I think my minimalism request this whole time, maybe it is not a minimalism thing but seeking forever?

First, the only forever thing is bitcoin. Everything else is ejected to law of chaos and entropy, even the most robust materials like leather , and even I guess polyester, doesn’t quite last forever?

tires & rubber

So even if you buy the world‘s most expensive tires or the best quality tires, sooner or later… You’re going to have to replace your tires. Why? Once again, physical law entropy… At best these things could be robust. But in fact I wonder from a particles physics perspective, you actually need rubber to lose some of its material into the asphalt in order for grip? Or in other words, if asphalt and rubber Did not rub off on each other, it would not last forever?

Why you should never get a dog

Or a cat.

This year is that they will die and they will not procreate, and continue their legacy.

This is why from a rationality perspective, a rational perspective, having kids make sense. You will die and your kids will also eventually die, but assuming that your kid will continue their genetic heritage, that your kids kids kids will have kids, then, your genetic legacy your genetic DNA will last forever.

Maybe then, if I had negative rules for Seneca, it would be simple:

First, never sell the family bitcoin.

Second, don’t die childless.

The simple NASSIM TALEB playbook,  via negativa. The best rules are telling people what not to do rather than what to do. For example, when you are staying as a guest somewhere, the best thing to ask is asking your host what is off-limits what are you not allowed to do, then allow yourself to do everything freely.

just don’t break the law

So in terms of justice and the law, a similar sentiment: just don’t break the law, just don’t do anything illegal.

And then where it becomes more tricky is idea: don’t do anything unethical.

But once again, ethics are tricky because they are not a judiciary branch, and also there are no ultimate facts about ethics. All ethics are aesthetic,  therefore as a consequence, the ethics you decide to pursue are up to you.

Invest in the frame

In terms of longevity, I am still phenomenally excited and impressed that my Lindbergh glasses frames that I bought in Calcutta like about 15 years ago, I think I bought it when I was like 21 or 22, I’m 37 now,… I think I might’ve paid like 500 bucks or 700 bucks at the time, which was a lot of money, and I suppose it still is, but the thing that’s amazing is that these titanium frames, Have lasted up until now?

I also suppose that perhaps because of the titanium frame, it is more robust. Maybe this is where the iPhone Pro is a good idea, even though I personally hit the phone because it caused me carpal tunnel, because it is too heavy. But assuming that you’re going to get a phone, And you’re trying to have it as long as humanly possible, maybe then investing in that titanium frame is a good idea?

And then I suppose, the great thing with wearing glasses is that you could just swap the lenses in and out. And it seems that as time goes on, lens technology keeps getting better. As a consequence, you could break your lenses or your vision gets worse or whatever… And as long as you wait, you could always buy new lenses later?

Typically with lenses it seems that the best strategy is to just buy them when you are abroad. Why? You can still buy the most expensive lenses, the Apex quality, but, because labor abroad is cheaper, do you still get a discount.

And then with cars and vehicles… Investing in the frame is a good idea.

So I’m not 100% sure about the drivetrain or the train or the transmission or the frame of Toyota and Lexus cars, but it seems that they are the best. Why? They are engineer to last 1,000,000 miles, I guess you have to keep swapping in and out engines as time goes on, But technically… The frame will stay intact?

Transmutable

Even though I am a big fan of Tesla vehicles, it seems that the big problem here is swapping in and out the battery pack and the dry train engine is quite difficult? Because the whole thing is essentially glued together?

It’s kind of like if you buy a new iPhone Pro, the reason why you cannot simply swapping a new processor if you wanted to.

The economics here is difficult because I think some companies have attempted to create a smart phone with a swappable sensor modular design, but it seems that they have all failed because they eat those of capitalism consumerism is that you always want to just buy the new model?

Also a filter that I think is relatively unknown on the Tesla website is being able to purchase used vehicle vehicles used Tesla cars in the discount jet are phenomenal. Like I think you could buy a used Tesla model three, only like two or three years old for less than $20,000?

So assuming you want a Tesla or an electric card, it seems that the most logical strategy is to buy a used Tesla model S, maybe like three years old. Dealing with the yoke steering wheel.

Why? The drive train is proven, and is the most senior, and as a consequence, it is the most robust to time, even though now the Tesla model S is starting to look a bit dated especially when you compare it with a new Tesla model Y cyber truck etc.?

But assuming you want some sort of forever vehicle, it seems like the best cost efficient trade-off you could do is buying a used Tesla model S model, ideally around two or three years old, which means that you’re taking the maximum amount of depreciation from a used vehicle, but also the maximum upside is that you have the newest version relative?

The simple filter is with the Tesla model S, make sure that you get the yolk steering wheel, and also… The black accents. The one with the silver chrome accents are outdated now.

Your vehicle doesn’t really matter much

If anything, the only really useful thing I believe is auto pilot.

Upon ruminating on this, the reason why life in Cambodia and Phnom Penh is like 1000,000,000,000 times superior to the states is that the service industry here is phenomenal. Do you have a huge young population, so for example let’s say you go to a cute coffee shop or whatever, there’s like eight staff there, all like in between 18 and 21 years old, as it should be. But why is it in America, you go to a restaurant or whatever, they are all like 35 to 42 year-old college educated men and women,?

Or even more so when you go on a flight like Delta or whatever, why are all the stewardesses, these senior like 50 to 60 year-old women who have been in the game for so long?

Leather lasts

So one of the things that is so amazing about my ERIC KIM portfolio bag that I made in Saigon like almost 7 years ago is that it has still stood the test of time from then up until now! Also a huge benefit of leather is that it seems a leather resists smell. For example, now that I am in Cambodia, and I sweat a lot, sweat in the back of my backpack where my clothes, ends up becoming very smelly because of the humidity and moisture here.

Therefore, even my beloved linen, ends up absorbing smells. However which is very interesting is that leather, merino wool, and animal based products seem to resist odor and smell? 

Therefore it seems that there might main downside of polyester is once again, the big issue is that even the most advanced polyester fabrics, accumulate smells?

Leather things, even if you use an abuse them seem to last forever. For example, if you have a leather jacket, or a leather vest, or even leather pants for or whatever… Once again, you could try to burn these things with the fire, And I think leather is also a good fire retardant? I still remember when I bought a fake Gucci wallet when I was in Korea when I was like 19 years old as a kid, the guy who was trying to sell it to me in the dongdaemun market took out his lighter, and tried to set the thing on fire, to prove that it was real leather? Good showmanship.

shoes?

So it seems that the best shoes or things to wear on the bottom of your feet, are Vibra five finger shoes. Yet once again, the big issue here is that they keep wearing out on the bottom because of the rubber.

But maybe I should take this in good Grace, and just realizing that like tires, you just have to naturally change them overtime and it is not a big deal?

Family is forever

Certain things then which become quite evident to me, and which become very very  obvious is then, family is forever. Your blood, your wife your kid, your mom your sister, your whole family. Family could also include friends.

It seems then, the primary issue is when we buy things and invest things or invest time into things which are not forever or not meant to last forever, is simply a efficiency issue. A time efficiency issue.

For example, probably not a good idea to build vampire on top of cotton candy or quicksand. Do you want a strong rock, granite to build your hundred story skyscraper on top of them.

Assuming that bitcoin is like digital granted, cyber granite, I think the awesome thing is understanding that in theory, you could then create a building that is 1 million stories tall but in cyberspace, and you could have like 1 billion tenants? Once again with the Internet with cyber with digital, laws of physics don’t applied therefore economic progress in building is infinite.

My new ambition, I want to become like the new Donald Trump digital cyber real estate but through bitcoin. Reading the art of the deal was one of the best books on business and life that I read, the principles are clear:

1. Always be cost-conscious
2. Ideally get a great location, at a great price. Or better to have a greater location even if it cost a little bit more money. But still you never want to overpay.
3. Even if you don’t have the best thing, with the right amount of marketing, you can make it greater
4. Sell people the dream the fantasy, the ambition, build excitement around it! Things do not sell themselves

Cyber steel, cyber titanium?

Invest the big bucks in the frame, the foundation, the land.

Also with houses, in terms of physics you cannot magically teleport a piece of land elsewhere. Therefore in terms of real estate, always buy a plot of land which is in the most desirable spot? You could always tear down the house and build a new house, but you cannot magically Move the land?

As a consequence assuming you’re gonna buy a house or something, once again… Think location and land. Don’t get suckered by the house itself. Sooner or later all houses will be required to be torn down. You could have like a Japanese Shroyu house which last 300 years, made out of all wood, but even that, better to just buy bitcoin which is like owning property in your pocket, rather than heavy land which you cannot .

Happiness is not the goal?

So I’ve discovered it pretty simple: if you wanna be happy just live in Phnom Penh Cambodia. Vietnam is great as well, but the only downside is I think if you weigh the two options, Phnom Penh is better because it is less populated, quiet, and also, aesthetics of the local Khmer people are lovely.

In terms of cultural differences, Vietnam is all about ancestor worship, whereas the culture of Cambodia is Buddhist at its core I believe? Or the traditional Khmer culture is kind of like to me a combination of zen, simplicity? Ironically enough, Phnom Penh is even more than than Kyoto?

Amor fati

Another thing about Khmer culture is here people’s approach to life is different. There’s a general sense of harmony and happiness with your lot of life. Certainly people want to do stuff and afford themselves and their kids the best life possible. But it is not in this weird American resentful, frenetic, or morose or ironic approach you see in the states. 

I kind of like this idea is that in life, certainly there’s always room for improvement or betterment, but, it could be done in a gradual, peaceful, tranquil zen way?

no SAD in Phnom Penh

I think it is true and evident that if you live in a place like London, the Midwest, New York, or other places where sun is intermittent, then certainly it is true that lack of sun probably affects your mood in a bad way?

Also, I believe that there is also some sort of physiological, pigment based things to consider here.

For example, if you are like from sub-Saharan Africa in descent, and you have darker skin, it probably makes sense that your skin is that way because your ancestors were light in the sun for like 12 hours a day.

Whereas if you’re from like China or Korea or Mongolia, then, your skin is more like olive or white or whatever because the sun is not as strong and it is more intermittent?

What is also interesting about Korea is that we have four distinct seasons: we get snow in winter, but we also get a lovely spring? But also really really hot and humid summer?

Therefore as a consequence, you could withstand the winter but, there is always the promise of a hot and humid summer. Whereas if you live in the UK, it seems that there is only two types of weather: dreary, and extremely dreary.

So why do so many people want to live there? If you live in Europe, or if you were part of the former European Union, it was the easiest way for economic opportunity because if you live in Russia, you don’t have as many opportunities as somebody who lives in London which is like the epicenter of That side of the planet.

Even kind of the annoying thing, we live in the year 2025… And why do time zones still matter so much?

For example I am still kind of a slave to the American time system because once again as I own MSTR stock, it is only traded eastern time zone, so it only starts to trade and the markets open and close while I am asleep? Certainly there are good benefits to this, but also downsize:

Analyze

Analysis of Style: “Forever or Nothing?”

The piece you’ve shared is a stream-of-consciousness exploration of longevity, minimalism, permanence, and rational decision-making, infused with personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and practical advice. Below is a detailed analysis of its style, structure, and thematic elements:

1. Tone and Voice

• Conversational and Reflective: The tone is informal, almost like a personal journal entry or a conversation with a friend. The author (presumably you, ERIC KIM) uses a direct, unfiltered voice, posing rhetorical questions (“Why?”) and sharing personal experiences (e.g., the Lindbergh glasses, the leather portfolio bag).
• Philosophical and Opinionated: The piece blends practical advice with philosophical undertones, drawing from thinkers like Nassim Taleb and Seneca. The author asserts strong opinions (e.g., “The only forever thing is bitcoin,” “Never get a dog”) with a sense of conviction, yet invites reflection by questioning their own assumptions (“Maybe it is not a minimalism thing but seeking forever?”).
• Cultural Commentary: The voice critiques modern consumer culture, American societal norms, and global lifestyle differences (e.g., Cambodia vs. the U.S.), often with a mix of admiration for certain practices (Khmer culture, minimalism) and disdain for others (American service industry, polyester fabrics).

2. Structure and Flow

• Stream-of-Consciousness: The piece lacks a rigid structure, jumping between topics like tires, bitcoin, family, leather, and cultural observations. This mirrors the author’s thought process, creating a dynamic but sometimes disjointed reading experience.
• Headings as Anchors: The use of headings (e.g., “Tires & Rubber,” “Why You Should Never Get a Dog,” “Invest in the Frame”) provides loose organization, breaking the text into digestible sections. However, the transitions between sections are abrupt, relying on the reader to follow the author’s associative leaps.
• Lists and Rules: The author employs concise lists (e.g., “First, never sell the family bitcoin. Second, don’t die childless”) and references Nassim Taleb’s “via negativa” (focusing on what not to do). This gives the piece a practical, actionable feel despite its philosophical bent.
• Repetition and Emphasis: Repeated phrases like “forever,” “entropy,” and “last” reinforce the central theme of seeking permanence in a transient world. Questions like “Why?” and “But why?” create a rhythm that mimics internal debate.

3. Thematic Elements

• Permanence vs. Entropy: The core theme is the tension between the desire for “forever” and the inevitability of chaos and decay (entropy). The author explores this through physical objects (tires, glasses frames, leather), investments (bitcoin), and human legacy (family, genetics).
• Minimalism as a Quest for Longevity: The piece reinterprets minimalism not as owning less but as investing in things that endure (e.g., titanium frames, bitcoin, family). This aligns with the author’s admiration for robust materials and systems.
• Rationality and Via Negativa: Drawing from Nassim Taleb, the author advocates for simple, negative rules to navigate life’s complexity (e.g., “Don’t break the law,” “Don’t die childless”). This reflects a pragmatic, risk-averse philosophy.
• Cultural and Lifestyle Preferences: The piece contrasts life in Cambodia (Phnom Penh) with the U.S., praising the former’s simplicity, youthful energy, and lack of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It also critiques American consumerism and societal structures (e.g., older service workers, dreary weather in the UK).
• Material and Economic Choices: The author emphasizes investing in durable materials (leather, titanium) and cost-efficient strategies (buying used Tesla Model S, purchasing lenses abroad). Bitcoin is positioned as a “cyber granite” foundation for wealth preservation.
• Family and Legacy: Family is framed as a “forever” institution, contrasting with transient pets or material goods. The author argues that having children ensures a genetic legacy, aligning with rational self-preservation.

4. Literary Devices

• Rhetorical Questions: Questions like “Why?” and “Maybe then?” engage the reader and simulate the author’s thought process, inviting reflection without always providing answers.
• Analogies and Metaphors: Bitcoin as “cyber granite,” family as a “forever” institution, and building on “quicksand” vs. “rock” create vivid imagery to convey abstract ideas.
• Hyperbole: Exaggerations like “Phnom Penh is 1,000,000,000,000 times superior to the states” emphasize the author’s enthusiasm and add humor.
• Allusions: References to Nassim Taleb, Seneca, and Donald Trump ground the piece in intellectual and cultural contexts, lending credibility to the author’s arguments.
• Anecdotes: Personal stories (e.g., the Lindbergh glasses, the fake Gucci wallet in Korea) make the piece relatable and ground abstract ideas in lived experience.

5. Strengths

• Authenticity: The unfiltered, personal voice feels genuine, making the piece engaging and relatable.
• Interdisciplinary Scope: The piece seamlessly blends philosophy, economics, materials science, cultural critique, and personal reflection, appealing to a broad audience.
• Actionable Insights: Practical advice (e.g., buy used Tesla Model S, invest in titanium frames) balances the philosophical musings, making the piece useful.
• Cultural Observations: The comparison of Cambodia, Vietnam, and the U.S. offers fresh perspectives on lifestyle and societal norms.

6. Weaknesses

• Lack of Cohesion: The stream-of-consciousness style can feel chaotic, with abrupt topic shifts that may confuse readers expecting a linear argument.
• Overgeneralizations: Claims like “All ethics are aesthetic” or “Never get a dog” are presented without nuance, potentially alienating readers who disagree.
• Repetition: While intentional, the frequent return to themes like entropy and bitcoin can feel redundant.
• Cultural Bias: The piece assumes a universal preference for Cambodian simplicity or bitcoin, which may not resonate with all readers.

7. Intended Audience

• Minimalists and Longevity Seekers: Those interested in minimalism, durability, and long-term thinking will find the piece compelling.
• Bitcoin Enthusiasts: The emphasis on bitcoin as a “forever” asset appeals to cryptocurrency advocates.
• Philosophical Readers: Fans of Nassim Taleb, Seneca, or stoicism will appreciate the via negativa approach and rational framework.
• Global Nomads: The cultural comparisons and praise for Phnom Penh may resonate with expats or travelers seeking alternative lifestyles.

8. Suggestions for Improvement

• Streamline Transitions: Adding brief connecting sentences between sections could improve flow without sacrificing the stream-of-consciousness style.
• Clarify Bold Claims: Nuancing statements like “All ethics are aesthetic” with brief explanations could make them more persuasive.
• Organize by Priority: Grouping related ideas (e.g., materials, family, bitcoin) into larger sections might enhance clarity.
• Engage Counterarguments: Addressing potential objections (e.g., why some prefer pets or non-bitcoin investments) could broaden the piece’s appeal.

9. Key Takeaways

The piece is a vibrant, opinionated exploration of seeking “forever” in a world governed by entropy. It advocates for:

• Investing in durable materials (leather, titanium) and systems (bitcoin, family).
• Following simple, negative rules (via negativa) to navigate life.
• Prioritizing cost-efficiency and longevity in purchases (used Tesla, lenses abroad).
• Embracing lifestyles and cultures (e.g., Cambodia) that align with simplicity and happiness.

The style is raw, engaging, and thought-provoking, though its freeform nature may challenge readers seeking structure. It’s a manifesto for those who value permanence, rationality, and intentional living in an impermanent world.

If you’d like me to analyze specific sections in more depth, compare this piece to another text, or refine it further, let me know!

Summary bullet numbered list

Summary of “Forever or Nothing?” (Bullet Numbered List)

1. Quest for Permanence: The author reframes minimalism as a pursuit of “forever” rather than just owning less, seeking enduring assets and legacies.
2. Bitcoin as Eternal: Bitcoin is presented as the only “forever” asset, immune to entropy, unlike physical materials like leather or polyester.
3. Entropy and Materials: All physical objects (e.g., tires, rubber) succumb to entropy; even high-quality items require replacement due to wear (e.g., rubber loss for grip).
4. Against Pets: The author advises against owning dogs or cats due to their finite lifespans and lack of procreation, contrasting them with human children who carry genetic legacies.
5. Family as Forever: Having children ensures a lasting genetic heritage, aligning with rational self-preservation.
6. Via Negativa Rules: Inspired by Nassim Taleb, the author proposes simple negative rules: (1) Never sell family bitcoin, (2) Don’t die childless.
7. Ethical Flexibility: Ethics are subjective (“aesthetic”), so personal ethical choices are paramount, provided one avoids illegal actions.
8. Invest in Durability: Prioritize robust materials like titanium (e.g., Lindbergh glasses frames) or leather (e.g., portfolio bag) for longevity.
9. Cost-Efficient Strategies: Buy used Tesla Model S (2-3 years old with yoke steering) for value and durability; purchase glasses lenses abroad for quality at lower cost.
10. Vehicle Longevity: Toyota/Lexus frames may last longer than Tesla’s glued battery systems; focus on the frame and location in real estate.
11. Cultural Praise for Cambodia: Phnom Penh is lauded for its simplicity, youthful energy, and lack of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), surpassing U.S. and UK lifestyles.
12. Leather’s Superiority: Leather resists odor and endures abuse, unlike polyester or linen, making it ideal for bags, jackets, and other goods.
13. Shoes and Wear: Vibram FiveFinger shoes wear out like tires, but this is acceptable as part of their function.
14. Bitcoin as Cyber Real Estate: Bitcoin is likened to “cyber granite,” a foundation for infinite digital growth, with the author aspiring to be a digital real estate mogul.
15. Business Principles: Drawing from Donald Trump’s Art of the Deal, prioritize cost-consciousness, prime locations, marketing, and selling the dream.
16. Amor Fati and Khmer Culture: Cambodian culture embodies harmony and acceptance of one’s lot, offering a tranquil approach to life’s improvements.
17. Sun and Mood: Lack of sunlight in places like the UK or Midwest causes SAD; Cambodia’s consistent sun and Khmer skin pigmentation align with happier living.
18. Time Zone Frustrations: Global time zones (e.g., U.S. stock market hours) limit flexibility for those living abroad, highlighting inefficiencies in 2025’s global systems.