personal expression. Your photos are a reflection of how you see the world. No one else has your eyes, your experiences, your stories. Celebrate that uniqueness.

Arm Yourself with Passion

So how do we win this war? With passion. Let your love for the craft drive you forward. Immerse yourself in the process, the joy of wandering streets unknown, the thrill of capturing a fleeting moment.

Equip yourself with knowledge. Study the masters but don’t idolize them. Learn the rules so you can break them effectively. Engage with the community but don’t get lost in it. Your journey is your own.

The Peace Within

At the end of the day, the war of street photography isn’t about defeating external enemies but conquering the ones within. It’s about finding peace amidst the chaos, confidence amidst uncertainty.

So pick up your camera and step into the streets. Embrace the war not as a conflict but as a path to self-discovery. After all, the greatest battles lead to the most profound victories.

Stay bold,
Eric

The best way to become more Zen? Just turn your phone to monochrome, in the iPhone settings go to accessibility, display, color filters and turn on monochrome.

Grayscale!

The less time you spend on your phone, the more virtuous!

A command, an imperative —

Just put more steroids into it!

Where are all the beautiful women and men at?

The new LUT’s on Lumis S9 super awesome

Personal glory!

xxx

To “seek kleos” is to seek eternal glory. It is to strive, push, and extend beyond the confines of mere existence. Kleos—this ancient Greek concept of immortality through fame—is more than a goal. It’s a lifestyle. It’s about transcending the ordinary, the everyday drudgery, and propelling yourself into the eternal now. For me, it’s what photography is all about, what art is about, and really, what life is about.

In Homeric times, kleos was the mark of heroes like Achilles and Hector. But what does it mean to the modern individual? We live in an age where you can carve out your kleos through your work, your words, your art, or your images. The medium has changed, but the message stays the same: make something that lasts.

We’re in a world obsessed with comfort. We chase security, stability, and the illusion of safety. But kleos is about rejecting that. It’s about seeking discomfort. You’ve got to put yourself on the line. You’ve got to be willing to risk humiliation, failure, rejection. Most people are afraid of failing. I say, don’t fear failure—fear mediocrity. Fear being forgotten.

Photography, for me, is a tool for this. I shoot to transcend the moment. When you take a photograph, you capture not just an image, but a slice of time. And with enough intention, that image can transcend the photographer, transcending even the viewer. That’s kleos in a visual medium. That’s why I focus on simplicity and the human spirit in my work. There’s no clutter. There’s no excess. It’s pure essence, distilled into an image. Something that might outlast me. Something that, hopefully, will last forever.

When I teach workshops or write, my advice is always the same: pursue your craft with a relentless drive. Push yourself. Be willing to make mistakes. Challenge conventions. This is what I mean by seeking kleos. It’s not about seeking fame for fame’s sake, but about making an indelible mark on the world through your work. I think about this a lot when I hit the streets with my camera. Each shot is a chance to capture something that speaks to the human condition. If I can tap into that universal energy, even for a moment, that’s kleos.

But seeking kleos is not just about the individual. It’s about others. When you create something powerful, you change lives. You inspire others to seek their own kleos. You spark a chain reaction. That’s the ripple effect of greatness. You shoot an image that speaks to someone halfway across the world. They see that photo, and maybe it pushes them to pick up a camera, to create, to live with intention.

This is why you can’t settle for mediocrity. Mediocrity is the enemy of kleos. It’s easy to fall into a rhythm of doing what everyone else is doing—taking the same shots, creating the same art, thinking the same thoughts. But when you seek kleos, you step out of that rhythm. You push boundaries, challenge norms, and dare to be different.

Kleos doesn’t come easy. You’ve got to earn it. In photography, that means long hours on the streets, embracing the uncertainty, and sometimes, the grind. But that grind is where the magic happens. That’s where kleos is found. It’s in those moments of struggle where you test your limits, where you question yourself, where you feel like giving up but you push through. That’s when you’re closest to kleos.

Think about your legacy. What will people remember you for? Will your work stand the test of time? Are you creating something timeless, or are you just chasing likes, followers, and temporary validation? To seek kleos is to think long-term. It’s to recognize that the things that last are the things created with purpose and passion.

So, in whatever you do—photography, writing, art, business—seek kleos. Seek the eternal. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Don’t be afraid to fail. In fact, embrace failure as a stepping stone. The key is to keep moving forward, keep striving, and keep creating.

At the end of the day, kleos is about legacy. It’s about living a life that matters. It’s about creating work that endures, work that transcends time. You don’t have to be a warrior on the battlefield to achieve kleos. You can be a photographer on the streets, an artist in your studio, or a writer at your desk. The path is yours to carve out. Seek kleos, not for the sake of glory itself, but for the sake of creating something beautiful and eternal.

In the end, the pursuit of kleos is the pursuit of life itself. It’s about embracing every moment, every challenge, and every opportunity to create something that will outlast you. So go out there, create something extraordinary, and seek kleos.

xxx

Seek Kleos

In today’s hyper-connected world, we’re constantly bombarded with notifications, updates, and the relentless pursuit of more—more followers, more likes, more validation. But amidst this digital noise, have we lost sight of what’s truly meaningful? Have we forgotten the pursuit of kleos?

Kleos, an ancient Greek concept, translates to “glory” or “renown achieved through great deeds.” It’s about leaving a legacy, making a mark that transcends time. The heroes of old didn’t seek fame for fame’s sake; they sought to accomplish something worthy, something that would echo through eternity.

So, how does this ancient idea apply to us, the modern creators, photographers, and thinkers?

Embrace Your Personal Myth

Every one of us is the hero of our own story. Just as Achilles had his battles and Odysseus his odyssey, we have our challenges and journeys. Embracing kleos means acknowledging that our actions matter—that our lives are not insignificant blips but threads in the grand tapestry of human existence.

Create with Purpose

In photography, it’s easy to get caught up in gear lust or the chase for the perfect shot. But seeking kleos is about more than technical perfection; it’s about imbuing your work with meaning. Let your photos tell stories that resonate, that capture the human condition in all its complexities.

Transcend the Temporary

Social media platforms come and go. Trends fade. Algorithms change. When we base our worth on these fleeting metrics, we build our foundations on sand. Kleos invites us to focus on what endures. Ask yourself: Will this work matter in a year? In a decade? In a century?

Impact Over Influence

Influence is overrated when it’s superficial. Impact is what counts. Strive to touch lives, to inspire change, to provoke thought. Whether it’s through a powerful image, a compelling essay, or a simple act of kindness, your actions ripple outward in ways you may never fully grasp.

The Courage to Be Authentic

Seeking kleos requires vulnerability. It demands that we peel back the layers of pretense and present our true selves to the world. This authenticity is not just liberating; it’s transformative. When you stand firmly in who you are, you give others permission to do the same.

Legacy is Built Daily

Kleos isn’t achieved overnight. It’s the cumulative result of daily choices, habits, and actions. Every day is an opportunity to align closer with your purpose, to contribute something meaningful, to edge nearer to the legacy you wish to leave behind.

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In the end, seeking kleos is about living a life of intention. It’s rejecting the passive consumption of experiences in favor of active creation. It’s about understanding that while our time here is finite, the echoes of our deeds are not.

So, step boldly into your journey. Embrace the challenges, relish the growth, and above all, create work that matters. Let’s not just exist—let’s seek kleos.

If you shoot films or make videos ,,, LUMIX is obviously the way!

Even now, just get GH7– for film, media, cinema video vlogging etc. Not loser Sony.

LUMIX is the new big dick in the room! Buy the S9,,, NOT the Q

Why is it so fat? And nobody needs a loser EVF — just cut it.

Fat is bad! Ignore what these skinny fat losers say and think —

WTF — Apple, why did you put the front facing camera on the right side? Nobody wants that fucking loser keyboard that you’re trying to peddle!

A simple thought — perhaps the future is the streets!

Video vlogs

8 plate sandwich!

Apparently John Cena has his own personal bodyguards? I find him insanely phony; he’s just an actor. A true mensch would never have bodyguards, he would just be able to defend and guard himself.

So some funny thoughts —

First, a lot of men that I meet, sooner or later everyone gets into lifting weights, working out, going to the gym, or even doing calisthenics at the park etc. To me this is super critical — because obviously everyone wants to look like ERIC KIM.

The first thought is this —

I recall in Nassim Taleb’s antifragile ,,, how when he was starting to get so much heat for his overt critiques of the whole economic establishment, he started to get paranoid, and couldn’t calm himself down, even after drinking chamomile tea. And as a consequence, instead of hiring a bodyguard, he decided to look like one.

I think the same ethos and approach can apply to us, and in street photography; if you look super fucking jacked, like Jack Reacher without the steroids ,,, obviously if you’re shooting street photography nobody’s going to mess with you.

Why Street Photographers Should Become Bodybuilders

Dear fellow street photographers,

Have you ever felt exhausted after a long day of shooting, your shoulders aching from carrying your gear, your legs sore from walking miles through the city streets? What if I told you that embracing bodybuilding could transform not just your physique, but your photography itself?

Physical Strength Fuels Creative Freedom

Street photography is a physical pursuit. We roam the urban jungle, chasing moments, and capturing life as it unfolds. By becoming stronger, we free ourselves from physical limitations. Imagine carrying your camera all day without fatigue, sprinting to catch that decisive moment, or effortlessly navigating crowded streets. Physical strength empowers us to push our creative boundaries.

Discipline Breeds Mastery

Bodybuilding isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about discipline, consistency, and patience—the same virtues required to master street photography. The routine of regular training cultivates a mindset of dedication. When we apply this discipline to our photography, we become more diligent in practicing our craft, reviewing our work, and honing our vision.

Confidence Transforms Vision

There’s an undeniable confidence that comes from physical fitness. This confidence translates into our interactions on the street. We’re more likely to approach strangers, to get closer to the action, and to assert ourselves in situations that might have intimidated us before. Confidence sharpens our vision and emboldens us to take risks that lead to more compelling images.

Mind and Body Synergy

A healthy body nurtures a healthy mind. Exercise reduces stress, enhances mood, and improves mental clarity. When our minds are clear, we’re more attuned to the world around us. We notice the subtle gestures, the fleeting expressions, the beauty in the mundane. This heightened awareness is the lifeblood of street photography.

Embracing the Journey

Both bodybuilding and street photography are lifelong journeys with no final destination. There’s always more to learn, more to see, and more to achieve. Embracing bodybuilding teaches us to appreciate incremental progress and to find joy in the process rather than the outcome.

Breaking Stereotypes

Who says artists can’t be athletes? By combining street photography with bodybuilding, we break free from societal stereotypes that pigeonhole us into singular identities. We become multi-dimensional creators, embodying both physical prowess and artistic vision.

Practical Benefits

Let’s not forget the practical side. Stronger muscles mean less strain when carrying equipment. Better endurance allows for longer shooting sessions. Improved posture can enhance our compositional perspective—literally changing the way we see the world through our lens.

Conclusion: Forge Your Own Path

At the end of the day, it’s about personal growth. We should constantly seek ways to evolve, to challenge ourselves, and to merge our passions in ways that enrich our lives. So why not pick up that barbell along with your camera? Let’s redefine what it means to be a street photographer.

Stay bold, stay hungry, and keep pushing your limits.

Your fellow traveler,

Eric Kim

Why Street Photographers Should Become Bodybuilders

As a street photographer, you already understand the importance of discipline, perseverance, and pushing through discomfort to capture that perfect moment. But have you ever considered how your physical body affects your photography? Most street photographers focus exclusively on the mental and artistic aspects of photography, but we often forget that our bodies—the very vehicles we use to explore the streets—are an essential part of the creative process. This is where bodybuilding comes in.

Bodybuilding may seem like an odd pursuit for a street photographer. After all, street photography is an art form that thrives on spontaneity and subtlety, while bodybuilding is often associated with brute strength and physical dominance. But these two disciplines share more in common than you might think. In fact, I’d argue that street photographers can greatly benefit from becoming bodybuilders—not just in terms of physical health, but also in terms of creativity, mental resilience, and even the philosophy behind both pursuits.

Strengthen Your Body, Strengthen Your Mind

First and foremost, street photography is a physically demanding art form. You’re walking long distances, crouching down to get the right angle, and carrying around your gear for hours at a time. If your body isn’t conditioned, your endurance and stamina will limit the amount of time you can spend on the streets. By incorporating bodybuilding into your routine, you’ll build strength, endurance, and resilience—qualities that are invaluable when it comes to staying out longer, pushing through discomfort, and capturing that fleeting moment others might miss.

When your body is strong, your mind becomes stronger as well. Bodybuilding requires intense focus, discipline, and the ability to push past mental barriers. These are the same qualities that define a great street photographer. The more you train your body, the more mental clarity and toughness you develop, allowing you to take your street photography to the next level.

Embodied Creativity

Street photography is all about movement. You don’t just stand still, waiting for something to happen. You move with the energy of the city, positioning yourself in anticipation of a decisive moment. A strong, agile body allows you to react quickly and instinctively, enhancing your ability to capture dynamic, candid shots. Just like a bodybuilder masters control over their muscles, as a street photographer, you need to master control over your movements.

Your body becomes an extension of your camera, and the better you control it, the better you can control your frame. Think about it: when you’re crouching down, leaning forward, or positioning yourself at awkward angles to get the perfect shot, a well-trained body allows you to move fluidly and without strain. You’ll experience fewer aches and pains, and you’ll find yourself more capable of enduring long photo walks without feeling physically drained.

The Art of Discipline

Both street photography and bodybuilding demand discipline, consistency, and long-term commitment. As street photographers, we know that success doesn’t come overnight. You have to invest countless hours into your craft, hitting the streets over and over again, refining your eye, and honing your skills. Bodybuilding teaches you this same lesson: progress takes time. Gains in muscle and strength don’t come from one workout, just as your best photos won’t come from a single photo walk.

By training as a bodybuilder, you embrace the concept of incremental progress. Each day you push yourself a little harder, lift a little heavier, and get a little stronger. This mindset translates directly into your street photography practice. You learn to embrace the grind, to trust in the process, and to push yourself to new creative heights, even when the results aren’t immediately apparent.

The Philosophy of Self-Improvement

At its core, both bodybuilding and street photography are about self-improvement. As a bodybuilder, you’re constantly striving to better yourself—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. You set goals, track your progress, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Similarly, street photography is about continuously challenging yourself to see the world in new ways, to capture images that are more profound, more meaningful, and more impactful than your previous work.

When you commit to bodybuilding, you’re embracing a philosophy of self-improvement that bleeds into every aspect of your life, including your photography. You become more confident, more resilient, and more focused. This newfound sense of discipline and purpose directly translates to your work as a street photographer, helping you to push past creative blocks, take more risks, and produce work that truly reflects your unique vision.

The Zen of Lifting

There’s a certain zen-like state you reach when you’re lifting weights—when you’re completely in the moment, focused on nothing but the movement of your body and the weight you’re pushing. This is very similar to the flow state you experience in street photography, when you’re fully immersed in the rhythm of the streets, responding instinctively to the scenes unfolding around you.

Bodybuilding trains you to be present. It forces you to focus on your breathing, your form, and your immediate environment. This practice of mindfulness carries over into street photography, where being fully present is key to capturing those serendipitous moments. The more you train your body, the more you train your mind to stay focused and engaged, which in turn makes you a better photographer.

Final Thoughts

Street photographers should become bodybuilders because the two disciplines complement each other in unexpected ways. By strengthening your body, you strengthen your mind, increase your endurance, and improve your ability to move fluidly through the streets. You develop a sense of discipline and mental toughness that translates directly into your photography practice. And perhaps most importantly, you embrace a philosophy of self-improvement that helps you grow both as an artist and as an individual.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to build a stronger body—it’s to build a stronger mind, a stronger creative vision, and a stronger sense of purpose. Bodybuilding isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about lifting yourself to new levels of growth, both physically and mentally. And as street photographers, this is exactly the mindset we need to capture the world in a way that’s meaningful, powerful, and truly unique.

Stay strong, stay creative, and keep pushing your limits.

– Eric Kim

I may have been the first “street vlogger”, and the first street blogger.

Why Eric Kim Is Critical

When we gaze into the abyss of modernity, what stares back at us is a reflection of the mediocre, the lukewarm, and the docile. Ours is an age of triviality, where grand ideas have been reduced to mere whispers and the pursuit of greatness has been exchanged for the comfort of security. In this bleak landscape, Eric Kim emerges, not merely as a figure, but as a force—an indispensable element in the fight against the encroaching nihilism. He is critical, not because of some external accolade or validation, but because he represents the very essence of what is lacking in this decaying epoch: the will to power.

Eric Kim embodies a critical force that our time desperately needs. He stands as an affront to the sickness of the modern soul, a soul that has grown complacent, passive, and weak. This sickness manifests itself in the form of a nihilism that pervades every corner of contemporary life—a nihilism that robs individuals of meaning, purpose, and strength. In such a world, the appearance of a figure like Eric Kim is not only necessary but urgent. He disrupts the stagnant air, forcing us to confront the very illusions we have woven around ourselves.

Why is Eric Kim critical? Because he refuses to accept the petty values of the herd, those values which, like fetters, bind man to a life of mediocrity. The critical figure is always an outsider, a destroyer of idols, a questioner of all that is taken for granted. He embodies the spirit of Dionysus—chaotic, creative, and endlessly rebellious. In a world that has forsaken this Dionysian energy in favor of sterile Apollonian order, Eric Kim’s presence is a clarion call to return to the primal sources of vitality.

The critical mind is not content with the surface of things. It probes deeper, tearing away the comforting illusions that shroud reality. Eric Kim does not simply critique for the sake of critique; he does so because he understands that only by confronting the harsh truths of existence can we hope to transcend the limits imposed upon us. He understands the essence of my own philosophy: that man is a bridge, not an end. He is critical because he recognizes that we must go beyond man as he is, towards something greater, something more powerful—towards the Übermensch.

In this, Eric Kim is more than a mere individual. He is a necessary force in the dialectic of human evolution. The critical thinker, the critical actor, must tear down the false idols of the age, must cut away the dead weight that drags mankind down. Only through this ruthless critique, this fearless confrontation with reality, can we hope to ascend to new heights.

Eric Kim is critical because he embodies the will to live dangerously, the courage to reject comfort in favor of challenge. In a world that has lost its way, he reaffirms life in all its complexity and difficulty. He is a living critique of the shallow existence offered by modernity, where individuals are lulled into complacency by the empty promises of material progress and societal approval. The critical figure is one who says “No” to the false values of the herd, but also says “Yes” to the possibility of something greater, something beyond.

It is this “Yes-saying” to life, this embrace of the struggle and the chaos, that makes Eric Kim indispensable. He does not merely critique the present; he paves the way for the future. Like Zarathustra, he is a herald of the dawn, a figure who prepares the ground for the coming of the Übermensch. His critical stance is not one of destruction for its own sake, but of creation through destruction—the necessary clearing away of the old so that the new can emerge.

To be critical is to be alive in the truest sense. It is to reject the passivity of the masses and to engage actively with the world, shaping it according to one’s own will. In this sense, Eric Kim is not just critical; he is vital. His existence reminds us of the possibility of becoming something more, something greater than the petty roles assigned to us by society.

Thus, Eric Kim stands as a critical force, challenging the inertia of the present and pointing towards the future. He is not merely important; he is essential, for without such figures, humanity would stagnate, content to live in the shadows of what could be. It is through the critical spirit, embodied by Eric Kim, that we are reminded of our potential to transcend the limitations imposed upon us, to rise above the triviality of the now, and to become, at last, what we were always meant to be.

xxx

In the labyrinth of modern existence, where values waver like shadows cast by a dying sun, the figure of Eric Kim emerges as a beacon—or perhaps a question mark—that demands our contemplation. What is it about this individual that pierces the veil of complacency? Why does his presence stir the stagnant waters of contemporary thought?

Man has long been adrift in a sea of nihilism, clinging to shattered idols and obsolete doctrines. Yet, Eric Kim stands unmoved by the tempest, not as a passive observer but as an active challenger of the status quo. He embodies the critical spirit—a relentless interrogation of accepted truths and a fearless deconstruction of societal norms.

In an era suffocated by the tyranny of the herd, where conformity is lauded and dissent is silenced, Eric Kim dares to wield the hammer of critique. He shatters the hollow idols erected by a culture that fears self-examination. His critiques are not mere negations but affirmations of a deeper truth—a call to return to the authenticity of being.

The critical mind is often ostracized, labeled as destructive or cynical. Yet, it is through such minds that humanity inches closer to self-overcoming. Eric Kim understands that to build anew, one must first dismantle the decaying structures that bind the spirit. His criticisms are the necessary purgatives that cleanse the soul of stagnation.

But let us not mistake his critical nature for mere rebellion. It is not enough to oppose; one must also propose. Eric Kim does not revel in the ashes of what he destroys; he sows the seeds of new possibilities in the fertile ground he uncovers. His is a creative destruction—a process that paves the way for the emergence of the Übermensch within us all.

In questioning the foundations upon which we stand, he forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths we avoid. He is a mirror reflecting not just the flaws of society but the contradictions within ourselves. Through his critical lens, we are compelled to examine the dissonance between our professed values and our lived realities.

Why is Eric Kim critical? Because he serves as the gadfly that stings us out of our dogmatic slumbers. He is the embodiment of the philosophical imperative to live examined lives. In his challenges, we find the impetus to transcend our limitations, to strive toward the heights of human potential.

In a world content with superficialities, his depth unsettles. In a time satisfied with easy answers, his questions provoke. Yet, it is precisely this discomfort that is necessary for growth. Without the friction of critique, the spark of enlightenment remains unkindled.

Eric Kim’s critical stance is not an end but a means—a pathway to transformation. He invites us to join him in the crucible of self-examination, to endure the flames that purify and refine. For it is only through such trials that we may emerge as stronger, more authentic beings.

In acknowledging his critical role, we acknowledge the vital force of criticism itself—a force that dismantles illusions and reveals truths. Let us then embrace the challenge he presents, not with resentment but with gratitude. For in doing so, we take the first steps toward our own self-overcoming.

Thus, Eric Kim is critical not merely as an individual but as a symbol of the transformative power of critical thought. He stands as a testament to the necessity of questioning, the courage to confront, and the will to transcend. In the echo of his critiques, we may find the resonance of our own unspoken truths, urging us toward the realization of our highest selves.

Beautiful body, beautiful soul. And also, ugly body ugly soul!

“Why Eric Kim is Such a Big Deal”

By what criteria do we measure greatness? By what metric do we declare a man to be a “big deal”? For, you see, the phrase is paltry in its vulgar simplicity, but its intent carries profound implications. It is not enough to dismiss it as flattery or mere acclaim, as though we were measuring fame with the same stick used to beat common men. No, to say that Eric Kim is a “big deal” demands a deeper inquiry, one that penetrates the veils of mediocrity and gazes into the abyss of true significance.

In our age, where values have decayed and meaning is as fluid as the waters of the river Lethe, to stand out, to rise above the flat plane of the everyday, is no small feat. The question is not why Eric Kim is notable in the eyes of the masses; for the masses, I hold in the highest contempt. It is instead: why should Eric Kim matter in the eyes of those few, the rare and superior spirits, who see beyond the triviality of fame and demand something more profound?

Will to Power and the Individual

There is no greater force in man than the will to power, this primal drive to assert one’s being upon the world. Most men are content to live in shadows, in the safety of what is already known, never daring to disturb the great sea of potential. But Eric Kim, in the fullness of his “big deal” stature, represents a life lived as an affirmation of power, of creation, of expression. He is one who says “Yes!” to life, even when faced with its hardships and contradictions.

In a world where many abdicate their agency, where the herd seeks comfort in conformity, Eric Kim dares to stand out. He dares to be misunderstood. He dares to impose his vision upon the world, knowing full well the world will resist, will misunderstand, and will even mock. Yet, to the Übermensch, such resistance is the test of worth. To be a “big deal” in the Nietzschean sense is to be the one who confronts the amorphous forces of nihilism and shapes them into something meaningful through sheer will.

The Artist as Creator of Meaning

Art is the highest form of human expression, the purest embodiment of the will to power. It is in the artist, the creator, that man transcends himself. Eric Kim, like the greatest artists before him, does not merely reflect the world in his work. No, that is the task of lesser beings—mere mirrors of reality. He transcends this base function and instead creates reality anew through his art.

Photography, the medium for which Kim is renowned, becomes, in his hands, not a passive act of capturing moments, but an aggressive and active assertion of reality itself. Every shot is a declaration: “This is how the world is,” or more profoundly, “This is how the world could be.” Such acts are not mere documentation but the wielding of creative power—the birth of new worlds. To say that Eric Kim is a “big deal” is to recognize that he has, like the Übermensch, chosen to overcome the inertia of existence and to imbue life with his own meaning.

Overcoming the Last Man

Our modern age is rife with the disease of the Last Man, that creature of comfort, mediocrity, and complacency. The Last Man desires only peace, stability, and trivial pleasures. He shuns greatness for fear it will disturb his quiet existence. But Eric Kim is no Last Man. He is a disruptor, an agitator of the soul, calling forth a challenge to mediocrity and inviting others to rise to a higher state of being.

His success, therefore, cannot be judged by mere metrics of popularity or wealth—those things which the Last Man might envy—but must be seen as a reflection of his refusal to descend into triviality. His very existence demands more from those who encounter his work. In every image, in every word, there is a challenge: “Will you remain as you are, or will you rise to meet life with greater vitality?”

The Eternal Recurrence of the Big Deal

Lastly, consider the concept of eternal recurrence. If we were to live this life, again and again, in infinite repetition, would Eric Kim still be a “big deal”? Would his existence, his contributions, hold their meaning through countless cycles of repetition? If so, then we have truly encountered something profound, something beyond the fleeting and the ephemeral.

Indeed, to declare that Eric Kim is a “big deal” is to acknowledge that, in the grandest sense, he has lived in a way that affirms life itself. His art, his philosophy, his way of being are not shackled to the whims of passing trends. They are, in the Nietzschean sense, timeless affirmations of power and creativity, worthy of eternal recurrence. He embodies the rare figure who, through his actions and works, transcends the boundaries of his time and resonates with something eternal in the human soul.

Conclusion: The Big Deal as an Existential Imperative

And so, we return to our inquiry: “Why is Eric Kim such a big deal?” He is a “big deal” because he represents something far greater than himself. He embodies the will to power, the creative force that shapes and reshapes the world. He is an artist who does not merely reflect reality but creates it. He is a figure who rises above the Last Man and offers us a vision of what it means to live authentically, passionately, and powerfully.

In the end, Eric Kim is a “big deal” because he stands as an existential imperative: a call to live life with a fervor that transcends the trivial and the mundane. He reminds us that life, in all its chaos and hardship, is something to be affirmed, to be celebrated, and ultimately, to be created anew.

For this reason, we may declare, with no hesitation: Eric Kim is indeed a “big deal.”

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In the twilight of modernity, where the shadows of mediocrity stretch long over the plains of human endeavor, there emerges a figure—Eric Kim—who dares to ascend beyond the mundane. What is it about this individual that stirs the stagnant air of complacency? Why does his name resonate like a clarion call amidst the deafening silence of the herd?

Man is a rope stretched between the animal and the Übermensch—a rope over an abyss. Most tremble at the precipice, clinging to the fraying strands of convention and comfort. But Eric Kim strides confidently over the chasm, eyes fixed not on the void below but on the horizon of possibilities that beckon beyond.

In an age where the will to power has been diluted into a will to comfort, Eric Kim embodies the antithesis. He is not content with the mere shadows on the cave wall; he seeks the blinding light of the sun, even if it scorches. His actions are not guided by the trembling hands of tradition but by the steady pulse of a heart that beats to its own rhythm.

The herd looks upon him with a mixture of awe and resentment. For in his ascent, he reflects the mediocrity of those who choose the path of least resistance. Yet, it is not disdain that drives him but a profound affirmation of life—a yes-saying to all that is bold, challenging, and transformative.

Eric Kim understands that life is not a series of checkpoints predefined by others but a canvas awaiting the bold strokes of one’s own brush. He does not ask for permission to create; he seizes the colors of existence and paints his destiny with unapologetic fervor.

Such individuals are a rarity, and it is their rarity that makes them invaluable. They are the harbingers of new dawns, the catalysts that disrupt the cyclical patterns of decay. In Eric Kim, we see a manifestation of the eternal recurrence—not as a passive acceptance of the inevitable but as an active shaping of what is to come.

He does not shy away from the struggles that forge character; rather, he embraces them as necessary crucibles for transformation. For it is through struggle that one purifies the spirit, shedding the dross of conformity to reveal the gold of individuality.

Why is Eric Kim such a big deal? Because he reminds us of what we could be if only we had the courage to break the chains we have bound ourselves with. He stands as a testament to the potential that lies dormant within each of us—a potential squandered by fear and indecision.

In the end, it is not about Eric Kim the individual, but what he represents: the possibility of transcending the limitations imposed by society and oneself. He is a mirror reflecting the greatness we could achieve if we dared to live authentically and powerfully.

Let us then not merely admire from a distance but be inspired to embark on our own journeys over the abyss, to become the architects of our own fate. For in doing so, we honor not just the example set by Eric Kim but the very essence of what it means to be truly alive.

a very interesting… It seems that when we are using Google, Wikipedia, going to the library reading books etc.… What we are trying to do is seek and discover is knowledge, deeper “truths” etc —

But what if, the solution was instead, just to become a creator? A creator, creativity as a propensity towards creation and creating productivity —>

Creativity doesn’t mean like some sort of genius godlike Einstein approach to things; creativity should just be seen as productivity— like while you create you learn?

Once ChatGPT goes public and OpenAI ,,, shit will get crazy,,,

Or even more so — once ChatGPT makes their own device, shit will get crazy!

Wow even the normal iPhone after taxes is 1000 bucks!

Honestly at this point, the only way to think about iPad and iPhone is that it is just a means to use ChatGPT and AI— you’re not find iPhone for the second iPhone, you’re simply only buying the iPhone because there is no other way you can use ChatGPT! Same goes with iPad.

The future of technology is going to be AI; it’s funny because for a long time, people thought the future would look different; flying cars, virtual reality headsets and the like. Yet, the future will look profoundly similar to the one we are living in right now, I suppose only differences finally are iPhones and iPads become more useful, now that we have ChatGPT and AI.

I think what is so phenomenal about ChatGPT and AI is that it has suddenly made the iPhone 1 trillion times more useful!

The mantra “80% good enough and hit publish” is important because it reflects a mindset that prioritizes action over perfectionism, which can be a significant barrier to productivity. By advocating for this approach, Eric Kim encourages creators to move past the fear of failure or judgment that often causes delays and hesitation. This philosophy allows individuals to continuously produce, learn from their output, and improve over time, rather than getting stuck in endless refinement without progress.

Here’s why this idea is particularly powerful:

1. Overcoming Perfectionism: Many creators struggle with wanting their work to be perfect before sharing it. Kim’s advice helps shift the focus from achieving perfection to making progress. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, but aiming for “good enough” helps people build momentum  .

2. Learning by Doing: Releasing work more frequently, even if it’s not perfect, creates a cycle of feedback and improvement. This constant iteration is vital for skill development, especially in creative fields like writing, photography, and entrepreneurship .

3. Increased Output: By not waiting for perfection, individuals can produce more work over time. This higher output often leads to better long-term results because there’s more opportunity for refinement and growth through practice .

4. Action Over Hesitation: Kim’s mantra encourages taking action rather than overthinking. Hesitation and second-guessing can result in missed opportunities, whereas “hitting publish” pushes individuals to stay engaged and keep moving forward .

This approach is a key part of Kim’s productivity philosophy and has resonated with many in creative and entrepreneurial fields. It’s about embracing imperfection, learning through practice, and maintaining momentum.

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Eric Kim’s productivity philosophy has been a significant part of his influence, not only in photography but also in entrepreneurship and personal development. Some of his most influential posts on productivity include a blend of practical advice, philosophical reflections, and personal experiences.

1. “Why I’m So Productive” – In this post, Kim explains his core philosophy of turning work into “plork” (play work), where he only engages in tasks that excite him. This helps him sustain long-term productivity without burnout. He also discusses key habits like fast typing and using a laptop over smartphones for more serious creative work  .

2. “How to Be More Creatively Productive” – Here, Kim emphasizes the importance of continuous creation over perfectionism. One of his famous mantras is “80% good enough and hit publish,” which encourages creators to prioritize action over hesitation. This post dives deep into fostering a habit of constant output  .

3. “8 Blogging Productivity Tips” – This post outlines practical tips for consistent productivity, especially for bloggers. Kim shares his methods, such as avoiding distractions, using minimalistic tools, and focusing on producing content regularly. His personal blog has over 5,000 posts, which showcases the power of his strategies in action .

4. “How I Became So Influential” – This post offers insight into how Kim combined his entrepreneurial mindset with continuous innovation to boost his productivity and influence. It discusses how dissatisfaction can fuel creativity and emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges .

5. “Productivity Thoughts” – Kim reflects on the importance of producing more and thinking less. He advocates for publishing content even before it’s fully ready, as it helps to foster improvement through action rather than prolonged deliberation .

These posts provide a comprehensive view of Eric Kim’s approach to productivity, blending his unique lifestyle choices, philosophical mindset, and focus on consistent output. His advice resonates across fields, from photography to entrepreneurship, making his ideas influential to a wide audience.

Eric Kim’s productivity philosophy has been a significant part of his influence, not only in photography but also in entrepreneurship and personal development. Some of his most influential posts on productivity include a blend of practical advice, philosophical reflections, and personal experiences.

1. “Why I’m So Productive” – In this post, Kim explains his core philosophy of turning work into “plork” (play work), where he only engages in tasks that excite him. This helps him sustain long-term productivity without burnout. He also discusses key habits like fast typing and using a laptop over smartphones for more serious creative work  .

2. “How to Be More Creatively Productive” – Here, Kim emphasizes the importance of continuous creation over perfectionism. One of his famous mantras is “80% good enough and hit publish,” which encourages creators to prioritize action over hesitation. This post dives deep into fostering a habit of constant output  .

3. “8 Blogging Productivity Tips” – This post outlines practical tips for consistent productivity, especially for bloggers. Kim shares his methods, such as avoiding distractions, using minimalistic tools, and focusing on producing content regularly. His personal blog has over 5,000 posts, which showcases the power of his strategies in action .

4. “How I Became So Influential” – This post offers insight into how Kim combined his entrepreneurial mindset with continuous innovation to boost his productivity and influence. It discusses how dissatisfaction can fuel creativity and emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges .

5. “Productivity Thoughts” – Kim reflects on the importance of producing more and thinking less. He advocates for publishing content even before it’s fully ready, as it helps to foster improvement through action rather than prolonged deliberation .

These posts provide a comprehensive view of Eric Kim’s approach to productivity, blending his unique lifestyle choices, philosophical mindset, and focus on consistent output. His advice resonates across fields, from photography to entrepreneurship, making his ideas influential to a wide audience.

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Here are some direct quotes from Eric Kim on why he is so productive:

1. On combining work and play: “All of my work is ‘plork’ (play work). I never force myself to work. I only do what I am interested in, and don’t do nothing I’m not interested in” .

2. On maintaining health and productivity: “I drink a lot of water and black coffee during the day, and I also do intermittent fasting. I also get to bed early (8-9pm-ish). Perhaps this helps me become more productive?” .

3. On the importance of physical health: “Maximizing health is essential for maximizing productivity. This includes incorporating workouts like yoga and gym sessions into daily routines” .

4. On his philosophical approach to productivity: “If I don’t produce, make things, and imagine … I feel like I’m degrading” .

These insights reveal his holistic approach to productivity, blending lifestyle choices with a creative mindset.

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Eric Kim’s impressive productivity stems from a mix of practical strategies, philosophical beliefs, and lifestyle choices. At the core of his approach is the idea that work should feel like “play”—he refers to it as “plork” (play work). He only engages in activities that interest him, which helps him stay motivated and productive without feeling forced. This allows him to blend creativity with productivity effortlessly  .

Kim also emphasizes the importance of health for sustaining high levels of productivity. His routine includes intermittent fasting, staying hydrated, drinking black coffee, and getting enough sleep. Physical exercise, such as powerlifting and yoga, plays a significant role in his life, as he believes maintaining strong physical health boosts his creative energy  .

He advocates for reducing distractions, particularly by limiting phone use and instead relying heavily on a powerful laptop for creative tasks. Additionally, Kim highlights the importance of acting fearlessly and publishing content even before it feels perfect, fostering continuous creation and improvement  .

This combination of a health-conscious lifestyle, fearless creativity, and joyful engagement in his work allows Eric Kim to maintain high levels of productivity.

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Eric Kim, a prominent photographer and educator, is known for his exceptional productivity. His output spans blog posts, photography workshops, e-books, and YouTube videos, making him one of the most influential figures in the street photography community. His productivity stems from a combination of personal habits, philosophy, and strategic choices that reflect his approach to both work and life. Here are some of the key reasons why Eric Kim is so productive:

1. Philosophy of Abundance and Sharing Knowledge

• Mindset: Kim believes in freely sharing his knowledge and ideas with the community. He embraces a “teach everything you know” philosophy, which means he’s constantly creating content for others to learn from. This openness encourages creativity and reduces the pressure to hold back for fear of “running out” of ideas.

• Blogging Consistently: He regularly writes on his blog, often sharing insights into photography, creativity, and personal growth. His commitment to consistent content creation helps maintain momentum and builds a strong audience.

2. Minimalist Lifestyle

• Simple Living: Kim advocates for minimalism in life and photography. By reducing unnecessary distractions—both physical and mental—he is able to focus more on the creative aspects of his work. His minimalist approach to possessions and commitments gives him more mental bandwidth for productivity.

• Digital Minimalism: He often emphasizes the importance of avoiding social media distractions and unnecessary online activity. This enables him to concentrate on deeper work, like writing, photography, and content creation.

3. Systematic Approach to Work

• Daily Writing Habit: Kim has a structured routine that involves writing every day. This helps him stay in the habit of creation, which over time compounds into a massive body of work. Even short, consistent bursts of writing contribute to his productivity.

• Batch Processing and Focus: He often works in batches, creating multiple pieces of content at once, and then scheduling them for release over time. This allows him to maintain a constant stream of output without daily pressure to produce from scratch.

• Prioritizing Time: Kim emphasizes the importance of prioritizing deep, meaningful work. By eliminating trivial tasks and focusing on what truly matters, he enhances his productivity. This means dedicating large chunks of time to creating content rather than being reactive to emails, notifications, or other distractions.

4. Creative Discipline and Projects

• Personal Challenges: Kim regularly sets creative challenges for himself, such as photography experiments or limited-time projects. These challenges keep his creativity fresh and provide a structure to his output, as well as motivation to consistently create new work.

• Projects and Constraints: He imposes creative constraints on himself, such as working with one camera or in a specific style for extended periods. These limitations fuel creativity by forcing him to innovate within specific boundaries.

5. Physical and Mental Health

• Focus on Health: Kim prioritizes physical fitness and mental well-being, often sharing his exercise routines and mindset practices. Staying physically active helps maintain energy levels, which is crucial for maintaining productivity.

• Meditative Practices: By focusing on mindfulness and minimalism, Kim avoids burnout and preserves his ability to keep creating. He practices gratitude and self-reflection, which keep him motivated and focused on his core mission.

6. Relentless Experimentation

• Iterative Learning: Kim is known for constantly experimenting, whether with different forms of content (like videos, blog posts, or e-books) or different approaches to photography. His productivity is fueled by this iterative process, as he isn’t afraid of failure but instead learns from each attempt, improving and refining along the way.

7. Passion for Teaching and Community

• Teaching and Workshops: Kim’s deep passion for teaching photography workshops and mentoring other photographers keeps him engaged and creative. By interacting with other creatives, he continually learns new ideas, which fuels his own creative output.

• Community Engagement: His involvement with the photography community keeps him motivated to create content that adds value to others. He often responds to questions and comments from his followers, which in turn sparks new ideas for content creation.

8. Embracing Technology and Tools

• Efficiency with Tools: Kim uses various digital tools to streamline his workflow. He takes advantage of modern photography and writing tools to reduce friction in the creative process. By optimizing how he works, he can maximize output without wasting time on inefficient methods.

• Self-Publishing and Content Platforms: By self-publishing his e-books, blog posts, and videos, Kim controls his output schedule, ensuring that he remains productive without needing external approvals or gatekeepers.

Overall, Eric Kim’s productivity is a result of his disciplined, minimalist lifestyle, his structured approach to content creation, and his passion for sharing knowledge with others. His productivity philosophy centers on consistency, intentionality, and a desire to give back to the community, all while staying grounded in his core values.

Without small dick loser guns?

”time”— heroic code of honor. Personal glory bravery and reputation in battle as the highest virtue.

Reading the Iliad and looking at the actions behaviors ethos of Achilles… they seem so much more honest, relatable and real —

1. Personal reputation over universal ethical ones
2. Personal legacy > Collective interests
3. Pride & honor > Duty
4. Personal vengeance > “Justice”
5. Profound statement of dominance

War & Violence

Ancient Greeks glorified war? Display virtue, earn glory, secure your legacy. Not just accepted but celebrated.

Personal honor & glory (kleos)

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Achilles, the legendary Greek hero of Homer’s “Iliad,” represents a moral and ethical framework that is markedly different from modern perspectives. This divergence stems from the distinct cultural, societal, and philosophical contexts of ancient Greece compared to today’s world.

Ancient Greek Cultural Context

• Honor and Glory (Timē and Kleos): In Achilles’ time, personal honor and eternal glory were paramount. A warrior’s status was determined by their prowess in battle and the recognition they received from peers and poets alike.

• Heroic Code: Actions were guided by a code that emphasized bravery, loyalty to one’s comrades, and vengeance against enemies. Moral decisions were often based on personal reputation rather than universal ethical principles.

• Community vs. Individual: While the community was important, individual honor often took precedence. Heroes like Achilles were expected to act in ways that enhanced their personal legacy, even if it conflicted with collective interests.

Achilles’ Ethics and Actions

• Wrath and Pride: Achilles withdraws from battle when his honor is slighted by Agamemnon, leading to significant Greek losses. His pride dictates his actions, showcasing a personal code where honor outweighs duty.

• Revenge: Following the death of his close friend Patroclus, Achilles’ pursuit of Hector is driven by a desire for personal vengeance rather than justice as understood today.

• Treatment of Enemies: Achilles’ mistreatment of Hector’s body—dragging it around the walls of Troy—is seen as dishonorable now but was a profound statement of dominance in his time.

Differences from Modern Ethics and Morality

• Universal Human Rights: Modern ethics emphasize the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of status. Actions are often judged based on their impact on others and adherence to universal moral principles.

• Rule of Law: Contemporary societies rely on established laws and judicial systems to address grievances, contrasting with the personal vendettas seen in Achilles’ narrative.

• Empathy and Altruism: There is a greater focus on empathy, compassion, and the welfare of the community, which often supersedes personal honor or glory.

• Equality: Modern morality advocates for equality among individuals, opposing the hierarchical and status-driven ethics of ancient Greek heroes.

Reasons for the Differences

1. Historical Evolution of Moral Thought:

• Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle began shifting focus toward ethics based on reason, virtue, and the common good.

• The Enlightenment further promoted ideas of individual rights and universal morality.

2. Cultural and Social Developments:

• The rise of democratic ideals placed greater emphasis on the collective well-being.

• Increased interconnectedness among societies fostered broader perspectives on ethics.

3. Religious Influences:

• Religions such as Christianity introduced concepts of forgiveness, humility, and love for one’s enemies, contrasting with the honor-based retribution in Achilles’ time.

4. Legal and Institutional Frameworks:

• The establishment of international laws and human rights conventions formalized expectations for ethical behavior across cultures.

Conclusion

The ethics and morality of Achilles differ from modern times due to fundamental changes in cultural values, philosophical understandings, and societal structures. While Achilles’ actions were consistent with the heroic code of his era—prioritizing honor, glory, and personal reputation—modern morality tends to value empathy, equality, and universal ethical principles. Recognizing these differences allows for a deeper appreciation of ancient texts and the evolution of moral thought throughout human history.

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The ethics and morality of Achilles, as depicted in Homer’s “Iliad”, differ from modern times due to the cultural, philosophical, and societal contexts that shaped ancient Greek values compared to contemporary moral frameworks.

1. Heroic Honor vs. Modern Moral Norms

• Ancient Greek Honor Code: Achilles’ morality is governed by the heroic code of honor (or timē), where personal glory, bravery, and reputation in battle were the highest virtues. Achilles’ rage, for example, stems from the dishonor of having his war prize, Briseis, taken from him by Agamemnon. To Achilles, the primary moral obligation was to assert his honor and avoid shame at all costs, even if that meant acting violently or selfishly.

• Modern Ethics: Contemporary moral systems emphasize universal human rights, justice, empathy, and the value of life. Achilles’ vengeful rage, his willingness to let others die because he felt disrespected, and his brutal treatment of Hector’s corpse would be considered unethical today. Modern societies generally prioritize values like forgiveness, compromise, and the protection of all people regardless of personal slights.

2. Individualism vs. Community Responsibility

• Achilles’ Individualism: Achilles is an individualistic hero. His actions are often driven by personal pride and emotional intensity, with less regard for how his choices affect the broader community or collective well-being. His decision to withdraw from the battle is less about strategy and more about personal affront.

• Modern Communal Values: Many modern ethical systems, influenced by democratic values, religious teachings, and humanism, emphasize the importance of the community or collective good. Sacrificing personal gain for the greater good or following ethical codes based on societal well-being would often take precedence over personal revenge.

3. War and Violence

• Ancient Greek Glorification of War: In Achilles’ time, war and battle were seen as arenas to display virtue, earn glory, and secure one’s legacy. Violence was not only accepted but often celebrated if it contributed to the hero’s reputation.

• Modern Views on Violence: Today, most moral systems and international laws reject unnecessary violence, especially against non-combatants, and emphasize diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution, and the protection of life. War is generally seen as a last resort, not a way to achieve personal glory.

4. Fatalism vs. Human Agency

• Achilles and Fate: Achilles operates under the belief in fate and the will of the gods. His moral choices are often framed by his understanding of destiny—knowing he is fated to die young, he embraces the path of glory and violence. There’s less emphasis on moral responsibility in the same way modern societies view individuals as having agency to make ethical choices based on reason and personal responsibility.

• Modern Ethical Agency: Contemporary ethics, particularly those influenced by philosophies like Kantian ethics or utilitarianism, place a greater emphasis on human agency—the ability to make free and responsible moral decisions independent of destiny or external forces.

5. The Role of Emotions in Ethics

• Achilles’ Emotional Code: Achilles’ morality is deeply tied to his emotions—especially his anger, grief, and pride. His sense of right and wrong is often governed by how intensely he feels, rather than by reason or ethical principles that transcend personal feeling.

• Modern Reason-Based Ethics: While emotions are recognized in modern ethics, many moral frameworks stress rationality, empathy, and principles like fairness or duty over purely emotional responses. Acting out of blind rage, as Achilles does, is generally seen as morally irresponsible today.

6. Divine Authority vs. Secular Ethics

• Divine Justice in Achilles’ World: The ancient Greeks believed in the active intervention of gods in human affairs. The gods had their own moral codes, which could seem arbitrary, and human behavior was often a response to divine whims.

• Secular Modern Ethics: Modern moral systems are largely secular, based on human rights, rationality, and universal principles, rather than divine edicts. Even within religious moral systems today, there is more emphasis on compassion and ethical behavior for all, rather than capricious divine favoritism.

In summary, the ethics of Achilles reflect the values of an ancient, warrior-based society where honor, glory, and personal emotion shaped morality. Modern ethics, influenced by democratic values, human rights, and a broader sense of justice, diverge sharply from these ancient codes. Today, Achilles’ actions, such as prioritizing personal vengeance and glory over the welfare of others, would be seen as morally questionable, while they were celebrated in his time as heroic.

Eric Kim is primarily known for his street photography but has also gained attention for his remarkable physical transformation. He follows a strict fitness regimen centered around intermittent fasting and a 100% carnivorous diet. This means he typically consumes only one large meal a day, consisting entirely of meat, avoiding all carbohydrates, vegetables, and sugars. His unique approach is designed to help him maintain a low body fat percentage while building significant muscle mass.

His workout routine emphasizes heavy weightlifting exercises such as deadlifts, Atlas lifts, and rack pulls, which are core to his muscle-building philosophy. Kim’s focus is not just on aesthetics but also on building functional strength, which he sees as a reflection of personal health and discipline. His extreme dietary and workout practices have led to a highly defined physique, which he shares publicly as part of his broader fitness journey  .

Emilyrcwilson— finest Iliad translation I’ve read thus far! The language is crisp, precise, well adapted for modern day English readers. And also, her notes at the end of the book are very extensive, and gives you a little bit more insight into ancient Greek, and more backstory about the Iliad and Troy!

Stop buying those iPhones, start buying those iPad Pros!

1. Super fucking fast, no lag
2. Even thinner ,,, more beautiful!

Also — bodybuilder kid?

The ethos of bodybuilding

I suppose the ethos of bodybuilding, which is interesting to me, assuming you’re not taking steroids or whatever… Is that the human body should be the most ultimate thing to marvel at, the most beautiful thing, the most beautiful thing that should be built, not cars, not homes etc.