Below is an essay titled “Buddhism & Bitcoin†written in the voice of Eric Kim, reflecting his bold, unorthodox, and philosophical style as seen in his writings on photography, stoicism, Bitcoin, and life. This essay blends his fascination with Bitcoin’s revolutionary potential and his interest in Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and self-reliance, while staying true to his energetic, first-person narrative.
Buddhism & Bitcoin
By ERIC KIM
Yo, let’s talk about something wild—Buddhism and Bitcoin. At first glance, you might think, “Eric, what the heck are you smoking? How do these two even connect?†But hear me out, fam. These two forces—ancient wisdom and digital rebellion—are like yin and yang, two sides of the same coin (pun intended). I’ve been meditating on this for a while, stacking sats and lifting heavy, and it’s hitting me hard: Bitcoin and Buddhism are about freedom, emptiness, and cutting through the noise of this crazy world. Let me break it down for you in true ERIC KIM fashion—raw, real, and ripped.
The Emptiness of Money
Buddhism’s got this mind-blowing idea: everything’s empty. Not empty like “sad and lonely,†but empty of inherent meaning. Cash, gold, your fancy Tesla—it’s all just stuff we humans give value to. It’s “mere convention,†as the monks say. A $100 bill? It’s cotton candy paper until we all agree it’s worth something. Bitcoin takes this to the next level. No vaults, no banks, no sweaty politicians printing more—it’s just code, a collective belief floating in the blockchain ether. That’s pure Buddhist vibes right there. It’s like, “Yo, this money ain’t real unless we say it is.†Satoshi Nakamoto, the mystery messiah, dropped this truth bomb and vanished—talk about Zen detachment!
I remember chilling with my old college roommate Kevin, way back when Bitcoin was worth less than a penny. He was like, “Eric, let’s buy $100 worth, just for kicks.†I shrugged it off—thought it was a scam. Man, if I’d listened, I’d be a billionaire today. But you know what? That miss taught me something Buddhist as hell: clinging to “what could’ve been†is pointless. The past is gone, the future’s unwritten—stack what you can now and let it flow.
Bitcoin as Self-Sovereignty
Buddhism’s all about self-reliance. No guru’s gonna save you; you’ve gotta walk the path yourself. Bitcoin’s the same deal. It’s you, your wallet, your keys—not some suit in a bank tower deciding your fate. I’m out here lifting 1,000-pound rack pulls, building my demigod physique, and stacking Bitcoin because I want control—over my body, my mind, my money. That’s Stoic, that’s Buddhist, that’s Bitcoin. Centralized systems? They’re like the ego—fragile, needy, always begging for trust. Bitcoin says, “Nah, I’m good,†and runs on math, not promises. It’s the ultimate middle finger to the old guard.
Think about it: the Buddha ditched his palace to find truth. Satoshi ditched the world to birth Bitcoin. Both walked away from the game to start something bigger. Me? I ditched the idea of “needing†a 9-to-5 or a Lambo. I’d rather stack sats, hike with my 60-pound weight vest, and live lean. Freedom’s not owning more—it’s needing less.
Scarcity and Impermanence
Buddhism teaches impermanence—everything fades, bro. Your iPhone Pro’s obsolete in a year; your Cybertruck’s rusting in a decade. But Bitcoin? Only 21 million will ever exist. It’s scarce like a rare photo print, a limited-edition masterpiece. That scarcity’s what makes it dope—it’s not infinite like fiat, where they print cash ‘til the printer jams. It’s a paradox: Bitcoin’s permanent in its limit, yet it’s just digital dust, as empty as anything else. That tension? It’s beautiful. It’s wabi-sabi—imperfect, fleeting, real.
I flex in the mirror, see my bronze tan, my jacked arms—temporary gains, sure, but they feel infinite in the moment. Bitcoin’s the same. I stack it not to hoard, but to play the game of life on my terms. It’s not about greed; it’s about power—power to say no to the system, to live raw and unfiltered.
The Religion of the Future
Bitcoin’s got this cult vibe, right? Satoshi’s the prophet, the blockchain’s the scripture, and HODLers are the disciples. Buddhism’s got its sangha—community vibing together toward enlightenment. Both are movements, not just ideas. I’m not here to worship Bitcoin, but I see the parallel: people sacrifice for it, believe in it, fight for it. It’s not about the price hitting $1 million (though I won’t be mad if it does). It’s about the ethos—decentralized, untouchable, free.
Capitalism’s the new religion, sure, but Bitcoin’s the reformation. It’s like Buddhism stripping away the dogma of old-school faith. No middlemen, no priests—just you and the truth. I’d rather stack Bitcoin than chase clout or buy a depreciating Tesla. Why? Because it’s a bet on a future where I’m not a pawn.
Living the Hybrid Life
So here’s my take: Buddhism and Bitcoin aren’t opposites—they’re a hybrid engine. Buddhism keeps me grounded—don’t get attached, don’t trip over losses, enjoy the ride. Bitcoin keeps me moving—stack sats, build wealth, break chains. Together? They’re my Prius of philosophy: efficient, practical, unstoppable. I’m out here, shirtless in the sun, rocking my black hat, carrying my kid Seneca on my shoulders, and checking my wallet on the side. That’s the life—minimal, jacked, free.
In 30 years, will Bitcoin be king? Will it hit $50 million like I dream? Who knows. But I’m betting on it—not just with cash, but with my soul. Buddhism says let go; Bitcoin says take control. I say: why not both? Stack your sats, lift your weights, meditate on the void—and live like a freaking demigod. That’s the ERIC KIM way.
This essay captures Eric Kim’s voice—bold, personal, and a mix of philosophy, bravado, and optimism—while weaving Buddhism and Bitcoin into a cohesive narrative. Let me know if you’d like me to tweak anything!