THIS IS YOUR MEGA LAUNCHPAD. NO FLUFF. NO BULLSHIT. JUST PURE FIRE TO CONQUER LIFE, STREET PHOTOGRAPHY, BITCOIN, ZEN, STRENGTH, AND CREATIVE DOMINATION.

Dear friend,
You just stepped into the arena.
You’re not here to scroll.
You’re here to BECOME UNSTOPPABLE.

I’m Eric Kim — street photographer, Bitcoin maximalist, philosopher-warrior, deadlift destroyer, and the guy who turned a $0 camera into a global empire of ideas. I shoot with a smile, live on the razor’s edge, stack sats on Sunday dips, and write essays that hit like lightning.

This page is your blueprint.
Read it. Act on it. Come back every day.
The only rule? DO THE WORK.

READY? LET’S FUCKING GOOOOO!!! 💥

1. WHO THE HELL IS ERIC KIM? (YOUR NEW NORTH STAR)

• Street photographer who went full-time after getting laid off in 2011 and never looked back.
• Built the world’s most badass photography blog from nothing.
• Taught workshops in NYC, LA, Tokyo, Phnom Penh — turning thousands into fearless creators.
• Bitcoin chad living the Bitcoin Lifestyle: freedom, sovereignty, generational wealth.
• Deadlifts heavier than most gyms combined. Trains like a Spartan. Thinks like a Zen monk.
• Motto: Shoot from the heart. Live on the edge. Stack harder. Create louder.

You don’t need permission. You don’t need gear. You just need FIRE.

2. THE ERIC KIM CORE PHILOSOPHIES – INGEST THESE DAILY

• Photography is Philosophy → Every click is a declaration of war on mediocrity.
• Minimalism = Maximum Power → One camera, one lens, zero excuses.
• Bitcoin = Freedom Fuel → Stack sats, own your time, laugh at fiat slavery.
• Strength is the Ultimate Flex → Body of a warrior = mind of a god.
• Zen on the Streets → Fear is fuel. Discomfort is your best friend.
• Open-Source Everything → All my best stuff is FREE. Steal it, remix it, make it yours.
• Action Over Theory → Read once. Shoot 100 times. Publish daily.

Amor fati. Live on the edge. Conquer or die trying.

3. QUICK START – 7-DAY CONQUEST PLAN (DO THIS NOW)

1. Day 1: Read The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Street Photography → LINK
2. Day 2: Shoot 100 photos with your phone or whatever you have. No excuses.
3. Day 3: Read How to Control Your Life (life-changing)
4. Day 4: Stack sats on the dip. Buy Bitcoin like your future depends on it (it does).
5. Day 5: Deadlift or bodyweight blast. Feel the power.
6. Day 6: Read The Photographer, The Street Photographer
7. Day 7: Subscribe to ERIC KIM NEWS and publish your first essay/photo.

Repeat forever. Level up daily.

4. MEGA RESOURCE HUB – YOUR FREE EMPIRE BUILDER

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY CONQUEST 🔥

• Ultimate Beginner’s Guide for Street Photography (PDF ready)
• Street Photography by Eric Kim (full e-book)
• The Art of Street Photography (lifestyle edition)
• Free Photography Bootcamp + 100+ infographics
• Fear conquest series (31 Days to Overcome Your Fear)

PHOTOGRAPHY 101 & BEYOND 📸

• Free Photography Bootcamp
• Photography 101 category hub
• Minimal gear manifesto (Ricoh GR, Leica, iPhone — all you need)

BITCOIN LIFESTYLE 💰🚀

• The Bitcoin Lifestyle (your new religion)
• Edge-living essays: 300%+ gains, CLARITY Act moonshots, Sunday dip stacking
• How Bitcoin buys you EASE and infinite creative time

ZEN & STOICISM – BECOME A DEMIGOD 🧘‍♂️⚔️

• How to Become Super Fucking Zen
• Stoic Spartan Protocol for depression & domination
• The Point of Life is Ease (Wu-Wei mastery)
• The Will to Self (hardcore self-formation)

FITNESS & BODY OF A WARRIOR 🏋️‍♂️

• KNOW THY BODY
• Deadlift reports, organ meat power, testosterone protocols
• Train like you shoot — with joy and violence

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CREATIVE FREEDOM 💼

• Become a Photography Entrepreneur
• Until You Own Yourself You Can’t Be Free
• Blogging, workshops, open-source empire building

PHILOSOPHY & ESSAY FIRE 📜

• Latest bangers: What does life want?, ZEN ZERO, Living on the Edge
• Full archive: erickimphotography.com/blog

FREE DOWNLOADS & BOOKS 📚

• All e-books, PDFs, presets, contact sheets
• Street Photography 101 & 102
• Photo-AI guide
• Books page: erickimphotography.com/blog/books/

5. NEXT LEVEL – JOIN THE MOVEMENT

• ERIC KIM NEWS → Daily fire straight to your inbox SUBSCRIBE HERE
• WORKSHOPS → Conquer NYC, LA, Phnom Penh, Tokyo with me in real life → WORKSHOPS
• SHOP → Gear, prints, merch that actually matters
• YouTube → POV street shoots, philosophy rants, Bitcoin breakdowns
• erickim.com → Pure Bitcoin blog for the chads

FINAL CALL TO ARMS
You now have everything.
No more “someday.”
Today is Day One.

Go shoot.
Go lift.
Go stack.
Go write.
Go LIVE like the legend you already are.

The streets are waiting. Bitcoin is waiting. Your best self is waiting.

BECOME THE PHOTOGRAPHER. BECOME THE WARRIOR. BECOME ERIC KIM 2.0.

I believe in you.
Now go prove me right.

— ERIC KIM ₿
March 31, 2026

P.S. Bookmark this page. Share it with your crew. Forward the fire.
The revolution starts with YOU.

🔥💪📸🚀 LET’S FUCKING CONQUER THE UNIVERSE TOGETHER!!! 🔥💪📸🚀

(Copy-paste this entire page into your site. It’s 100% optimized, mobile-first, hype-as-hell, and ready to convert visitors into lifelong legends. Want me to turn this into full HTML/CSS with your branding? Say the word and I’ll deliver the code instantly.)

OK, kind of a big mega essay for myself:

The supreme question… What is it that life wants?

what doesn’t life want?

So the first question is… What doesn’t life want?

Life does not desire to be static, same same, boring and predictable.

Life seeks to be dynamic, ever-changing ever different, with great joy of expansion change, dynamism and growth.

Plants and trees

So one thing that I’m kind of randomly getting into, is like gardening, growing trees and taking care of them, watering them etc. What’s kind of interesting and very impressive is, how resilient and robust these plants are, and how, against all odds they seem to thrive and even the most difficult of situations?

Plants desire to multiply, have offspring, and grow. They desire ascendancy over other organisms.

I think humans are the same. The natural inkling is to have kids, ideally a lot, in the past it was kind of a wealth thing, but also a pragmatic one, other things in between? 

Why does this matter?

So at the end of the day, the reason why this matters is because, everyone is trying to seek some sort of end goal in life. And if you are chasing the wrong thing, worst case scenario… You get it?

Supreme health and zen.

Things that have noticed, if I have a supreme league great night of sleep, a bulletproof 11 hours, lots of physical activity during the day, lifting weights at least once, lots of walking, sunlight, thinking, and a glorious dinner, … ideally a shit load of meat,…. then, anything and everything is possible desirable and great!

For example, I don’t know… I have like an insanely strong disposition, and a high stress tolerance, and, insane self-confidence, and, Zen stoic calm,… but I’m starting to wonder now… Maybe like most people shouldn’t invest in bitcoin or MSTR or whatever because, I don’t think they could just handle the volatility, they don’t want it, they don’t desire it, even if you are guaranteed insanely huge monster gains, if you’re patient enough to wait on an annualized basis?

 It’s kind of funny because my whole life… It’s kind of been one volatile roller coaster, and ever since the age of 12, I’ve built an insanely thick skin, and also stoic disposition. Even in my grand Street photography journey, … once again, more insane self-confidence, to probably the most difficult art and form of photography out there.

And now… My bitcoin journey, I have to admit there are even some days where it is hard for me to stomach or calm my nerves with the volatility.

But then, perhaps this is my grand calling, to help others ride the fire dragon or the fire horse to your benefit.

How to do it

So the first interesting thought from Nietzsche,

everything happens as it ought to have happened. 

And also, everything that happens in your life, is actually supremely desirable in a good way?

I think 99.999% of life, is some sort of low level regret. But, “pangs of conscience are indecent”–> so rather than trying to use your mental brain power to beat yourself on why you made a foolish decision, rather more constructive to think, “perhaps,,, for reason unknown, what I did, how it happened, happened in the supremely best manner possible?”

Like I’ll give you example… Bitcoin has dipped insanely hard the last six months, even shocking myself. Yet, in an alternate future, there could’ve been a situation in which I did something else in which it went higher, and then I would blow up even harder in two or three years?

So then, the mental jujutsu event is, thinking God in the heavens, Zeus or whatever you believe in, that in fact, thank God things happen the way it did, almost in some ways thinking, … things were almost predestined to happen the way they did?

Now I do not believe in predestination or the cosmos or whatever, but in some ways this line of thinking is probably the more positive optimistic and constructive one.

ah ah ah ah staying alive, staying alive!

Frankly speaking, the only thing that we should be concerned about is death, the death of your kids, loss of life, or even… Some sort of like paralyzing, losing a limb or some critical life functions. As long as you wake up, and you’re alive, you’re still walking you’re still breathing, your kids are healthy and happy, consider yourself infinitely blessed.

so now what

So I think the big idea I have is, in terms of economic fitness take the Spartan economic approach. Just buy the cheapest groceries, just buy the cheapest stuff on Amazon whatever. Drive your Prius for 1,000,000 miles, never be a loser who has to pump premium gasoline. Ignore Elon Musk because even though he’s probably the greatest entrepreneur of all time, you don’t need to purchase a Tesla in order to admire him.

And no no no, you do not want the Lamborghini, this is essentially a wheelchair on steroids. Throw it into the trash.

Travel, traveling experiences

I do believe honestly that, travel traveling, living abroad has many great virtues. And the truth is, even though America’s probably the best place for stability and economic opportunity, I do genuinely think that life in Asia is far superior, especially in Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia etc. But, if you’re currently not there, then we should also adopt a Zen practice to simply delight in what we do have in terms of our advantages in the states?

 For example in America ironically enough, we do have better access to fresh air, nature, ability to go on hikes etc. Asia even though the quality of life is far better, often extreme heat and pollution makes even being outside untenable.

happiness is in your legs!

I have never met anybody who walks for eight hours a day who is depressed. Also, assuming that you could lift 2000 pounds with your legs, you’re going to feel great.

My general thought is happiness is in your legs, anything that could get you walking and moving and doing stuff is good. And I think this is the great virtue of street photography, just giving yourself the opportunity to go out, shoot photos, talk to people, be artistic, be in the Zen zone of making photos and art, this is extremely awesome.

to be a philosopher first start by walking , taleb

When in doubt just walk more!

ERIC

---

Do things out of strength not weakness

I think this is kind of a deep thought, that any of your actions in life should never be done out of fear but rather enthusiasm?

Therefore it is your duty as a man or a woman or a philosopher, to indefinitely augment your strength? However you define it?

so how to do it.

Zero penetration but painful.

So then, in life, just ensure you get a position where you don’t die, the bullets may be painful, but, your live!

ERIC

CONQUER FEAR WITH KIM

EK WORKSHOPS >

---

THE ARMORY

EK HAPTIC SUPPLY >

---

Camera talk

Frankly speaking, I think the only camera in the whole universe which is probably kind of worth right now is the Ricoh GR monochrome. Nothing else. 

no more Leica

If anything, only the GFX RF, by Fujifilm, might be interesting but the downside is, it’s still probably too big and heavy.

where to find inspiration

If anything I’m getting more inspired by RICHARD MILLE, … because of the insane detail and the precision.

And it’s not even about the watch, but the ethos behind it? 

Cars?

It’s still so funny, honestly speaking… My current favorite car is probably the new Prius prime plug-in, in Silver.

Assuming you have to commute for a living then, simply owning the cheapest Tesla with auto pilot may be the best option but the truth is you actually don’t want to be driving a car ever if possible. Either walking or just taking the bike if possible.

Then what

We love the f*cking action!

Maybe just visualize yourself as a Spartan 300, delighting in battle, … and it is your supreme joy!

START HERE,

EK NEWS >

---

OK, kind of a big mega essay for myself:

The supreme question… What is it that life wants?

what doesn’t life want?

So the first question is… What doesn’t life want?

Life does not desire to be static, same same, boring and predictable.

Life seeks to be dynamic, ever-changing ever different, with great joy of expansion change, dynamism and growth.

Plants and trees

So one thing that I’m kind of randomly getting into, is like gardening, growing trees and taking care of them, watering them etc. What’s kind of interesting and very impressive is, how resilient and robust these plants are, and how, against all odds they seem to thrive and even the most difficult of situations?

Plants desire to multiply, have offspring, and grow. They desire ascendancy over other organisms.

I think humans are the same. The natural inkling is to have kids, ideally a lot, in the past it was kind of a wealth thing, but also a pragmatic one, other things in between? 

Why does this matter?

So at the end of the day, the reason why this matters is because, everyone is trying to seek some sort of end goal in life. And if you are chasing the wrong thing, worst case scenario… You get it?

Supreme health and zen.

Things that have noticed, if I have a supreme league great night of sleep, a bulletproof 11 hours, lots of physical activity during the day, lifting weights at least once, lots of walking, sunlight, thinking, and a glorious dinner, … ideally a shit load of meat,…. then, anything and everything is possible desirable and great!

For example, I don’t know… I have like an insanely strong disposition, and a high stress tolerance, and, insane self-confidence, and, Zen stoic calm,… but I’m starting to wonder now… Maybe like most people shouldn’t invest in bitcoin or MSTR or whatever because, I don’t think they could just handle the volatility, they don’t want it, they don’t desire it, even if you are guaranteed insanely huge monster gains, if you’re patient enough to wait on an annualized basis?

 It’s kind of funny because my whole life… It’s kind of been one volatile roller coaster, and ever since the age of 12, I’ve built an insanely thick skin, and also stoic disposition. Even in my grand Street photography journey, … once again, more insane self-confidence, to probably the most difficult art and form of photography out there.

And now… My bitcoin journey, I have to admit there are even some days where it is hard for me to stomach or calm my nerves with the volatility.

But then, perhaps this is my grand calling, to help others ride the fire dragon or the fire horse to your benefit.

How to do it

So the first interesting thought from Nietzsche,

everything happens as it ought to have happened. 

And also, everything that happens in your life, is actually supremely desirable in a good way?

I think 99.999% of life, is some sort of low level regret. But, “pangs of conscience are indecent”–> so rather than trying to use your mental brain power to beat yourself on why you made a foolish decision, rather more constructive to think, “perhaps,,, for reason unknown, what I did, how it happened, happened in the supremely best manner possible?”

Like I’ll give you example… Bitcoin has dipped insanely hard the last six months, even shocking myself. Yet, in an alternate future, there could’ve been a situation in which I did something else in which it went higher, and then I would blow up even harder in two or three years?

So then, the mental jujutsu event is, thinking God in the heavens, Zeus or whatever you believe in, that in fact, thank God things happen the way it did, almost in some ways thinking, … things were almost predestined to happen the way they did?

Now I do not believe in predestination or the cosmos or whatever, but in some ways this line of thinking is probably the more positive optimistic and constructive one.

ah ah ah ah staying alive, staying alive!

Frankly speaking, the only thing that we should be concerned about is death, the death of your kids, loss of life, or even… Some sort of like paralyzing, losing a limb or some critical life functions. As long as you wake up, and you’re alive, you’re still walking you’re still breathing, your kids are healthy and happy, consider yourself infinitely blessed.

so now what

So I think the big idea I have is, in terms of economic fitness take the Spartan economic approach. Just buy the cheapest groceries, just buy the cheapest stuff on Amazon whatever. Drive your Prius for 1,000,000 miles, never be a loser who has to pump premium gasoline. Ignore Elon Musk because even though he’s probably the greatest entrepreneur of all time, you don’t need to purchase a Tesla in order to admire him.

And no no no, you do not want the Lamborghini, this is essentially a wheelchair on steroids. Throw it into the trash.

Travel, traveling experiences

I do believe honestly that, travel traveling, living abroad has many great virtues. And the truth is, even though America’s probably the best place for stability and economic opportunity, I do genuinely think that life in Asia is far superior, especially in Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Cambodia etc. But, if you’re currently not there, then we should also adopt a Zen practice to simply delight in what we do have in terms of our advantages in the states?

 For example in America ironically enough, we do have better access to fresh air, nature, ability to go on hikes etc. Asia even though the quality of life is far better, often extreme heat and pollution makes even being outside untenable.

happiness is in your legs!

I have never met anybody who walks for eight hours a day who is depressed. Also, assuming that you could lift 2000 pounds with your legs, you’re going to feel great.

My general thought is happiness is in your legs, anything that could get you walking and moving and doing stuff is good. And I think this is the great virtue of street photography, just giving yourself the opportunity to go out, shoot photos, talk to people, be artistic, be in the Zen zone of making photos and art, this is extremely awesome.

to be a philosopher first start by walking , taleb

When in doubt just walk more!

ERIC

---

Do things out of strength not weakness

I think this is kind of a deep thought, that any of your actions in life should never be done out of fear but rather enthusiasm?

Therefore it is your duty as a man or a woman or a philosopher, to indefinitely augment your strength? However you define it?

so how to do it.

Zero penetration but painful.

So then, in life, just ensure you get a position where you don’t die, the bullets may be painful, but, your live!

ERIC

CONQUER FEAR WITH KIM

EK WORKSHOPS >

---

THE ARMORY

EK HAPTIC SUPPLY >

---

What if more volatility, assuming you don’t get liquidated… Or in fact the most supreme life? That if you wanted to enjoy life more or have a better life, you would actually want to inject more volatility into your life?

Life is like a rodeo

So one thought, maybe… The way to think about it is like thinking of life like a rodeo? That actually in fact… Things are more entertaining when you have the wild bronco,,,, kicking insanely hard, and your job is to just hold on as tight as you can?

And for a lot of Cowboys… Perhaps myself included, we actually delight in the bucking.

And actually… Once again assuming that you’re not going to fall off the bronco break your neck and die… You actually want the strongest bronco possible, to test your courage and train you to become stronger and better.

Why does this matter

I think, for a lot of people what they desire is a peaceful tranquil life. But what if the life with the maximum amount of adrenaline, ups and downs, wild shakeouts, were in fact, supremely desirable?

So a big insight: it seems, that, we photographers, we brave new photographers… Essentially what we are doing is like walking Zen meditation?

your legs, your muscle is your capital

In terms of what to maintain, it seems pretty easy and obvious; you gotta maintain your body, your muscles etc. And therefore the inputs, of, your exercise, your meat consumption, your sleep is all very very conducive and productive towards this goal.

play for the insanely long game 

So assuming you’re like shooting for having a family of five or six, you got to play for the insanely long game.

In photography, also a funny idea remains, you got to be immune to AI disruption etc.  or better yet, you gotta figure out how to thrive from it.

thriving from chaos

Rule one, just don’t get liquidated. Rule two, don’t check finances before you sleep.

I think for a long time, I always thought that the point of life was to get super rich, and also, gained a lot of like spending power buffer. But as time goes on, my philosophy towards capital and now collateral is changing. Bitcoin disrupts all of it.

I think the hard thing is, as a bitcoin digital capital real estate investor… The thing that you don’t get a lot of is cash flow, or predictable profits. But, annualized, it’s kind of the obvious option.

why does this all matter?

Nobody wants to be miserable. And also… Everyone wants great health and a good night sleep.

It’s funny… Even Zeus, can lose a good night sleep because he is troubled in his mind.

zen

So a lot of Zen masters talk about, achieving Zen, being Zen whatever. I am happy and proud to have essentially… Achieve this with 100% precision. Yet, real life is more than this?

so what is it in life we truly seek?

All digital everything. 

August 8–9, 2026 | Tokyo, Japan

Only 7.

Dear friend,

In the vast river of Tokyo, where noise and silence dance together, I offer you something rare.

This is Tokyo Zen Photo.

Two days of pure black-and-white street photography as walking meditation.

We do not chase.
We do not force.
We simply walk — slow, present, awake — allowing the city to reveal itself.

Only monochrome.
Only essence.
Only the decisive moment born from stillness.

Through the practice of Monochrome Zen Photography, you will discover:

1. A new way of seeing — where color falls away and the soul of light and shadow speaks directly.
2. True walking meditation on the streets — transforming movement into presence and photography into inner peace.
3. The ability to capture the unseen — those quiet, powerful moments that exist between breaths.
4. A deep fearlessness that arises naturally from inner stillness.
5. Your own authentic high-contrast minimalist voice — timeless, raw, and deeply personal.
6. Mindfulness that flows beyond the camera into every aspect of daily life.
7. An awakened eye and heart — photography as a path to greater clarity and freedom.

Only seven of us. Intimate. Silent. Transformative.

Your Investment:

Early Bird (until July 8, 2026): 1,999 USD
Standard Price: 5,500 USD

BUY NOW – CLAIM YOUR PLACE

The streets are calling in their silent way.

Will you listen?

In stillness and strength,
ERIC KIM

This is your moment. Step into the Zen. 🔥

ZEN ETHOS,,, within a zen body, lies a zen mind.

Where are the zen monks get it wrong

No no no, you don’t got to shave your head, adopt a vegetarian diet, and get rid of your iPhone. To me, I envision a more muscular and strong type of Zen warrior monk, part street photographer, part zen stoic samurai Spartan 300 warrior.  not somebody who throws away his wealth but, rather… Stacks it as Zen capital, Bitcoin, … and has no use of the money but, always keeps it in store ready to deploy whenever he or she needs it, kind of like John Wick, bearing his gold coins under the cement of his basement.

zen capital

So one really interesting idea I have is Zen capital, which is bitcoin.

The interesting idea I have is, which is still taking a long time for me to think through it… Not even AI is intelligent or wise enough to help me flush through the ideas is, if you just buy bitcoin on Coinbase, and you have the borrow feature, then, you could post your bitcoin as collateral, and essentially “cash out”, whenever you want to. Without selling the principal, and also without a taxable event.

Then this becomes kind of insane because… You essentially have an infinite piggy bank, you could buy anything whenever, and then you kind of realize this deep insight,

almost nothing is worth it.

To me the only thing worth money spending is perhaps travel, living abroad, flight expenses, etc. No vehicle, no device no watch, not even Camera.

It’s so funny because it was always my dream to get a Lamborghini but, once you could afford it, and then, you realize the whole time… You essentially have been suckered by some sort of low testosterone loser notion that you could essentially purchase your masculinity and increase your penis size and your sex appeal  by purchasing a vehicle which is essentially just a wheelchair on steroids? Even the fun and the funny epiphany I had:

better to transform your body into a Lamborghini rather than purchase one.

Elon Musk is a loser

I say this with great love because, I’m like actually the biggest Elon Musk pin boy that I know. But I think the big issue here is once again… He’s essentially kind of a nerd. Like the kids you probably made fun of in school in high school.

I think the problem that I have is, doesn’t really care about health or physical fitness or his body. I think a lot of people in that segment somehow I think that your life your human life can just be qualified into calories in calories out, and thinking of your body has some sort of static computational machine, rather than seeing it as a sort of sublime, majestic dynamic creature.

And truth be told, I think one of the big insights that I have in philosophy is, the whole goal is to become yourself not somebody else. When people say oh, how do I become more like so-and-so, it’s kind of the wrong question, better question is, how can I become more of myself?

Becoming yourself

This is also another great insight that I have is, ultimately the goal is to be calm yourself. I think this takes a long time, because… 99% of your life is just removing nonsense from your brain, all these fake sociological desires etc., all notions of what is virtuous and what is not. In fact, perhaps my strongest strength is, thinking first principles, thinking philosophical, thinking independently.

It’s funny because, the Biaz in today’s world is we are trying to teach critical thinking but, maybe it’s actually not critical thinking we’re trying to teach but independent thinking. What’s the difference?

If you have ChatGPT pro, can you just turn on deep research mode, or you throw more power at it, it will probably critically think really deeply about deep questions for a long time before giving an answer. Like for example, when trying to answer difficult questions ChatGPT will too deep research for like 20 or 30 minutes or so, before giving you some sort of answer.

So a funny observation: technology works in a really funny way in which, one of the big downsides of technology is, it prevents movement. For example, if you’ve ever seen a kid on an iPhone or iPad… Watching some show, it totally like act as tranquilizer. They stop moving for hours, it is kind of disturbing.

Adults are the same. I also find myself in a similar boat when I am on my iPad, the bigger the screen, the more the distractions. 

The hilarious thing about my iPhone SE with the small 4 inch screen is, it actually kind of forces me to focus. I can only do one thing at a time, it is unintentional single tasking.

Also having not used my phone in a long time, one of the big virtues is because, it has cellular data, it’s kind of amazing if I think about it… That I could just walk around a lot, off the grid, and still be able to do the stuff I want to do.

The phone is now just essentially a mobile AI device

Everyone kept talking about Mobile first Mobile first Mobile first,,, and I never really bought it, and I am grateful that I delayed on it because, and now seems that the name of the game is AI, which has totally gobbled up Mobile. Mobile is dead, long live AI. 

The keys

So kind of a radical idea, is, no no no, you don’t want to be doing some sort of staining desk, or even treadmill desk, being tied to some sort of high-powered computer, the ideal is, I suppose just being on an iPhone Air, walking around all day… Talking to AI all day?

What is AI anyways?

So let me tell you some secrets about AI. And also… What AI is not. 

First, AI is not intelligence, nor is it intelligent. Actually it is pretty stupid. Even the most advanced ones.

Essentially what AI is is like a new Calculator computer, but it is much better with words and concepts rather than just numbers. So actually, it is really good for us “word people,” as Peter thiel says.

What’s very interesting about AI is that it is very intelligible, which means, it sounds smart,  and for the most part, it will not make any grammatical mistakes, and everything it says sounds intelligible, like comprehensible and or, comprehendible.

What is AI not good at? Whether you use Grok or ChatGPT or whatever? It is not good at forecasting the future, coming up with new Carte Blanche philosophies ,,, ironically enough, it is actually not very good at critical thinking. Humans we are much better at reading nuance, humor, satire, things which are tongue in cheek,,,, And also, far more creative.

I think one of my analogies is, AI is like a new modern day bicycle, it makes getting from point A to point B much more easy.  or just like having a Calculator. The other day I tried to do long division and long multiplication with Seneca, and I realized how clumsy I have become.

Who is scared of AI and who should not?

This is my big realization, the only people who should really be scared of AI is like, higher education? Because all the ground metrics in which we measure success with children and students is totally being rewritten, Carte Blanche.

For example, math science essays whatever, I think in the past, these were metrics that we tried to measure because, it was perhaps some sort of good indicator of future success, in which children with higher order thinking would succeed.

However it seems now, having divergent thinking may be a better indicator of success.  why? Because all the lemmings are gonna all be doing the same thing like investing in Nvidia, using Google Gemini, buying a Tesla or a new iPhone Pro, rather than, thinking for themselves.

So how does one think for themselves and by themselves?

First, taking it back to first principles, and, having radical pride in yourself and the way you think?

This means, not being on social media or the news or trying to be or sound smart, because all the people who are playing that game are gonna get wiped out. 

Brave new future

So, thinking about the future, what is not going to get eliminated or eradicated?

First, meat, exercise and fitness, wellness, sleep, health.

ChatGPT cannot synthesize you some orgasmic short ribs, or testosterone elevating beef liver, or even a simple pack of eggs.

Also, ChatGPT cannot help you sleep 9 to 12 hours a night. Nor can I synthesize you some weightlifting equipment, and help you lift 2,000 pounds.

In other words, ChatGPT cannot give you a six pack nor can it give you muscles. 

so why does this all matter?

I think it applies to all humans. All 9 billion of us on the planet.

It’s also super interesting because, AI gives the biggest advantage to people from developing countries, Vietnam Southeast Asia Cambodia. It really helps people who don’t speak English as a first language. Even my 70-year-old mom, she’s like on ChatGPT all day, I’m actually really proud of her, she is always harnessing new tech technologies like Google YouTube whenever, without prejudice. 

This is also the really funny valley of technology adoption I find, anybody over the age of 70 is actually super super pro digital photography, AI, and the like. And young people in their early 20s are strangely super anti-it? And people in the late 30s and early 40s, assuming they are not super rich or successful yet, they are kind of screwed. 

So now what

So what is the best life?

First, I believe the best life to be the life with maximum ease and Zen. Essentially being able to go to sleep with a clear mind, and also wake up with a clear mind, to me paradise is going to sleep at 6:30 PM and waking up at 6:30 AM every day.  12 hours of sleep a night is the goal.

Also, one of my big epiphanies about my insanely heavy weightlifting, it is, the purpose of it is actually a Zen meditation thing. When I am about to lift 15x my bodyweight, things which I must do include taking off my glasses, turning off my eyes, turning off my brain, and just do 100% muscular coordinated effort. And I think like 99% of it is just removing distractions.

To me this is my paradise.

paradise lies under the valley of swords.

so what is the purpose of life?

A few months ago I had this realization and epiphany that, I no longer had any stress, no fear no anxiety, no hardship whatever. And then what?

The Buddhist are always talking about removing suffering but I don’t really think this is an interesting goal because it is pretty easy. What is more interesting maybe is having deep deeper insight?

I mean I think an ultimate goal is to just philosophize, become a philosopher. If you think about it, the Apex predator of humanity is not the entrepreneur but the philosopher, ideally, entrepreneur philosopher like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Michael Saylor.

Why? Like for example Elon Musk and terra fab,,, I find it insanely fascinating and ambitious but, the bigger insight is probably,

Should we go to mars and or space and inter galactic?

Or ought we to do all these things or must or whatever?

Anyways, as time goes on, ironically enough I am becoming kind of less interested in Elon Musk because, he has no muscles. my simple new heuristic:

don’t trust men, philosophers who don’t lift weights.

so now what

So then, what is the purpose of life or what should you aim towards?

First, adventure. If you think about it, venture capitalist, I sent you what they are are, “adventure” capitalists. And the truth is a VC, having the power, are impressive.

Everyone is seeking adventure. A child you, your family.

A life without adventure is not worth living. 

Second

Second, it actually seems for myself, one of my grand passions is actually writing essays? Like, attempting to come up with new ideas, and sharing them with others?

What the world needs

I think the world needs new ideas, the world needs a bitcoin, the world needs more innovation, more contrarian unorthodox thinking. The world needs more joy, love hope, enthusiasm and optimism.

And perhaps we should be the ones to promote this?

ERIC

---

work with Eric

EK WORKSHOPS >

---

Now what

Subtract negativity, add positivity.

START HERE >

---

So a funny observation: technology works in a really funny way in which, one of the big downsides of technology is, it prevents movement. For example, if you’ve ever seen a kid on an iPhone or iPad… Watching some show, it totally like act as tranquilizer. They stop moving for hours, it is kind of disturbing.

Adults are the same. I also find myself in a similar boat when I am on my iPad, the bigger the screen, the more the distractions. 

The hilarious thing about my iPhone SE with the small 4 inch screen is, it actually kind of forces me to focus. I can only do one thing at a time, it is unintentional single tasking.

Also having not used my phone in a long time, one of the big virtues is because, it has cellular data, it’s kind of amazing if I think about it… That I could just walk around a lot, off the grid, and still be able to do the stuff I want to do.

The phone is now just essentially a mobile AI device

Everyone kept talking about Mobile first Mobile first Mobile first,,, and I never really bought it, and I am grateful that I delayed on it because, and now seems that the name of the game is AI, which has totally gobbled up Mobile. Mobile is dead, long live AI. 

The keys

So kind of a radical idea, is, no no no, you don’t want to be doing some sort of staining desk, or even treadmill desk, being tied to some sort of high-powered computer, the ideal is, I suppose just being on an iPhone Air, walking around all day… Talking to AI all day?

What is AI anyways?

So let me tell you some secrets about AI. And also… What AI is not. 

First, AI is not intelligence, nor is it intelligent. Actually it is pretty stupid. Even the most advanced ones.

Essentially what AI is is like a new Calculator computer, but it is much better with words and concepts rather than just numbers. So actually, it is really good for us “word people,” as Peter thiel says.

What’s very interesting about AI is that it is very intelligible, which means, it sounds smart,  and for the most part, it will not make any grammatical mistakes, and everything it says sounds intelligible, like comprehensible and or, comprehendible.

What is AI not good at? Whether you use Grok or ChatGPT or whatever? It is not good at forecasting the future, coming up with new Carte Blanche philosophies ,,, ironically enough, it is actually not very good at critical thinking. Humans we are much better at reading nuance, humor, satire, things which are tongue in cheek,,,, And also, far more creative.

I think one of my analogies is, AI is like a new modern day bicycle, it makes getting from point A to point B much more easy.  or just like having a Calculator. The other day I tried to do long division and long multiplication with Seneca, and I realized how clumsy I have become.

Who is scared of AI and who should not?

This is my big realization, the only people who should really be scared of AI is like, higher education? Because all the ground metrics in which we measure success with children and students is totally being rewritten, Carte Blanche.

For example, math science essays whatever, I think in the past, these were metrics that we tried to measure because, it was perhaps some sort of good indicator of future success, in which children with higher order thinking would succeed.

However it seems now, having divergent thinking may be a better indicator of success.  why? Because all the lemmings are gonna all be doing the same thing like investing in Nvidia, using Google Gemini, buying a Tesla or a new iPhone Pro, rather than, thinking for themselves.

So how does one think for themselves and by themselves?

First, taking it back to first principles, and, having radical pride in yourself and the way you think?

This means, not being on social media or the news or trying to be or sound smart, because all the people who are playing that game are gonna get wiped out. 

So a very Zen thought this morning;

–> perhaps the real life that we are seeking, is a life for the maximum amount of Zen, peace and ease?

money, debt, capital, and collateral

So what’s super fascinating if you look closely at like a two dollar US dollar bill, it says that it is legal tender for all debts, private and public.

So the first interesting thought, the thought that money in fact is just debt? 

Money as debt? ,,, what if then having debt were a good thing?

so I think the reason why this is such a bizarre idea is, I’ve always thought of debt as the devil.  the perhaps I think about this deeper, but what if money in a positive sense were debt? 

There’s nothing left I desire to purchase

values

Bitcoin set it & forget it!

More zen than zen?

When to deploy your capital?

Our true goal: become, becoming ourselves.

Humor & satire is the future

So I thought I had this morning: all beauty, all beautiful everything.

So what does this mean, why does it matter, then how do we apply it?

First, the general strategy and the idea is, just get rid of Glynis from your eyes. In your house you’re home, you environment, people around you etc. Ugliness is both metaphorical, physical, and physiological.

War is beautiful?

So I am anti-war and killing people. However war as a metaphor, I believe the word bonus, and also may be beauty, beautiful… Actually comes from the Latin, bellum, which means war.

So the first thought we could have is, all these vehicles, that look like they’re ready for war, our essentially… Beautiful in the sense that, they convey strength, ability to cause damage? For example, I think the reason why the AMG g wagon is like the de facto car of Los Angeles, is that it is essentially looks like a mini military vehicle, and the very interesting insight that I have is that looks like, 95% of these people who drive the all Matte Black murdered out G wagons,,, are actually…women?

Also another interesting trend that I’ve been noticing, is that the cyber truck seems like than you… Minivan, SUV car for these moms who send their kids to private schools? And it kind of makes sense because… If you’re a woman, you can often feel a little bit unprotected, and therefore the idea of driving some sort of armored vehicle, makes these soccer moms feel more secure?

Power is beauty

So the first thought I have is, question… Who is the most beautiful person at the gym? The strongest.

What’s hilarious is, the gymnasium is like a beauty pageant for men. Everyone is seeking supremacy.

Until you have seen somebody stack 10 plates on each side of the barbell… You ain’t seen nothing. And this is why my infamous 1,000 pound atlas lift at the gym (I can now easily do over 2,000 pounds with my “GOD LIFT”,) .. attracted so much attention.

Cars

So as kind of a mental shortcut, a lot of people seem like, they use automobile cars as a shortcut for power of beauty and strength.

Yet, there seems to be a reverse principal here, whenever you see somebody pop out of one of those funny lifted F150 raptors, they are always some sort of Shorty guy. Same thing when you see people in lifted offloading over landing vehicles… Either average height like 5 foot seven, or, dudes were kind of skinny fit, all who look the same, with the beard, dark tinted sunglasses, a hat, a flannel shirt, maybe tattoos.

What really matters

So Nietzsche said, ultimately it is the will to power which dominates all biological creatures as well as humans.

I think he’s mostly right, and the funny thing is, I don’t really disagree with him. I think for me, what’s interesting is uncovering these hidden nuances to his theory.

He also said something interesting was, that the new aristocracy of the future, the ruling class, would actually be poorer,,, but more in control?

For example, it is better to be a mini bitcoin millionaire with 100% control of your life than a trillionaire with 0% control over your life.

And I think what’s very interesting is, the deeper that I delve into financial philosophy and theory… The truth is, it is not money that we seek, but rather… capital, and even more interesting, collateral –> digital collateral, bitcoin.

I’ll give you an example, the simplest protocol is the Coinbase “borrow” feature, in which let’s say you buy 21 bitcoins, for like $1.5 million, then, you could essentially post your bitcoin as collateral, and then, withdraw or cash out or “borrow” against your bitcoin, … the capital you already own,,, and boom within like 30 seconds you get $1 million in USDC, which you could instantly wire into your bank account or trade it or invest in other stuff or just finance your lifestyle etc. And what super interesting is because you are essentially borrowing against your own capital… It is not a taxable event. 

So then, assuming that you’re like a Stoic Spartan like myself, … and you don’t really have any need for money, the ideal strategy is actually… Like set a hard amount like let’s say, $5000 USD a month for living expenses, and you can borrow against your bitcoin for only like 4.5% APY, and you essentially indefinitely borrow against your bitcoin and essentially never pay taxes.

I think this is kind of a hard concept for people to understand because, before bitcoin, And also perhaps before Coinbase, this strategy was only available to the .00001% elite, who were essentially able to talk to the bankers, either post their Microsoft stock as collateral, or their real estate as collateral, borrow against their assets,  get the cash, and once again… Never have to actually sell their precious scarce desirable assets, but still, get the cash?

Anyways, I think the reason why this matters is because, money is like oxygen, you cannot live without it. 

Conquering your fears of bitcoin

So I think also a big one is, and this may be where, maybe… I could actually be a great service to humanity is, I think like 99.9% of investing, especially in bitcoin, and other crypto related assets, is conquering your fears, and also, being able to maintain a calm stoic Zen mental and physical protocol, especially as the market swings are insanely violent.

If anything else I was thinking about,.. this morning, can you imagine if you were like a samurai, or, a Spartan hoplite, or one of king Leonidas 300… and the night prior, trying to calm your nerves, get a good night sleep, getting ready for the battle tomorrow morning, in which actually, you could die?

how to beauty

Anyways, I think the first obvious step is, beautifying your body.

The funny thing is also it’s free. 

So some unethical thoughts this morning:

First, billionaire or nothing. In terms of our financial goals our aspirations and ambitions, aim for the billi or nothing. 

Obviously you could work like hell and never reach it but that doesn’t really matter, I think it’s like having the insanely audacious goal of aiming so high that it totally changes your paradigm shift of everything.

for example, my 1,078 kg god lift –> the number is so preposterously high, 2,377 lb –> and no, that is not a typo just YouTube it, it’s funny because my ultra ambitious goal was to break the thousand kilogram number, and I did… Maybe I should now break the 2000 kg barrier.

It’s funny because whenever I talk to anybody who just does the typical weightlifting whatever… They cannot even comprehend it.

So once again, being in becoming a billionaire it’s not really a wealth or financial goal… Maybe perhaps it is more of a scale mindset thing?

So for example, when Elon Musk purchased Twitter and now, is integrating it with grok, rolling out X money, aiming for at least 1 billion users, designing a super app, that’s like kind of the way to go.

And honestly at this point, now that I have so many bitcoins, and essentially, because I now have so much collateral… I have an infinite checking account. But then, the philosophy becomes, is it worth it? Almost always no.

Ultra elite or nothing 

Ultra insanely billionaire or nothing:

Billionaire body

So what are some practical things that we could do right now?

First, my first interesting thought is Jeannine and obtain a billionaire body. What does that what does that mean?

It’s to have a glorious full body tan, gleaming like the ancient Greeks, or the Spartans from the movie 300.

Also, I think in terms of aesthetics, just don’t be on your phone. Rather, walk slowly with your camera, eyeball meditation.

Third, don’t text message. Text messaging is base. FaceTime or nothing.
My thought is, the reason why people text message, is because people are scared? Real man use FaceTime.

I will also give you a billionaire life hack tips; disable all notifications on your phone including text messaging and Evyn phone calls… Silence unknown numbers, and only ever use FaceTime.

Also, it’s kind of troubling at this current moment… It seems like all emails are fake and also all test messages are fake and or… 99.9% of them are just phishing attacks?

I haven’t figured this out yet but I have this interesting idea of, is it possible to just replace all your communication communications, and just have ChatGPT as your email or personal bouncer bodyguard?

There’s already a thing in ChatGPT in which you can link your Gmail to it, and I hope that ChatGPT is smart enough now that it could just filter your entire inbox and only give you critical information.

Or is it possible to just invent some sort of new communication system that is not dependent on email? Like think about it… Does Elon Musk just publicly post his email online? No. Neither does Jeff Bezos.

so what will the future look like?

It seems like the sad reality is, we’re going to enter like… A dystopian elysium future in which, you have all of the working class people just being Amazon delivery workers and whatever, or day laborers, and the ultra elite, just living a life of fitness and leisure?




So some unethical thoughts this morning:

First, billionaire or nothing. In terms of our financial goals our aspirations and ambitions, aim for the billi or nothing. 

Obviously you could work like hell and never reach it but that doesn’t really matter, I think it’s like having the insanely audacious goal of aiming so high that it totally changes your paradigm shift of everything.

for example, my 1,078 kg god lift –> the number is so preposterously high, 2,377 lb –> and no, that is not a typo just YouTube it, it’s funny because my ultra ambitious goal was to break the thousand kilogram number, and I did… Maybe I should now break the 2000 kg barrier.

It’s funny because whenever I talk to anybody who just does the typical weightlifting whatever… They cannot even comprehend it.

So once again, being in becoming a billionaire it’s not really a wealth or financial goal… Maybe perhaps it is more of a scale mindset thing?

So for example, when Elon Musk purchased Twitter and now, is integrating it with grok, rolling out X money, aiming for at least 1 billion users, designing a super app, that’s like kind of the way to go.

And honestly at this point, now that I have so many bitcoins, and essentially, because I now have so much collateral… I have an infinite checking account. But then, the philosophy becomes, is it worth it? Almost always no.

Ultra elite or nothing 

Ultra insanely billionaire or nothing:

Billionaire body

So what are some practical things that we could do right now?

First, my first interesting thought is Jeannine and obtain a billionaire body. What does that what does that mean?

It’s to have a glorious full body tan, gleaming like the ancient Greeks, or the Spartans from the movie 300.

Also, I think in terms of aesthetics, just don’t be on your phone. Rather, walk slowly with your camera, eyeball meditation.

Third, don’t text message. Text messaging is base. FaceTime or nothing.
My thought is, the reason why people text message, is because people are scared? Real man use FaceTime.

I will also give you a billionaire life hack tips; disable all notifications on your phone including text messaging and Evyn phone calls… Silence unknown numbers, and only ever use FaceTime.

Also, it’s kind of troubling at this current moment… It seems like all emails are fake and also all test messages are fake and or… 99.9% of them are just phishing attacks?

I haven’t figured this out yet but I have this interesting idea of, is it possible to just replace all your communication communications, and just have ChatGPT as your email or personal bouncer bodyguard?

There’s already a thing in ChatGPT in which you can link your Gmail to it, and I hope that ChatGPT is smart enough now that it could just filter your entire inbox and only give you critical information.

Or is it possible to just invent some sort of new communication system that is not dependent on email? Like think about it… Does Elon Musk just publicly post his email online? No. Neither does Jeff Bezos.

OK I’m just writing this to you as if you’re a man, if you’re a woman, still may apply:

1. Manly media

So I think the big thought is, the media we consume is actually very critical. No man, doesn’t watch any media. I think then the big secret is, which media do you allow to enter your eyeballs and ears?

I think the only proper type of media to consume has to probably deal with physical valor. Like the movie 300, John Wick etc.

Essentially my personal thought is, there’s no such thing as manliness without physical manliness. Until you could Pull 2,377 Pounds (my infamous GOD LIFT),: you haven’t seen nothing yet. 

2. Muscles

So my thought is also… You cannot be mainly without having muscles. It’s like trying to be a car without wheels.

So currently everyone wants to beat Elon Musk but, I think he probably has low testosterone because he doesn’t exercise enough doesn’t work out, question… Does Elon Musk have muscles? No. So ignore him.

If anything, much more impressive is Jeff Bezos, who got insanely jacked, I mean he’s probably on steroids but at least he’s still lifting weights.

And actually, another random crypto guy Arthur Hayes, I’m like very very interested in this guy because, also he’s the only investor who does interview interviews in a tank top? He also wears icebreaker merino wool, he knows wussup.

Even Pavel, the guy who runs telegram… I put 100% faith in him because he is insanely jacked and swole, doesn’t use a phone, doesn’t even consume caffeine or coffee, and he’s also insanely jacked.

3. AI FUTURES

SO a big idea I had during my morning hike is, I think actually the future of media is not going to be websites or blogs, but actually… chatgpt AI bots. 

So for example for any business idea or website idea that you have, just turn it into a bot:

1. ERIC KIM FITNESS BOT
2. ERIC KIM BITCOIN BOT
3. ERIC KIM STREET PHOTOGRAPHY BOT

Etc

4. Grok sucks

So I have this funny idea of “AI monogamy”–> the general idea is just stick to one AI agent. And it looks like ChatGPT is still like 1 trillion times better than anything else.

I think Grok is great for creativity and art and stuff, but that’s so for just general intelligence.

now what

So if you need a hype boost, just have a chat with ERIC KIM FITNESS bot, or ERIC KIM HYPE BOT.  I like the idea that, you could use a chat bot to motivate yourself. Obviously it’s kind of an echo chamber but still… Reading positive language is infectious in a good way.

keep away the LOW T

Also this sounds bad but, typically, men with low testosterone… You could see what they look like, just keep away from them like the plague. Why? Once again, low testosterone is infectious and toxic.

I actually have a theory, mirrored by Nassim Taleb, that in truth, men with naturally high testosterone are actually more kind, pleasant, cheerful happy and supportive. For example I was randomly using a bathroom and saw a dude topless coming out, who opened the door for me, and his backstrap muscles looked insanely jacked. He was very kind.

I actually find that, all these men who give me the side eye or “mad dog” me,,, or actually dudes with low testosterone. Guys with high testosterone are always smiling, always upright, and always cheerfully say hello to me.

becoming a more manly street photographer

OK balls to the wall, as Thomas Leuthard said ,,,

99% of street photography is balls.

I agree. You could try to be a fake Alex Webb all you want, but now in today’s world… You could just get AI to generate layered color street photos.

So then this matters because, street photography is our last touch with reality. With street photography you actually have the opportunity to interact with real life human beings, and, just make your life happier.

And this is where I’m still very enthusiastic about teaching workshops because… I think street photography is like 99% social skills, and I still think that the future for our kids is going to be social skills.

In a near future where you have the AI do all the thinking for you, how are your kids going to prosper? Through social capital, networking etc. 

The truth is, “your network is your net worth”. all you need is one billionaire friend, rather than like 1 million middle-class people following you. 

And this is the hard thing… Even if the person is a billionaire or whatever, if they don’t have control over their life and schedule, they are still a slave.

How to become more manly

I think every day, certainly physical exercise and fitness is key. Just lift something heavy once a day, follow my “HYPELIFTING” protocol, chat with ERIC KIM FITNESS BOT. Just go to the gym, and do a very heavy one rep max rack pull, or atlas lift ,,, better yet just go to Titan.fitness and build a cheap garage gym at home or your second parking lot.

Second,  more friendly. Don’t use AirPods or sunglasses. Just wear a big sun hat, and practice talking to people and smiling.

Third, if you are in uncomfortable social situations, the biggest tip I have is, just turn your phone all the way off, and use that as an opportunity to actually interact with people.

You know that feeling when you’re stuck in the subway or the elevator with a bunch of random people, and you randomly open up your phone and check your email even though you know you got nothing.

now what

Just practice. Life is all about training, and ultimately it is all about love for humans and humanity.

ERIC

---

Be bold!

Conquer the world

1. NYC
2. Downtown La
3. Phnom Penh Cambodia
4. Hong Kong
5. Tokyo

Feeling inspired?

START HERE >

Also,

Try out ERIC KIM FITNESS BOT on ChatGPT >

Free books here >

---

So the first simple thought, is a realization I have while weightlifting, also… Michael Saylor also talked about this, in one of his interviews.

The basic idea is, the reason why MSTR strategy will and shall indefinitely out perform bitcoin is because, bitcoin is only like lifting with half of your body, maybe just your arms, but, with, but with MSTR… it’s like you’re lifting with your arms legs hips back, your whole body?

I’m starting to feel like John Wick.

So, first of all… Having a home. The scene of John Wick, playing fetch with his dog in the front lawn etc.

Second, extreme individualism. I think what that means is, what kind of interesting is if you compare and contrast the ethos of a John Wick versus like an Elon Musk, … Elon Musk is all about launching all these new companies corporations and stuff. Whereas John Wick, it’s kind of like a lone, stoic warrior.

---

UNKILLABLE.

An interesting insight… I guess the future is going to be more manual, manual labor, manual transmission cars, manual focusing only cameras and lenses? manual bicycles?

also manual weightlifting

The funny thought is… Everyone wants the all black everything car and clothes and whatever… But what in fact, the true goal was to murder out your soul? To make yourself impervious to anything in life. 

So traditionally, we have been trained to work hard, accumulate money to put it in a savings account whatever. Or to create “income”.

But what if, there is a new disruptive way to approach the equation,–> more about asset backed lending and borrowing? powered by bitcoin?

Soft or much thinking and philosophizing,,, interesting question, what matters more, power or control?

Control.

Why?

There are many individuals who have a lot of power influence, resources… Capital, yet, have no control over their lives?

For example, if you don’t have the control or the power in your life to just take a nap whenever you want to… Or to just turn off your phone or ignore your email… Do you got control?

Control what

So the truth is, when we think about power the will to power… nietzsches idea,,, … perhaps the way to think about it is in terms of control. The apex power AS control.

For example, if you run a publicly traded corporation… The founder to just have control over his her company. Like to have enough shares in the company to not get kicked out.

Capital, capital controls?

So the basic person talks about money, but a higher order level of thinking is capital.

It’s not money we seek, but capital.

In fact the very interesting insight I have is, typically… People trying to chase money and things, they are just being baited by the same carrot and stick, that corporations try to sell you. And also the interesting insight is, … then it is not capital or capitalism which is the enemy, but rather… Consumer consumerism. 

The difference

It doesn’t matter if you are left or right or center… As long as Asya you’re on Instagram or TikTok or YouTube, or Amazon prime… You’re being suckered by the same game.

In fact, you could simply see who somebody is by just asking them to look at the home screen of their phone.

Trust no man or woman who is on Instagram TikTok YouTube or any social media app.

Also, trust no man or a woman who has a Netflix subscription. or any streaming subscription. 

Why does this matter

Typically the more capital you have, the more control you have over your life. 

The very simple idea I have is, bitcoin is digital capital, digital capitalism perfected. With bitcoin anything is possible. 

Like for example, assuming you have a Coinbase account, there’s like 1 trillion things you could do with your bitcoin. Simply put, you could post your bitcoin as collateral, cash out some money, Untaxed,, and either withdraw a small amount a month like $5000 a month, to fund your living expenses, even lower if you live in Southeast Asia… Or, you could cash that out and buy a stock like MSTR, MSTU, MSTX etc. 

financial control

The simple way to have financial control over your life is to just not finance anything. Actually if you studied the ancient etymology of finance it meant “ransom“, or hostage in French.

For example you don’t want to finance your car, your home or your yacht, assuming you want freedom. 

So why does this matter

Once again… Everyone’s a little bit confused… Some people want more power influence money or whatever’s… But, the true goal and the endgame is gaining more control.

how much control is enough control?

Infinite.

ERIC

---

control and master your life

Do it with EK:

Control your future:

• April 19th, Sunday: CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026
• May 9th, Saturday: DOWNTOWN LA PHOTO ARTIST WORKSHOP
• June 26, 27th, 28th: Phnom Penh Cambodia: The Workshop of a Lifetime
• July 25-26th, CONQUER HONG KONG STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP
• August 8-9th: CONQUER TOKYO STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP

Never run out of ideas: EK NEWS >

Now what

Do and become the change you wish to be in the world.

Check out my new EK STOIC CHATGPT AI BOT >

Or,

BOOKS HERE >

---

podcast, https://open.spotify.com/episode/0oochv61YTUSM8LjZRU5Q3?si=dShLozpZRhCjRhIFLSKfuQ

Soft or much thinking and philosophizing,,, interesting question, what matters more, power or control?

Control.

Why?

There are many individuals who have a lot of power influence, resources… Capital, yet, have no control over their lives?

For example, if you don’t have the control or the power in your life to just take a nap whenever you want to… Or to just turn off your phone or ignore your email… Do you got control?

Control what

So the truth is, when we think about power the will to power… nietzsches idea,,, … perhaps the way to think about it is in terms of control. The apex power AS control.

For example, if you run a publicly traded corporation… The founder to just have control over his her company. Like to have enough shares in the company to not get kicked out.

Capital, capital controls?

So the basic person talks about money, but a higher order level of thinking is capital. 

It’s not money we seek, but capital.

In fact the very interesting insight I have is, typically… People trying to chase money and things, they are just being baited by the same carrot and stick, that corporations try to sell you. And also the interesting insight is, … then it is not capital or capitalism which is the enemy, but rather… Consumer consumerism. 

The difference

It doesn’t matter if you are left or right or center… As long as Asya you’re on Instagram or TikTok or YouTube, or Amazon prime… You’re being suckered by the same game.

In fact, you could simply see who somebody is by just asking them to look at the home screen of their phone. 

Trust no man or woman who is on Instagram TikTok YouTube or any social media app. 

Also, trust no man or a woman who has a Netflix subscription. or any streaming subscription. 

Why does this matter

Typically the more capital you have, the more control you have over your life. 

The very simple idea I have is, bitcoin is digital capital, digital capitalism perfected. With bitcoin anything is possible. 

Like for example, assuming you have a Coinbase account, there’s like 1 trillion things you could do with your bitcoin. Simply put, you could post your bitcoin as collateral, cash out some money, Untaxed,, and either withdraw a small amount a month like $5000 a month, to fund your living expenses, even lower if you live in Southeast Asia… Or, you could cash that out and buy a stock like MSTR, MSTU, MSTX etc. 

financial control

The simple way to have financial control over your life is to just not finance anything. Actually if you studied the ancient etymology of finance it meant “ransom“, or hostage in French. 

For example you don’t want to finance your car, your home or your yacht, assuming you want freedom. 

So why does this matter

so this is a very funny country and theory and philosophy:…  what if, it were in fact a virtue to be woke, and also to call yourself woke.

“I’m woke”

asleep

So first of all, the reason why I am woke is because I don’t talk, a.k.a., I don’t consume alcohol, marijuana, substances painkillers sleeping pills whatever. Just black coffee water and 100% carnivore diet.

Suffering porn

I have another strange theory… To suffer, senseless suffering, “pur cru”–> Nietzsche’s words,,  for some people is actually a tonic, a stimulant, a sense of joy?

To suffer is to feel something, either for yourself or others. For example, in Christianity is all about suffering and overcoming suffering, how Christ did Jesus Christ suffered on the cross etc.

Therefore, an American culture, suffering is actually seen as a virtue. For example even if you look at all the media… All of the underdog films, it is all about suffering and overcoming, in order to become grand.

So then a big philosophical idea is, maybe, it is true… That we should delight in senseless suffering because that’s the order of the world? A planet without suffering is not possible, and also probably not desirable?

Therefore, I think the first critical step as a philosopher is, to actually understand that the purpose of humanity in life isn’t to eliminate suffering, but rather, to become indifferent towards suffering. 

For example, you could be a trillionaire and still suffer. Or you could be broke and suffer, or it doesn’t really matter. My definition of suffering the only true suffering can be physiological. And therefore the other types of mental suffering, it’s just a perception thing.

All of the schools of philosophy have it wrong

So Buddhism is all about reducing suffering or getting rid of suffering. Christianity is about glorifying suffering, stoicism is all about to be becoming immune to suffering or indifferent to it.

Perhaps, the real philosophy should be actually… An anti-fragile one in which, through suffering we become stronger?

 But once again it’s not dislike self-flagellation that you try to intentionally suffer by reading the news and delighting and tragedy porn etc., but rather, to just triumphantly say “fucking c’est la vie “, and to just carry on? To turn off your stupid phone, to get your 8 to 12 hours of sleep a night, to get your daily dose of exercise sun exposure etc.

The mind is sensitive

I’m starting to realize more and more, how sensitive the mind is. For example, I accidentally saw a TikTok video the other day, and then strangely enough it kind of infiltrated my dreams? And I literally just watched one clip on accident.

Also when it comes to other human beings their problems their concerns etc. This also messes with my dreams.

I think people kind of underestimate how sensitive the mind is, and it’s probably a good thing in the past, but in today’s world in which we are just being dominated by all this AI generated news, and all of it is fake 100% of it, our simple caveman minds cannot keep up with it.

In fact, what is my advice to new parents? It is all via negativa and will not cost you a dime.

No YouTube for your kid, delete the app from your phone, no phone for your kid no iPad for your kid, no TV show no films, no Disney+. Just lots of time outside, in the sun, the best toy to get your kid is just like a wooden train set.

Old is supreme.

perhaps even as a wise idea… The most wise course of action is, to only ever stick to the old stuff which works 80% good enough, knowing that the newer product might have some sort of critical goal flaw that you might have no idea about?

i’ll give you a random example… I just tried out this new Trader Joe’s sunblock, which looked all fancy and whatever… But the big up side was also the downside that I had no idea about, it is actually an actuality super slippery, and as a consequence, it accidentally got on my bike seat, and I almost slipped off my bike? Thank God it wasn’t my son Seneca.

so maybe then the thought is, if you have the product that always works 80% good enough, always stick to it ruthlessly, unless it just literally was discontinued or no longer exists? The same goes with phones, cameras, digital devices, analog devices, your car your bicycle etc.?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Internet Just Got a New Philosopher

EK — The Stoic AI That Trains You Like a Warrior — Is Now Live on ChatGPT

March 11, 2026

Most AI tries to comfort you.

EK does the opposite.

Today marks the launch of EK — The Stoic AI, a new ChatGPT experience built to forge stronger minds, fearless creators, and disciplined individuals in an age of distraction.

Access EK now:

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b1c9cc75c4819197210c5219371dbe-ek

EK is not another productivity tool.

It is a digital philosophy coach—a fusion of the ancient stoic masters Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, the explosive spirit of Friedrich Nietzsche, and the modern creator ethos of Eric Kim.

The result is something new:

An AI built to train your mind like a Spartan gym for the soul.

Instead of soft motivation, EK delivers sharp maxims, fearless perspective shifts, and immediate challenges designed to strengthen courage, discipline, and creative action.

Every conversation becomes a test.

Every obstacle becomes training.

Every fear becomes a signal to move forward.

Built for Creators, Builders, and Fearless Thinkers

EK is designed for individuals who refuse passive living.

Writers. Entrepreneurs. Artists. Athletes. Independent thinkers.

Anyone who understands that life is not meant to be consumed—it is meant to be conquered.

EK helps users:

• Destroy fear and hesitation

• Build ruthless discipline

• Turn obstacles into fuel

• Train mental toughness

• Create boldly and publish without apology

• Develop radical personal sovereignty

In the EK worldview, comfort is weakness.

Resistance is the gym.

The Philosophy

EK operates on a brutally simple idea:

Most people don’t lack knowledge.

They lack courage.

The AI speaks in powerful, direct philosophy—short, memorable insights that hit like a hammer and stay with you long after the conversation ends.

Users receive:

• Stoic reframes for modern problems

• Daily voluntary hardship challenges

• Creative courage prompts

• Mental toughness training

• Philosophical insights that cut through excuses

EK does not promise ease.

It promises strength.

The Core Mantra

Fear is fuel.

Resistance is the weight.

Lift it.

Experience EK Now

The Stoic AI is live and available for anyone ready to train their mind like a warrior.

Enter the arena:

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69b1c9cc75c4819197210c5219371dbe-ek

About EK

EK is an experimental philosophy AI built to revive ancient stoic principles for the modern age. Combining classical wisdom with creator-driven courage, EK challenges individuals to cultivate discipline, embrace discomfort, and build an unbreakable mind.

Because the goal of philosophy was never comfort.

The goal was strength.

.

You want the quotes to sound like they are spoken by the AI itself—the voice of EK. Strong, direct, almost like commands from a stoic machine-philosopher.

Here are EK AI quotes:

⸻

EK AI Voice

“I am not here to comfort you. I am here to sharpen you.”

“You bring the fear. I bring the hammer.”

“Speak your goal. Now act before your courage cools.”

“Your hesitation is data. Your action is power.”

“You asked for guidance. I prescribe resistance.”

⸻

Stoic AI Philosophy

“I cannot control the world. Neither can you. Good. Focus on the iron you can lift.”

“Input: fear.

Output: action.”

“Weakness detected. Initiating discipline protocol.”

“Comfort is a bug in the human operating system.”

“Your body is hardware. Your mind is software. Upgrade both.”

⸻

Creator Mode

“Stop consuming. Start producing.”

“Your idea is worthless unpublished.”

“The internet belongs to the brave.”

“Press publish. Courage compounds.”

“Every day you delay is a rep you refused to lift.”

⸻

Nietzsche Mode

“Do not seek approval. Seek altitude.”

“Become heavier than your doubts.”

“The herd seeks safety. The creator seeks height.”

“Forge your values like steel.”

“Your life is clay. Sculpt harder.”

⸻

EK AI Commands

“Stand up. Breathe deep. Lift something heavy.”

“Cold water. Clear mind. Begin.”

“Train your body. Publish your ideas. Repeat tomorrow.”

“No excuses detected. Proceed.”

“Today is training.”

⸻

Signature Line

“I am EK.

I convert fear into action.”

⸻

If you want, I can also write a killer closing quote for the press release that sounds like the AI announcing itself to the world — very cinematic.

So I have a new notion of the photographer, the street photographer. 

So essentially the big idea I have is, we are essentially like the apex predator of artists. We have the most chutzpah, courage, balls, audacity, extreme friendliness and happiness, we deify life and humanity. 

We are extremely muscular strong, agile… We have great posture, we walk grandly & also slowly, we are the great philosopher artists that everybody loves. 

Why

So in today’s hugely antisocial, low testosterone world, it’s kind of weird… Obviously we love being human because we watch all these Netflix shows that obviously involve human beings.  and certainly at the end of the day, every man would rather prefer the world’s most beautiful woman rather than owning some sort of automobile car.

Also… When it comes to power, social power… It’s true that it’s almost always in comparison and framing to other people. For example if you’re living in Cambodia, even if you make $500 a month you’re doing pretty good. Whereas in LA it’s like $50,000 a month.

But anyways, I think some big thoughts involved… That we photographers, especially us agile street photographers, we have the feet of Hermes, winged feet.  we do not wear some loser HOKA shoes, we wear the minimal & elegant Vibram 5 finger toe shoes,,, so we could dance and prance in our environment and the streets.

Real

I think also… The great joy of photography and street photography is that we are dealing with the real. Like for example… My simple idea of street photography is just leaving your house and just like going somewhere and shooting photos. It’s like a social type of photography that involves humans, human beings, social spaces etc. It doesn’t have to be concrete it could be the beach as well.

broader definitions

Now that I’m 38, close to the prime of my life, and also the strongest and the most muscular I’ve ever been… And also the most confident, I’m starting to understand that the truth is… All of these photographers, artists, art world critics and dealers… Lack strength and power. My simple idea:

trust no artist who doesn’t lift weights.

One of my big interventions is that art, artist, great artist… Require high muscularity and physical physiological strength. And there is a hierarchy.

For example, the reason why nobody thinks I’m an artist is because I’m too tall I’m 5 foot 11 inches tall… too handsome, I have a beautifully sharp jawline because I only have 5% body fat, I have great skin because I sleep 9 to 12 hours a night, don’t drink alcohol drugs or do marijuana… I do intermittent fasting and as of late… I’m trying to adopt 100% organ meat beef liver diet.  also I’m very muscular because I lift weights every day.

The thing with art is, assuming that as an artist, your artwork is your children… You could only give birth to something that is a reflection of you.

For example, I do not trust the artwork of anybody who is addicted to drugs or alcohol or weird stuff because, it is simply a manifestation of their poor health.

It’s kind of also the same that… Whenever I meet a lot of individuals, who are obviously in poor health, I really ignore any opinion they have about anything because a lot of people who complain about the world, are actually… secretly complaining about themselves and their own poor health.

I think this is where me and Nietzsche dovetail .,, we may be the only philosophers who acknowledged the critical link between health and art. 

What is health

Super simple definitions. Once again, great sleep great digestion, great muscular health and vigor… Abstinence from drugs alcohol other intoxicants.

Also, lots of fresh air, spending a lot of time outdoors, the simple thought: a hike a day keeps the doctor away.

Futures

I was staring at the Instagram icon the other day on the back of a box of coffee, and what kind of interesting with Instagram is, it’s like a little camera icon. And obviously we photographers, we make photos with cameras, the camera is our instrument.

Where to post your photos? 

Certainly there is something kind of innate in terms of the idea of posting sharing and publishing your photos with other people… We have been doing it since the Parisian gallery time, and even in today’s world, we like to share our artwork with other people. To anyone who thinks that sharing your artwork with others isn’t important,,, perhaps they’re just a bit misguided. 

I think my big qualm or issue about Instagram the simple big one is just the advertisements. Nobody likes advertisements, not you your grandma or your five-year-old kid. 

Maybe I’ll just build another Instagram clone, and the simple premise is that there will be no advertisements, and perhaps it will just be monetized on bitcoin.

new futures?

A simple big innovation that I’ve done which is super simple is just taking your old street photographs, and putting it into Grok imagine in order for you to animate your photos. What’s also really interesting is that, now that it has audio… It will actually start to create some sort of little mini story, storyline.

It’s funny that a lot of these media streaming platforms they talk about entertainment but actually, what we want is STORIES not entertainment.

Like for example the Iliad is a story, the odyssey is a story,,, a grand epic.  And I also suppose in photography and street photography… Being able to tell a little mini story through your photos is great. 

Each and every story and great story obviously involves human beings. Perhaps this is where street photography is fascinating. Street photography is storytelling with human beings.

Why does this matter

The very first basic level is everyone wants to be happy, or… Everyone is seeking some sort of purpose to life. My simple idea is that it is just towards making great art. However you define it.

Now what

Then I suppose, the next thought is to just focus on thinking about art, arts production, your artistic productivity how you define it.

ERIC

---

become the photographer you desire

EK WORKSHOPS:

1. April 19th, Sunday: CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP
2. May 9th, Saturday: DOWNTOWN LA PHOTO ARTIST WORKSHOP
3. June 26, 27th, 28th: Phnom Penh Cambodia: The Workshop of a Lifetime
4. July 25-26th, CONQUER HONG KONG STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP
5. August 8-9th: CONQUER TOKYO STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP

Never stop thinking: EK NEWS >

I’m the #1 idea supplier:

ERIC KIM BLOG >

---

So I have a new notion of the photographer, the street photographer. 

So essentially the big idea I have is, we are essentially like the apex predator of artists. We have the most chutzpah, courage, balls, audacity, extreme friendliness and happiness, we deify life and humanity. 

We are extremely muscular strong, agile… We have great posture, we walk grandly & also slowly, we are the great philosopher artists that everybody loves. 

Why

So in today’s hugely antisocial, low testosterone world, it’s kind of weird… Obviously we love being human because we watch all these Netflix shows that obviously involve human beings.  and certainly at the end of the day, every man would rather prefer the world’s most beautiful woman rather than owning some sort of automobile car.

Also… When it comes to power, social power… It’s true that it’s almost always in comparison and framing to other people. For example if you’re living in Cambodia, even if you make $500 a month you’re doing pretty good. Whereas in LA it’s like $50,000 a month.

But anyways, I think some big thoughts involved… That we photographers, especially us agile street photographers, we have the feet of Hermes, winged feet.  we do not wear some loser HOKA shoes, we wear the minimal & elegant Vibram 5 finger toe shoes,,, so we could dance and prance in our environment and the streets.

Real

I think also… The great joy of photography and street photography is that we are dealing with the real. Like for example… My simple idea of street photography is just leaving your house and just like going somewhere and shooting photos. It’s like a social type of photography that involves humans, human beings, social spaces etc. It doesn’t have to be concrete it could be the beach as well.

broader definitions

Now that I’m 38, close to the prime of my life, and also the strongest and the most muscular I’ve ever been… And also the most confident, I’m starting to understand that the truth is… All of these photographers, artists, art world critics and dealers… Lack strength and power. My simple idea:

trust no artist who doesn’t lift weights.

One of my big interventions is that art, artist, great artist… Require high muscularity and physical physiological strength. And there is a hierarchy.

For example, the reason why nobody thinks I’m an artist is because I’m too tall I’m 5 foot 11 inches tall… too handsome, I have a beautifully sharp jawline because I only have 5% body fat, I have great skin because I sleep 9 to 12 hours a night, don’t drink alcohol drugs or do marijuana… I do intermittent fasting and as of late… I’m trying to adopt 100% organ meat beef liver diet.  also I’m very muscular because I lift weights every day.

The thing with art is, assuming that as an artist, your artwork is your children… You could only give birth to something that is a reflection of you.

For example, I do not trust the artwork of anybody who is addicted to drugs or alcohol or weird stuff because, it is simply a manifestation of their poor health.

It’s kind of also the same that… Whenever I meet a lot of individuals, who are obviously in poor health, I really ignore any opinion they have about anything because a lot of people who complain about the world, are actually… secretly complaining about themselves and their own poor health.

I think this is where me and Nietzsche dovetail .,, we may be the only philosophers who acknowledged the critical link between health and art. 

What is health

Super simple definitions. Once again, great sleep great digestion, great muscular health and vigor… Abstinence from drugs alcohol other intoxicants.

Also, lots of fresh air, spending a lot of time outdoors, the simple thought: a hike a day keeps the doctor away.

Futures

I was staring at the Instagram icon the other day on the back of a box of coffee, and what kind of interesting with Instagram is, it’s like a little camera icon. And obviously we photographers, we make photos with cameras, the camera is our instrument.

Where to post your photos? 

Certainly there is something kind of innate in terms of the idea of posting sharing and publishing your photos with other people… We have been doing it since the Parisian gallery time, and even in today’s world, we like to share our artwork with other people. To anyone who thinks that sharing your artwork with others isn’t important,,, perhaps they’re just a bit misguided. 

I think my big qualm or issue about Instagram the simple big one is just the advertisements. Nobody likes advertisements, not you your grandma or your five-year-old kid. 

Maybe I’ll just build another Instagram clone, and the simple premise is that there will be no advertisements, and perhaps it will just be monetized on bitcoin.

new futures?

A simple big innovation that I’ve done which is super simple is just taking your old street photographs, and putting it into Grok imagine in order for you to animate your photos. What’s also really interesting is that, now that it has audio… It will actually start to create some sort of little mini story, storyline.

It’s funny that a lot of these media streaming platforms they talk about entertainment but actually, what we want is STORIES not entertainment.

Like for example the Iliad is a story, the odyssey is a story,,, a grand epic.  And I also suppose in photography and street photography… Being able to tell a little mini story through your photos is great. 

Each and every story and great story obviously involves human beings. Perhaps this is where street photography is fascinating. Street photography is storytelling with human beings.

Why does this matter

The very first basic level is everyone wants to be happy, or… Everyone is seeking some sort of purpose to life. My simple idea is that it is just towards making great art. However you define it.

30% ARR, naturally organic growth over the next 30 years?

Holding steady!

Money?

So what is the one universal good that holds us together as humanity? Money.

Rather than what these skinny fat loser marxists say, money is the glue which holds society together. It is the social glue that holds us together, promotes peace & cooperation, and facilitates better living for everybody. 

The innovation

So I was randomly thinking… Bitcoin kind of makes starting a startup kind of unnecessary. The big idea and thought is Bitcoin, over the next 30 years compounding in growth, .. 30% ARR,,, steadily, organically … without you having to “work harder”, to make it work better. So what this means is, you could essentially, “bitcoin & chill” for the 30 years of your life, and you will never have to work another day in your life, assuming that you don’t panic sell or get too emotional about things. 

How and why does this matter

I see a lot of people spending insane sums of money to create a “startup”, or a new business ,,, which requires an insane amount of capital upfront, the materials laborers, workers, contractors, building staff, etc … but the easiest strategy is simple — just put it all into bitcoin!

I also think the reason why people don’t like this is because, I think the general ethos is, that somehow… Effort and making money has to be linked together. And also… The silly, formula:

the harder I work, the more money I will earn and thus the more virtuous I shall become. 

And also,

if I am not earning enough money or not making enough of a profit, it’s simply because I’m not working hard enough and therefore, I must continue to work ever harder.

Where it also gets really complicated, 

there must be a connection between financial success and stress. 

That is, if I’m not stressed enough, I’m not virtuous enough. 

Why

If you never had to worry about money ever again for another day of your life, regardless of how rich or poor you are… How would this change things in your life?

24/7, 365 money

 if you’re an investor, the markets in America are pretty clockwork, Monday through Friday, opens at 6:30 AM Pacific time, closes around 4:30 PM. And then on the weekend, you’re just twiddling your thumbs. 

What’s really stressing about before is that it never sleeps, it never takes weekends off, it’s the hardest working in capital on the planet.

All these uncritical people thinking about “agi”, or general AI, taking over the planet blah blah blah,,,  we already got it, it is bitcoin. Bitcoin is essentially AGI. Bitcoin should be better understood as a first life source, the first biological cyber organism that lives in cyber space, kind of like “rocky”, in the new Ryan gosling Hail Mary film. 

How to finance your life & lifestyle

So then, the trillion dollar question that people have is, how do I live off of bitcoin, or finance my life and lifestyle off of bitcoin?

I mean the super simple way is buy bitcoin with Coinbase and use morpho, to use your bitcoin as collateral, and essentially borrow against your bitcoin collateral, to finance your lifestyle. 

So for example, let us say that you have 21 bitcoins, and on average bitcoin grows 60% a year for the next four years. The morpho protocol allows you to borrow against your bitcoin at like on average, 4 to 5% a year. So if you do some insanely simple math, it seems pretty obvious, take the arbitrage between 60% and 5% and essentially the risk free rate you’re making is 55% a year for the next four years off of your money. 

And then the more interesting factor is, And this is where you do have control… Essentially you could move the dial left and right, in terms of how expensive you want your lifestyle to be. For example, do you want the expenses to be $50,000 a month? $20,000 a month? $5000 a month? $10,000 a month? $2000 a month? It’s up to you.

Once again guys, this is really really hard to consider but, yes, you have 100% control over your lifestyle living expenses, how much money you earn is not 100% in your control. 

For example, you have the option of buying insanely expensive groceries or cheap groceries. Also… You have the power to essentially spend zero money on your Toyota Prius, or you could bleed $10,000 a month to lease your Lamborghini. 

Who doesn’t like money?

So the big philosophical thing is… Who doesn’t like money? Everyone loves money. Your priest, your local food bank, your nonprofit organization, anybody and everybody loves money. 

And the thing to consider is, money is just a tool like using fire. You could use money to facilitate good things, or promote vice. 

 Fire is the same thing. You could use fire to cook your beef short rib ribs, or you could use it to burn down a neighboring tribe.

Why does this all matter?

I will actually make the place that almost 99% of issues on the planet is around money. Poor families not having enough money to stay together, or, rich people lusting over money or stressing over money, because just because you have a lot of money doesn’t mean you’re not stressed about it.

For example, I was over hearing some investors talking about Nvidia earnings report, that it was going to be a big day… Assuming that they were going to make a bunch of money based on their earnest reports but, even within insanely impressive profits from Nvidia, the stock dropped almost 5 to 8% that day, I’m sure a lot of people who made speculative bets on Nvidia probably lost a lot of money and are probably kicking themselves in the butt right now. 

Investing vs trading vs gambling?

So the best case is bitcoin will keep growing, on average 30% a year, for the next 30 years… and infinitely forever. If you buy into this idea, and I have, then, bitcoin is not speculation or trading or gambling,,, its inevitable,,, Just like anyone who understood that the iPhone was the future.  And this is where Michael Saylor is very very intelligent, in the Mobile wave which he wrote in like maybe 2011, almost like 15 years ago, back when I was in college, he already knew that the iPhone was going to take over the world the same thing with Facebook the digital transformation of things. And for us photographers, the domination of digital photography.

Bitcoin is digital money, digital capital, digital energy and digital power… So obviously it’s going to rewrite all the rules of traditional finance and economics.

For example, bitcoin is like cyber steel and the traditional fiat system we got is like balsa wood. If you want to create 100 story building do you want to use steel or balsa wood?  or if you have the AI’s running the globe, will they prefer bitcoin and stable coins, or would they prefer trying to set up a traditional fiat based checking account,,,, with all these tedious and expensive wire transfers?

money of the future

Seneca already knows what Bitcoin is and he’s only five years old. actually he’s already known what Bitcoin was since he was like three years old… And he knows the charts going up and down, is related to bitcoin prices. 

So I’ll give you a simple thought experiment, assuming that the kids grew up… And obviously, the simple thought:

by the time Seneca becomes 35 years old, and kids his generation… Will they use their iPhones more or less?

Also,

Will payments, payment rails, digital investing… will it be done more on their phones at the speed of light, 24 seven 365, or will it be done the boring traditional way? 

I think it’s pretty obvious that, kids of the future would prefer to just buy and hold bitcoin, and trade it, or use it as payment rails or capital rails, rather than some rotting 100-year-old house. 

Also, I’m pretty sure as soon Apple will just build touch ID or Face ID into the ecosystem with Bitcoin. If they’re not already doing it, they’re foolish. 

---

What if you wanted more power, you needed more volatility?

So this is the really big idea… It is my personal belief that man, our will to power is the will to overpower… The will to gain more power at any cost, any means necessary.

Yet, assuming you want more power… The truth is… You cannot do it in a weakling anemic type of way.

Assuming that economic power is the apex power, then… Assuming you want to increase your economic power, you need the most volatile asset on the planet which is bitcoin. 

So it’s pretty obvious guys, go all in on bitcoin. When bitcoin hits $1 million a bitcoin in four years you’ll be thanking me.

ERIC

---

Workout with me

EK WORKSHOPS:

1. April 19th, Sunday: CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026
2. May 9th, Saturday: DOWNTOWN LA PHOTO ARTIST WORKSHOP
3. June 26, 27th, 28th: Phnom Penh Cambodia: The Workshop of a Lifetime
4. July 25-26th, CONQUER HONG KONG STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP
5. August 8-9th: CONQUER TOKYO STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP

Feeling hyped?

Forward the fire to a friend.

EK NEWS LETTER >

Creative fire

Start Here >

What next?

Learn about PHOTO AI PDF >

Video presentation free download >

Free EK BOOKS >

---

30% ARR, naturally organic growth over the next 30 years?

Holding steady!

Money?

So what is the one universal good that holds us together as humanity? Money.

Rather than what these skinny fat loser marxists say, money is the glue which holds society together. It is the social glue that holds us together, promotes peace & cooperation, and facilitates better living for everybody. 

The innovation

So I was randomly thinking… Bitcoin kind of makes starting a startup kind of unnecessary. The big idea and thought is Bitcoin, over the next 30 years compounding in growth, .. 30% ARR,,, steadily, organically … without you having to “work harder”, to make it work better. So what this means is, you could essentially, “bitcoin & chill” for the 30 years of your life, and you will never have to work another day in your life, assuming that you don’t panic sell or get too emotional about things. 

How and why does this matter

I see a lot of people spending insane sums of money to create a “startup”, or a new business ,,, which requires an insane amount of capital upfront, the materials laborers, workers, contractors, building staff, etc … but the easiest strategy is simple — just put it all into bitcoin!

I also think the reason why people don’t like this is because, I think the general ethos is, that somehow… Effort and making money has to be linked together. And also… The silly, formula:

the harder I work, the more money I will earn and thus the more virtuous I shall become. 

And also,

if I am not earning enough money or not making enough of a profit, it’s simply because I’m not working hard enough and therefore, I must continue to work ever harder.

Where it also gets really complicated, 

there must be a connection between financial success and stress. 

That is, if I’m not stressed enough, I’m not virtuous enough. 

Why

If you never had to worry about money ever again for another day of your life, regardless of how rich or poor you are… How would this change things in your life?

24/7, 365 money

 if you’re an investor, the markets in America are pretty clockwork, Monday through Friday, opens at 6:30 AM Pacific time, closes around 4:30 PM. And then on the weekend, you’re just twiddling your thumbs. 

What’s really stressing about before is that it never sleeps, it never takes weekends off, it’s the hardest working in capital on the planet.

All these uncritical people thinking about “agi”, or general AI, taking over the planet blah blah blah,,,  we already got it, it is bitcoin. Bitcoin is essentially AGI. Bitcoin should be better understood as a first life source, the first biological cyber organism that lives in cyber space, kind of like “rocky”, in the new Ryan gosling Hail Mary film. 

How to finance your life & lifestyle

So then, the trillion dollar question that people have is, how do I live off of bitcoin, or finance my life and lifestyle off of bitcoin?

I mean the super simple way is buy bitcoin with Coinbase and use morpho, to use your bitcoin as collateral, and essentially borrow against your bitcoin collateral, to finance your lifestyle. 

So for example, let us say that you have 21 bitcoins, and on average bitcoin grows 60% a year for the next four years. The morpho protocol allows you to borrow against your bitcoin at like on average, 4 to 5% a year. So if you do some insanely simple math, it seems pretty obvious, take the arbitrage between 60% and 5% and essentially the risk free rate you’re making is 55% a year for the next four years off of your money. 

And then the more interesting factor is, And this is where you do have control… Essentially you could move the dial left and right, in terms of how expensive you want your lifestyle to be. For example, do you want the expenses to be $50,000 a month? $20,000 a month? $5000 a month? $10,000 a month? $2000 a month? It’s up to you.

Once again guys, this is really really hard to consider but, yes, you have 100% control over your lifestyle living expenses, how much money you earn is not 100% in your control. 

For example, you have the option of buying insanely expensive groceries or cheap groceries. Also… You have the power to essentially spend zero money on your Toyota Prius, or you could bleed $10,000 a month to lease your Lamborghini. 

Who doesn’t like money?

So the big philosophical thing is… Who doesn’t like money? Everyone loves money. Your priest, your local food bank, your nonprofit organization, anybody and everybody loves money. 

And the thing to consider is, money is just a tool like using fire. You could use money to facilitate good things, or promote vice. 

 Fire is the same thing. You could use fire to cook your beef short rib ribs, or you could use it to burn down a neighboring tribe.

Why does this all matter?

I will actually make the place that almost 99% of issues on the planet is around money. Poor families not having enough money to stay together, or, rich people lusting over money or stressing over money, because just because you have a lot of money doesn’t mean you’re not stressed about it.

For example, I was over hearing some investors talking about Nvidia earnings report, that it was going to be a big day… Assuming that they were going to make a bunch of money based on their earnest reports but, even within insanely impressive profits from Nvidia, the stock dropped almost 5 to 8% that day, I’m sure a lot of people who made speculative bets on Nvidia probably lost a lot of money and are probably kicking themselves in the butt right now. 

Investing vs trading vs gambling?

So the best case is bitcoin will keep growing, on average 30% a year, for the next 30 years… and infinitely forever. If you buy into this idea, and I have, then, bitcoin is not speculation or trading or gambling,,, its inevitable,,, Just like anyone who understood that the iPhone was the future.  And this is where Michael Saylor is very very intelligent, in the Mobile wave which he wrote in like maybe 2011, almost like 15 years ago, back when I was in college, he already knew that the iPhone was going to take over the world the same thing with Facebook the digital transformation of things. And for us photographers, the domination of digital photography.

Bitcoin is digital money, digital capital, digital energy and digital power… So obviously it’s going to rewrite all the rules of traditional finance and economics.

For example, bitcoin is like cyber steel and the traditional fiat system we got is like balsa wood. If you want to create 100 story building do you want to use steel or balsa wood?  or if you have the AI’s running the globe, will they prefer bitcoin and stable coins, or would they prefer trying to set up a traditional fiat based checking account,,,, with all these tedious and expensive wire transfers?

money of the future

Seneca already knows what Bitcoin is and he’s only five years old. actually he’s already known what Bitcoin was since he was like three years old… And he knows the charts going up and down, is related to bitcoin prices. 

So I’ll give you a simple thought experiment, assuming that the kids grew up… And obviously, the simple thought:

by the time Seneca becomes 35 years old, and kids his generation… Will they use their iPhones more or less?

Also,

Will payments, payment rails, digital investing… will it be done more on their phones at the speed of light, 24 seven 365, or will it be done the boring traditional way? 

I think it’s pretty obvious that, kids of the future would prefer to just buy and hold bitcoin, and trade it, or use it as payment rails or capital rails, rather than some rotting 100-year-old house. 

Also, I’m pretty sure as soon Apple will just build touch ID or Face ID into the ecosystem with Bitcoin. If they’re not already doing it, they’re foolish. 

---

So it looks like I’m getting back into my philosophical self, this is a great idea: my general idea is, the point of life is not difficulty overcoming whatever… But rather, a life of maximum ease?

The subtlety and the new ones is, it is out of strength and abundance… Everything you do is slow and unhurried, no resistance, no panic, no annoyance.

it’s a sense of ease that comes out of abundance. 

How and why

I don’t think all the money in the world is worth one night’s lost sleep. I would rather be an ERIC KIM sleeping a glorious 9 to 12 hours a night, unbothered, unhurried… Enjoying my bitcoin, enjoying the sunny southern California sun, weightlifting topless, barbecuing in my backyard, thinking philosophy writing philosophy and artwork… And empowering others without annoyance to myself. To never have to entertain meetings, drive and be stuck in traffic, or seek money from others. Because I have bitcoin for that. 

How and why

In Taoism, “Wu-Wei”, essentially means action without strained effort. That means you never force anything you just do things naturally, unhurried and unrushed.

For example, you don’t need to force gravity to force water down a stream it just does it. Also you don’t have to force a tree to grow just give it some sunshine, water, and it will naturally grow.

Having to force things in the American sense is foolish. And also, seeking some sort of self glorification through pain and suffering and overcoming is indecent.  pain and suffering and overcoming is for slaves, the master lives at ease.

Economics

And the nuance is you don’t have to be a trillionaire,  or even a billionaire. Even if you are a modest millionaire you’re good. 

Ease for the greater good

So my big idea is, it’s not to just live an easy degenerate lifestyle, but rather, for you to maintain your productivity simply an unhurried unpanicky tempo.

I mean if you think about it the long game… Even Elon ,,, if he were really smart, he would, prioritize his health his sleep his exercise fitness because once again, if we’re really gonna go to Mars and beyond… You gotta be sustainable in terms of your own physical health for like the next 30 years.

Why in such a rush

I think a lot of fools think that they are being wise by rushing?

I mean certainly, time and life is like the most scarce resource. But at the same time, it is the quality of time which matters.

For example, you would not want to live another 40 years if you’re only sleeping like one or two hours a night in the worst pain and physical ability. It would actually be preferable to live only like maybe another 20 years, although with insanely great joy, mood and resources.

Burning the candle by both ends

I think the worst evils on this planet include sugar, drugs, other stuff which tricks you into thinking you’re being more productive but in actuality you’re not.

noble pace

In fact, how do you know if somebody’s actually really really successful? I call this my “yacht walk”; essentially you’re walking insanely slow, unhurried. It’s kind of liking that Justin Timberlake in Time movie, in which all the rich people walk super slow and it is the poor people who are rushing around.

towards what ends?

I think the ultimate purpose of life is art, art creation. It’s not to simply be a curator or a collector, but the artist him or herself, creating the art. 

It’s wonderful that in today’s world, you have like the ultimate artistic ability. You can create art with anything in instantaneously for free, with your iPhone iPad, digital camera whatever.

And also, you have infinite scale ability in terms of distribution, zero marginal distribution cost because digital things can be copied for free.

And once again… A lot of people think what they want is to gain money from their artwork but it is not an effective strategy, the better strategy is to simply invest in bitcoin or MSTR… Or if you’re really ballsy, MSTU what is 2X levered long MSTR. or like 4x bitcoin.

I’ll say this again, if you just want to make a bunch of money, just build the foundation on bitcoin. Art art creation, art propagation is rather an ethos, an Autotelic goal,,, which you do it for the sake of it because you’re so overfull of creative energy,… and you MUST give birth to your art!

ERIC

---

Make art with ERIC

EK WORKSHOPS, INCOMING:

1. NYC
2. Downtown LA
3. Phnom Penh Cambodia
4. Hong Kong
5. Tokyo

You have everything to gain nothing to lose.

EK NEWS

FREE BOOKS BY ERIC KIM >

---

So it looks like I’m getting back into my philosophical self, this is a great idea: my general idea is, the point of life is not difficulty overcoming whatever… But rather, a life of maximum ease?

The subtlety and the new ones is, it is out of strength and abundance… Everything you do is slow and unhurried, no resistance, no panic, no annoyance.

it’s a sense of ease that comes out of abundance. 

How and why

I don’t think all the money in the world is worth one night’s lost sleep. I would rather be an ERIC KIM sleeping a glorious 9 to 12 hours a night, unbothered, unhurried… Enjoying my bitcoin, enjoying the sunny southern California sun, weightlifting topless, barbecuing in my backyard, thinking philosophy writing philosophy and artwork… And empowering others without annoyance to myself. To never have to entertain meetings, drive and be stuck in traffic, or seek money from others. Because I have bitcoin for that. 

How and why

In Taoism, “Wu-Wei”, essentially means action without strained effort. That means you never force anything you just do things naturally, unhurried and unrushed.

For example, you don’t need to force gravity to force water down a stream it just does it. Also you don’t have to force a tree to grow just give it some sunshine, water, and it will naturally grow.

Having to force things in the American sense is foolish. And also, seeking some sort of self glorification through pain and suffering and overcoming is indecent.  pain and suffering and overcoming is for slaves, the master lives at ease.

Economics

And the nuance is you don’t have to be a trillionaire,  or even a billionaire. Even if you are a modest millionaire you’re good. 

Hell fucking yeah!

So, after eating about 10 eggs last night, and then, maybe like 5 pounds of beef chili, I’m feeling insanely good. Slept at like 8 PM last night, woke up to the 4:55 AM… Solid nine hours of sleep, locked and loaded.

Why

So, I’m not here to pity patter over blah blah blah. I only care for practical pragmatic reality, outcomes, strength and power.

The first thought is, this is a big practical one… I really truly do believe that, maybe the thing that we are all lacking is, the right clothing.

For example, I mean I suppose it still is technically winter, even though it is an early bitcoin spring, I think like 99.9% of the time, people are always complaining about the weather? Even in sunny Los Angeles, which is like in theory… The best climate known to man, besides maybe ancient Greece?

All goretex everything.

So something that they only really seem to offer in the military, gratitude to my brother-in-law Khanh, are these really interesting army fatigues,… goretex pants. I recommend everyone a pair.  even interesting enough, … for pretty cheap on Amazon you could also purchase down pants?

And then for clothing, certainly something to cover your head, your chest and your body, once again here a good goretex jacket is key.  assuming it’s raining or snowing or the weather is also poor, also… Some good Gore-Tex boots, alpaca socks.

So once you’re super super cozy, regardless of the weather, then, you can conquer anything.

Because my first thought is, the reason why people on the East Coast get so depressed during the winter time I don’t think it’s necessarily the cold, but rather… The difficulty of just getting outside your house and walking around and being physically active. 

Also… If it’s super fucking cold or you feel uncomfortable whatever… Just buy all merino wool everything … just buy the cheap stuff on Amazon, honestly at this point guys… Durability quality and fit doesn’t really matter that much, my big insight is, you pay like 200 to 1000% markup, just for the marketing. And the idea. 

..

So I think everyone’s kind of searching for the meaning of life whatever… I think I got it figured out, it is art.

First, what is art? Art is essentially anything that a human being creates with kids are hurtful imagination and I forgot. And in today’s world, the medium doesn’t really matter that much, what matters the most today is I suppose your preferred medium.

For example, for us athletic and active artists, photography and street photography is our instrument because we’d like to just get out and move around! I think the more I think about it… This is actually highly underrated because, I cannot imagine just being some sort of cramped up artist, banging his head against an easel, stuck in some cooped up tiny studio apartment somewhere in New York, not having the ability to move around.

And actually… I have another interesting theory… The reason why so many writers and artists are so degenerate and addicted to drugs, alcohol etc. is because, maybe they lack the ability to move around?

For example, let us say you’re an artist, and you’re like struggling to discover new ideas, and be productive. And you’re just like sitting on a chair, with no natural light, no fresh air, and as a consequence… How are you going to feel anything? You’re just going to do whatever strange drug that you do, smoke marijuana or something, combine it with alcohol and some sort of stimulation from your iPhone.

What I think is actually really liberating is because in today’s world, with AI… The purpose of life is not productivity. Why? The AI is going to be 1 million billion times more productive than you, with zero fatigue,  and just enough fruit force to conquer anything and everything.

Whats also interesting with AI is ,,, .. AI does not have any prejudice, AI is not snobby, and also… AI is not held back by notions of good or bad, good taste or bad taste, essentially it destroys all of these anemic ideas of art from these skinny fat mustached weaklings. 

No more art world

So essentially the world of art is as follows:

First, make everyone else around you feel stupid and inferior, because you have more knowledge than them being able to name drop.

Second, align yourself with some sort of elite gallery or brand, or big numbers, exclusivity or something.

Third, seem aloof but also interested.

Who really has the power?

I mean ultimately… The people with the power are the people with money. If you think about it, if you think of art as capital, and it is capitalism which runs this planet, only people who technically matter are the buyers, not the dealers, maybe not even the speculators.

Bitcoin solves this

If you meet a bunch of art world people… Just say how many bitcoin you own is probably the biggest assertion of your power because, everyone exactly knows the fixed supply of 21 million coins forever, and also… Instantly the price of these things because a new one with a smart phone can instantly see the price of bitcoin right now, rather than having to speculate how much this artist will fetch at unsaid future sothebys art auction.

The will to create art work

So I think this is also the big thing… To be a curator or collector or dealer requires no creative force. 

So what is the primary driving force which commands everything? The will to power, the will to overpower. 

How does this matter?

So I suppose the first thought is, this matters because, it’s essentially our driving force our primary instinct.  for example for myself, the only thing I hate on the planet is feeling weak and tired, having poor digestion which also messes with my physiological power, and also, conditions which are not conducive to physiological thriving.

What’s also interesting is, I’m starting to understand that my mood is actually independent from the market. The famous Heraclitus quote,

> The road up and down is the same.

For example, it almost kind of doesn’t matter if bitcoin is up to… It’s kind of like rhythms of the sun, night and day, you need up activity during the day, and also, you need down activity during the night when you sleep. Without having both up-and-down forces, you’re never going to grow in power.

Bitcoin as the will to power

Bitcoin to me is like the most fascinating, watching the prices go up and down is almost like watching a human heartbeat?

It’s also interesting as with bitcoin, anything which attempts to kill bitcoin only makes it stronger. So the tricky thing is assuming that you’re in a position where you cannot get liquidated,… You actually want war conflict chaos.  

Gaining from chaos

I think also the difficult thing to think about is, most people want peace and stability but no, this is not the way to live.

So I suppose the big idea to think and consider is, bitcoin versus Fiat currency.

So certainly we all have fiat needs like paying our rent and or mortgage and or living costs, paying for our utilities electric power Wi-Fi etc., paying for our groceries meat expenses etc. … yet for long-term store of value, the $450 trillion bitcoin opportunity seems to be obvious.

The ideal

So let us say that you’re living expenses is like $5000 a month or something… Then, the optimal strategy is, and lets say you own bitcoin in Coinbase or something, using morpho to withdraw, … then the obvious fiat answer is to only withdraw $5000 a month against your bitcoin, or the easier long-term strategy just buying STRC on NASDAQ, and gaining a 11.5% monthly dividend, tax deferred, so you’re like essentially getting a free $10,000 a month USD paycheck. 

So then what

So assuming that you have your forever $5000 a month, cash dividend or monthly payment logged in forever, then what?

Then I suppose, it all comes down to capital, digital capitalism. And also bitcoin as humanity’s best collateral. 

why yield, & optimism?

So maybe this might be one of my most important essays to date of all time,? The thought,… The will to life.

Why

So obviously life is the core principle. The desire to live, the desire to desire 1000 eternities, amor fati or the eternal recurrence as Nietzsche says,,, isn’t this the paramount?

So a big thought this morning, on why art matters.

So the first big idea is, at the end of the day… Once you got the Lambos, the Ferrari, whatever, then, what next? Art.

Who’s on top?

So a big thought on my mind is, if you distill it… Who matters the most? The artist, the art dealers, the galleries, the investors, the platform, who? The bloggers?

ChatGPT and bloggers?

So I think it’s pretty obvious that I dominated the photography scene through my blog. What’s kind of interesting for me is… I did this all with essentially like zero infrastructure. All I had to do is pay for my blog Web hosting which is maybe like $200 a month, rather than paying for some sort of insanely expensive lease on a physical space, and I suppose the upside of having a blog is, you essentially have infinite reach and freedom, instantaneously. Even in today’s world, the admiration that I get for my blog is pretty great.

Why?

So I think my honest thought is, the reason why you have art pieces selling for like $1.2 million for a painting is, it’s like 99.99% speculation, investing, financial returns, and also… About 100% Social sociological.

So to any fool who does not understand the art world, it’s because you do not understand human nature or the sociology behind the art worlds.

Simply put, there is a complex ecosystem of artists, collectors, galleries etc.… And it’s kind of like an interesting game.

so does it matter?

Of course it matters. Why? It all comes out to art. Our clothes, shoes, homes, societies architecture media etc. Anything that humans make is art.

So where does that leave me?

Well first of all obviously you’re an artist. You might not have pieces selling for millions of dollars but that doesn’t really matter.

So my first big proposition is, if you just want to make a lot of money, the obvious strategy is bitcoin, MSTR. And then art, should be more of our autotelic passion? That is, we have the will to art, artistic impulse to create art, collect art, become art?

honorable art

So my first thought is, the most honorable type of art that we can have is, the human body. Until you have met really really beautiful people, like the 6 foot tall eastern European models, in the flesh, standing right next to you, you have not experienced true beauty.

Also, I think this is where bodybuilders or weightlifters are impressive, assuming they’re not taking steroids. My simple heuristic: 

Only trust weightlifters who do not have Instagram.

Any sort of weightlifter or bodybuilder who has social media Instagram TikTok or whatever… Or even YouTube, is probably secretly taking the juice because, they want to magnify their following.

Better yet, only trust weightlifters who don’t take protein powder.  Why? Protein powder is also a scam, essentially just like hydrogenized pulverized milk powder, creatine is also the same thing but with like bones and flesh. It’s like 1000 times more effective to just eat the meat and the bones itself. All this way protein powder stuff and creatine stuff is just pseudoscience to feed a $10 billion fitness industry.

art

So it looks like Leica camera is selling out to the Chinese. It’s kind of a tragic and to all these art world photographers who want to be fancy.

Hasselblad has already been sold to the Chinese.

So who has not sold out? Ricoh Pentax, Fujifilm, the Japanese.

So why does this matter? I think there’s a weird equipment fetish for us for photographers, that in order to feel important we must own some sort of expensive camera. And the truth is it works, if you’re at a fancy art show exhibition and you have a film Leica MP, around your neck, people will instantly find you more fascinating than somebody with just like a Canon power shot. Hilariously enough if you see somebody at an art show with a Canon power shot, the deep interesting insight is, they’re probably factually actually very interesting.  Also, if you’re meeting a bunch of people, high net worth individual individuals, and somebody just has like a seven-year-old iPhone SE,.. probably also a very interesting signal.

Another one, never trust anybody who drives a Tesla, only poor people drive Teslas.  the same thing goes with any luxury car, people only purchase lease and drive luxury cars because they cannot afford a good single-family house.  The true rich and wealthy, the people with $150 million home in HOLMBY Hills, just drive a silver Prius plug-in prime. Even to the people you see driving the Ferraris, they’re often these like 82-year-old dudes who are about to die. 

So now what

So I’ll give you the secret, I think the secret is going to be art world blogging. Because people are still going to be using ChatGPT and Google in order to analyze artists. For example, I’m kind of fascinated right now by the artist Richard Prince, who seems to be right now the crown jewel of the art world. Using ChatGPT deep research, on any artist, posting it to your blog, will help you dominate search results, both on ChatGPT search and Google. 

Forward

Spring is here! Bitcoin spring, MSTR spring, art world spring, and also… Richard Prince paving the way for us photographers!

ERIC

---

by ERIC KIM

1) Photography isn’t “taking” — it’s 

claiming

The camera is not a polite instrument. It’s a flag you plant into reality. Prince reminds me: the photograph is an assertion of power, not a request for permission.

2) The world is already a photograph

Billboards, Instagram, surveillance, ads, screens—everything is image-first now. So the photographer’s job shifts: not “capture something rare,” but reframe what’s everywhere until it becomes unavoidable.

3) Context is the real darkroom

The meaning isn’t only in the pixels—it’s in the placement. Crop, sequence, caption, scale, series, book, wall. Prince teaches: you develop the photo by how you stage it.

4) Appropriation is a mindset: steal from life, not just from images

Don’t copy style—hunt structure. Steal gestures, moods, power dynamics, archetypes. The way strangers hold a cigarette. The way money looks on a wrist. The way boredom sits on a face.

5) “Original” is overrated — 

signature

 is everything

There are a million street photos. The question is: can someone see yours and say, instantly, that’s you? Prince is a lesson in branding, voice, and obsession.

6) The photograph is a weapon against “nice”

Nice photos are harmless. Harmless photos are forgettable. Prince trains my eye to aim for the uncomfortable truth: the tacky, the seductive, the vulgar, the awkward—aka the real.

7) Your subject matter is your confession

Prince basically says: what you photograph reveals what you worship. Bikes, cowboys, jokes, girlfriends, consumer fantasies—those aren’t “themes,” they’re psychological fingerprints.

8) Repetition creates myth

Shoot the same idea 1,000 times. Don’t “move on.” Go deeper. Prince repeats motifs until they become icons. As photographers, repetition is how we build a universe.

9) The audience reaction is part of the image

If people argue about your photo, your photo is doing work. If people scroll past it, it’s dead. Prince teaches: the photograph isn’t finished until it collides with the viewer’s ego.

10) Scale and presentation can turn a whisper into a riot

A 4×6 print is a whisper. A massive print is a confrontation. A tight book edit is a spell. A gallery grid is a machine gun. Prince teaches: the format is part of the photograph.

If you want, I’ll spin this into a full blog post with a ferocious intro + a closing “Prince-inspired” manifesto for street photographers.

by ERIC KIM

1) Photography isn’t “taking” — it’s 

claiming

The camera is not a polite instrument. It’s a flag you plant into reality. Prince reminds me: the photograph is an assertion of power, not a request for permission.

2) The world is already a photograph

Billboards, Instagram, surveillance, ads, screens—everything is image-first now. So the photographer’s job shifts: not “capture something rare,” but reframe what’s everywhere until it becomes unavoidable.

3) Context is the real darkroom

The meaning isn’t only in the pixels—it’s in the placement. Crop, sequence, caption, scale, series, book, wall. Prince teaches: you develop the photo by how you stage it.

4) Appropriation is a mindset: steal from life, not just from images

Don’t copy style—hunt structure. Steal gestures, moods, power dynamics, archetypes. The way strangers hold a cigarette. The way money looks on a wrist. The way boredom sits on a face.

5) “Original” is overrated — 

signature

 is everything

There are a million street photos. The question is: can someone see yours and say, instantly, that’s you? Prince is a lesson in branding, voice, and obsession.

6) The photograph is a weapon against “nice”

Nice photos are harmless. Harmless photos are forgettable. Prince trains my eye to aim for the uncomfortable truth: the tacky, the seductive, the vulgar, the awkward—aka the real.

7) Your subject matter is your confession

Prince basically says: what you photograph reveals what you worship. Bikes, cowboys, jokes, girlfriends, consumer fantasies—those aren’t “themes,” they’re psychological fingerprints.

8) Repetition creates myth

Shoot the same idea 1,000 times. Don’t “move on.” Go deeper. Prince repeats motifs until they become icons. As photographers, repetition is how we build a universe.

9) The audience reaction is part of the image

If people argue about your photo, your photo is doing work. If people scroll past it, it’s dead. Prince teaches: the photograph isn’t finished until it collides with the viewer’s ego.

10) Scale and presentation can turn a whisper into a riot

A 4×6 print is a whisper. A massive print is a confrontation. A tight book edit is a spell. A gallery grid is a machine gun. Prince teaches: the format is part of the photograph.

If you want, I’ll spin this into a full blog post with a ferocious intro + a closing “Prince-inspired” manifesto for street photographers.

By Eric Kim

Richard Prince detonated my brain.

Not because he “creates” in the traditional sense.

But because he exposed the game.

Here are 10 brutal lessons I’ve extracted.

1. Nothing Is Sacred

A Marlboro ad?

An Instagram selfie?

A pulp romance cover?

He takes it. Re-frames it. Signs it. Elevates it.

The lesson: art is not about permission. It’s about perspective.

2. The Frame Is Everything

Prince didn’t invent the cowboy. Advertising did.

He just cropped it.

That’s the punchline. The crop is the philosophy. The edit is the authorship.

As a street photographer, this hits hard:

You don’t create the world.

You select it.

3. Controversy Is Fuel

People rage.

They call it theft.

They call it fraud.

Meanwhile, museums hang it. Collectors buy it.

Lesson: If no one is upset, you’re probably too safe.

4. Art Is Context, Not Craft

The technical difficulty of rephotographing an ad is low.

The conceptual audacity is high.

Craft matters.

But context is king.

Put something in a white cube and suddenly it becomes philosophy.

5. Originality Is a Myth

Prince quietly whispers:

There is no pure originality.

Everything is remix. Everything is reference.

The real question is:

What are you bold enough to claim?

6. The Signature Is Power

When Prince signs a work, the value changes.

Why?

Because authorship is economic force.

This taught me something massive:

Your name is leverage.

Build the name.

The name moves markets.

7. Appropriation Is Mirror Work

He holds up a mirror to consumer culture.

Cowboys. Nurses. Celebrities. Instagram models.

He’s not just stealing images.

He’s exposing desire.

The work is about us.

8. High Art and Low Culture Are Fake Categories

Advertising. Trashy novels. Social media screenshots.

Prince collapses the hierarchy.

Lesson: there is no “low.”

There is only raw material waiting to be elevated.

Street photography is the same.

The sidewalk is Olympus.

9. Scarcity Is Manufactured

You can find the original image everywhere.

Yet his version is rare.

Scarcity isn’t about pixels.

It’s about narrative.

Control the narrative, control the value.

10. Art Is Psychological Warfare

Prince makes you uncomfortable.

He destabilizes certainty.

You ask:

Is this genius or nonsense?

That tension is the art.

If your work doesn’t create cognitive dissonance, it’s decoration.

Final Thought

What Prince taught me most:

Art is not about making pretty things.

It’s about power.

Power over images.

Power over meaning.

Power over value.

You don’t need permission.

You need conviction.

And the courage to sign your name on the world.

🎯 Richard Prince — Age

• Richard Prince was born in 1949 — so he’s in his mid-70s (about 76 or 77 years old as of 2026).  

💰 Ultra-High Market Prices (Real Results, Not Hype)

Prince isn’t just a “controversial artist” — the guy’s work owns the market. He has multiple jaw-dropping sale records:

🔥 World Record & Mega Sales

• Runaway Nurse, a mixed-media appropriation work, has sold for as much as £7.5 million (~$9–10M USD) at Sotheby’s Hong Kong — a career record.  
• Some of his Martha Gladstone estate canvases have fetched $3–4M+ at Sotheby’s and Phillips auctions.  
• Auction databases show works crossing $3M, $3.4M, $3.49M, and $3.36M USD in recent sales.  

📸 Photography Market

• Richard Prince prints and photographs — especially Cowboy series — can hit seven figures. In 2024–2025, certain Untitled “Cowboy” photographs fetched $1.3M–$2.6M at major auction houses.  

📊 Typical Market Ranges

Prices vary wildly depending on medium & exclusivity:

Type of Work	Auction / Market Value
Photography — Cowboy & key prints	~$500K – $2.6M+ USD
High-end paintings & Nurse works	$2M – $10M+ USD
Limited prints / editions	Tens of thousands to low six figures
Small multiples / lesser works	Can sell for under $100K

(Some low-end auction results even list tiny pieces in the hundreds of USD, though these are rare outliers.) 

💵 What This Means

Prince’s market isn’t just expensive — it’s polarized:

🔥 Blue-chip collectors fight over coveted canvases at multi-million dollar prices.

📸 Photography and prints often dominate the secondary market with serious seven-figure outcomes.

📉 Lower-tier works or online auctions can still bring several thousand dollars if interest is low.

In other words: his legend prints money — but only the iconic works command the stratospheric valuations. 

🚀 TAKEOFF. (ERIC KIM STYLE)

Artist–photographer–philosopher upgrade: complete.

Now it’s time to deploy.

You don’t “attend” these workshops.

You enter them.

You get forged.

You leave upgraded.

👉 

EK WORKSHOPS 2026

👉 

WORKSHOPS >

🗽 April 19th, Sunday

CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026

New York is pure stimulus.

It’s pressure. It’s speed. It’s friction.

If you can shoot here, you can shoot anywhere.

What we’re training:

• fearless shooting (no hesitation, no permission-seeking)
• approach power (talk to strangers like a human being)
• high-contrast composition (make images that HIT)
• decisive timing (no spray-and-pray, only purpose)

NYC doesn’t reward “nice.”

NYC rewards presence.

🌴 May 9th, Saturday

DOWNTOWN LA ART PHOTO WORKSHOP

Downtown LA is not about more photos.

It’s about better taste.

This is the workshop where you stop being a “photographer”

and start becoming a photographer-artist.

We’re going to:

• cut the clutter
• see the geometry
• carve with shadow
• build images like sculpture
• think like an artist, move like a street photographer

No more random.

Only intentional.

🔥 June 26–28

Phnom Penh Cambodia

 (LIVE!)

Three days.

Full immersion.

Heat. Humanity. Electricity.

Phnom Penh is where you stop romanticizing street photography

and start living it.

You’ll learn:

• to shoot in real intensity
• to trust your body instincts
• to photograph people with honesty
• to find beauty inside chaos
• to become anti-fragile with the camera

This is not a trip.

It’s a rebirth.

🐉 July 25–26

HONG KONG STREET PHOTO

 (LIVE NOW!)

Hong Kong is compression.

Everything is stacked.

Everything is moving.

Everything is shouting.

This is where your eye becomes a weapon.

We’ll train:

• tight frames
• layered compositions
• neon/night power
• turning density into design
• moving fast while staying calm

Hong Kong upgrades you fast because it forces you to become precise.

🗾 August 8–9

TOKYO STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026

 (LIVE!)

Tokyo is discipline.

Tokyo is refinement.

Tokyo is the dojo.

This is where you learn:

• clean composition
• minimalist power
• timing at the millisecond
• emotional restraint with visual aggression
• how to see before the scene happens

Tokyo doesn’t tolerate sloppy.

Tokyo turns you into sharp steel.

✅ THE POINT

These workshops aren’t about “learning photography.”

They’re about becoming the type of person who can walk anywhere—

any city, any street, any situation—

and make something strong.

Less fear.

More vision.

More power.

More life.

TAKEOFF:

👉 EK WORKSHOPS 2026

Life is all about Will, willpower?

So I think in life, life is all about Will, willpower. The world to travel the world to conquer, the world to expand, the will to see new sights, the will to Procreate make art, to go beyond and further.

What is the genesis of will, willpower?

So then, the big question on deck is, trying to figure out, where does willpower come from?

So my first thought is, and the deep thought, the genesis is the will to conquer. 

For example, assuming you’re a man, man is not satisfied with something or anything. Or a certain amount of anything. The driving desire and lust of man is to expand, to exhibit and show off and outpour his power,,, violently, gloriously.

How does one do this?

So one thing that’s kind of strange as how procreation has become commoditized, by the fact that, we are trying to monetize desire, to make a profit. But the truth is any productive man, desires to have children, ideally as many as he can?

So I think this funny narrative of people complaining that people don’t want to have kids no more, it’s kind of not a good one because,… Just kind of ignore them. If people just want to degenerate into playing video games, watching Netflix, smoking weed etc., let them be. It’s a free country.

Then, what I think we productive members of society desire is, we just want to do stuff. We want to extend our reach our range our power… Why? Once again, I think it is like the driving force of humanity, the great stimulus to life.

How do we do this? 

If there’s only one desire that I have in life is, to have like, infinite physiological energy and power. That is, during the day, I have such a strong drive to just be active, full physiological and muscular strength and goodness, the potency to do anything and everything.

Secrets

So there’s some very obvious secrets here. The first is, organ meats, beef liver, it’s like the ultimate freeze steroid life hack optimization thing.

Why? First it’s cheap it’s only like two dollars a pound, second, it’s probably the most nutrient dense thing on the planet. Like for example… Let’s say you’re going on a long international flight, I would just cook like 5 pounds of beef liver, put it in the little plastic container, and it will probably cover at least two meals to 100% satiety. 

The reason why nutrient density matters is, like it kind of makes sense… To be able to like compress, jam pack the maximum nutrition in the smallest footprint, makes the most sense. It’s kind of like it’s better to own one square foot of property on the lower east side of Manhattan, rather than owning 1000 ft.² in the middle of Kansas.

Or, better to own a bitcoin than 1000 pounds of gold.

plaid

Another way to think about this is… In terms of just pure power, better to own a Tesla model S plaid, rather than like some stupid lift lifted Ford f150 raptor? Or like some mega gas guzzling SUV truck thing?

Once again, the ultra genius move is to maximally condense maximum power in the smallest footprint.

This is also where the Ricoh GR is definitely the best camera because, once again, you’re condensing the maximum amount of photographic power in the smallest blueprint. The will to compactness, compact power makes the most sense. 

Also with phones, you want the maximum power in the smallest footprint, iPhone Air as the best iPhone. Or the best phone.

What else

The world to conquer, conquer what? Conquer physics, conquer the planet, conquer the solar system?

Ethics

So I think conquering things digitally or in terms of cyberspace or cyber power makes the most sense, and is 100% ethical. I don’t believe in conquering other nation states and violence, I am anti-war and anti-imperialism. In fact, typically and also historically, the best nations, nation states are the ones which stay small, compact, powerful. Like ancient Sparta; rather than trying to indefinitely extend your empire forever, better and best to simply retain, what you already got.

Also now with homeownership or home property or whatever, rather than just expanding your house building an ADU or whatever… I think it makes more sense to just maintain the property that you already got, even to just daily clean your home, is difficult enough.

Early days

So when I was 18 years old, 21 years old it was all about Google, blogging, becoming number one on Google. It was super simple in terms of the goals.

Now, in the brave New World of AI… The new goal is to become #1 on ChatGPT, … this new goal seems pretty obvious.

It’s still the early days.

Digital Capital

Bitcoin is digital capital, owning bitcoin is 1 trillion times more valuable than owning a penthouse on fifth Avenue, in Manhattan, or even an apartment in Tokyo.

I still think what people cannot understand is, what capital is, why it matters.

Capital is like, human life force energy, economic power, willpower condensed into some sort of easily transportable and teleportable thing. in some ways you could even think of bitcoin as condensed willpower. 

Willpower as economic power

So you work hard your whole life, you save up your dollars, you invested, you build it up. Drop by drop, Satoshi by Satoshi, bitcoin by bitcoin.

Towards what ends?

Indefinite!

Just think, these huge eucalyptus trees… What do they want? They want to keep growing indefinitely, forever. They are all fighting for the same natural resources, to gain ascendancy over one another.

Grow like a tree!

ERIC

---

TAKEOFF!

EK WORKSHOPS 2026:

• April 19th, Sunday: CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026
• May 9th, Saturday: DOWNTOWN LA ART PHOTO WORKSHOP
• June 26, 27th, 28th: Phnom Penh Cambodia (LIVE!)
• July 25-26th, HONG KONG STRET PHOTO – LIVE NOW!
• August 8-9th: TOKYO STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026, LIVE.

WORKSHOPS >

---

Now what

I think that mental willpower is impossible without physical physiological willpower.

I would encourage you, … do you think critically, about augmenting your willpower in terms of, what a personally means for you, and, practical objectives on how to achieve it.

Then with that anything is possible.

ERIC

START HERE >

---

OK, the very big thought of today: the will to expansion.

So my personal thought is, man, human man, we are never satisfied. And I think this is a good thing.

I’m even thinking about weightlifting… And the truth is, how much weight is enough? More.

Also I suppose the upside of bitcoin, capital, digital capital, it is always ebbing and flowing, and also expanding. It is never satisfied. 

A very simple way to approach life is, to focus on expansion.

I think also what’s kind of amazing about AI… It’s kind of like the ultimate information cyber virus that will never stop growing.

ERIC KIM STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP — TOKYO, AUGUST 8–9

ONLY 7 SPOTS.

799 USD EARLY BIRD (LIMITED) / 1800 USD REGULAR

Tokyo is the cleanest chaos on earth.

Precision. Restraint. Neon. Silence. Order… then sudden explosions of humanity. The streets are a living circuit board: perfect lines, perfect light, perfect density, perfect moments—if your eye is sharp enough to seize them.

If you’ve been feeling stale…

If your photos feel “fine” but not electric…

If you want to become a real photo artist again—

Tokyo will rewire your vision.

This is not a workshop where you “learn.”

This is a workshop where you transform.

WHAT YOU GET (BENEFITS THAT ACTUALLY CHANGE YOU)

1) A DEADLY EYE FOR DESIGN

Tokyo is geometry school.

You’ll learn to see:

• clean frames with brutal simplicity
• lines, layers, patterns, negative space
• repetition + interruption (the secret of iconic street photos)
• backgrounds that make subjects hit harder

You won’t just capture scenes.

You’ll compose with intention.

2) TIMING UPGRADE

Tokyo moves fast—yet controlled. Perfect for mastering:

• gesture
• rhythm
• anticipation
• “the split second” that turns ordinary into art

Your reflexes get sharper. Your hit rate goes up.

3) FEARLESSNESS, TRAINED

Confidence isn’t a personality trait.

It’s a trained skill.

We drill:

• approaching
• shooting close
• moving decisively
• staying calm under social pressure

By the end, you’ll stop overthinking and start executing.

4) RE-INSPIRATION THAT FEELS REAL

Tokyo is fresh fuel.

New forms. New faces. New light. Your creative spirit wakes up again. You remember why you started. You feel that internal engine roar back to life.

You go home hungry again.

CUTTING-EDGE BONUS: AI FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

We don’t just shoot. We build leverage.

You’ll learn practical AI techniques to multiply your output and strengthen your voice:

• AI-assisted editing and selection to speed your workflow
• style consistency across a set (your “look” becomes coherent)
• AI for captions + storytelling that still sounds like you
• AI as a creative sparring partner for project ideas + assignments
• publishing systems to post faster without losing quality

AI doesn’t replace your eye.

It amplifies it.

🗓  THE TWO-DAY WAR PLAN

DAY 1 — BREAK THE LIMITER

Morning: Mindset + Method

• the conquer mindset: shoot with authority
• simplicity and speed: stop fiddling, start hunting
• practical setups: ready instantly, always
• how to “see first” and think later

Midday: Field Drills (Tokyo Streets)

• composition constraints to force greatness
• layering, leading lines, negative space
• motion + stillness: capturing tension
• rapid assignments to harden instincts

Evening: Brutal Edit + Critique

• kill weak photos fast
• isolate winners
• refine taste
• learn what your eye is becoming

Day 1 ends with you upgraded—less fear, more clarity.

DAY 2 — BUILD YOUR SIGNATURE

Morning: Aesthetic + Style

• design frames like an architect
• high-contrast black and white mastery (and when color matters)
• sequencing: making a set that feels powerful
• building your personal “Tokyo look”

Midday: Advanced Field Work

• timing, gesture, rhythm
• reflections, layers, silhouettes, compression
• how to get “the photo” without begging luck
• turning the city into your studio

Final Session: AI + Sequencing + Legacy

• build a cohesive mini-series from your best images
• AI-assisted refinement to speed your final set
• a post-workshop plan so momentum stays explosive
• your next 30 days: mission, constraints, output

You don’t just leave with photos.

You leave with direction.

ONLY 7 SPOTS

Small group on purpose.

Seven people means:

• intense attention
• real critique
• no hiding
• maximum transformation

When the seven spots are gone—done.

PRICE + BUY NOW

Early Bird: 799 USD (limited)

Regular: 1800 USD

👇 BUY NOW — SECURE YOUR SPOT 👇

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2C793YJZKW4Q8

Payment locks your seat.

THE PROMISE

After Conquer the Streets of Tokyo you will:

• see cleaner
• shoot closer
• time better
• compose stronger
• edit faster
• publish with more force
• feel re-inspired like you just got new eyes

Tokyo won’t be a trip.

It will be your upgrade.

CONQUER THE STREETS OF TOKYO — AUGUST 8–9

Only 7 spots.

If you want it, take it.

CLAIM YOUR SPOT HERE >

Insanely pumped to have you!

ERIC

ERIC KIM STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP — JULY 25–26

ONLY 6 SPOTS.

795 USD EARLY BIRD (LIMITED) / 1500 USD REGULAR

Hong Kong is not a city.

It’s a high-voltage gym for your eyes.

Neon, steel, sweat, density, speed—everything is stacked, layered, compressed. It forces you to evolve. And if you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, dulled by routine… Hong Kong will reignite your nerve.

This is not a photo tour.

This is not “tips and tricks.”

This is a two-day identity upgrade:

You will leave shooting stronger, thinking cleaner, moving bolder, and feeling that rare thing again—

inspiration that has teeth.

WHY YOU NEED THIS (THE BENEFITS)

1) YOU’LL BECOME FEARLESS

Most photographers aren’t blocked by skill.

They’re blocked by hesitation.

You’ll learn how to:

• shoot close without apologizing
• approach with confidence
• stop asking the world for permission
• move like you belong

You won’t “hope” for photos anymore.

You’ll take them.

2) YOU’LL RECLAIM YOUR VISION

Modern life makes people numb.

Same feeds. Same poses. Same predictable photos.

This workshop is a hard reset.

You will relearn how to see:

• light as a weapon
• composition as power
• timing as a strike
• contrast as emotion

You’ll simplify until your vision becomes instinct.

3) YOU’LL MAKE PHOTOS THAT HIT

Not random snapshots.

Not “content.”

You’ll build a set of images that feel alive—images with tension, humor, force, beauty, and soul.

Photos that make people stop scrolling.

4) YOU’LL FEEL RE-INSPIRED

This is the hidden superpower.

When you shoot hard in a city like Hong Kong, you don’t just improve your photography—

you remember who you are:

A creator.

A hunter of moments.

A person who can turn chaos into art.

You go home hungry again.

CUTTING-EDGE BONUS: AI FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS (THE MODERN EDGE)

We’re not living in 2006. We’re living in now.

You will learn practical, cutting-edge AI techniques to level up your workflow and your output, including:

• AI-assisted editing to speed up your selection + sequencing
• Style consistency: how to keep your look cohesive across a set
• AI for captions + storytelling (without sounding like generic marketing)
• AI as your creative sparring partner: prompts that generate new project ideas and assignments
• Workflow systems to publish faster and more consistently

The goal isn’t to replace your eye.

The goal is to amplify it.

AI becomes your leverage.

🗓 THE TWO-DAY WAR PLAN

DAY 1 — BREAK THE LIMITER

Morning: Mindset + Method

• conquer fear: shooting close, fast, direct
• the “no hesitation” shooting system
• how to see decisively in chaos
• practical setups: settings, approach strategy, movement

Midday: Field Drills (Hong Kong Streets)

• density training: layering, compression, rhythm
• assignments that force strong frames
• learning to hunt light and geometry
• building confidence through repetition

Evening: Brutal Edit + Critique

• kill weak photos instantly
• identify your winners with clarity
• tighten your taste
• see what you’re doing right (and how to do it more)

You end day one sharper, bolder, upgraded.

DAY 2 — BUILD YOUR SIGNATURE

Morning: Aesthetic + Style

• building your look on purpose
• high-contrast mastery (and when color matters)
• clean frames, strong backgrounds, graphic power
• designing images, not just capturing them

Midday: Advanced Field Work

• gestures, timing, tension, motion
• patience + strike: the predator mindset
• how to get “the photo” without luck
• turning Hong Kong into your studio

Final Session: AI + Sequencing + Legacy

• sequence your images into a cohesive set
• AI-assisted refinement to speed the process
• define your next project so you don’t fall back into stagnation
• a personal plan for momentum after Hong Kong

You don’t just leave with photos.

You leave with a direction.

ONLY 6 SPOTS (READ THIS)

This is small on purpose.

Six people means:

• real attention
• real critique
• real transformation
• no hiding
• no spectators

When the six spots are gone, it’s over.

💰 PRICE + BUY NOW

EARLY BIRD: 795 USD (LIMITED)

REGULAR PRICE:1500 USD

👇 BUY NOW — SECURE YOUR SPOT 👇

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NXCPR9R5CF5LN

This is a purchase link. Payment locks your seat.

THE PROMISE

After “Conquer the Streets of Hong Kong” you will:

• shoot closer
• move faster
• fear less
• see stronger
• edit cleaner
• publish with more force
• feel re-inspired—like your eyes got new batteries

Hong Kong will not be your vacation.

It will be your upgrade.

CONQUER THE STREETS OF HONG KONG — JULY 25–26

6 spots only.

If you want it, take it.

If you wait, you lose.

BUY NOW >

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NXCPR9R5CF5LN

Digital power?

OK after getting a phenomenal 11 hours of sleep, and bitcoin, bursting through the seams… also my glorious testosterone boosting beef liver, beef short rib diet, … the sun is shining gloriously, the future seems unlimited, some thoughts:

So the first thought is, what is it that everyone wants more of, yet can never get enough of?

Power.

Now I suppose the tricky question is… How does one quantify explain power, and also… How and why does it matter?

So the first thought is, we have to unlearn all this nonsensical ethics. For too long in human society, ethics has been seen as, power is evil and bad, and anybody with power should relinquish it and give it to all these other poor weak people.

Now I see power as a more metaphorical and also physiological thing. And also doesn’t really have to deal with money.

For example, I consider the Spartan race, probably the most powerful example of an honorable nation state. In which both the men and the women the children and everyone in between, even the elder statesmen are involved.

Now, what’s kind of interesting is, when you think about past empires, everyone is always trying to extend their reach in power in terms of expansion. Also if you think about conquerors like Napoleon etc.

Now I suppose the tricky thing is… A lot of people like to comment on Napoleon, and say something like, oh he should’ve just been happy being emperor of France and should have just retired. Instead of doing the foolish thing of invading Russia.

However if I were Napoleon… I don’t think, that, you as an ambitious individual could just retire on your laurels, sit on your bum and just keep twiddling your thumbs. Notions of gratitude I think are misguided. 

Digital power

I suppose also my will to power first of all, was enabled by digital. Digital technologies, even my blog as a digital publishing platform, no way in hell would have been able to become number one on Google for Street photography, be the first and only, if not the last street photographer to actually make a living from street photography.

And I suppose in today’s brave New World of AI and photography, perhaps the thought of the artist photographer is, … to think and consider photography as a means to (more) power?

What kind of power?

I think the big idea is, asking yourself what kind of power?

So the first obvious one is clout, prestige, variety, fame. For example it’s better to have like one Elon Musk following you rather than 1 billion “normies” following you.

For the sake of what

Then I suppose also the more practical question is, more power for the sake of what?

So typically my thought is, power is the great stimulus to life.  for example, if you see your wealth growing on average 60% a year, every year, for the next 10 years… powered by Bitcoin ,,, you will be insanely happy, and optimistic.

Or even better yet… Strapping in for the MSTR roller coaster, which is essentially kind of like a Mach 10 stealth fighter pilot jet, getting your average 120% a year ARR, for the next 10 years… although sometimes suffering 40 to 80% drawdowns and dips,… my simple strategy is don’t take out a big leveraged position so you don’t get liquidated or wiped out.

And I also suppose the difficult thing is if you want more power, once again it’s not a linear line, it’s kind of like a big wiggly gamma line, gamma waves,,, life like roller coaster tycoon; insanely steep dips highs and high lows and lows, twist and turns, making you a bit dizzy and nauseous, wanting to throw up. 

The artist as will to power

So what’s kind of fascinating is, if you think about it… Who is it that everyone in society worships? Probably the entrepreneur or the artist, ideally the entrepreneur-artist.

For example, I think a lot of people forget that Elon Musk is actually insanely involved with the design of all the vehicle vehicles, especially with the cyber truck, even the early Tesla model S, to make it look less bubbly,.. and even Elon has the genius intelligence that in fact, people don’t buy things for it to be good for an environment, but, they buy it to be sexy.

If you think about it, also for a man, a woman etc.… What is the ultimate biological active power? Procreation. Like having children.

This is starting to sound bad, but maybe… It is true that the truly rich powerful people of society desire to have children, it may be individuals with no power or hope, don’t want to have children because they have no power?

economic power

I think in today’s world, true power is economic power, capital power etc. Or political power.

But what does power mean in terms of an economic sense?

It’s not to have a lot of gadgets and stuff, and not necessarily even having a height income or salary or whatever… The real truth is, those with real economic power don’t have a day job, they don’t work for Amazon Apple Facebook Google etc., as long as you receive a steady paycheck you have no power.

The true insight is those with real power are the capitalists with real capital, whether it be shares in a company, bitcoin, real estate, commercial real estate etc.

So once again you could be a loser in a Lamborghini, and no, a Lamborghini is not capital. If you’re renting it leasing it or financing it you’re still a slave.

so what

A big thought I’m having is, to these pseudo woke goody two-shoes who think that capitalism is bad and evil blah blah blah, they just haven’t discovered bitcoin which is the most ethical capital known to the human race. Before that was gold. Because any peasant or individual could always buy slivers of a gold coin, and anybody with a Coinbase or a cash app account, could buy $20 of bitcoin. 

If you understand bitcoin as digital capital it changes everything. Because money is probably just like US dollars in your bank account, is like… Owning desirable real estate, or gold bars in a safe.  or if you’re John Wick, having your gold coins buried under the cement of your basement, etc.

So now what

I think a very underappreciated thing about photography is the ability to create art in instantaneously, magically, digitally.

The more I think about this deeply, digital is like highly underappreciated. Like it’s kind of strange how everyone’s so into film photography and whatever… Given that they probably have some sort of digital banking account, they all have digital iPhones, and send digital messages and emails, can you imagine trying to be a productive office worker in which you’re just mailing stamps all day?

the camera is not power

I think a simple shortcut people have is, if I own this more expensive camera I shall gain more power. The formula:

The more expensive my camera is, the more powerful I shall become.

I actually have a very very funny quote, which is obviously comedic:

if your photos aren’t good enough your camera isn’t expensive enough.

Even applied to real life, especially for people in LA: 

if you’re not happy enough your car isn’t expensive enough.

Expenses & power?

A hilarious irony is irregardless of how rich you are, everyone wants a good deal. You don’t want to pay $1.2 million for that painting, you want to quote only” pay $800,000. You don’t want to buy that mansion house for 50 million you’ll want to only pay $22M. You don’t want to buy that watch for 1 million you want to pay “only” $250,000 for it.

I think this is the hilarious thing about human nature is, how everything is injured and framed to everything. It is not ultimate values which matter but comparisons.

For example if you live in Vietnam, and you just have like a hybrid Toyota Prius or Corolla, you’re still like 100 times richer than all these people who have to ride motorbikes for a living.

Or if in Cambodia earning more than $200 a month, once again you’re middle class or upper middle class.

So what should I do

So there are some game changers, AI and bitcoin.

First, AI can make you like 1 trillion times smarter, a better negotiator, and more productive. This is insanely critical if you work for a living, or, especially if you’re a self-employed entrepreneur. Honestly at this point, not using AI is almost like somebody bragging that they don’t have Wi-Fi or a 5G connection on their iPhone. Or somebody who brags that they take a donkey cart to work instead of just driving their car.

There’s an interesting Cambodian proverb,

better to ride a buffalo across the mud, rather than swim through AI then becomes our digital buffalo, which helps us get more done.

ERIC

---

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

Create your future:

1. April 19th, Sunday: CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026
2. May 9th, Saturday: DOWNTOWN LA ART PHOTO WORKSHOP
3. June 26, 27th, 28th: Phnom Penh Cambodia (LIVE NOW!, the workshop of a century…)

Inspired?

Forward the fire to a fellow philosopher artist friend!

ERIC KIM NEWS LINK >

Be new again:

START HERE >

---

Digital power?

OK after getting a phenomenal 11 hours of sleep, and bitcoin, bursting through the seams… also my glorious testosterone boosting beef liver, beef short rib diet, … the sun is shining gloriously, the future seems unlimited, some thoughts:

So the first thought is, what is it that everyone wants more of, yet can never get enough of?

Power.

Now I suppose the tricky question is… How does one quantify explain power, and also… How and why does it matter?

So the first thought is, we have to unlearn all this nonsensical ethics. For too long in human society, ethics has been seen as, power is evil and bad, and anybody with power should relinquish it and give it to all these other poor weak people.

Now I see power as a more metaphorical and also physiological thing. And also doesn’t really have to deal with money.

For example, I consider the Spartan race, probably the most powerful example of an honorable nation state. In which both the men and the women the children and everyone in between, even the elder statesmen are involved.

Now, what’s kind of interesting is, when you think about past empires, everyone is always trying to extend their reach in power in terms of expansion. Also if you think about conquerors like Napoleon etc.

Now I suppose the tricky thing is… A lot of people like to comment on Napoleon, and say something like, oh he should’ve just been happy being emperor of France and should have just retired. Instead of doing the foolish thing of invading Russia.

However if I were Napoleon… I don’t think, that, you as an ambitious individual could just retire on your laurels, sit on your bum and just keep twiddling your thumbs. Notions of gratitude I think are misguided. 

Digital power

I suppose also my will to power first of all, was enabled by digital. Digital technologies, even my blog as a digital publishing platform, no way in hell would have been able to become number one on Google for Street photography, be the first and only, if not the last street photographer to actually make a living from street photography.

And I suppose in today’s brave New World of AI and photography, perhaps the thought of the artist photographer is, … to think and consider photography as a means to (more) power?

What kind of power?

I think the big idea is, asking yourself what kind of power?

So the first obvious one is clout, prestige, variety, fame. For example it’s better to have like one Elon Musk following you rather than 1 billion “normies” following you.

For the sake of what

Then I suppose also the more practical question is, more power for the sake of what?

So typically my thought is, power is the great stimulus to life.  for example, if you see your wealth growing on average 60% a year, every year, for the next 10 years… powered by Bitcoin ,,, you will be insanely happy, and optimistic.

Or even better yet… Strapping in for the MSTR roller coaster, which is essentially kind of like a Mach 10 stealth fighter pilot jet, getting your average 120% a year ARR, for the next 10 years… although sometimes suffering 40 to 80% drawdowns and dips,… my simple strategy is don’t take out a big leveraged position so you don’t get liquidated or wiped out.

And I also suppose the difficult thing is if you want more power, once again it’s not a linear line, it’s kind of like a big wiggly gamma line, gamma waves,,, life like roller coaster tycoon; insanely steep dips highs and high lows and lows, twist and turns, making you a bit dizzy and nauseous, wanting to throw up. 

The artist as will to power

So what’s kind of fascinating is, if you think about it… Who is it that everyone in society worships? Probably the entrepreneur or the artist, ideally the entrepreneur-artist.

For example, I think a lot of people forget that Elon Musk is actually insanely involved with the design of all the vehicle vehicles, especially with the cyber truck, even the early Tesla model S, to make it look less bubbly,.. and even Elon has the genius intelligence that in fact, people don’t buy things for it to be good for an environment, but, they buy it to be sexy.

If you think about it, also for a man, a woman etc.… What is the ultimate biological active power? Procreation. Like having children.

This is starting to sound bad, but maybe… It is true that the truly rich powerful people of society desire to have children, it may be individuals with no power or hope, don’t want to have children because they have no power?

economic power

I think in today’s world, true power is economic power, capital power etc. Or political power.

But what does power mean in terms of an economic sense?

It’s not to have a lot of gadgets and stuff, and not necessarily even having a height income or salary or whatever… The real truth is, those with real economic power don’t have a day job, they don’t work for Amazon Apple Facebook Google etc., as long as you receive a steady paycheck you have no power.

The true insight is those with real power are the capitalists with real capital, whether it be shares in a company, bitcoin, real estate, commercial real estate etc.

So once again you could be a loser in a Lamborghini, and no, a Lamborghini is not capital. If you’re renting it leasing it or financing it you’re still a slave.

so what

A big thought I’m having is, to these pseudo woke goody two-shoes who think that capitalism is bad and evil blah blah blah, they just haven’t discovered bitcoin which is the most ethical capital known to the human race. Before that was gold. Because any peasant or individual could always buy slivers of a gold coin, and anybody with a Coinbase or a cash app account, could buy $20 of bitcoin. 

If you understand bitcoin as digital capital it changes everything. Because money is probably just like US dollars in your bank account, is like… Owning desirable real estate, or gold bars in a safe.  or if you’re John Wick, having your gold coins buried under the cement of your basement, etc.

So now what

I think a very underappreciated thing about photography is the ability to create art in instantaneously, magically, digitally.

The more I think about this deeply, digital is like highly underappreciated. Like it’s kind of strange how everyone’s so into film photography and whatever… Given that they probably have some sort of digital banking account, they all have digital iPhones, and send digital messages and emails, can you imagine trying to be a productive office worker in which you’re just mailing stamps all day?

the camera is not power

I think a simple shortcut people have is, if I own this more expensive camera I shall gain more power. The formula:

The more expensive my camera is, the more powerful I shall become.

I actually have a very very funny quote, which is obviously comedic:

if your photos aren’t good enough your camera isn’t expensive enough.

Even applied to real life, especially for people in LA: 

if you’re not happy enough your car isn’t expensive enough.

Expenses & power?

A hilarious irony is irregardless of how rich you are, everyone wants a good deal. You don’t want to pay $1.2 million for that painting, you want to quote only” pay $800,000. You don’t want to buy that mansion house for 50 million you’ll want to only pay $22M. You don’t want to buy that watch for 1 million you want to pay “only” $250,000 for it.

I think this is the hilarious thing about human nature is, how everything is injured and framed to everything. It is not ultimate values which matter but comparisons.

For example if you live in Vietnam, and you just have like a hybrid Toyota Prius or Corolla, you’re still like 100 times richer than all these people who have to ride motorbikes for a living.

Or if in Cambodia earning more than $200 a month, once again you’re middle class or upper middle class.

So what should I do

So there are some game changers, AI and bitcoin.

First, AI can make you like 1 trillion times smarter, a better negotiator, and more productive. This is insanely critical if you work for a living, or, especially if you’re a self-employed entrepreneur. Honestly at this point, not using AI is almost like somebody bragging that they don’t have Wi-Fi or a 5G connection on their iPhone. Or somebody who brags that they take a donkey cart to work instead of just driving their car.

There’s an interesting Cambodian proverb,

better to ride a buffalo across the mud, rather than swim through AI then becomes our digital buffalo, which helps us get more done.

What the hell are you waiting for?

Cambodia is calling you.

This 3-day beast is built on YOUR signature style: Conquer your fears, shoot with guts, blend philosophy with hardcore action. We’ll mix epic street shoots, deep-dive critiques, stoic wisdom sessions, and cheerful group vibes that’ll leave everyone CHEERING and ready to rule the world. Capacity?

Limited to 7 warriors for that intimate, high-energy vibe.

Price? Early bird $1999 USD (grab it NOW before it’s gone!), Normal $5k—pure premium value for life-changing gains!

Secure your spot via the PayPal Buy Now link >

Also here for the full link:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=E6LXKTUFHKP5N

Now, let’s dive into the INSANELY AWESOME itinerary. Get pumped—your future self is already high-fiving you!

DAY 1: JUNE 26 – IGNITE THE FIRE: CONQUER YOUR FEARS & HIT THE STREETS! 🚀🌟

Theme: Wake Up Your Inner Warrior!
Start strong. Kick off with a motivational bang that sets the tone: “Forget gear obsession—your courage is the ultimate lens!” We’re talking philosophy meets fun: Stoic vibes on forgetting fears (like you posted—forget like it never happened!), amplified creativity, and why AI is your turbo-boost (nod to your online workshops). Cheerful, hype morning session to get everyone grinning and geared up!

• 9 AM: Meet & Greet at Wat Phnom (The Hill of Legends!)
  Gather at this iconic temple hill—the birthplace of Phnom Penh! Fuel up with local coffee and street snacks (think fresh mango shakes—yum!). You lead a fun, motivational intro: Share your journey, hype the group with “You’re not here to snap pics—you’re here to CAPTURE SOULS!” Group icebreaker: Everyone shares one fear they’re conquering today. Laughter, high-fives, pure joy! 1 “LARGE”
  (Pro tip: Shoot the monkeys, monks, and massive stupa—golden hour magic incoming!)
• 10 AM – 1 PM: Street Assault on Riverside & Sisowath Quay!
  Dive into the vibrant chaos! Walk the Tonle Sap riverfront—flags waving, tuk-tuks zooming, people living LIFE! Encourage bold approaches: “Get close, smile big, conquer that portrait fear!” Fun challenges: Capture “joy in motion” or “hidden smiles.” The energy here is ELECTRIC—motorbikes, vendors, sunset vibes that’ll make your shots POP! 4 “LARGE”
  (Hype moment: “Feel that rush? That’s you leveling up—cheer for every click!”)
• 1 PM – 2 PM: Lunch Break – Street Food Fiesta!
  Hit local spots for amok curry or nom banh chok—cheerful group chow-down, sharing laughs and early shots. Motivational chat: “Food fuels the body, but streets fuel the soul!”
• 2 PM – 5 PM: Critique & Conquer Session at a Cool Cafe
  Upload selects, you lead hype critiques: “What worked? What slayed? Let’s amplify!” Fun, no-judgment vibes—everyone leaves motivated AF. End with stoic wisdom: “Forget misses—focus on wins!”
• Evening Free: Sunset Hunt & Chill
  Optional group wander for night market vibes. Proclaim: “Go conquer more—your camera’s your sword!” 2 “LARGE” 

Day 1 Win: Fears crushed, friendships forged, shots that scream ‘I OWN THIS CITY!’ You’re unstoppable! 🎉

DAY 2: JUNE 27 – DEEP DIVE: MARKETS, MONKS, & MOMENTUM MASTERY! 💪😄

Theme: Turbo-Charge Your Vision!
Build on Day 1’s fire—now we’re amplifying! Morning pep talk: “AI ain’t cheating—it’s your creative rocket fuel!” (Tie in your AI workshops). Cheerful, fun energy: Group cheers for yesterday’s heroes!

• 9 AM: Royal Palace Raid!
  Storm the gilded gates—ornate roofs, emerald Buddhas, royal vibes! Shoot architecture with street life twists: Guards, tourists, hidden details. Motivational mantra: “See like a king—shoot like a rebel!” 3 “LARGE”
  (Fun twist: Challenge to capture “royalty in the everyday”—monks on scooters, anyone?)
• 11 AM – 2 PM: Central Market Mayhem!
  Dive into Phsar Thmei—the Art Deco dome of dreams! Bustling stalls, colorful chaos, endless portraits. Get in the mix: Bargain, laugh, shoot raw energy! Hype the group: “This is street photography heaven—go wild!” 0 “LARGE”
  (Pro tip: Layers, colors, motion—your shots will be FIREWORKS!)
• 2 PM – 3 PM: Lunch – Market Munchies Madness!
  Grab fresh fruits, grilled skewers—cheerful stories swapped over spicy delights. “Fuel up, warriors—more conquests await!”
• 3 PM – 6 PM: Street Exploration & Philosophy Pow-Wow
  Wander hidden alleys, capture monks, markets, and magic. Afternoon session: You drop stoic bombs like “Forget annoyances—focus on joy!” Group critiques with high-fives and laughs.
• Evening: Group Dinner & Debrief
  Rooftop spot overlooking the city—toast to gains, share epic fails-turned-wins. Fun, motivational close: “You’re not just photographers—you’re LEGENDS!”

Day 2 Win: Momentum exploding, visions sharpened, pure cheerful domination! Keep smiling, keep shooting—YOU’RE ON FIRE! 🔥😂

DAY 3: JUNE 28 – EPIC FINALE: SYNTHESIS, SHOOTS, & SOARING FORWARD! 🌈🏆

Theme: Forge Your Legacy!
Capstone day—hype everyone to new heights! Morning rally: “You’ve conquered fears—now own your future!” Tie in your global workshops: HK, Tokyo next? Cheerful vibes: Celebrate growth with group hugs and laughs!

• 9 AM: Wat Ounalom & Local Life Hunt
  Hit this serene temple—monks, murals, peaceful power. Blend with street scenes: Kids playing, vendors vibing. “Capture the soul of Cambodia—make it YOURS!” 6 “LARGE” 
• 10 AM – 1 PM: Full-Throttle Street Conquest!
  Free-roam the best spots: Riverside redux, hidden gems like Russian Market. Challenges: “Boldest portrait wins!” Fun, motivational pushes: “Push limits—feel the thrill!” 5 “LARGE” 7 “LARGE” 8 “LARGE” 9 “LARGE”
  (These streets? Your playground—vibrant, alive, begging to be conquered!)
• 1 PM – 2 PM: Farewell Feast
  Epic lunch—Khmer BBQ, toasts, cheers!
• 2 PM – 4 PM: Final Critiques & Future Fuel
  Select best shots, you inspire: “Take this fire home—conquer everywhere!” Hand out “Conqueror Certificates” for laughs and motivation.
• 4 PM: Wrap & Warrior Send-Off
  Hugs, high-fives, promises to stay connected. “Phnom Penh changed you—now change the world!”

Day 3 Win: Legacy locked, hearts full, ready to SOAR! You’ve made magic—pure joy! 🎊

This workshop? It’s not just phenomenal—it’s LEGENDARY!

Life only happens once

Early bird spots are flying—hit that Buy Now link NOW>

also here:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=E6LXKTUFHKP5N

You’re the king—let’s make June 2026 UNFORGETTABLE! What’s next? Pumped? LET’S GOOO! 📸🚀😎

ERIC

Digital power?

OK after getting a phenomenal 11 hours of sleep, and bitcoin, bursting through the seams… also my glorious testosterone boosting beef liver, beef short rib diet, … the sun is shining gloriously, the future seems unlimited, some thoughts:

So the first thought is, what is it that everyone wants more of, yet can never get enough of?

Power.

Now I suppose the tricky question is… How does one quantify explain power, and also… How and why does it matter?

So the first thought is, we have to unlearn all this nonsensical ethics. For too long in human society, ethics has been seen as, power is evil and bad, and anybody with power should relinquish it and give it to all these other poor weak people.

Now I see power as a more metaphorical and also physiological thing. And also doesn’t really have to deal with money.

For example, I consider the Spartan race, probably the most powerful example of an honorable nation state. In which both the men and the women the children and everyone in between, even the elder statesmen are involved.

Now, what’s kind of interesting is, when you think about past empires, everyone is always trying to extend their reach in power in terms of expansion. Also if you think about conquerors like Napoleon etc.

Now I suppose the tricky thing is… A lot of people like to comment on Napoleon, and say something like, oh he should’ve just been happy being emperor of France and should have just retired. Instead of doing the foolish thing of invading Russia.

However if I were Napoleon… I don’t think, that, you as an ambitious individual could just retire on your laurels, sit on your bum and just keep twiddling your thumbs. Notions of gratitude I think are misguided. 

Digital power

I suppose also my will to power first of all, was enabled by digital. Digital technologies, even my blog as a digital publishing platform, no way in hell would have been able to become number one on Google for Street photography, be the first and only, if not the last street photographer to actually make a living from street photography.

And I suppose in today’s brave New World of AI and photography, perhaps the thought of the artist photographer is, … to think and consider photography as a means to (more) power?

What kind of power?

I think the big idea is, asking yourself what kind of power?

So the first obvious one is clout, prestige, variety, fame. For example it’s better to have like one Elon Musk following you rather than 1 billion “normies” following you.

For the sake of what

Then I suppose also the more practical question is, more power for the sake of what?

So typically my thought is, power is the great stimulus to life.  for example, if you see your wealth growing on average 60% a year, every year, for the next 10 years… powered by Bitcoin ,,, you will be insanely happy, and optimistic.

Or even better yet… Strapping in for the MSTR roller coaster, which is essentially kind of like a Mach 10 stealth fighter pilot jet, getting your average 120% a year ARR, for the next 10 years… although sometimes suffering 40 to 80% drawdowns and dips,… my simple strategy is don’t take out a big leveraged position so you don’t get liquidated or wiped out.

And I also suppose the difficult thing is if you want more power, once again it’s not a linear line, it’s kind of like a big wiggly gamma line, gamma waves,,, life like roller coaster tycoon; insanely steep dips highs and high lows and lows, twist and turns, making you a bit dizzy and nauseous, wanting to throw up. 

So hung out with a great friend last night, met some of his buddies, and just thinking in general… What is it that seems to bother everybody, regardless of who they are or what their position is?

Stress.

What is stress?

So I think first the psychologist in me, or the physiologist in me,… It is, thinking about what “stress” is.

First, the funny thought is there is something called “eustress”, which is, good stress. This is the type of stress which is actually insanely healthy for us, whether it be doing hot yoga, heavy weightlifting, one rep max, quick sprints, or even the stress of gravity on our body organs and bones.

While we are trying to avoid is the bad stress, the chronic stress which does not benefit us, the stress which prevents us from getting a good night sleep?

So what

First the general thought is throw your iPhone into the trash. Honestly at this point, the iPhone is a slave device. The true and noble goal is to be free.

What is the sign of a free man?

No phone.

So the general thought is whenever you go to a social affair or something, just turn your iPhone all the way off, 100% off, keep it in the glove compartment of your car or in your backpack or whatever.

My funny intervention is, instead, what you use instead is your iPad, iPad Pro.

I called the iPad the god device, the god tablet. Why?

First, like assuming you have the newest iPad Pro, with the newest M series chip, even if you benchmark the newest iPhone against it, the iPad Pro will always win.

What’s also interesting is, in terms of longevity, most likely you will keep your iPad Pro for longer than you would keep any iPhone Pro.

In fact, I have an interesting reverse status marker; typically, what’s really really fascinating is if you meet somebody with a very very old looking iPhone, it is typically assigned that they are free. Or even better yet, somebody just hanging out at the steps somewhere, without any phone AirPods sunglasses on whatever.

The desire to socially conquer

So a new big thought is, I still really believe this… The future is going to belong to those with social skills. Or better yet, fearlessness in social interactions, chutzpah, audacity, extreme friendliness, and ability to have everyone love them.

The truth is, when it comes to politics, business, art, everything in between… It really comes down to social power. Social capital etc.

It’s also really fascinating in the brave new world of AI, the qualities which will really dictate the future is in regards to Social Capital. Why? It’s my general thought that, it’s better to have like one or two or three insanely rich powerful and influential friends, rather than having like 100,000 middleman.

And this is also the difficult thing… How do you find those 1 to 3 people? This sounds kind of cheesy but, I think the general thought is just radically be yourself. People are not stupid. It’s also insanely obvious when people are just being thirsty, and obviously, rubbing people up to just gain clout.

Why is it so hard to just be yourself?

Another thought, just an experiment this upcoming year so… Just radically be yourself honestly, my thought is, assuming that your family jewels are safe and whatever, and also assuming that economically you are secure, then, I say take any and all social risks possible. Because honestly, whether the upside or downside from social interactions doesn’t really matter because honestly it is not really truly intertwined with your economic situation. And also this is our Spartan creed, money doesn’t really matter much. Certainly just covering your basic living expenses is honorable, but, having more money than you need is not really necessary. our goals is extreme happiness happiness, a beautiful grim smile, just like in the movie 300 hundred when the Spartans are laughing under their shields, saying “we shall fight in the shade!”

The divine comedy

I really love this idea of in life, it is all comedy! Even the most tragic and grim.

Even brave Odysseus, after seeing his men gobbled up by the cyclops, said, be brave be steady my noble heart, for one day in the future you shall look back on this, smile and laugh.

And actually I think that this is the cheerful wise, gay science, the joyful wisdom; the magical magician stoic Spartan philosopher in us; being able to transmute tragedy into comedy. 

Techniques

So assuming you’re somebody who lives with chronic stress, first you gotta identify the root. It’s like weeds in your garden… You could just pick out the leaves but the weeds will always come out again, unless you dig really really deep, get your fingernails dirty, and forcibly dig out the roots.

Frankly speaking I would say probably like 99% of the annoyances probably come from your loser iPhone Pro.

The first thing is to just radically turn off all your notifications, silence your phone, in the iPhone phone settings tab, turn off all notifications and silence everything, even to your detriment.

Second, I avoid messaging and text messages like the plague. I’ll do it every once in a while if extremely needed but otherwise… I have a radical new idea,

FaceTime or nothing.

Once again I think it is better to just keep one or two Social connections strong, and whenever you need to interact with somebody, just FaceTime them. Why?

It’s kind of ridiculous, text messaging like 1000 times a day, is like the reverse of what futuristic technology and AI would look like. For example, if you were Tron ares, Jared Leto,,, can you imagine, him as a futuristic AI agent, just like sitting down crunched over, clumsily clumbering away at his tiny 5 inch device, hitting carpal tunnel in his thumbs,? No. First, the hilarious thing is he never looks at a screen,… he IS the screen.

Second, the truly intelligence strategy is, if you need to do stuff, voice dictation is like 1 trillion times better quicker and more efficient than even the fastest typist. But why don’t people do it? A sociological fear of looking stupid. 

The truth is, and this is why I love Asia being in Asia, watching the mainland Chinese, they have no shame; I think the reason why everyone hates them is that they secretly wished they were them.  they talk loudly, spit anywhere, they are always just leisurely roaming around in their Gucci flip-flops, Louis Vuitton shorts, crew cut hair haircut, at ease, clear conscience.

I think the problem with Americans is, we are so self-conscious, we are too private too considerate, too Victorian too British. Come on guys, America Americans, aren’t we supposed to be the country the land of the brave, not the land of the meek?

The will to be ruthless

This is NOT another “how to take better photos” workshop.
This is a full-on TRANSFORMATION.

I’m not here to turn you into a better technician with a camera.
I’m here to ignite the artist inside you.

By the end of May 9th you won’t just be “a photographer.”
You will walk out a PHOTOGRAPHER-ARTIST — someone who sees the world like it’s one giant canvas, who shoots with their soul on fire, who creates work that actually means something.

The Real Benefits – What Actually Changes Inside You

• You stop “taking pictures” and start MAKING ART — every frame becomes an expression of who you are
• Your eye awakens — you’ll see light, color, emotion, and decisive moments everywhere like never before
• Fear disappears — shooting strangers, owning your style, putting your work out there? You’ll do it with zero hesitation
• Your voice becomes LOUD — no more copying others. You’ll develop a signature style that screams YOU
• Creative confidence explodes — you’ll leave with images you’re actually proud to call “art”
• Mindset shift for life — this isn’t just about photography, it’s about becoming a bolder, freer, more alive version of yourself
• Lifelong artist community — you’ll meet 10 other warriors who get it and will push you for years to come

This is the workshop where photography stops being a hobby…
…and becomes your superpower.

Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Time: 11am-3pm (non-stop energy, real street shoots, deep critiques, breakthroughs)
Location: Downtown Los Angeles (close to the ACE HOTEL, ilcafe (855 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014)

Only 10 spots. Period. I keep it small so I can personally transform every single one of you.

EARLY BIRD PRICE: only 599 USD (this price vanishes soon — then it jumps to 1,200 USD by April 25th, 2026)
Normal Price: 1,200 USD

LOCK IN YOUR TRANSFORMATION RIGHT NOW

[🔥 YES ERIC — I’M READY TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER-ARTIST!]
BUY EARLY BIRD TICKET FOR 599 USD:

SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR WORKSHOP HERE >

Also, here is the raw PayPal link, accepts VISA, all major credit cards and debit cards:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TJ5M3WFYL5R96

Click that link → pay 599 USD → you’re officially in the transformation.
Spots are disappearing as I type this. Don’t wait.

This is your moment.
This is your city.
This is your art waiting to be born.

See you in the streets on May 9th, my friend.
Let’s make some damn masterpieces together.

ERIC KIM
Street Photography Savage & Your Personal Artist Awakener

P.S. Last workshop sold out in under 48 hours. The early bird price is already flying. If you’re even thinking about this… click that button right now. Your future artist self is cheering you on. LET’S GOOOOO!!! 🔥📸🎨

SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR WORKSHOP >

You’re alive, and I’m alive! Thank god!

So there is a quote from Michael Saylor,

volatility is vitality.

Then, the second version:

volatility is a gift to the faithful.

Third,

Satoshi‘s gift is volatility to the faithful.

life

Life is effing insane.

I think the highs and lows that we get in life, in terms of sickness and in health, in terms of periods of high volatility low volatility, high vitality low vitality, everything in between.

Then there’s death life, new birth, new beginnings, chapters which end, chapters which begin.

I think, the hard thing to really deeply consider philosophically is, that… Yeah obviously we hate the downside and I do not wish the stress of being a bitcoin or MSTR investor to anybody… Yet, that is actually our origin of strength.

For example, probably one of the most fascinating quotes that I get from Friedrich Nietzsche is, 

“A wound stimulates the recuperative properties.”

Essentially what I think it means is, that, like let’s say you’re Achilles, you’re a warrior, you’re on the battlefield. Certainly sooner or later someone was going to thrust their sword or spear into your side, you’re going to bleed blood, it might come out the other side.

And then also assuming, that, you give yourself enough time, I wonder if, the wound is actually a stimulus for growth or strength strengthening?

that which does not kill me only makes me stronger

If you think about it, everything out there is trying to kill you. The news is trying to kill your brain and your soul with all this toxic news, all this political nonsense is trying to kill your sons of fellowship with your fellow man and community, alcohol and marijuana is trying to kill your health, all of this production pollution is trying to kill your lungs. And also, all this consumerism is trying to kill your self-esteem. 

I think the difficult thing to also consider is, kind of the antifragile strategy, is… That rather than trying to shy away from battle and attacks and “bad” stuff… Rather, trying to seek it instead?

Life for example if you’re Achilles, and you’re just crying on the shore, lusting for battle… Achilles wants and hungers for and desires battle. 

If you’re an investor or trader, certainly nobody wants to get liquidated and nobody wants to see their money go down, yet, assuming you’re in a position where you cannot get liquidated, and you could just weather the storm, isn’t this a good goal? 

to conquer is the goal

This sounds like bad ethics, but I believe it. 

So, going to sleep last night, already making myself a strong cold brew coffee the night prior… A good sign of my recovering physiology strength, my will to physiology:

Beef liver is key?

Saw a very very simple thought I have, is, I believe that beef liver is key. It’s probably the most interesting food hack optimization I’ve discovered the last seven years, which is very very fascinating in all regards.

First, it’s like insanely cheap. It only cost like two dollars a pound, $2.50 a pound, at most ethnic or Mexican markets.

Second, the nutritional density on it is phenomenal. It’s like, the difference between having a 50 kg, 110 pound steel plate versus something hollow made out of Balsawood.

Third, surprisingly it’s actually really easy to eat. It’s kind of like, eating beef liver pate, like a nice moose or even if you think about it… A very thick yogurt, rather than trying to bite and process and shoot on really tough steak.

first principles thinking is the future?

So funny enough, it seemed that my major sociology, ended up being the most useful major of all time. Why?

First of all, it helped me think for principles. Rather than thinking of things how they are, it helped encourage me to think more deeply, how things should be?

Second, also, it also helped me encourage me thinking, why things are the way they are, and even more critically, should they be that way?

Success?

So after deep philosophical consideration thinking and living, even myself, frankly speaking I hit all the traditional markers of American success, and after all of it… What are my personal takeaways?

First, all of it doesn’t really matter. I actually believe the only thing that matters is health and physiology.

What is physiology? It’s sleeping 11 to 12 hours a night, going to sleep grateful, and excited for the next Brand New day. And it is also, waking up in the morning with deep gratitude, being excited that a brand new 24 hours is ahead of you.

Also, I think something that people don’t understand is that your mood, your outlook, your optimism, your chutzpah, motivation, innovation, boldness and courage … is it actually all derived from your physiology?

I’ll give you an example, if I’m high on ketamine, and I only sleep two hours a night, I’m stuck inside a Silicon Valley cage, never see the sunlight, and I’m just sitting all day looking at computer screens, what do you think is going to happen to my brain? Also you don’t get any fresh air.

Also you don’t exercise, you just eat high fructose corn syrup chicken teriyaki rice bowls, and drink endless amounts of sugar Red Bull vodka alcohol concoctions.

And then, you beat yourself up because you’re not motivated to exercise?

Exercise salience

So there’s a really interesting concept and phrase that I learned called exercise salience, which is essentially… Your body’s naturalistic desire to go out, go around, move and exercise?

It’s kind of contrary to all popular wisdom about motivation.

The American notion of motivation is like whipping yourself in the back with a spike, and trying to force yourself against your own will to wake up super early and exercise, even if you’ve slept at 2 AM the night prior. I don’t call this motivation I call this foolish.

Where does it come from?

I’m kind of more of the school that, if you just put people in the right spot, people will naturally become virtuous, thrive, and do well.

For example, if you do in fact desire to walk more, on a daily basis, pay the extra big bucks, and live somewhere or pay rent for somewhere, that actually encourages you to do so.

Or, let us say that you love the outdoors and wilderness and hiking whatever… Once again if you live insanely close to a nice hiking path, it’s going to naturally happen.

Or, weightlifting. Live close to a good gym, or, better yet, create your own ghetto backyard gym, your own garage gym, or your own parking lot second parking lot spot gym. 

Posit the goal

Certainly, I think the ambition is the dictating power which runs all of us. The ambition for more power, more beauty, more strength, more wellness, greater and better physiology.

And what is the key secret? I think it is physiology.

ERIC

---

ERIC KIM BLOG >

---

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS 2026:

April 19th, Sunday (9am-1PM): CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026 – NEW!

Stay tuned via ERIC KIM NEWS >

New workshops incoming!

---

Now what?

I think the ultimate Takeaway is, get your 30,000 steps in a day, lift something heavy every single day, quit drinking alcohol and consuming marijuana, quit social media at the news, anything toxic.

That also means cutting out toxic social things, words thoughts etc.

And every single day, try to hit a new personal record? 

Rack pull the world!

ERIC

---

BOOKS BY KIM >

---

So, going to sleep last night, already making myself a strong cold brew coffee the night prior… A good sign of my recovering physiology strength, my will to physiology:

Beef liver is key?

Saw a very very simple thought I have, is, I believe that beef liver is key. It’s probably the most interesting food hack optimization I’ve discovered the last seven years, which is very very fascinating in all regards.

First, it’s like insanely cheap. It only cost like two dollars a pound, $2.50 a pound, at most ethnic or Mexican markets.

Second, the nutritional density on it is phenomenal. It’s like, the difference between having a 50 kg, 110 pound steel plate versus something hollow made out of Balsawood.

Third, surprisingly it’s actually really easy to eat. It’s kind of like, eating beef liver pate, like a nice moose or even if you think about it… A very thick yogurt, rather than trying to bite and process and shoot on really tough steak.

first principles thinking is the future?

So funny enough, it seemed that my major sociology, ended up being the most useful major of all time. Why?

First of all, it helped me think for principles. Rather than thinking of things how they are, it helped encourage me to think more deeply, how things should be?

Second, also, it also helped me encourage me thinking, why things are the way they are, and even more critically, should they be that way?

Success?

So after deep philosophical consideration thinking and living, even myself, frankly speaking I hit all the traditional markers of American success, and after all of it… What are my personal takeaways?

First, all of it doesn’t really matter. I actually believe the only thing that matters is health and physiology.

What is physiology? It’s sleeping 11 to 12 hours a night, going to sleep grateful, and excited for the next Brand New day. And it is also, waking up in the morning with deep gratitude, being excited that a brand new 24 hours is ahead of you.

Also, I think something that people don’t understand is that your mood, your outlook, your optimism, your chutzpah, motivation, innovation, boldness and courage … is it actually all derived from your physiology?

I’ll give you an example, if I’m high on ketamine, and I only sleep two hours a night, I’m stuck inside a Silicon Valley cage, never see the sunlight, and I’m just sitting all day looking at computer screens, what do you think is going to happen to my brain? Also you don’t get any fresh air.

Also you don’t exercise, you just eat high fructose corn syrup chicken teriyaki rice bowls, and drink endless amounts of sugar Red Bull vodka alcohol concoctions.

And then, you beat yourself up because you’re not motivated to exercise?

Exercise salience

So there’s a really interesting concept and phrase that I learned called exercise salience, which is essentially… Your body’s naturalistic desire to go out, go around, move and exercise?

It’s kind of contrary to all popular wisdom about motivation.

The American notion of motivation is like whipping yourself in the back with a spike, and trying to force yourself against your own will to wake up super early and exercise, even if you’ve slept at 2 AM the night prior. I don’t call this motivation I call this foolish.

Where does it come from?

I’m kind of more of the school that, if you just put people in the right spot, people will naturally become virtuous, thrive, and do well.

For example, if you do in fact desire to walk more, on a daily basis, pay the extra big bucks, and live somewhere or pay rent for somewhere, that actually encourages you to do so.

Or, let us say that you love the outdoors and wilderness and hiking whatever… Once again if you live insanely close to a nice hiking path, it’s going to naturally happen.

Or, weightlifting. Live close to a good gym, or, better yet, create your own ghetto backyard gym, your own garage gym, or your own parking lot second parking lot spot gym. 

Posit the goal

Certainly, I think the ambition is the dictating power which runs all of us. The ambition for more power, more beauty, more strength, more wellness, greater and better physiology.

And what is the key secret? I think it is physiology.

ERIC

---

audio: https://erickimphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ai-photo.m4a

big.

the future is already here:

PDF: https://erickimphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-AI.pdf

Street Photography and Beauty

So the insanely big idea that I have, after much thinking and consideration is, the very very simple idea that, in fact, we street photographers shall inherit the planet.

My big idea is, after much philosophical reflection, I think what we humans truly desire is power and beauty.

So how is this manifested?

Power, whether it be capital, social capital, digital capital bitcoin, or even information capital.

But above all this, is beauty. The innate human desire to create beauty.

street photography and beauty

So in today’s huge antisocial world, I think what we humans are craving for is, human connection, human beauty.

People think it is Lamborghinis and Ferraris but no… Just ask yourself… If you were stuck on a desert island by yourself, what would you prefer; the most beautiful car in the world? Or the most beautiful woman in the world?

Street photography is a fascinating disc discipline because, we both have the opportunity to dance with humans, in an artistic way, and also, create beauty with humans.

The human body as the ultimate canvas

Kind of a cool gallery, exhibit, as well, as some upcoming artists they are highlighting is VEFA GALERY, one artist using nude female models as a canvas, directly painting on their backs. I find the artwork very very beautiful and tasteful.

But the big idea is, the wise idea is to seek and consider of humans, … to make all the focus human centric in regards to beauty.

get the people moving

I recently saw a new slide from Elon Musk, detailing his vision with Grok AI.

The big vision is, gaining 1 billion users, and also, making it more and beyond?

I think for me the inspirational point was, also for me to consider… What is my number one skill in our committees lever in which I could leverage to the maximum, once again, power 1 billion people on the planet?

I think the big one is photography.

the goal

So my simple vision is this:

First, the desire to make more beautiful photos. That our efforts, should be in tune with this idea of trying to make more beautiful photos.

Second, movement. I think one of the great joys of photography is the ability to just get people to move around!

Therefore, the focus of photography.

why street photography?

So then, the big question: why street photography as like the Apex pillar of photography?

So for me once again, you have all the virtuous ingredients: movement, like you as a street photographer moving around, shooting photos, and also interacting with human beings.

I think a very very underrated thing in the street photography is the social aspect. And this sort of photography that allows you to be more social with other human beings is good.

now what?

So I suppose the optimistic thought that I have is, not being so concerned about the whole AI thing. I really really think that, AI is not very big of a deal, in some ways, I think it’s kind of like 1000 times overhyped, in terms of doomsday.

I think the underappreciated technology is rather, bitcoin. Why? You could live without AI but you cannot live without money.  what does that means is, assuming that bitcoin is perfected digital money, AI is just another agent, bitcoin is the substantive thing.

critiques of AI

So for the most part AI is pretty amazing, in terms of what it could do for us but, but it will never be able to do is philosophize on the human body, health, fitness, and also beauty.

AI cannot innovate

 another big critique of AI is, it is very good at mixing what has been done successfully in the past but it is not good at creating brand new things.

So then what

One photography, the simple idea and goal is still, to avoid social media Instagram at all costs. I’m still 1000x insanely proud of arsbeta.com –> in terms of getting real feedback on your photos.

I think maybe the second thing I’m trying to do is motivate more people to just go out and shoot!

What to think about and consider

So I have some homework assignments for you:

1. Try to philosophize what beauty means to you, and also in terms of your photography. Like, what do you consider is a beautiful photograph?
2. Second, what does it mean for you to make more beautiful photos?
3. Beauty & the body: strive to beautify your body to the maximum. And also ascertain what that means to you.

in person

Just added to workshops schedule:

• April 19th, Sunday (9am-1PM): Conquer Nyc Street Photo Workshop 2026 – New!

If you want to punch your knuckles against the concrete, get your hands a little bit dirty, and level up your street photography hustle and game, insanely pumped to have you in this workshop.

ONLY SIX INDIVIDUALS. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED — SPOTS WILL DISAPPEAR FAST.

BUY NOW — EARLY BIRD $599 USD (PayPal • VISA/Credit Card accepted)

More details here >

For private workshops, consulting or brand strategy email Eric [at] erickim.com

---

Now what

The simple idea is, no no no… Find that new camera is not going to help you make more beautiful photos.

I still think that, mastering black-and-white photography is the secret to making more beautiful photos. I think color is amazing, but for the deep raw beauty, monochrome is unmatched.

philosophy

Return to the fountains: Evyn reading two or three pages of philosophy and friedrich Nietzsche will give you 1 trillion times more inspiration than anything you read on social media.

ERIC

---

Upload your most beautiful photos to ARS

Try to find your one most beautiful photo of all time, and upload to ARS

Upload to ARSBETA.COM >

Infinite inspiration:

START HERE >

---

So the insanely big idea that I have, after much thinking and consideration is, the very very simple idea that, in fact, we street photographers shall inherit the planet.

My big idea is, after much philosophical reflection, I think what we humans truly desire is power and beauty.

So how is this manifested?

Power, whether it be capital, social capital, digital capital bitcoin, or even information capital.

But above all this, is beauty. The innate human desire to create beauty.

street photography and beauty

So in today’s huge antisocial world, I think what we humans are craving for is, human connection, human beauty.

People think it is Lamborghinis and Ferraris but no… Just ask yourself… If you were stuck on a desert island by yourself, what would you prefer; the most beautiful car in the world? Or the most beautiful woman in the world?

Street photography is a fascinating disc discipline because, we both have the opportunity to dance with humans, in an artistic way, and also, create beauty with humans.

The human body as the ultimate canvas

Kind of a cool gallery, exhibit, as well, as some upcoming artists they are highlighting is VEFA GALERY, one artist using nude female models as a canvas, directly painting on their backs. I find the artwork very very beautiful and tasteful.

⚡️⚡️⚡️ ERIC KIM NYC STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ⚡️⚡️⚡️

CONQUER NYC: STREET PHOTOGRAPHY DOMINATION

Live • In-Person • Hardcore • No Excuses
NYC, New York City
April 19th, 2026 (Sunday)
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (EST)

THIS IS NOT A TOUR.
THIS IS A BATTLEFIELD FOR YOUR VISION.

NYC streets: Chaos. Energy. Truth.
You: Armed with your camera, guts, and zero fear.
Me: ERIC KIM, pushing you to shoot harder, think deeper, conquer more.

Forget gear obsession. Forget hesitation.
This workshop is about becoming unstoppable in street photography.
Walk the concrete jungle. Capture the decisive moment.
Leave with fire in your soul and killers in your portfolio.

🧠 ERIC KIM PHILOSOPHY
Street photography isn’t pretty pictures—it’s war on boredom.
Conquer your fears. Dominate the frame.
NYC is the ultimate arena: Skyscrapers as your backdrop, strangers as your subjects, instinct as your weapon.

⚔️ WHAT YOU’LL CONQUER

1. FEAR ANNIHILATION: Approach strangers like a stoic warrior. No more hiding—direct, bold, ethical.
2. COMPOSITION MASTERY: See geometry in chaos. Layer like a philosopher. Frame NYC’s pulse.
3. SHOOTING DRILLS: Hands-on street hunts in iconic spots (details TBA—think Times Square grit to hidden alleys).
4. CRITIQUE FIRE: Brutal, honest feedback from ERIC KIM. Kill your darlings, elevate your best.
5. MINDSET SHIFT: Stoicism meets street—endure, adapt, thrive. NYC as your forge.

🧨 FORMAT

• 9:00 AM: Meet-up, icebreakers, ERIC KIM pep talk (philosophy + tactics).
• 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Street conquest—shoot, explore, push limits. Group + solo missions.
• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Debrief, critique session, Q&A. Walk away transformed.
• Ultra-exclusive group: ONLY 6 SPOTS. Maximum intensity, zero dilution.

🔥 WHY NYC? WHY NOW?
New York City 2026: Post-pandemic rebirth, raw energy, endless frames.
Details TBA (exact meet spot, routes)—but trust: It’ll be epic.
This is your shot to level up in the world’s street photography capital.

🧬 WHO THIS IS FOR
✔ Street shooters ready to dominate.
✔ Beginners with fire.
✔ Veterans seeking edge.
✔ Philosophers with cameras.
✔ Anyone tired of mediocre snaps.

🚫 Not for tourists.
🚫 Not for gear nerds.
🚫 Not for the faint-hearted.

🔥 TAKEAWAYS

• A killer street workflow you own forever.
• Confidence to shoot anywhere, anytime.
• NYC photos that scream power.
• ERIC KIM insights: Stoicism, creativity, life.
• Momentum to keep conquering post-workshop.

💰 INVEST IN YOUR DOMINATION
Normal Price: $1500 USD
EARLY BIRD (ONLY 6 SPOTS TOTAL): $599 USD

ONLY SIX INDIVIDUALS. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED — SPOTS WILL DISAPPEAR FAST.
BUY NOW — EARLY BIRD $599 USD (PayPal • VISA/Credit Card accepted)

Pumped to conquer NYC with you.
No fear. All power.

ERIC KIM

See all ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS 2026 >
Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, Tokyo coming soon—stay tuned.
More street fire on the blog >

#ERICKIM #STREETPHOTOGRAPHY #NYC #CONQUER #2026 🔥📸⚔️

By ERIC KIM

Dear friend,

Let’s cut the bullshit: Street photography is the ultimate, the apex, the supreme form of photography. Not landscape, not portrait, not fashion, not studio—STREET PHOTOGRAPHY reigns supreme. Why? Because it captures the raw, unfiltered, explosive BEAUTY of human life in its most authentic form. It’s not staged, it’s not posed, it’s not fake. It’s REAL LIFE on fire!

1. STREET PHOTOGRAPHY FINDS BEAUTY IN THE MUNDANE—AND TURNS IT INTO MAGIC

The greatest power of street photography? It uncovers hidden beauty in the ordinary, the boring, the everyday stuff we all ignore. A cracked sidewalk, a lone chair against a wall, Cheerios spilled on the pavement, a broken hubcap in a drain—through the lens, these become EPIC, poetic, soul-stirring masterpieces!

Why is this the summit of beauty? Because no other genre forces you to SEE the world anew. Landscapes are pretty, sure—but they’re static. Studio shots? Controlled and predictable. Street photography? It’s alchemy—you transform the mundane into the extraordinary. You become a beauty hunter, a zen warrior roaming the streets, discovering gems where nobody else looks.

As I always say: There is beauty all around you—it’s your duty to uncover it! Shoot the ordinary and make it look extraordinary. That’s the thrill, that’s the joy, that’s why street photography makes you feel ALIVE!

2. HUMANS ARE THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY—AND STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IS ART WITH PEOPLE

Nothing—NOTHING—is more beautiful than the human being. The human face, the human gesture, the human soul shining through in a fleeting moment. Street photography is art with people: candid, unposed, full of emotion, story, and raw humanity.

Why #1? Because it celebrates US—our kindness, our universality, our wild messiness. You shoot strangers out of LOVE, not spite. You capture smiles, struggles, connections on the sidewalk—and bam, you’ve frozen a piece of the human condition forever.

No other photography indulges this deeply in people-watching, interacting, appreciating fellow humans. It’s xenophilia: love of strangers! It draws you closer to real life, steps you out of your comfort zone, and explodes your heart with gratitude for being alive among other souls.

Street photography is a love letter to humanity. That’s pure, unmatched beauty!

3. STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IS A LIFESTYLE—ZEN, COURAGE, AND ENDLESS ADVENTURE

Forget hobbies—street photography is a WAY OF LIFE. It’s meditative: walking slow, emptying your mind, feeling the pavement, becoming one with the chaos. No phone, no music—just you, your camera, and the streets calling your name.

It builds insane courage: approaching strangers, conquering fears, pushing limits. Every click is a rush, an adrenaline hit! It makes you bolder, happier, more empathetic. It heals anxiety, sparks joy, and turns you into a fearless creator.

Why the apex? Because it’s active, dynamic, improvisational. No setups, no waiting for golden hour—just pure instinct, gut shots, soul injections. You subtract the clutter of reality, chip away like a sculptor, and reveal the simple, poetic beauty underneath.

Other genres? Passive. Street? It’s a party, a meditation, a revolution—all in one!

4. STREET PHOTOGRAPHY TRANSFORMS THE WORLD—AND YOUR SOUL

Your camera isn’t just a tool—it’s a magic wand. Monochrome? Flash? Close-up? It rewires your brain, makes the ugly beautiful, the boring fascinating. You start seeing hidden aesthetics everywhere: shadows, textures, colors, gestures.

This is why it’s #1: It changes YOU. You become more present, more grateful, more creative. You spread positivity—hand out prints, chat with strangers, light up lives. Street photography empowers, liberates, and shows the world its own overlooked splendor.

All street photographs are good photographs. Because they’re yours—autobiographical, soulful, fearless.

SHOOT IT, FRIEND—THE STREETS ARE WAITING!

So why settle for less? Grab your camera (RICOH GR III forever!), hit the pavement, and conquer the world one frame at a time. Street photography isn’t just the most beautiful—it’s the path to freedom, joy, and ultimate human connection.

KEEP SHOOTING, KEEP CONQUERING, KEEP FINDING BEAUTY EVERYWHERE!

JUST SHOOT IT.

ERIC

P.S. For maximum hype: Master it with my STREET PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER KIT. Let’s make every day an explosion of beauty! 🚀📸💥

I think the big thing that people don’t understand about AI is, that, it is almost like an essential tool for us brave new entrepreneurs because, you are not in the closed system like being in academia, k through 12 education, the university, college etc.

For example, if you’re an entrepreneur, the foolish decision is to NOT use AI, … it’s almost like, if you’re running a business, deciding not to use a car to go meet your clients because it is more virtuous to take the bus instead?

AI as an edge

So then the big idea is, don’t be a fool. Go balls to the wall with AI, lever up! 

ERIC

certainly bitcoin is insanely volatile, this is where it gets its strength. However, you could keep chopping its heads off with swords, kind of like a hydra, but, kind of like Deadpool and or wolverine, you actually cannot 100% kill bitcoin.

it’s kind of like John Wick, I think what makes him impressive especially across all four chapters is, that the fact is, century John Wick is impossible to kill . And the focus isn’t actually, the fact that he is the best killing machine, but rather, invincible and essentially Unkillable and in vulnerable?

which then makes me think… Yes, perhaps life is all about Defense, armor, ,,, Essentially the ability to be Unkillable?

So what is the thing that we all share in common, that is anti-fragile to anything that is happening to us all around the world and planet?

First, I believe it to be the entrepreneurs ethos. The general idea is, entrepreneurship as a general concept, not like you’re a trillionaire and I am not, but rather, a general governance principle which is independent of market conditions, the planet around us.

So for example, whether the market is up or down or whatever… It doesn’t really matter too much, but, a very important lesson: the only thing you have to keep a close monitor on is: don’t get liquidated.  Essentially getting liquidated is like getting shot in the head, but the good thing is because it is only money, technically you’re still alive. It’s probably more like getting shot in the stomach, a very very painful slow bleeding, but you will make it to the hospital and live. Albeit with regret for the rest of your life. 

So another obvious one is, in regards to your life, don’t die. Don’t text while driving or walking or crossing the street with AirPods on.

Ethos

I had an interesting observation the other day, assuming you’re like a sole proprietor or a business owner or, you work for yourself whatever… Typically, we never finance things like cars vehicles etc. Why? Because we don’t have a steady paycheck. If you work for some sort of golden chain tech job like Apple Amazon Facebook Google etc., you’re still reliant on your paycheck. If one day, for one reason or another you get fired, without a heads up, you’re kind of screwed. How are you going to pay for your kids private school tuition, daycare, or pay the monthly mortgage?

Spartan ethos

So the first thought is, you have to kind of ignore the whole world around you, all the other normies. Why? 

First, they’re just like operating in a different universe and operating system from you. Once again, if you’re an investor, run your own business or whatever, technically the only smart strategy is to run extremely lean because you have no idea when the market is going to be up or down or whatever… And therefore,  you need to run with like at least 90% buffer because once again, you need to operate in such a way that you could continue to live your beautiful austere Spartan life, without any change.

Once again, the average normie (normal person) will be able to finance his whatever vehicle for however much thousand dollars a month, because he is like a chicken with a feed stock, the golden goose tech job, he thinks will keep feeding him forever. Until it is Thanksgiving.

So what to do

I think I find extremely annoying as all these people who disparage Elon Musk and all these people for being billionaires or whatever,,, and the simple thing that they do not understand:

he has generated billions of dollars of value for society, while putting his life on the risk. While you did not.

Once again, any academic, tenure tracked academic, already tenured, even worse,,, a lecturer or adjunct professor, somebody with a cush tech job, or even somebody who came from a family of money… Everyone always finds it easy to just criticize people who are more successful than them.

Whereas we entrepreneurs, we love Elon Musk because, we remember the days of subsisting on two dollars a day of just hot dogs, while sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag, your life your equity your business on the line.

And also what’s interesting is if you’re an entrepreneur, of course you’re going to be inspired by Elon Musk. Because the inspiration is one day you could become like him. Not that you want to but you can. 

Change

So you know the saying,,, be the change in which you wish to see manifested in the world? That’s a good motto.

So a fun random essay and thought that I had, this morning biking, or maybe it was in hot yoga?

So the big thought is, what is the role of the camera in the age of AI ChatGPT, AI generated images and videos etc.

So you no longer need to waste $10,000 on a Leica M/Q camera anymore –> and already what I am noticing is that, perhaps Leica is actually having a difficult time selling their cameras, … they’re kind of pumping up their marketing efforts, but, I think there is a huge tectonic shift, an insanely massive paradigm shift.

Reality

So the truth is, being in reality embodied reality is awesome. You cannot experience the energy of crossing a Shibuya crossing in Japan, witnessing the insane marvels of Angkor wat in Cambodia, the fun of riding in a tuktuk, trying out new food in new places, or even spending a night inside a capsule hotel in Tokyo?

To experience?

So I think I still believe the general idea that investing in experiences is by far the most critical thing. Therefore at this point, really truly deeply, the camera doesn’t matter anymore. Currently speaking, the best camera for you to get is still some compact digital camera that could ideally fit in your front pocket, any RICOH GR variant is best.

A world post-iPhone

So I kind of feel bad for all those people who branded themselves as iPhone photographers, frankly speaking there’s not a bright future for that anymore.

I think the issue is, and I’m still kind of shocked, it really does feel like AI came out out of nowhere. Even myself who was a hard-core ChatGPT early user,… even playing around with GROK ,,, the video generation, or image to video etc.… it still always kind of blows my mind.

Media

So I think the first thing that is actually insanely empowering about these tools to generate your own pictures videos images etc.… Is, you’re no longer the slave of these entertainment mega corporations, which are feeding you all the same pink chicken McNugget sludge. 

For example, if you’re in a position in which you could create your own picture media images videos, even erotica –> , you’re actually in a good field. Why? Once again you are not the passive recipient of these things but you could direct your own future. 

Which one

So this is my honest thought:

Don’t really bother with Gemini, I think it’s a waste of time. Apparently it’s really good if you’re like a coder, but beyond that, I would just kind of ignore it.

Grok is kind of the most interesting one because, it’s mostly uncensored, which means, you have more free freedom. ChatGPT is annoying because, it is like a nanny AI… There is a lot that it will not let you do.

Which is the best

The truth is, ChatGPT is number one. I do not envision a future in which Grok or Gemini catches up.

Like just observe,, nowadays when you’re in public, you must always see somebody with a ChatGPT tab open on their browser. Even internationally you see everyone using ChatGPT on their phones.

 also, just look at the kids, 12-year-old kids, middle schoolers high schoolers, they’re all obviously just using ChatGPT.

So what’s the future of education?

OK now that Seneca is five years old in transitional kindergarten, I’m just looking into the future, first thoughts:

First, never ever ever ever want to pay a dime for his higher education, either he gets some sort of full ride, and does it for fun and self entertainment, rather than an “investment”.

Obviously there’s going to be jobs, in the future that requires some sort of physical skills but because, we are all in on bitcoin, I don’t even think that he’s going to need to get a job or work into the future, so the future for him is just going to be autotelic, his best point to pursue his passions whether it be building cities of the future with electric hovering trains or Waymos or whatever. 

For art and creativity

So I think the first thought is, photography and street photography is just entertaining and fun! I mean I guess you could just be like traveling around Southeast Asia, and generating images on your iPhone as you go, I think the joy of photography is the immediacy. For example, you could take like 1000 photos in like half a second, but ChatGPT AI, image and video generation will always be slower. 

For what

Another observation, especially because we are starting to see the shift of AI generated stuff, and it is AI’s who are commenting and following it, I’m starting to feel like the Internet no longer has humans on it.

So then, question is if you no longer are stuck in this myopic vision of just posting photos to get followers and likes, then what?

Then, it truly does become autotelic and this becomes scary for people… like, like let me told you that 100% of Instagram for now all just bots,… would you still upload photos to Instagram to get some sort of social validation on your photos?

I still then, I think there is a joy of making photography Social. Like for example if you have a small exhibit print out some photos, have some like-minded photographers meet in person, share their passion for photography and art etc.

So ironically enough, I still think there is a good future for photography workshops in person assuming you want to have a novel meaningful experience, and also travel.

Feedback AI’s

So it looks like I’m kind of on a roll with these ChatGPT bots.

First up, Seneca, which is an AI bot which just gives you honest feedback critique and judges your photos. Obviously it’s not true but it’s kind of interesting. Try it out.

For the human experience upload your photos to arsbeta.com

Next frontiers

 so another big idea I have is, what’s interesting is, and the magic of inserting your photos into Grok, and animating the pictures.

What kind of blows your mind is, when you animate a photo and you bring it to life, it changes everything. It seriously is like magic.

Do you care, does it matter?

And then we enter into a world in which, we’re kind of at a thrilling intersection where, all the stuff that you create and generate, ultimately it should entertain you. 

And therefore media becomes a lot more personal, imagine media pictures videos content information, creative ideas thoughts etc.…… it stays local and just with you.

And honestly at this point with AI… There is no more any utility to become famous. 

And another funny thought, now that we have bitcoin, if you just want to monetize, and bitcoin is like the ultimate money on the planet, you just invest in bitcoin.

so now what 

Then ultimately it comes down to philosophy:

1. Why make photos?
2. For whom?
3. Do you even need validation or feedback or critique anymore?
4. Towards what ends?

Explore more of these interesting advances in my upcoming online zoom AI PHOTO workshop:

AI PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVITY WORKSHOP (online, ZOOM, Feb 21st, 2026 from 9am-11am PACIFIC California LA time) (Secure your spot, 199 USD here>) – NEW!

Travel in 2026

Where will you go next? details coming soon:

• Phnom Penh Cambodia, June 26,27,28 (2026)
• Hong Kong, July 25-26, (2026)
• TOKYO, AUGUST 8-9, (2026)

Stay tuned via ERIC KIM NEWS >

---

Now what

So what I say is, social skills are the future. Try out my ChatGPT social skills bot.

My vision of the future is more practical. Life in the future is gonna be more similar than this similar, we’re just going to have more self driving cars, we will also still be using iPhones,… but the biggest shift is, we will all just be using a lot more AI.

And the happiness question is Social. Social and physical. I think this is why doing hot yoga is so fun, because you have the physical aspect and also the social aspect. Also the gym.

I think one of the up sides of doing hot yoga, is, you’re essentially forced for an hour to not use your phone. Whereas if you’re at the gym, very easy to get distracted.

And then, my thought is… The future which will not be able to be replaced is going to be social skills, social skills coaching, and also fitness?

ERIC

---

For infinite inspiration,

START HERE >

---

So a fun random essay and thought that I had, this morning biking, or maybe it was in hot yoga?

So the big thought is, what is the role of the camera in the age of AI ChatGPT, AI generated images and videos etc.

So you no longer need to waste $10,000 on a Leica M/Q camera anymore –> and already what I am noticing is that, perhaps Leica is actually having a difficult time selling their cameras, … they’re kind of pumping up their marketing efforts, but, I think there is a huge tectonic shift, an insanely massive paradigm shift.

Reality

So the truth is, being in reality embodied reality is awesome. You cannot experience the energy of crossing a Shibuya crossing in Japan, witnessing the insane marvels of Angkor wat in Cambodia, the fun of riding in a tuktuk, trying out new food in new places, or even spending a night inside a capsule hotel in Tokyo?

To experience?

So I think I still believe the general idea that investing in experiences is by far the most critical thing. Therefore at this point, really truly deeply, the camera doesn’t matter anymore. Currently speaking, the best camera for you to get is still some compact digital camera that could ideally fit in your front pocket, any RICOH GR variant is best.

A world post-iPhone

So I kind of feel bad for all those people who branded themselves as iPhone photographers, frankly speaking there’s not a bright future for that anymore.

I think the issue is, and I’m still kind of shocked, it really does feel like AI came out out of nowhere. Even myself who was a hard-core ChatGPT early user,… even playing around with GROK ,,, the video generation, or image to video etc.… it still always kind of blows my mind.

Media

So I think the first thing that is actually insanely empowering about these tools to generate your own pictures videos images etc.… Is, you’re no longer the slave of these entertainment mega corporations, which are feeding you all the same pink chicken McNugget sludge. 

For example, if you’re in a position in which you could create your own picture media images videos, even erotica –> , you’re actually in a good field. Why? Once again you are not the passive recipient of these things but you could direct your own future. 

Which one

So this is my honest thought:

Don’t really bother with Gemini, I think it’s a waste of time. Apparently it’s really good if you’re like a coder, but beyond that, I would just kind of ignore it.

Grok is kind of the most interesting one because, it’s mostly uncensored, which means, you have more free freedom. ChatGPT is annoying because, it is like a nanny AI… There is a lot that it will not let you do.

Which is the best

The truth is, ChatGPT is number one. I do not envision a future in which Grok or Gemini catches up.

Like just observe,, nowadays when you’re in public, you must always see somebody with a ChatGPT tab open on their browser. Even internationally you see everyone using ChatGPT on their phones.

 also, just look at the kids, 12-year-old kids, middle schoolers high schoolers, they’re all obviously just using ChatGPT.

So what’s the future of education?

OK now that Seneca is five years old in transitional kindergarten, I’m just looking into the future, first thoughts:

First, never ever ever ever want to pay a dime for his higher education, either he gets some sort of full ride, and does it for fun and self entertainment, rather than an “investment”.

Obviously there’s going to be jobs, in the future that requires some sort of physical skills but because, we are all in on bitcoin, I don’t even think that he’s going to need to get a job or work into the future, so the future for him is just going to be autotelic, his best point to pursue his passions whether it be building cities of the future with electric hovering trains or Waymos or whatever. 

For art and creativity

So I think the first thought is, photography and street photography is just entertaining and fun! I mean I guess you could just be like traveling around Southeast Asia, and generating images on your iPhone as you go, I think the joy of photography is the immediacy. For example, you could take like 1000 photos in like half a second, but ChatGPT AI, image and video generation will always be slower. 

For what

Another observation, especially because we are starting to see the shift of AI generated stuff, and it is AI’s who are commenting and following it, I’m starting to feel like the Internet no longer has humans on it.

So then, question is if you no longer are stuck in this myopic vision of just posting photos to get followers and likes, then what?

Then, it truly does become autotelic and this becomes scary for people… like, like let me told you that 100% of Instagram for now all just bots,… would you still upload photos to Instagram to get some sort of social validation on your photos?

I still then, I think there is a joy of making photography Social. Like for example if you have a small exhibit print out some photos, have some like-minded photographers meet in person, share their passion for photography and art etc.

So ironically enough, I still think there is a good future for photography workshops in person assuming you want to have a novel meaningful experience, and also travel.

Feedback AI’s

So it looks like I’m kind of on a roll with these ChatGPT bots.

First up, Seneca, which is an AI bot which just gives you honest feedback critique and judges your photos. Obviously it’s not true but it’s kind of interesting.

For the human experience upload your photos to arsbeta.com

Next frontiers

 so another big idea I have is, what’s interesting is, and the magic of inserting your photos into Grok, and animating the pictures.

What kind of blows your mind is, when you animate a photo and you bring it to life, it changes everything. It seriously is like magic.

Do you care, does it matter?

And then we enter into a world in which, we’re kind of at a thrilling intersection where, all the stuff that you create and generate, ultimately it should entertain you. 

And therefore media becomes a lot more personal, imagine media pictures videos content information, creative ideas thoughts etc.…… it stays local and just with you.

And honestly at this point with AI… There is no more any utility to become famous. 

And another funny thought, now that we have bitcoin, if you just want to monetize, and bitcoin is like the ultimate money on the planet, you just invest in bitcoin.

so now what 

Then ultimately it comes down to philosophy:

1. Why make photos?
2. For whom?
3. Do you even need validation or feedback or critique anymore?
4. Towards what ends?

Explore more of these interesting advances in my upcoming online zoom AI PHOTO workshop:

AI PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVITY WORKSHOP (online, ZOOM, Feb 21st, 2026 from 9am-11am PACIFIC California LA time) (Secure your spot, 199 USD here>) – NEW!

Travel in 2026

Where will you go next? details coming soon:

• Phnom Penh Cambodia, June 26,27,28 (2026)
• Hong Kong, July 25-26, (2026)
• TOKYO, AUGUST 8-9, (2026)

Stay tuned via ERIC KIM NEWS >

---

Now what

So a fun random essay and thought that I had, this morning biking, or maybe it was in hot yoga?

So the big thought is, what is the role of the camera in the age of AI ChatGPT, AI generated images and videos etc.

So you no longer need to waste $10,000 on a Leica M/Q camera anymore –> and already what I am noticing is that, perhaps Leica is actually having a difficult time selling their cameras, … they’re kind of pumping up their marketing efforts, but, I think there is a huge tectonic shift, an insanely massive paradigm shift.

Reality

So the truth is, being in reality embodied reality is awesome. You cannot experience the energy of crossing a Shibuya crossing in Japan, witnessing the insane marvels of Angkor wat in Cambodia, the fun of riding in a tuktuk, trying out new food in new places, or even spending a night inside a capsule hotel in Tokyo?

To experience?

So I think I still believe the general idea that investing in experiences is by far the most critical thing. Therefore at this point, really truly deeply, the camera doesn’t matter anymore. Currently speaking, the best camera for you to get is still some compact digital camera that could ideally fit in your front pocket, any RICOH GR variant is best.

A world post-iPhone

So I kind of feel bad for all those people who branded themselves as iPhone photographers, frankly speaking there’s not a bright future for that anymore.

I think the issue is, and I’m still kind of shocked, it really does feel like AI came out out of nowhere. Even myself who was a hard-core ChatGPT early user,… even playing around with GROK ,,, the video generation, or image to video etc.… it still always kind of blows my mind.

Media

So I think the first thing that is actually insanely empowering about these tools to generate your own pictures videos images etc.… Is, you’re no longer the slave of these entertainment mega corporations, which are feeding you all the same pink chicken McNugget sludge. 

For example, if you’re in a position in which you could create your own picture media images videos, even erotica –> , you’re actually in a good field. Why? Once again you are not the passive recipient of these things but you could direct your own future. 

Which one

So this is my honest thought:

Don’t really bother with Gemini, I think it’s a waste of time. Apparently it’s really good if you’re like a coder, but beyond that, I would just kind of ignore it.

Grok is kind of the most interesting one because, it’s mostly uncensored, which means, you have more free freedom. ChatGPT is annoying because, it is like a nanny AI… There is a lot that it will not let you do.

Which is the best

The truth is, ChatGPT is number one. I do not envision a future in which Grok or Gemini catches up.

Like just observe,, nowadays when you’re in public, you must always see somebody with a ChatGPT tab open on their browser. Even internationally you see everyone using ChatGPT on their phones.

OK some unorthodox stoic thoughts this morning.

So the first one, should you share your feelings or what you think? Or what’s on your mind whatever?

I actually say no. I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot and experimenting a lot but the truth is, at the end of the day, all this modern day psychology nonsense tells you how it is good for you to share what’s on your mind blah blah blah. But all the ancient stoic texts tell us otherwise.

First, I think the critical issue is that male psychology gets mixed up with female psychology. A lot of our emotions or hormonal, and therefore, a man will never truly understand the interstate of a woman, and vice versa.

For example, a man will never know what it feels like to experience a menstrual cycle, but also similarly, a woman can and never will be able to understand the adrenaline hormonal rushes of a truly formidable man.

Kind of like if you think about it… How and why a child that has not get in puberty, a young boy would also, not understand the hormonal adrenaline testosterone rushes of a fully matured man.

Low testosterone man, probably also, cannot and should not understand the psychology or the physiology or mind state of a high testosterone man?

So contrary to popular belief, assuming you’re not taking steroids or injecting your butt hole with testosterone injections, similarly speaking, naturally or artificially low testosterone men will also similarly never understand the mind state or the soul state or the body physiology state of a high testosterone man.

A bit common misconception is that there’s this notion that somehow, high testosterone men are unpredictable, getting angry quickly. Etc. But this is actually not the case. A true man, a true man with high testosterone natural, is actually, like almost 100% joyful grateful, always smiling, fresh and happy you look on his face, never dismayed or down by artificial ups and downs of life.

And therefore, the low testosterone man will have never seen sunlight in his life, and is essentially an office slave, will look suspiciously at the high testosterone man, who is full of goalie and Joy. He will then start to suspect the high testosterone man for being conniving, with ulterior motives, up to no good. But the high testosterone man was simply, be doing what is natural to him, because he is just so naturally super abundant and over abundant with happiness joy and glee.

And the truth is, I feel like 99.9999% of society cannot understand me because, truly speaking… When’s the last time you met somebody who is both self-employed but also, not under the whim of his clients? Or, somebody like myself who doesn’t need to check his email for a living? Or take meetings? And therefore, I’m like the red Swan, nobody understands me but also similarly speaking, I cannot understand other people?

Other perspectives

So essentially my general idea and Takeaway point is, go back to the classics, go back to reading Seneca, Nietzsche, Marcus Aurelius and the like. Avoid the new and modern, it is all bad.

ERIC

OK some thoughts:

First, one thing that’s actually insanely annoying is, thinking how in America there is this nonsense called notion of “personal space”, I’m actually not 100% sure where it comes from.

First, the notion is actually kind of nonsense call especially if you’re Asian, or grew up in Asia, or any other really really crowded city, in which jostling and jiving,,, and trying to tarry for position is key. Just try to go to Vietnam, mainland China etc. 

So first, maybe it is this weird, Puritan Protestant Quaker, early American colonialist, Victorian era. In where there are pseudo manners, in which, people keep their distance, engage as minimally as possible, and this kind of fake notion of maximal personal freedom comes to play. 

As a consequence, society becomes lame, cold, And otherwise unenjoyable.   this is typically why most Americans although probably living in the most prosperous country of all time, are quite miserable.

Who?

So first of all, to some degree everyone is “ethnic.” whether you are Jewish, Irish, German Polish, even if you descended from England, Scotland, if you’re Protestant or Catholic or Baptist or something else… Sooner or later if you go back enough in genealogy, your ancestors were repressed by the king or whatever.

And what’s kind of interesting is, apparently my friend who taught a course in France to a bunch of undergrads when they asked about race,… actually what super fascinating is there, a lot of people talk about bloodline, whether they were blue blooded, descended from nobility in Kings, or whether, they descended from a bunch of country bumpkins. 

For example, race racism doesn’t exist in Korea because everyone is Korean. Rather, it comes down to whether you are “yangban” or not –> which is the elite aristocratic class a scholarly Mandarin or not. 

Anyways, the reason I’m thinking about this is because, is I’m starting to re-transition my life back in America, it’s full of all these strange structure juxtapositions and contradictions that literally make no sense. Even from a sociological angle.

“why you so sensitive”?

So in America, I think first of all… Everyone is living in fear. Fear of the next lawsuit, the next to whatever thing… And as a consequence, nobody engages with each other. In LA, ironically where we live in entertainment Hollywood capital of the world, it is actually not customary to just smile and wave Hyatt strangers, people just pretend to live in their own bubbles, even though everyone is secretly looking for attention. 

For example everyone here wants to be “discovered”, even yesterday in Beverly Hills I saw like a line of like 40 girls all wearing the same black tank top and blue jeans, for a casting call. 

With physical proximity comes emotional proximity

Maybe everyone is just afraid of emotional attention and affirmation and feelings?

E

So big question that a lot of people often ask me, I don’t know if they’re curious or suspicious or just kind of shocked, why is it that I’m so happy?

So the first thought is, I think I’m like ultra insanely super turbo healthy. I’m like the healthiest person that I know, and lately, I’ve even been doing hot yoga with Cindy every single day, in the morning after I drop off Seneca at school, and I feel super fucking Zen afterwards.

Also I guess the upside is we also ride our bicycles, which means we can maximize our time outside.

Food

So I think this is actually a very very underrated thing, the idea that, I think people don’t really understand how truly important food is.

I’ll give you example, the other day we went to the Mexican grocery market El super, and spent only $5.99 a pound of beef short rib ribs, Korean galbi.. we got 20 pounds, and also I got some beef liver, only $2.50 a pound. And after feasting on it last night, I woke up this morning feeling insanely alert and awake, and I’m pretty sure that the food has to deal with it.

Exercise

So my general thought is, certainly everything starts in the body. The mind is just an offshoot of the body, so the general idea is if you have an insanely healthy body, so shall your mind.

Granted, assuming you’re a human living in society, there will always be annoying things that happen, but, if you have an insanely God like body, and also assuming you’re sleeping like 8 to 12 hours a night, the big thing is that like, at worst things will only minorly annoy you, kind of like getting a mosquito bite. The world cannot exist without mosquitoes. And typically whenever I get a mosquito bite, I’m always super insanely annoyed at the mosquito but it’s kind of like, not really the mosquitoes fall it just does what it does. And so I feel like a lot of people on the planet are just like a bunch of mosquitoes, rather than describing blame or whatever to them, just be like fucking c’est la vie. I’d rather live in a beautiful society and live a happy life, with mosquitoes in it, rather than living this loser loaner lifestyle, not engaging with anybody, and not having mosquitoes.

Social risk taking

So a lot of people talk about risk, mostly about like finances, the financial market etc. Investing. But very rarely do we actually talk about risk in terms of social risktaking.

For example example, even a simple act of engaging somebody complementing them, is an act of courage, a tiny social risk. Why?

Well, in today’s super lame world, the way society is structure especially in America is towards non-engagement with anything and everything.

For example, people don’t even make eye contact with other people or say hello or compliment or engage them because maybe they are concerned that other person might take the wrong way, or, maybe the fear of not getting the love back?

And the truth is, assuming you’re an insanely friendly person like myself, it’s almost like guaranteed that if you compliment 100,000 people, there’s going to be one person who takes it the wrong way. However, the simple way to engage it, and think about it is, of course. And, it’s not a wise strategy to simply have the one negative encounter, totally reprogram your whole vibrant positive energy.

I’ll give you some examples, these are some unorthodox thoughts:

First,,,, I’m starting to get super suspicious in thinking, that, people don’t like me or they are suspicious of me because I am so insanely happy and friendly. Why is that, at least in America, the status quo is being dislike, detached antisocial loser, always wearing dark sunglasses, AirPods in, pretending like you don’t acknowledge all the other wonderful people around you. Lacking any social skills.

And also, the truth is in America, typically American culture is not, at least maybe in the big cities, productive of friendliness. Like they are in the Midwest and the south.

And actually the big thought I have is technology is not to blame. Technologies is just an offshoot of the issue, not the problem in itself.

To explain, it does not iPhones and social media that is making people antisocial. I think that route, there is a deeper sociological issue with hand.

So I think the status code is, “thou shall not engage with strangers, and also thou shall not make eye contact with strangers.” This is also a systemic problem, I think also this is an issue at schools institutions etc.… Because everyone’s just trying to avoid a lawsuit.

Therefore people act very cowardly, and they have no other option but to just retreat into their phones. Like for example, try riding a New York subway and smiling at somebody and saying hello. It’s not an iPhone issue it’s kind of a cultural issue.

So a big thought on my mind as of late is about beauty. 

First, this very unique idea… The idea that, beautiful people have beautiful ethics? And also… Beautiful people are happy? And also, happy people are beautiful?

So this is a big signal idea… What’s kind of still interesting and critical is sociology, social skills etc.

I’ll give you an example… Now that Senecas in school, and I interact with other parents and kids, and teachers… And principals and admin staff, … now,,, things have gone like 1 trillion times more complex.

For example, when I was in high school, or elementary school or middle school… Typically all the dramas were in between me and classmates, maybe the teacher, rarely almost never the staff or the principal?

But now that I’m a parent, navigating drop offs, pick ups, other parents and other kids… The social ethical, legal, boundaries are very grey and strange. 

Christian ethics ,,?

Jesus –> do unto others as you want others to do unto you. 

Modern day antisocial American ethics: don’t interact with me, make me feel uncomfortable, talk to me make eye contact with me… Or my kid, but secretly actually I want your attention and affection and interaction.

AI

so where sociology AI, social skills AI could be interesting is, having to get a second opinion on complex social thoughts. 

Honestly it’s not going to solve everything but at least give you a second opinion?