There is nothing more energy economic density than a bitcoin

New economic theories

I suppose what I love about being in Vietnam is being away from all this backwards American nonsense.

The opportunity to think carte blanche? 

2024 was a good year for $BTC and $MSTR.

Economic Double Dipping!

despite the recent pullback, microstrategy finished 2024 as the best performing major asset in the world, with bitcoin as no. 3 even on a risk adjusted basis (sharpe), MSTR finished 1st and BTC was 3rd. 2 of top 3 assets in 2024 were bitcoin related. are you paying attention?

Alex Thorn:

I suppose my number one biggest critique of capital gains, capital gains taxes that it kind of dis incentivize you from taking certain financial and economic risks, simply because you are afraid of triggering a taxable event?

And then the annoyance is that as an individual, it motivates you from acting in such a way that you avoid triggering capital gains taxes events, therefore incentivizing you to do nothing? 

Incentive to be lazy?

for example, if I have like $2 million assets, I see a big gain investment opportunity… I feel disincentivized to sell the $2 million of assets, and to invest in something else, … because once again, I don’t want to be hit with like a $200,000 tax bill.

Let us consider… What if I invested $2 million into something, and it goes south? And I’m still left having to deal with the $200,000 tax bill? Then what?

It doesn’t really make sense?

I mean I get it if you’re like a super mega ultra corporation like Apple… And then paying taxes corporate taxes kind of makes sense. But if you’re just like an individual, an individual solo entrepreneur, a small fry ,,, capital gains taxes seems to be unethical? Or at least bad for the individual.

And isn’t America supposed to be all about empowering the individual?

Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness

Liberty ,,, economic liberty? Liberty from unjust taxes? So annoying!

Economics by KIM

1. Bitcoin is Digital Capital Economic Muscle?
2. 80/20 Living
3. You Can’t Rent Forever
4. Money is For Slaves
5. Growth
6. Think Volume
7. Think Payoffs
8. Kaizen Gains
9. Cost to Capital
10. Price vs Value
11. EVERYONE WINS!
12. INVESTING PR’S
13. The Philosophy of Investing
14. ERIC KIM VENTURE CAPITALIST
15. How to FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early)
16. How to *Save* a Million Dollars
17. Increase Value
18. MAYBE IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO BUY HIGH
19. Banks Are the True Menace to Society
20. THE PROMISE OF FUTURE MONOPOLY PROFITS?
21. High gas prices are good
22. What is Capitalism?
23. Pride in What You Paid For
24. On Making Money from Nothing
25. Save Money Towards What Ends?
26. No Regret Investment

Disruptive

Critique of capital gains taxes

I suppose my number one biggest critique of capital gains, capital gains taxes that it kind of dis incentivize you from taking certain financial and economic risks, simply because you are afraid of triggering a taxable event?

And then the annoyance is that as an individual, it motivates you from acting in such a way that you avoid triggering capital gains taxes events, therefore incentivizing you to do nothing? 

Incentive to be lazy?

for example, if I have like $2 million assets, I see a big gain investment opportunity… I feel disincentivized to sell the $2 million of assets, and to invest in something else, 

Critiques of capital gains taxes often come from economists, policymakers, and investors who argue that these taxes can distort economic behavior and discourage productive activities. While perspectives vary, here are several common critiques:

1. Lock-In Effect

• Because capital gains are taxed only when assets are sold (“realization-based” taxation), investors may be incentivized to hold onto assets longer than they otherwise would—purely to avoid triggering a tax event.

• This “lock-in” reduces liquidity in markets and can prevent capital from moving to potentially more productive or innovative investments.

2. Potential Double Taxation

• Critics note that many assets—like shares of stock—already generate corporate profits, which themselves are taxed at the corporate level.

• When an investor sells the stock and realizes a gain, this appreciation (in part deriving from after-tax profits) is taxed again, leading to what some see as a second layer of taxation on the same underlying economic value.

3. Disincentive to Invest or Innovate

• Some argue that taxing capital gains diminishes the rewards from building or growing a business, thereby discouraging entrepreneurship, venture funding, and long-term investment.

• In particular, high taxes on capital gains are viewed by some as reducing the attractiveness of risk-taking, since potential after-tax returns might be smaller.

4. Complexity and Compliance Costs

• The rules for determining cost basis, holding periods, and taxable amounts can be complicated, leading to administrative burdens on both taxpayers and tax authorities.

• Frequent changes to capital gains rules or rates can generate uncertainty, hindering businesses and individuals from making well-informed decisions about when and how to sell assets.

5. Unrealized Gains vs. Realized Gains

• Under a realization-based system, investors only pay taxes once they sell the asset. Meanwhile, substantial gains can accrue tax-free if the investor holds the asset indefinitely.

• Critics on both sides note that the disparity can lead to distortions—some see an unfair advantage for wealthy individuals with large, unrealized gains, while others argue it forces premature or suboptimal sales for those who need liquidity.

6. Distributional Concerns

• Although some defend capital gains taxes as reducing wealth inequality (since high-income individuals tend to derive more income from investments), others argue that capital gains taxes hurt middle-class households that hold assets like homes or retirement accounts.

• Fluctuations in asset prices can mean individuals face capital gains taxes even when their real economic situation has not substantially improved (for example, due to inflation or local housing market spikes).

7. Potential for Tax-Efficient Structuring

• High-net-worth individuals and corporations can often structure transactions to minimize or defer capital gains taxes (e.g., through 1031 “like-kind” exchanges, estate planning, or sophisticated investment vehicles).

• This ability to exploit legal loopholes leads to critiques that capital gains taxes are inconsistently enforced across different income groups.

Overall, while proponents view capital gains taxes as a key means of ensuring fairness and generating government revenue, critics argue that these taxes may discourage investment, lead to inefficient asset allocation, and impose significant compliance costs.

Capital gains taxes exist primarily because realized gains from the sale of assets—stocks, real estate, or other investments—constitute a form of income. Taxing that income is seen as part of a fair and comprehensive tax system. Here are some of the key reasons:

1. Equity and Fairness

• If wages, salaries, and business profits are taxed, then the increased wealth an individual obtains by selling an asset at a profit can also be considered taxable income.

• Capital gains taxes are meant to help balance the overall tax burden and ensure that all forms of income, whether from labor or investment, are treated consistently.

2. Revenue Generation

• Capital gains taxes provide an important source of government revenue, helping fund public programs and services.

• By collecting taxes on realized gains, governments can partially offset other tax reductions or expenditures and maintain a stable revenue base.

3. Encouraging Productive Investment

• Many tax systems structure capital gains rates—often with lower rates for long-term gains—to encourage more stable, long-term investing rather than speculative, short-term trading.

• In this way, capital gains tax policy can influence investors’ behavior, channeling capital into longer-term economic growth.

4. Administrative Practicality

• Taxing capital gains at the point of sale or realization (rather than on “paper” or unrealized gains) is more administratively efficient.

• Tying the tax event to a clear transaction makes it easier for both the government and taxpayers to calculate and document the gain.

In sum, capital gains taxes exist to treat investment gains as taxable income, generate revenue for government spending, promote longer-term investing, and align tax policy with the principle that all income—whether earned through labor or investment—should be subject to some level of taxation.

Road to freedom ?

Financial goals

Living abroad, with $200m and growing ,,, then and now what?

Capital gains, capital gains ,,, taxes?

Don’t backtrack

End of year

Low prices, limits of low prices?

Example if a Lamborghini was only like a dollar… Would that actually make it desirable?

Is happiness the goal or something else?

Fun is the goal?

How to have fun

No stress, no stress lifestyle

Embrace wu Wei

ULTRA HUMAN

The Art of combat entertainment

Stable

Cape, capes

He looked expensive

Mighty labor

Virgil, poetry!

To amuse you is my only wish!

We are amused

Why does my past matter , future

Good actors, great actors!

Buy your own freedom , your own liberty

Earn your keep and you can have anyone’s head

Cicero: slave to own his own slave

Kids are super in tuned!

An exciting venture!

This plan is ambitious and risky

Politics follows power

.

How to Virtuously Use Your Time and Your Life

Simpler smaller is better?

SCALE.

Battle of the most stubborn?

Get rid of the third parties

RHINO

 Get rid of the middleman!

Get everything printed out

Don’t trust email 

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a publicly traded financial institution with a diverse ownership structure. As of September 30, 2024, institutional investors held approximately 71% of the company’s shares. The largest institutional shareholders include:

• Vanguard Group, Inc.: Approximately 9.4% ownership, equating to about 271 million shares.

• BlackRock Inc.: Around 6.8% ownership, holding about 196 million shares.

• State Street Corporation: Holding approximately 4.5% of shares, totaling about 126 million shares.

These asset management firms invest on behalf of their clients, making them significant stakeholders in the company.

In addition to institutional investors, company insiders own about 2.36% of JPMorgan Chase’s shares. Notable individual shareholders include:

• James S. Crown: The largest individual shareholder, owning approximately 1.26% of the company, which translates to about 35 million shares.

• Jamie Dimon: Serving as both CEO and Chairman, Dimon holds about 0.3% of the company’s shares, reflecting his significant role in the organization’s leadership.

The remaining shares are owned by retail investors and other entities, contributing to a broad and diversified ownership base.

It’s noteworthy that Jamie Dimon has been at the helm of JPMorgan Chase for over 18 years, steering the company through various economic cycles and contributing to its status as one of the world’s leading financial institutions. His leadership is often considered a pivotal factor in the company’s success and stability.

Expedia Group, Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol EXPE. Its ownership is primarily composed of institutional investors and company insiders. As of 2024, major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., and State Street Corporation, holding approximately 10.5%, 10.0%, and 7.0% of shares respectively.

Company insiders also hold significant stakes. For instance, Liberty Expedia Holdings Inc. owns about 22.91% of the company. Additionally, Barry Diller, serving as chairman and senior executive, has been a prominent figure in the company’s leadership.

In October 2024, reports emerged that Uber Technologies was exploring a potential acquisition of Expedia to diversify its revenue streams. This development led to a notable increase in Expedia’s stock price.

Rugged Luxury?

Design it Yourself 

No more cows milk for kids

Bitcoin nomad, as digital nomad 3.0?

We the new digital nomads, the new digital Spartans!

It still blows my mind, the cost of these things are so insanely stupid expensive— home single-family homes cars automobiles Teslas etc. Even iPhones, iPhone Pros — food, eating out, alcohol etc.

The true intelligent strategy is to just hoard all your money wealth capital and just travel and live abroad and be abroad?

so after using Jetpack for over like a decade, paying for it, security and back ups whatever… Suddenly like one day it’s just kind of stopped working, no longer connected to my site, not sure if this is a technical error or I violate some sort of terms and conditions or whatever, but anyways, After about 10 years, I finally just deactivated the Jetpack plug-in, with no downside! If anything ,,, my site runs faster now?

Via negativa for speed?

REMOVE, REMOVING plugins to SPEED UP your website and blog?

I think this is a big thing; if you’re new to building websites blogs, a WordPress site, typically the thought is the more plug-ins you have, the “more better” your site and blog will be and become, and also, the more plug-ins you have installed, the more optimize efficient and faster and better your website will be.

What if the opposite were true? Well like if you literally had like zero plug-ins, you would have peak performance?

Via negativa, to cut, reduce, delete, subtract or get rid of for *SUPERIOR* performance?

I think we could also apply this line of thinking to like almost everything in life:

When you’re traveling, to remove reduce weight, to get rid of stuff or decide what not to travel with is key. To overpack is a vice and for cowards and sissies.

With life, lifestyle people etc — once again, insanely EXTREME reduction is a virtue?

Wow, staying at the MERCUR, Dalat hotel resort, and wow ,,, it makes all of American seems so ghetto and backwards.

Problems in America

so after spending some time in Saigon and Vietnam and here in Dalat… The economic parity purchasing power here in Vietnam as a wealthy foreigner is interesting:

First, I think the biggest problem in America is that there is a huuuuuuge shortage of labor. In terms of both skilled and unskilled labor.

The truth of the fact is like if you live in California Los Angeles whatever… All of the construction contractor work is typically done by Latino immigrant laborers from El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala etc. Yet they are almost run like cartels; you will have some sort of American guy Korean guy or Latino American guy who acts the middle man, who speaks to his only Spanish speaking labor staff to build something.

Vietnam there’s a huge supply of labor both skilled and unskilled, mostly skilled. For example even if you go to the mall, there’s almost always a lady always cleaning up the bathrooms, the floors, it is like 1 trillion times more hygienic than America.

Also in terms of construction, there is so much skilled construction workers here, who are paid like 5% of the salary in America.

As a consequence, stuff here in Vietnam just gets built like 1000 X faster and also 1000 X cheaper.

Other problems in America

I think especially nowadays that minimum wage laws, and unskilled labor is kind of insane, like $20 bucks an hour, I think this has actually made people really lazy. Also minimum wage laws, maybe I’m actually a little bit on the country here… But I wonder if actually, minimum wage laws actually make people more lazy? Also, a big idea:

Does minimum wage minimum wage laws create inflation?

Note this is from somebody who grew up in a super super poor family, single working mom working at a restaurant, tips under the table etc. typically the thought is if you do not institute minimum wage laws, then these greedy capitalists will just exploit workers. And then we are shown pictures of the past of these 9 year-old kids working in coal mines etc.

No “homeless” people in Vietnam

Another thing… For the most part you don’t really see “homeless” people in Vietnam. Certainly there are some people who are very very impoverished, insanely poor, but not “homeless” in the American Los Angeles sense, like drugged out cracked out individual solo people.

America is on the out and out?

I think I’m starting to understand a little bit more about the notion of colonialism… When your own home country is already tapped out, you go outward and explore for new opportunities.

Certainly there are huge benefit benefits of being in America life in America etc., freedom of speech, certainly the apex freedom you could have on the planet. For us new Spartans in which we reprise our freedom above all else… And also the power of an American passport and citizenship, it is worth it.

Privilege is a double edged sword

First, I believe it to be manly to pay your taxes your American taxes dutifully, it is virtuous. But I think the big thing is spent some of your time living in the states, as a homebase, do your taxes, do your finances trading investing there, but also spend a large chunk of time abroad.

The ideal ratio

Honestly speaking I almost feel like the ideal ratio is spending 80% of your time and calendar year abroad, and 20% back home. Like in a single year with 12 months, 3 months back home is fine, the other 9 months abroad seems like a good idea.

Americans or individuals abroad are happier

If you could earn US dollars back home in America, yet live for like 5% to 10% of the cost abroad, doesn’t that makes the most sense?

Hotels

Are you an example… Even spending $40 a night at like a basic two star or three star hotel in Saigon is almost like 20 times better than anything you will find in America. A $50 a night hotel in Saigon is probably worth like $350 a night in America.

It gets better; you spend time in a luxury resort in Vietnam in Dalat, like a $300 a night resort, it is almost what you would experience at like a $10,000 a night resort in America.

These things are super nice!

When you’re in America, I almost feel like 99% of the time you’re just always thinking about how poor you are, or how you don’t have enough money, etc. This is the poor middle class and rich alike. So when you’re abroad in Vietnam etc.… You feel so insanely baller. Your life and lifestyle is like 1 trillion times more beautiful, more aesthetically beautiful, your life is just like so elevated!

America sucks!

Once again, living in America sucks. The greatest upside of America is once again our freedom and our liberty laws which are paid with our taxes. Otherwise don’t don’t live there!

ERIC

LIFESTYLE by KIM

1. Affordable Luxury
2. Once You’re Rich, Then You Can Start to Live Differently.
3. Outrage Porn
4. Photography *IS* Our Lifestyle
5. DAILY.
6. EFFIENCY.
7. Parallel Living
8. Towards a Streamlined Lifestyle
9. Life Design
10. What’s the Best Life or Mode of Existence?
11. More Interesting or Less Interesting?
12. Lifestyle Design
13. CRAFT YOUR OWN IDEAL FUTURE.
14. All Information is Information
15. Natural Light and Health
16. Minimum Viable Thriving
17. Good Homes Over Good Cars
18. Sleep is Godlike
19. Dynamic Lifestyle
20. What is the Ideal Home?
21. Lifestyle?
22. ERIC KIM QUARANTINE LIFESTYLE
23. In Praise of a Choice Minimal Lifestyle
24. BETA LIFESTYLE
25. In Praise of a Ghetto Lifestyle
26. Park Lifestyle

So one of the big things that comes to mind; why travel, what is the point of travel?

The world is a bigass place

So the first very simple thought:

The world is a fucking hugeass place

No matter how good your “imagination“ is… unless you have actually travel to different locations in the flesh and embodied reality, you don’t know nothing.

Pro and anti traveling philosophy

So kind of the loser mentality is “Why should you travel… you should just be grateful for where you are”. And I think this is ultimately one of the very backward lines of thinking, at least in the context of like maybe zen, buddhism, and strange american notions of gratitude?

What’s the purpose or point of life?

First, simply you don’t want to be bored, it is virtuous to have fun to explore to conquer to explore, to expand your world mind soul and the planet!

The new aristocracy

Certainly you cannot be everywhere, all at once. Your own physical human flesh bound body could only inhabit one spot at a time, and there are certain limits to luxury.

You can’t really tell nothing by looking at a map

I think this is also a very very big thing; often before you travel or during your travel or whatever, we will cross reference maps to get a sense of a place. But unless you get a POV point of view, first person view in the flesh, you can’t tell nothing.

The ethos of travel

War ships

War is stimulating?

What stimulates you?

War movies

Heavy armor

Huge shields

War machine

Where we are death is not

Thank Zeus!

Cinema should and must be art!

More muscle. More armor

We the new Romans!

Warlike guise

Feasting

Roast the meat!

Cunning

Modern aims

The highest form a human being can take

The form most difficult to achieve

Success of the highest type

The sage.

Gladiator –> Free men, free man

Serve me and I will serve you

Free people

.

Self custody?

The philosophy of ambition

Simple cinematography is best

Classic

Stick to the classics

Fasting is better for more energy & power

When in doubt, just delay eating. You can wait 2-3 days, no problem,,, don’t worry about losing muscle mass or whatever

New Aesthetics

The new dynasty

He with the grandest ambitions shall win

What’s the purpose of aesthetics?

Each and every time you use it or see it , it puts a huge smile on your face!

Also pride?

White is ugly

Not more than one chance, only one chance 

Nobody chances , nor should we change them!

What is “fit”, “fitness”?

Never stop profiting !