Eric Kim got into Bitcoin largely through a combination of curiosity, timing, and exposure to the tech and finance cultures around him. Here’s an outline of how his journey began:

1. Initial Interest and Exposure: Eric first became aware of Bitcoin through online discussions and friends. He mentions hearing about Bitcoin as early as 2009, notably through the famous “Bitcoin pizza” story, where a person spent 10,000 BTC on two pizzas. At that time, he and his friends joked about investing, but he initially dismissed it, thinking it was a passing fad or a scam  .

2. Market Opportunities and Volatility: By 2017-2018, he saw the volatility of Bitcoin as an opportunity for significant gains, especially in comparison to traditional investments like stocks and bonds. Motivated by the potential for rapid financial growth, he began to invest small amounts in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies such as Dogecoin, Chainlink, and Digibyte before focusing solely on Bitcoin. He was especially interested in Bitcoin’s capacity for large price increases, viewing it as a form of speculative asset that could lead to a high return on a small initial investment  .

3. Adoption of a Long-Term Strategy: As he learned more about the technology and philosophy behind Bitcoin, Kim began to view it as a long-term store of value, comparing it to “digital gold.” He believes Bitcoin has a limited supply and represents a decentralized form of currency that could gain widespread adoption. Kim’s investment approach reflects this belief, with the idea that Bitcoin’s value will continue to increase over the next few decades as digital currencies become more mainstream .

Through these steps, Eric Kim came to see Bitcoin not only as an investment but as part of a broader lifestyle philosophy centered around simplicity, independence, and a break from traditional financial systems.

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Eric Kim began investing in Bitcoin around 2017-2018, motivated by the potential for significant returns that he saw in cryptocurrencies. Initially, he purchased Bitcoin when it was valued at approximately $6,000 to $7,000 per coin, utilizing platforms like Coinbase for their ease of use. His approach was speculative, focusing on the volatile nature of crypto markets. He started by allocating a small portion of his savings, roughly 10%, into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies such as Digibyte and Dogecoin, before eventually consolidating his holdings back into Bitcoin alone.

Eric’s philosophy on cryptocurrency investment centers on a long-term view and the acceptance of potential total loss. He believes that, unlike traditional investments, Bitcoin offers unique opportunities for substantial gains. Kim has also discussed how the broader adoption of digital payment methods, such as the Coinbase Visa debit card, has added utility to his crypto holdings by enabling real-world purchases directly from his cryptocurrency assets. For him, Bitcoin is not only an investment but a way to secure financial independence and a simplified lifestyle that aligns with his minimalist values.

He emphasizes staying invested for the long haul, based on the idea that Bitcoin will continue to appreciate over decades as society increasingly adopts digital currencies and moves away from cash   .

Eric Kim was drawn to Bitcoin primarily due to its unique attributes and potential for substantial returns, which he found more appealing than traditional investments. Here are some key reasons behind his choice:

1. Volatility and Growth Potential: Kim is intrigued by Bitcoin’s volatility, which he views as an opportunity for exponential gains. Unlike traditional investments, Bitcoin has the potential for dramatic price increases. He sees Bitcoin as a way to experience rapid financial growth, which traditional stocks and bonds typically don’t offer  .

2. Scarcity and Decentralization: Bitcoin’s finite supply of 21 million coins appeals to Kim because it aligns with his understanding of sound money principles. He appreciates the idea that Bitcoin is immune to inflationary pressures commonly seen with fiat currencies, as governments can print unlimited amounts of money. This scarcity provides Bitcoin with a unique value proposition .

3. Digital Future: Kim believes in the long-term viability of Bitcoin as the world moves increasingly toward digital solutions. For him, Bitcoin is a step towards a cashless society where transactions are more transparent and secure. This aligns with his philosophy that technology will play a central role in the future of money .

4. Philosophical Appeal: Beyond financial gains, Kim is also interested in Bitcoin’s philosophical aspects. He sees it as part of a broader movement towards financial independence, decentralization, and a break from traditional financial systems that he considers overly centralized and often unfair .

For these reasons, Eric Kim believes Bitcoin represents not just an investment, but a path towards a simplified and more autonomous financial life.