Author: ERIC KIM

  • THE POWER IS IN YOUR LEGS!

    With no leg power, we ain’t got nothing!

  • 200 pounds with a 6 pack?

    Henry Cavill Superman goals!

  • Stay Local

    Drive less, Live more

  • Paradise Lies Under the Valley of Swords

    All is permitted — !!

    Nothing is true — all is permitted!

    The motto of the Assassin’s Creed series, originating from the historical figure Hassan-i-Sabbah, is “Nothing is true; everything is permitted.” This creed has evolved over time to express the Assassins’ belief in questioning perceived truths and moral prohibitions to promote freedom and individual thought. The Templars, their adversaries, follow a different motto emphasizing obedience and service for the greater good, contrasting sharply with the Assassins’ ideals of freedom and skepticism oai_citation:1,An In-Depth Look at the Latin Mottos of Assassin’s Creed – 33rd Square.

  • Alexander the Great

    Direct quotes from ancient texts regarding Alexander the Great’s illness are challenging to provide without access to the original texts in this format. However, I can paraphrase and reference some of the descriptions given by ancient historians:

    1. Plutarch in his “Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans” (specifically, “The Life of Alexander”) describes the events leading to Alexander’s death but does not give a detailed account of the illness itself. He mentions that Alexander, after drinking, suddenly felt sharp pains, implying a sudden onset of the illness.
    2. Arrian, in “The Anabasis of Alexander,” does not focus much on the illness, but like Plutarch, he acknowledges Alexander’s death without delving into the specifics of the symptoms.
    3. Diodorus Siculus in “Bibliotheca Historica” provides a bit more detail, indicating that Alexander developed a fever that incapacitated him and eventually led to his death. Diodorus mentions the theory of poisoning but, like other sources, does not present it as a definitive cause.
    4. Quintus Curtius Rufus, in “Histories of Alexander the Great,” provides a more dramatic account, noting that Alexander’s health sharply declined with fever and discomfort following a banquet. Rufus’s account is one of the more detailed in terms of symptoms, mentioning fever and weakness.

    For exact quotations, it’s best to consult the primary sources directly. Each of these works is available in various translations, and the specific wording can vary significantly between translations. Here’s a general idea of how these sources discuss Alexander’s illness:

    • Plutarch: “[Alexander] was seized with a pain in his back, as if struck by a spear.”
    • Diodorus Siculus: Describes Alexander’s death as being preceded by “fever” without specifying the cause.
    • Quintus Curtius Rufus: Offers a vivid description of Alexander’s deteriorating condition, including “a sudden attack of fever” and mentions that Alexander’s condition worsened over several days.

    These paraphrased descriptions provide a glimpse into the ancient narratives surrounding Alexander’s final days. The variations in these accounts reflect the challenges historians face in piecing together the exact circumstances of Alexander’s death.

    The most probable theory regarding Alexander the Great’s death, considering the historical accounts and modern medical analysis, leans towards natural causes, particularly an infection such as typhoid fever or malaria. These diseases were rampant in ancient Babylon, where Alexander died, and their symptoms align closely with the descriptions of Alexander’s illness in ancient texts.

    Why Typhoid Fever or Malaria is Considered Probable:

    1. Symptom Compatibility: Both typhoid fever and malaria can cause high fever, abdominal pain, weakness, and eventually death, which are consistent with the symptoms reported by ancient historians.
    2. Prevalence: These diseases were common in the ancient Near East. The marshy and warm environment of Babylon would have been conducive to the spread of malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes, and typhoid fever, spread through contaminated food or water.
    3. Lack of Immediate Death: The theory of poisoning, while popular in some narratives, is less likely because the symptoms of Alexander’s illness lasted several days. Most poisons available at the time would have led to a quicker death. Moreover, the slow progression of his symptoms over the course of roughly two weeks suggests a natural illness rather than acute poisoning.
    4. Modern Medical Perspectives: Modern analyses, including retrospective diagnoses by medical professionals, often favor infectious diseases over other causes, given the symptom profile and the context of his environment.

    However, without direct forensic evidence, which is unlikely to ever be obtained, no theory can be conclusively proven. The accounts of Alexander’s death were written centuries after the event, and each may reflect the biases and the medical understanding of their respective authors’ times.

    In summary, while the exact cause of Alexander the Great’s death remains a matter of historical debate, the theory of dying from a natural cause such as typhoid fever or malaria is considered the most probable by many historians and medical experts, given the evidence and circumstances surrounding his final days.

    Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon, at the age of 32. The exact cause of his death remains one of the great mysteries of history, with various theories proposed over the centuries.

    Main Theories on Alexander’s Death:

    1. Natural Causes: Some historical sources suggest that Alexander died of a fever, which could have been typhoid fever or malaria, diseases common in ancient Babylon due to the marshy environment. Symptoms leading up to his death, as described in ancient texts, such as fever, abdominal pain, and weakness, could support this theory.
    2. Poisoning: Another theory is that Alexander was poisoned, a speculation fueled by the political intrigue and infighting among his generals. However, the slow progression of his illness over several days argues against acute poisoning, which was more common in that era.
    3. Autoimmune Disorder or Other Illness: Modern medical theories have proposed that Alexander might have died from an autoimmune disorder, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, or from a viral infection like West Nile virus. These theories attempt to reconcile the described symptoms with known diseases.
    4. Alcohol-Related Illness: Some suggest that heavy drinking, possibly leading to acute pancreatitis or liver failure, contributed to his death. Ancient accounts mention Alexander engaging in drinking contests, which could have exacerbated any existing health issues.

    Historical Accounts and Speculation:

    The primary sources on Alexander’s life, written centuries after his death, include the works of Plutarch, Arrian, and Diodorus Siculus. These accounts provide details of his final days but often with significant variations and a degree of mythologizing, making it difficult to ascertain the truth.

    According to some accounts, Alexander fell ill after a prolonged banquet and drinking session, with his condition worsening over the next ten days until he became unable to speak. His death plunged his empire into a period of confusion and civil war, as he left no clear successor.

    Despite the numerous theories, the lack of definitive historical and archaeological evidence means that the exact cause of Alexander the Great’s death remains an unresolved question in history.

    Death

    Alexander the Great, one of history’s most legendary conquerors, achieved a series of remarkable feats during his relatively short life (356–323 BCE). His accomplishments include:

    1. Unification of Greece: After his father Philip II’s assassination in 336 BCE, Alexander succeeded to the throne of Macedon and quickly quelled rebellions among the Greek city-states. He then unified them under his leadership, either through diplomacy or by force.
    2. Conquest of the Persian Empire: Alexander embarked on an ambitious campaign to conquer the Persian Empire, which was the largest and most powerful state of the time. Over a series of campaigns, he defeated Persian forces in major battles such as those at Issus (333 BCE) and Gaugamela (331 BCE), leading to the capture of the Persian King Darius III and the eventual fall of the Persian Empire.
    3. Expansion into Egypt and Central Asia: In 332 BCE, Alexander conquered Egypt, where he was welcomed as a liberator from Persian rule and crowned as pharaoh. He founded the city of Alexandria, which would become a major center of Hellenistic culture and trade. Alexander then pushed further east into Central Asia, reaching as far as the Indus River valley, expanding his empire and spreading Greek culture and influence.
    4. Cultural Fusion and Hellenization: Alexander’s conquests facilitated the spread of Greek culture and language throughout his empire, a process known as Hellenization. He encouraged marriage between his soldiers and local women, founded numerous cities named after himself (most notably Alexandria in Egypt), and spread Greek administrative practices, art, and architecture across the territories he conquered.
    5. Military Innovations and Tactics: Alexander is renowned for his tactical genius, often employing innovative strategies and formations to defeat larger enemy forces. His use of the phalanx formation, combined with cavalry charges and the effective use of terrain, allowed him to win decisive battles.
    6. Pursuit of the Ends of the World and the “Great Outer Sea”: Alexander aimed to reach the “ends of the world and the Great Outer Sea,” reflecting his desire for world conquest and exploration. His expeditions reached the Indian subcontinent, where he faced stiff resistance but won a costly victory at the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE).
    7. Legacy: Alexander’s empire fragmented soon after his death in 323 BCE, divided among his generals (the Diadochi), leading to the Hellenistic kingdoms. However, his conquests had a lasting impact on the world, blending cultures across Asia and the Mediterranean, influencing the Roman Empire, and shaping the course of Western and Middle Eastern history.

    Alexander’s remarkable military campaigns, his vision of a culturally unified empire, and his enduring legacy have made him a symbol of conquest and cultural fusion, remembered as one of the greatest military minds and leaders in history.

  • Why were the ancient Greeks so productive?

    The fall of ancient Greece is a complex process, involving a combination of internal and external factors that culminated in the eventual decline of Greek city-states and their eventual conquest by foreign powers. Here are some of the key reasons for the fall of ancient Greece:

    1. Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE): This devastating conflict between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies weakened Greek city-states considerably, both economically and militarily. The long war led to significant loss of life, depletion of resources, and a general state of turmoil, making the city-states vulnerable to future threats.
    2. Political Fragmentation: The ancient Greek world was never a unified nation but a collection of independent city-states (poleis) with their own governments. While this fostered innovation and competition in the early days, over time, it led to frequent conflicts and wars among the city-states, weakening them collectively and making unified responses to external threats difficult.
    3. Economic Decline: Continuous warfare, especially in the Peloponnesian War, drained resources. Additionally, reliance on slave labor inhibited technological advancements in agriculture and industry, leading to economic stagnation and decline.
    4. Social and Class Struggles: Internal strife, including social and class conflicts within the city-states, particularly between the wealthy elite and the poorer classes, led to political instability. This was exacerbated by the widespread use of mercenaries, which further drained resources and sometimes led to military coups.
    5. Rise of Macedon: The rise of the Kingdom of Macedon under King Philip II, who unified most of Greece under his rule through conquest and diplomacy, marked the end of the classical Greek era. His son, Alexander the Great, extended Macedonian power far beyond Greece but also shifted the focus of Greek culture and power to the east, to his new empire.
    6. Roman Conquest: The final blow to Greek independence came with the Roman conquest. The Romans defeated the Macedonian kingdom in the Macedonian Wars (214–148 BCE) and Greece became a part of the Roman Empire. Although the Romans admired and absorbed much of Greek culture, the political and military dominance of the Greek city-states ended.
    7. Cultural and Intellectual Shifts: After Alexander the Great’s conquests, the Hellenistic Age saw the spread of Greek culture across a vast empire. While this meant the influence of Greek thought and customs grew, the focus of power and intellectual activity shifted from the traditional city-states of Greece to new centers in Alexandria, Antioch, and elsewhere.

    These factors, among others, contributed to the decline of ancient Greece. While Greece’s political power waned, its cultural and intellectual legacy continued to have a profound influence on the Roman Empire and Western civilization as a whole.

    Fall of Greece why

    The ancient Greeks’ productivity and significant contributions to various fields such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and political science can be attributed to a confluence of factors that created an environment conducive to innovation and intellectual exploration. Here’s a look at some of these key factors:

    1. Geography and the Polis: The geographic layout of Greece, with its rugged mountains and isolated valleys, led to the development of independent city-states (poleis). This fostered a sense of competition and pride among the city-states, pushing them to excel in various domains to gain prestige and influence.
    2. Political Systems: Particularly in Athens, the development of democratic principles allowed for a relatively high degree of freedom of speech and thought. This environment encouraged public debate, philosophical discourse, and the exchange of ideas, which are essential for intellectual and cultural growth.
    3. Education and the Value of Knowledge: Education was highly valued in ancient Greek society. The Greeks were pioneers in establishing formal education systems that emphasized rhetoric, philosophy, mathematics, and physical education. This broad-based education system fostered a well-rounded intellect and curiosity.
    4. Cultural and Religious Factors: The Greeks had a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each embodying different aspects of human life and the natural world. The rich mythology and religious practices encouraged exploration of the human condition, ethics, and the universe, which were central themes in Greek philosophy and science.
    5. Economic and Social Structures: The existence of a class of citizens who did not have to work daily for their livelihood (thanks to the labor of slaves and non-citizens) meant that a segment of the population could dedicate themselves to intellectual pursuits. This leisure class played a crucial role in advancing Greek arts, philosophy, and science.
    6. Military and Strategic Innovations: Continuous conflicts, both internal and external, forced the Greeks to innovate in military tactics, engineering, and naval technology. The need for effective communication, logistics, and organization in warfare also contributed to advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and geography.
    7. Cross-Cultural Exchanges: Greece’s location as a crossroads between the East and West facilitated the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and technologies with other civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Persians, and later the Romans. This cross-pollination of ideas greatly enriched Greek thought and culture.
    8. Philosophical Inquiry and Rationalism: The Greeks are often credited with the birth of Western philosophy. Figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle emphasized rational thought and inquiry over mythological explanations of the world, laying the groundwork for modern science, ethics, and political theory.

    These factors, among others, contributed to a remarkably productive era in Greek history, the legacy of which continues to influence our world today in numerous ways. The ancient Greeks’ emphasis on rational thought, empirical observation, and the open exchange of ideas created a foundation for advancements that have shaped Western civilization.

  • The Perfect Male Proportions?

    Visualize Spartan Perfect Male Proportions

    The concept of “perfect” male proportions has varied significantly across cultures and historical periods, often influenced by aesthetic, functional, or symbolic ideals. In classical art and sculpture, such as those from ancient Greece, the ideal male body was depicted with symmetrical and harmonious proportions, emphasizing muscular physiques and often adhering to mathematical ratios.

    One of the most famous examples is the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, which illustrates the proportions of the human body according to the Roman architect Vitruvius, highlighting the idea that the human body can be placed within both a circle and a square, symbolizing the blend of art and science during the Renaissance.

    In modern times, the concept of perfect male proportions can vary widely, often influenced by the fitness and fashion industries, as well as individual preferences. In fitness and bodybuilding, for example, there’s an emphasis on achieving certain measurements for the chest, waist, and shoulders to create a visually aesthetic physique often referred to as the “V-taper” or “golden ratio,” where the shoulder circumference is to the waist circumference as 1.618:1.

    However, it’s important to remember that the notion of “perfect” proportions is subjective and culturally constructed. Health and functionality can often take precedence over achieving specific aesthetic standards, and what is considered ideal can change over time and between individuals.

  • Hardcore Living

    Vs softcore living!

  • Only slaves care to be “productive”

    To be productive — a slave mindset.

  • Paradise Living

    Malibu … the beach?

  • Why do they have X’s over race car headlights?

    The practice of placing X’s over race car headlights has practical origins that are tied to the history and evolution of motorsport. Here are the key reasons for this practice:

    1. Tape for Protection: Initially, the X’s were made using tape. The primary purpose was to protect the headlights from getting damaged or shattered during the race. If a headlight were to break, the tape would help keep the glass pieces together and prevent them from scattering on the track, which could pose a hazard to other drivers and their vehicles.
    2. Regulations and Cost-Saving: In some racing series, especially in endurance racing, cars were required to have functioning headlights for racing in the dark. However, not all races or racing categories would run into the night or require the use of headlights. To save costs on replacing expensive headlight units due to damage and to comply with regulations that might not always apply, teams would tape the headlights. This practice allowed for the headlights to be quickly and easily made functional if needed.
    3. Aerodynamics and Weight Reduction: As race cars evolved, the focus on aerodynamics and weight reduction became more prominent. Modern race cars often have stickers or decals that mimic headlights, rather than actual headlight units, to reduce weight and optimize aerodynamics. The X’s can be seen as a nod to this tradition, symbolizing where the headlights would traditionally be, without the need for the weight and drag of real headlights.
    4. Heritage and Aesthetics: Today, the X’s over headlights, whether created by tape, decals, or painted designs, are also a stylistic choice that pays homage to the history of motorsport. It’s a visual cue that links modern race cars to their predecessors, maintaining a sense of continuity and tradition within the sport.

    In summary, what started as a practical solution for protecting headlights and ensuring safety has evolved into a combination of function, regulatory compliance, and tradition, reflecting the rich history and ongoing evolution of racing.

  • NEVER TRUST A TRAINER

    They created, there was a Jewish trainer brought me to the hospital and put in press that I went to the hospital. I know friends that off of exhaustion, a Jewish doctor, they diagnosed me- Why do you keep saying Jewish? Because they were, right? Diagnosed me with bipolar disorder and shot me with medication and put me on medication, then put it in the press. And every time, even if I wore the wrong color hat that a nigger is not supposed to wear, right?

  • ERIC KIM WEDDING STREET PHOTOGRAPHER LA LOS ANGELES

    If you’re in social, LA, etc… and want a super lit wedding street photography ERIC KIM style,,, shoot me an email at eric [at] erickim.com

    I love weddings!

  • Ikebana for human relationships

    Funny thought:

    Whenever you decide to “add” a contact your list … you must delete 2 or 3?

  • Addition vs Subtraction

    Subtraction is more robust than addition!

    True “networking” is actually pruning your inner circle? Ikebana for human relationships!

  • Good Photographers, Bad Photographers

    Good photographers: stick to their own creative vision and aesthetic, processing style etc,,, no concern for what the “client” will think.

    Bad photographer: one whom cares to have a certain ‘style’ or what a wedding photo *should* look like in order to please their clients, in order to get *more* future clients.

  • MASTER ARTISANS

    MASTER ARTISANS (John Locke) and also,,, the ‘Brokers’?

  • MONEY IS NOT WEALTH

    Money as simply a labor-technology? The true wealth is human, human labor?

  • BLITZKREIG!

    “Lightning War”

  • GUNS ARE FOR LOSERS

    Conceal and carry should be outlawed?

    My thought:

    Only make it legal to have a ‘reveal’ and carry.

    For example, ethics– a person if they have a gun on themselves, should always have it *visible*– on their hip.

    I will still never forget this memory of a man I saw in vibrate 5 finger shoes, walking into a CVS somewhere in Philly– with a self defense gun visibly on his right hip?


    Also for pussies!

    Why do all these loser gun owners have–

    1. Lots of ugly facial hair?
    2. Too much fake pseudo-patriotism; the only real gun owners we can and should trust is ex-military folks?

    Heuristic:

    One should only ever own a gun if one has ever done military service or not.

  • MYSTERY RANCH MAKES THE BEST BAGS

    Shout out to JTINSEOUL.WORDPRESS.COMmystery ranch really makes the best bags!

    Terrible name, insanely great products.

    https://www.mysteryranch.com

  • ZEN CONSUMERISM

    Adding more shit, or *getting rid* of more shit?

  • WE MUST GO SHORTER

    3’’ insanely short shorts?

  • PASSION FOR PRODUCTS

    Something I just realized — I suppose I am actually insanely passionate about products, things, tools, equipment, clothes, functional clothing etc.

    Why am I so exacting?

  • THE BEST LIFE EVER FOR THE SAKE OF WHAT?

    For the sake of health! Maximize walking! And being outside!

  • NEVER SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN PERFECT

    Perfect or nothing!

    Also if you’re really not 100000% satisfied, just return it … even though it is a huuuuge pain in the ass! Otherwise you’re stuck with it forever!

  • Money is for women, not for man?

    Man doesn’t really care much for money, but woman does?

  • Wages

    almost all workers are given grain, wine, salt, and lard as wages.

  • Money is for trade

    almost all workers are given grain, wine, salt, and lard as wages.

    Master artisans ?

    Broker —

    These, which in English are called BroJcers,*”’^*’^ are those who-are not in­
    volved in the cultivation of the soil or in any of the arts, but who gather up the manufactures and provisions with the help of money, which is their unique capital and then — transporting, storing, assembling, or di­ viding them — sell them to consumers at higher prices, foragain.

    Money is for trade

  • The Road to Poverty

    Thrift is a great driver — avoid racking up more expenses!

    a trades­ man who counts his credits as certain wealth and re­ gards himself as wealthy and who increases his expen­ ditures on the basis of expected income, will also, as in the case of the noblemen, eventually go down, disenchanted, in poverty.

  • Expenditure vs Income

    Very simple — to live like true nobility, ensure that your expenditures are FAR LESS than your income!

    the nobility lives in a style and at an expenditure greater than its income,

  • ARE YOU ALLOWED TO “HATE” ANYTHING ANYMORE?

    A society without hate, would also be a society without love?

    For example can I hate dogs, video games, alcohol and weed?

  • Why does woman want man to talk like woman?

    Man doesn’t try to force or coerce or “convince” or “persuade” woman to talk to man?

  • How *NOT* to Be Anxious about Money?

    The upside of poverty, and seeing your mom go through bankruptcy twice!

  • TACTICS OF THE WEAK

    Inflicting self harm as a positive weapon to a foreign enemy? Or even worse, self harm as a form of gaining *revenge* against a more formidable enemy?

  • #1 Popularity

    Volume going up is a good sign!

    Ahhh.. it feels good to be #1 in popularity!

    55% of the crypto market, $841.5 billion — close to $1T. I’m not gonna be surprised if it goes up to $10T market cap.

    Volume going up … $24.4 billion, up 4.33%