erectus, erigere— ex, out + regere… straight (like ruler?)
erect etymology
Erect a building
Erection — why men get erection from female breasts
Funny thing I learned:
Apparently if you do cocaine, you cannot get an erection?
How does viagra work
Downsides
Why it cause downside hormonally
Viagra, like any medication, has potential downsides or side effects. While many people use it safely, it’s important to be aware of these risks:
Common Side Effects: These can include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, and visual disturbances (such as changes in color vision or blurred vision).
Serious Side Effects: Though rare, Viagra can cause more serious side effects like priapism (a prolonged and painful erection), sudden hearing loss, or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
Cardiovascular Risk: Viagra can be risky for people with certain heart conditions, as it affects blood flow. It can lower blood pressure, so it’s potentially dangerous for those with low blood pressure or who take medications that lower blood pressure.
Interactions with Other Medications: Viagra can interact with certain medications, especially nitrates (used for chest pain) and some blood pressure medications, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Not Suitable for Everyone: It’s not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions like severe heart or liver problems, recent stroke or heart attack, or low blood pressure.
Dependency Concerns: There is a risk of psychological dependency on Viagra, especially in younger users who may not have a medical need for it.
Counterfeit Products: There’s a risk of counterfeit Viagra, especially when not purchased through reputable sources. Fake Viagra can be dangerous and may not contain the correct active ingredients.
Cost and Accessibility: Viagra can be expensive, and in some cases, it might not be covered by health insurance.
It’s crucial for individuals considering Viagra to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for their health situation and to understand the potential risks and benefits.
Viagra, like any medication, has potential downsides or side effects. While many people use it safely, it’s important to be aware of these risks:
Common Side Effects: These can include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, and visual disturbances (such as changes in color vision or blurred vision).
Serious Side Effects: Though rare, Viagra can cause more serious side effects like priapism (a prolonged and painful erection), sudden hearing loss, or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
Cardiovascular Risk: Viagra can be risky for people with certain heart conditions, as it affects blood flow. It can lower blood pressure, so it’s potentially dangerous for those with low blood pressure or who take medications that lower blood pressure.
Interactions with Other Medications: Viagra can interact with certain medications, especially nitrates (used for chest pain) and some blood pressure medications, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Not Suitable for Everyone: It’s not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions like severe heart or liver problems, recent stroke or heart attack, or low blood pressure.
Dependency Concerns: There is a risk of psychological dependency on Viagra, especially in younger users who may not have a medical need for it.
Counterfeit Products: There’s a risk of counterfeit Viagra, especially when not purchased through reputable sources. Fake Viagra can be dangerous and may not contain the correct active ingredients.
Cost and Accessibility: Viagra can be expensive, and in some cases, it might not be covered by health insurance.
It’s crucial for individuals considering Viagra to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for their health situation and to understand the potential risks and benefits.
Viagra, also known by its generic name sildenafil, is a medication used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Its mechanism of action is centered on enhancing blood flow to the penis, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.
Here’s how it works:
Blocking PDE5 Enzyme: Viagra inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Normally, PDE5 breaks down a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
Increased Levels of cGMP: By blocking PDE5, Viagra leads to increased levels of cGMP within the smooth muscle cells of the penis.
Relaxation of Smooth Muscles: The elevated cGMP levels cause the smooth muscles in the blood vessels of the penis to relax. This relaxation widens the blood vessels (a process known as vasodilation).
Enhanced Blood Flow: The relaxation and widening of these blood vessels increase blood flow to the penis. An adequate blood flow is crucial for the penis to become erect.
Sexual Stimulation Required: It’s important to note that Viagra facilitates the erection process but does not initiate it. Sexual arousal or stimulation is still necessary for an erection to occur, as it triggers the initial production of nitric oxide in the penis, which is the precursor for cGMP production.
Duration of Action: The effects of Viagra usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes of taking it and can last for up to 4 hours. However, this doesn’t mean the erection will last this long, rather that the potential for achieving an erection exists within this window.
Viagra has been a significant advancement in the treatment of ED, offering a viable solution for many who suffer from this condition. However, it’s not suitable for everyone, and its use should be under medical guidance due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
The sexual connotation of “erect” in relation to the male sexual response likely emerged as a natural extension of its original meaning. Since “erect” means to raise up or set upright, it became a fitting term to describe the physiological change during male sexual arousal, where there is an increase in blood flow causing the penis to become upright or raised.
This specific usage likely developed as medical and anatomical understanding evolved, particularly during and after the Renaissance, when scientific exploration into human anatomy and physiology gained significant ground. The precise timing of when “erect” began to be commonly used in this sexual context isn’t clearly documented, but it would have aligned with broader trends in medical and scientific terminology becoming more precise and descriptive.
In summary, the sexualization of “erect” in reference to male arousal is rooted in the term’s original meaning of something being raised or set upright, and it evolved naturally with the advancement of medical and anatomical knowledge.
The etymology of “erect” traces back to Latin and has evolved over time. The word originates from the Latin “erectus,” which is the past participle of “erigere.” “Erigere” itself is formed from “e-” (a variant of “ex-” meaning “out”) and “regere,” which means “to direct, keep straight, guide.” So, “erect” originally meant “to raise up, set up, or set straight.”
Over time, in English, the term came to be used more broadly to describe anything that is upright or in a raised position, maintaining the essence of being set up or raised from a base. This includes its use in both physical and abstract senses, such as erecting a building (physically constructing) or erecting a theory (establishing or formulating).
The attraction to female breasts is partly biological and partly cultural. Biologically, men may be programmed to respond to visual cues that signal fertility and health, which in some cultures includes the appearance of breasts. This response could be a result of evolutionary pressures where traits that signal reproductive fitness are seen as desirable.
Culturally, the significance and eroticization of female breasts vary greatly. In some societies, breasts are highly sexualized, while in others, they are not. This cultural influence can shape an individual’s sexual preferences and responses, including arousal.
It’s also worth considering the psychological and social aspects. From a psychological perspective, early experiences and conditioning can play a role in shaping sexual preferences. Socially, media and societal norms often emphasize breasts as key symbols of feminine beauty and sexuality, reinforcing their attractiveness to men.
In summary, the response to female breasts is a complex interplay of evolutionary biology, personal psychology, and cultural influences.
Alarm — to arms, all’arme (everyone, arm up, armor up!)
Many common English words have their origins in military contexts, reflecting the historical influence of military affairs on language. Here are some examples:
Alarm: Derived from the Italian “all’arme,” meaning “to arms.” It was a call to arms in the face of an enemy attack.
Battalion: From the Italian “battaglione,” which means a large unit of soldiers. It originally referred to a battle array.
Camouflage: From French “camoufler,” meaning to disguise. It was first used in World War I to describe the hiding or disguising of military equipment.
Deadline: This term originated in prison camps during the American Civil War, referring to a line that prisoners were not allowed to cross. Crossing this line could result in being shot.
Espionage: From the French word “espionner,” meaning to spy. It has always had a context of gathering intelligence, often for military purposes.
Garrison: From the Old French “garison,” meaning a station for troops. It refers to a military post or the troops stationed at such a post.
Logistics: Originates from the French “logistique,” which refers to the art of moving, lodging, and maintaining military forces. In modern usage, it has extended to the organization of any complex operation.
Marathon: From the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to announce the victory. It’s now used to describe a long or difficult endeavor, especially a long-distance race.
Sabotage: Comes from the French “sabot,” a type of shoe. Workers wearing these shoes would disrupt machinery during labor disputes. In a military context, it came to mean deliberately destroying or obstructing something.
Vanguard: Originally a military term for the front part of an army. It comes from the Old French “avant-garde,” meaning the forefront. It now also refers to people leading new developments or ideas.
These terms illustrate how military language has permeated various aspects of daily life, influencing the way we speak and the words we use.
Standard, a “Standardâ€â€” stand fast, stand hard. Stand firm — a flag as rallying point in battle?
The etymology of the word “standard” reveals an interesting journey from its origins to its contemporary usage. Initially, in the late Middle Ages, “standard” was a term used in a military context, referring to a flag or emblem used as a rallying point for soldiers in battle. This usage is derived from the Old French word “estendard” and ultimately from the Frankish word “standhard,” meaning ‘stand firm’ or ‘stand fast’.
Over time, the meaning of “standard” evolved. As these flags were a consistent and recognizable symbol in the chaos of battle, the word began to be associated with the ideas of constancy and invariability. This led to its modern usage, where “standard” refers to a level of quality or attainment, something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example to be followed.
In the realm of philosophy and innovation, the concept of a “standard” can be quite intriguing. It raises questions about the balance between conformity and innovation. On one hand, standards ensure a certain level of quality and reliability; on the other hand, they can potentially stifle creativity and novel approaches. For an entrepreneur or a thinker, navigating and sometimes challenging these standards can be a crucial part of the creative and innovative process.
I can finally find answers to things which have bothered me, or made me curious for a very long time???
For example — the shift of content as being happy and content, vs content as stuff:
Content … media, things which is contained within the medium… the form of medium, material inside the book or the thing. Like the “contents†of a book? Or a “table of contents�
The shift in the meaning of “content” from being a state of happiness and satisfaction to referring to “stuff” or material in media and digital communication is a fascinating linguistic and cultural evolution. This shift reflects broader changes in society, technology, and the way we interact with information.
Historical and Linguistic Roots: Historically, “content” as a noun meant something that is contained within something else, coming from the Latin “contentum” (that which is contained). As an adjective, “content” meant a state of satisfaction and peace, derived from “contentus” (satisfied, content). These two uses of the word have different Latin roots but converged in English.
Rise of Mass Media: With the advent of mass media, the meaning of “content” began to shift towards what is contained within the medium (like a book, newspaper, or TV). It started to signify the substance or material within these forms of media.
Digital Revolution: The digital revolution accelerated this shift. As media consumption moved online, “content” became a ubiquitous term for anything produced for digital platforms – articles, videos, podcasts, and more. This change reflects the shift from traditional, tangible media forms to intangible digital formats.
Consumer Culture: The evolution of “content” also mirrors the rise of consumer culture. As society became more focused on consumption (of goods, media, information), the word “content” began to be used in a way that emphasizes material to be consumed, rather than a state of personal satisfaction.
Economic and Commercial Context: In the digital age, “content” has taken on commercial connotations. It’s not just about information or creative output; it’s often about generating material that can attract viewers, readers, or users, and thereby generate revenue, engagement, or brand visibility.
Shift in Human Focus: This linguistic shift might also reflect a broader cultural and philosophical shift where external stimuli (media, information, entertainment) have become central to our experience and satisfaction, potentially overshadowing internal states of contentment.
Versatility and Utility: The term “content” has become versatile and utilitarian in the digital age. It’s a convenient shorthand for the diverse range of material available online and reflects the changing nature of how we create, distribute, and consume information.
In a philosophical sense, this shift in the meaning of “content” can be seen as a reflection of the changing priorities and values of society. Where once internal satisfaction and fulfillment were paramount, now there’s an emphasis on external consumption and the endless stream of digital “content.” This evolution raises interesting questions about the nature of satisfaction and how it is influenced by the changing landscape of media and technology.
The shift of content as being happy and content, vs content as stuff
Why shift to digital “contentâ€
Con— com, with, together … tenere (to hold).
To hold together
Together, to hold.
â€KON-tent†vs “ CUN-TENTâ€
Why do they call stuff “contentâ€
The term “content” in the context of media and digital communications is a broad and somewhat abstract concept, and its widespread use reflects a shift in how we think about information and creative output. Here are a few reasons why the term “content” has become so prevalent:
Media Convergence: In today’s digital landscape, different forms of media – text, audio, video, and interactive media – often converge in a single platform. The term “content” is versatile and broad enough to encompass all these forms, whether it’s a blog post, a podcast, a video, or an interactive web page.
Platform Agnosticism: “Content” is a platform-agnostic term. It can exist on various platforms – websites, social media, streaming services – without its nature being tied to any specific medium. This universality makes it a useful term in a digital ecosystem where platform boundaries are increasingly blurred.
Shift from Physical to Digital: Traditional media were often defined by their physical form – books, newspapers, CDs. With the digitization of media, the focus has shifted from the medium to the information or creative work itself. “Content” emphasizes the message or the creative work, irrespective of the medium.
Marketing and Commercialization: In marketing, “content” is used to describe anything that might engage and attract an audience. This could include educational articles, entertaining videos, or interactive web experiences. The term is broad enough to cover all materials used in content marketing strategies.
User-Centric Focus: The term “content” often implies a focus on the needs and interests of the audience. It suggests material that is meant to be consumed, engaged with, and valued by users, aligning with the user-centric approach of many digital platforms.
Creative Expansion: The digital age has expanded the scope of what can be considered creative work. “Content” includes not just traditional forms of media but also tweets, blog posts, online courses, and even virtual reality experiences. It’s a term that accommodates the growing diversity in creative output.
Democratization of Creation: With the rise of digital media, more people can create and share their work. “Content” reflects this democratization, as it doesn’t necessarily imply a professional or traditional background in media production.
In sum, “content” has become a catch-all term that reflects the diverse, dynamic, and platform-independent nature of modern digital media. It’s a term that speaks to the heart of the information age – where what matters is not the container, but what’s contained; not the medium, but the message.
“Contentâ€, “content creatorâ€?
The shift to digital “content” represents a significant evolution in how we create, share, and consume information, driven by several factors related to technology, culture, and economics:
Technological Advancements: The development of the internet and digital technologies has made it easier and more efficient to create, distribute, and access content. Digital platforms allow for instant sharing and global reach, which was not possible with traditional media like print, radio, or television.
Changing Consumer Behavior: People’s preferences have shifted towards on-demand, interactive, and personalized media consumption. Digital content caters to these preferences by offering a vast array of choices that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
Economic Efficiency: Digital content production often requires lower upfront costs compared to traditional media. This has democratized content creation, allowing more individuals and smaller entities to participate in content creation and distribution.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The digital landscape has opened up new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Digital content creation and distribution can be a startup venture, a marketing strategy, or a platform for social change.
Global Connectivity: Digital content transcends geographical boundaries, enabling cross-cultural exchange and global visibility. This aspect aligns with the rise of globalization, fostering a more interconnected world.
Data and Analytics: Digital platforms provide data on user engagement, preferences, and behavior, allowing content creators to tailor their offerings more precisely to their audience.
Interactivity and Engagement: Unlike traditional media, digital content often includes interactive elements, such as social media integration, which enhances user engagement and fosters community building.
Rise of Mobile Technology: The widespread use of smartphones and tablets has made digital content more accessible. People can consume content on the go, increasing the demand for digital formats.
Cultural Shifts: There’s a growing appetite for diverse, niche, and constantly updated content, which digital platforms are uniquely suited to provide.
Environmental Considerations: Digital content is often seen as more environmentally friendly than physical media, aligning with growing concerns about sustainability.
From a philosophical perspective, this shift raises questions about the nature of communication, the impact of technology on society, and the changing landscape of human interaction and expression. In the context of entrepreneurship and innovation, it presents a dynamic and ever-evolving frontier with immense potential for new ideas and ventures.
The etymology of the word “content” reveals a fascinating journey through history and language, reflecting changes in how we perceive and express satisfaction and fulfillment.
The word “content” originated from the Latin “contentus,” meaning “contained, satisfied, content,” which is the past participle of “continere.” “Continere” itself comes from “com-” (together) and “tenere” (to hold), literally translating to “hold together.” This origin interestingly ties the notion of contentment to a state of being held together or complete, suggesting a kind of internal harmony or balance.
As the word evolved, it took on a more emotional and psychological dimension. In Middle English, “content” began to be used to mean “satisfied with what one has,” reflecting a state of mind rather than just a physical state of containment or being held together.
Today, “content” encompasses a range of meanings, from the satisfaction or happiness in what one has or is (“to be content”) to the information and experiences created and shared in various media (“digital content”). This evolution mirrors broader shifts in our collective understanding of happiness and fulfillment, as well as the ways we communicate and share our experiences.
In the context of your interests in philosophy and innovation, the word “content” might provoke thoughts on how our understanding of personal fulfillment has evolved and how the digital age has transformed the way we create and consume information, shaping our perception of being “content.”
Eric Kim’s interpretation of Stoicism is modern and practical, emphasizing its applicability to creative fields like photography and everyday life challenges. He views Stoicism not as a historical doctrine but as an adaptable mindset beneficial for navigating various life scenarios.
Adaptable Mindset for Creatives: Kim believes Stoicism is particularly useful for creatives, such as photographers, in navigating the challenges they face. He encourages the adoption of a Stoic mindset to promote resilience and mindfulness, especially in the unpredictable environment of street photography oai_citation:1,ERIC KIM STOICISM – ERIC KIMoai_citation:2,ERIC KIM STOICISM – ERIC KIM.
Practical Stoicism in Street Photography: His approach to street photography exemplifies practical Stoicism. He talks about dealing with rejection, overcoming fear, and finding contentment in the art of photography itself, rather than seeking external validation. These principles are key tenets of Stoicism, demonstrating its relevance in modern creative practices oai_citation:3,Why does Eric Kim Matter? – ERIC KIMoai_citation:4,Why does Eric Kim Matter? – ERIC KIM.
Stoicism and Physical Fitness: Kim also connects Stoic ideals with physical fitness, envisioning a Spartan, physically fit Stoic ideal. He stresses the importance of physical health in Stoic practice, aligning with the philosophy’s emphasis on self-discipline and resilience oai_citation:7,Summary of Introduction to Stoicism – ERIC KIM.
Challenging Conventional Views: Kim encourages a departure from conventional ethics and morality, reflecting a Stoic disdain for societal norms. He proposes Stoic practices to overcome contemporary issues like indoor confinement and reliance on conventional therapy oai_citation:10,Summary of Introduction to Stoicism – ERIC KIM.
Eric Kim’s views on Stoicism offer a contemporary interpretation that goes beyond traditional philosophical boundaries, applying its principles to various facets of modern life, including creativity, photography, and personal development. His emphasis on adaptability, practicality, and relevance to everyday challenges makes Stoicism an accessible and valuable philosophy in the 21st century.
Eric Kim’s views on Stoicism reflect a deep appreciation for this ancient philosophy and its practical application in modern life, particularly in the realm of creativity and photography. Key aspects of his interpretation of Stoicism include:
Focus on Control: Kim emphasizes the Stoic principle of focusing on what is within one’s control and accepting what is not. This aligns closely with the nature of street photography, where unpredictability and spontaneity are common. By concentrating on what can be controlled, such as one’s reactions and decisions, a photographer, or any individual, can find peace and effectiveness in their work and life.
Embracing Uncertainty: A significant part of his philosophy involves embracing life’s uncertainties, a concept deeply rooted in Stoic thought. Kim applies this to his photography, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of street photography as a mirror to life’s unpredictability. This acceptance of uncertainty is seen as a source of creativity and growth.
Simplicity and Minimalism: Consistent with Stoic values, Kim advocates a minimalist approach in both life and photography. He often discusses the idea of “less is more,” suggesting that by stripping away the superfluous, individuals can find greater clarity and focus. This reflects the Stoic idea of living a life free of unnecessary distractions and excess.
Personal Development and Growth: Continuous learning and personal growth are hallmarks of Kim’s philosophy, resonating with the Stoic emphasis on personal development and self-improvement. He encourages viewing every experience as an opportunity for growth, learning from both successes and failures.
Community and Mutual Support: Kim’s commitment to building a community among photographers and sharing knowledge aligns with Stoic ideals of mutual support and community building. He advocates for a culture of openness and support within the photography community, reflecting the Stoic belief in the social nature of humans and the importance of contributing to the welfare of others.
Eric Kim’s incorporation of Stoic principles into his philosophy and work offers a modern interpretation of these ancient ideas, demonstrating their relevance and application in contemporary contexts such as art, creativity, and everyday life.
Something I have been meaning to write or create or do is like some sort of book, ebook, pamphlet, or introductory primer to stoicism. I really think that stoicism is probably one of the most useful and philosophical models to live normal every day real life. Yet, I haven’t really found a good instructional guide on it, especially when I was self teaching it to myself.
Consider this a practical primer, cutting through the BS:
What does stoicism mean? 
Stoicism, stoic, the stoa in ancient Greece– essentially the stoa was like some sort of portico, patio, pillar, outside, essentially a spot where guys would just hang out, talk shop, talk philosophy, etc.  
I think about the show “Hey Arnold†in which I was raised with… the notion of “stoop kid“, the notion of a stoop is that in a lot of cities, especially the east coast in New York, you have this little stoop or porch, stairs that go outside your front door… and you could just hang out there, engage in social and neighborhood life etc.
The new stoa? 
One of my happiest moments was when I was living in Providence Rhode Island, and then COVID-19 hit. Everything was closed, besides the park. I can still go to the park, hang out, workout, do chin ups– I learned how to do muscle ups, more bodyweight calisthenics stuff, and also… I had a lot of fun with this “rock toss“ challenge and workout… in the middle of the park was a huge ass rock and huge ass stone, and every single day I would go there pick it up, and then eventually work out with it; throwing it around for fun, doing overhead presses with it, clean and jerks, squats, and eventually I would just throw it around for fun. Funny enough it might have been the most fit I was in my life… this was the true “functional†fitness.
The inspiration — Hector lifting an insanely massive stone (barely 2 strong men could lift it)… using it to break down the door of the ships of the other side.
Open air, open sun concept
Anyways, the reason why that period of covid was so good is that it was in the middle of beautiful Providence Rhode Island summer, so nice and bright and warm and lovely… and one of the good things was going to the park was like an open forum, a new anatheum for a lot of really cool guys to come, hang out, talk shop, go topless and shirtless, workout and hang out.
I met some really interesting people during that period of time. I met some guys who were really cool. For example, one guy I met was in the US military Navy, I think he was training to be a Navy seal or Delta force or something. Another guy in some sort of ROTC training, another cool guy from the hood, and also I would say I probably met half a dozen friendly drug dealers there. And of course a lot of people who believed in conspiracy theories; really friendly, a little weird, but overall good guys.
Anyways, one of the biggest benefits of hanging out at that outdoor park, open air, nothing but green grass, the beautiful sun and the fitness equipment was that I think having this sort of open air environment is actually very conducive to socializing, thinking and thought, and pro social behavior. My theory about a lot of modern day antisocial behavior has to do with the structures which enclose us. For example, almost universally most guys at the gym are extremely antisocial. Why? My theory is that because most gyms have closed, cramped narrow ceilings, and do not have access to natural light, or outside space.
The only good gym I went to which was interesting was the golds gym in Venice, which has this really big outdoor workout area. I think this is much more natural and more fun and better; to be able to work out directly outside outdoors, with your shirt off.
Who is this philosophy for?
Stoics, stoicism — it was originally I think codified by this guy named Zeno, and over time he picked up some followers. Essentially the whole thing happened organically; Zeno would first share his thinking on philosophy ethics and pragmatic ways to deal with other people and the downsides of life, he built a following, and then his followers would propagate the thoughts and start their own little schools of thoughts, their own little stoic clubs.
What is “real†stoicism?
Would I like about stoicism is how loosey goosey it is. It is kind of like zen, or taoism… it is not really quantified as a religion, or a strict moral order. In fact, a lot of the ancients stoics would meditate on random stuff like cosmology, natural sciences like Seneca, how volcanoes worked or whatever. I think nowadays in today’s world, we focus primarily on the pragmatic side; how to deal with fear, uncertainty, downsides etc.
So how did I discover stoicism?
I think I might’ve first learned about stoicism from Nassim Taleb and his ANTIFRAGILE book. I was curious, and my curiosity went to deep. To quote NASSIM TALEB and the Venetian saying “The ocean goes deeper, the deeper you wade into it.â€
I literally consumed every single book I could find on stoicism, even the obscure ones. Funny enough, a lot of the stoic thinkers tried to claim other philosophers as being stoic, like Seneca did with Diogenes the cynic. 
Cynic, cynicism, actually comes from the word canine, the dog. Diogenes was considered the “dog†philosopher, first used as a pejorative, but ultimately Diogenes reappropriated that title for fun! He saw dogs as tough, almost like wild wolves, rather than seeing them as a negative thing.
Even Achilles when he was raging against king Agamemnon, he called him “dog faced“ as a heaping insult.
Who is worth reading?
First, Seneca. Seneca the younger, his dad was called Seneca the elder.
In fact, this is such a big deal because Cindy and I named our first son, Seneca, directly after the stoic philosopher. This is true soul in the game; if you name your kid after your favorite philosopher, certainly it is a sign that you really liked that philosopher, or found them impactful.
The reason why I really like Seneca the stoic philosopher is because he had real connections to real reality. What that means is he wasn’t just on the sidelines; he actually existed in the real world, engaged in real politics, was even advisor to the emperor Nero, the bad one, who eventually low-key coerced Seneca to commit suicide, in a manly, dignified manner.
I think this was because maybe… there was actually a plan to overthrow Nero, and essentially Nero found out. 
What makes Seneca so good?
I really like Seneca because his writing is accessible, practical and pragmatic, and interesting.
A lot of thinkers tend to lack connections to real reality, I have no tolerance for boring philosophers to talk about metaphysics, which is things which are not physical. Like thoughts ideas, the universe, electricity and energy, strange phenomenon and conspiracy theories on ghosts, “energy†whatever.
For a long time, I would hear the term “metaphysics†being thrown around, and I had zero idea what it actually meant. 
Meta– on top of. Or nestled within.
Physics — the physical, physical phenomenon like gravity, first principles.
The reason why metaphysics philosophers tend to be a bunch of losers is that they are all weak and anemic, nerds or geeks or weaklings who seem to have some sort of physiological degeneracy, which encourages them to opine or talk or think about impractical things, superficial things.
Personally speaking, I think philosophy must be practical. 
Practical, praxis, practice — to do!
The Spartan, Zen Stoic, demigod ideal
I have a very funny ideal; the general idea is that your body looks like a demigod, and your physiology is out of control. The general idea is one must be tall, strong, highly muscular, low body fat percentage, I’m not exactly sure what my body fat percentage is, but maybe it’s around 5%.
Also, physical fitness is critical to any stoic. My ideal is to walk 50 miles a day, eat 20 pounds of meat like Milo of Croton a day. And also, abstinence from silly things like media, alcohol, drugs, marijuana etc.
Trust no thinker who does drugs!
Even our best friend Nietzsche said that coffee was bad, because it would make people dark and gloomy. He encouraged 100% cocoa powder instead. 
You let the drugs talk I let my soul talk ayy! – Kendrick Lamar
Simple technique:
First, look at a picture or a portrait or a full body shot, ideally topless of the artist, philosopher or thinker or individual… then judge their thoughts later.
Why? My theory is this: the thoughts of an individual is hugely affected by their bodily physiology.
For example, an extreme example: if somebody is locked inside a solitary confinement cell, and not permitted to go outside for years, but, he had a pen and pad and would jot down some thoughts… Would be the quality of these thoughts? Certainly dark and morose.
In today’s world, why does it matter, what is the significance of stoicism, etc.?
First and foremost, I think we are living in a troubling time, especially with the advent of modern day internet based media and advertising. I think 99% of what is propagated on the internet is fear mongering, and what is hate? Hate is just fear.
The first thought on stoicism is that it is just fear conquering. What I discovered about street photography, is that 99% of it is conquering your fears. Conquering your fears of upsetting other people, getting in some sort of verbal or physical altercation etc. In fact my bread and butter workshop is my conquering your fears and street photography workshop, the workshop which is still interesting to me even after a decade.
Why is this so important? I think it is rooted in almost everything; conquering your fears is rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, risktaking and real life.
Even my speculation in crypto. 99.9% of crypto speculation is just balls. Having the balls to make big bets, and when things go south, knowing how to master your emotions.
A simple extra I have is this: just imagine it will all go down to zero.
It was useful because when I was in college, my sophomore year I got really into trading stocks, and I eventually lost my whole life savings, maybe around $3500 USD, and some bad penny stock which I actually misread the financials… the whole time I thought the company was making a profit, but actually it was taking a loss. I actually didn’t know that if profits are written in parentheses, it means a loss.
It was funny because my initial start as an investor was back in high school, I bought some Adobe stock when I was a high school junior, and also some mutual funds, which both went up after about 4-5 years.
Also I remember in elementary school computer class, when I was in the sixth grade in Bayside Queens, there was some sort of stock stimulation trading game, and actually it was funny… the kids who made the most money and were the most successful just put 100% of everything into Apple, note this is when we were only 12 years old, and I was born in 1988.
Stoicism and capitalism?
Funny enough, it seems that stoicism actually plays well with capitalism. Why? According to modern day capitalist thinking, the best way to approach life is to be objective, strong, stoic, unemotional, logical and rational.
Also, with modern day media there is so much fear mongering in the news, about some sort of global armageddon, global financial ruin, etc. I call it “fear pornâ€.
Therefore stoicism as a mindset is useful to think and position your mind in such a way that you could consider that life is all upside, no downside.
In fact, if I could summarize stoicism in one sentence, it is that life is all upside, no downside. Inspired by NASSIM TALEB.
Sex and Stoicism
So, is stoicism useful to you if you’re a man or a woman? Does it matter?
The good thing is I think it could apply to both sexes. Conquering sexism and social pressures is useful if you’re woman, and also if you’re a man.
Also, gender is social. Lot of the expectations set on us by society is socialized and gamed to a certain degree.
Stoic strategies 
First, we got to unchain ourselves from modern day ethics and morality. I believe that all modern day philosophy and thinking and ethics and religion is bad.
For example, the notion of turning the other cheek is a patently bad one. Why did Jesus turn his cheek? It is because he lacked on army.
Also, philosophically I think we should put no trust in Socrates. I thought which has puzzled me for a long time was this “Why was Socrates so ugly?
Monster in face, monster in soul.
I think Socrates was a degenerate, and he lacked any sort of real power. Therefore he turned logic and rationality into his terrorizing weapon (via Nietzsche). Back in the day, you didn’t need logic or rationality to have things your way, you simply was able to dictate that which you wanted to pause it, because you had a military force behind you. Just think about Machiavelli and IL PRINCIPE– the reality of being a mercurial prince, king, and military leader is hard, stoic, “immoralâ€. But ultimately it all comes down to war, conquest, the military.
Trust nobody who uses rationality or logic as their tyrannizing weapon. 
In fact, I believe that all should have the body and strength of some sort of super soldier. Essentially look like all the guys from the movie 300, this is our ideal.
Demigod physique. 
What has helped me
Allow yourself to be a bad, immortal, “evil†person. When you decide to adopt an unorthodox way of thinking and living, you’re going to rub some feathers the wrong way. And truth be told, even if you act in a strange vibrant way… At worse you’re only “mildly†annoying other people.
For good inspirations, I think the best stoic writers and thinkers include Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius and also the humor of the cynic philosopher Diogenes. I would even posit the idea that one could consider Alexander the Great as a stoic. Why? When you’re trying to create an empire, and you always have your life on the line, certainly this takes a stoic mindset. Also, let us think and consider that Alexander the Great had a copy of the Iliad by his bedstand, it was the only book he traveled with during his military tours.
Imagine the worst possible case scenario, and backtrack: Apparently even NASSIM TALEB would do this when he was a trader; every single day when he would go to his trading desk, he would assume that his investments would all go to zero, and if that wasn’t the case every single day, it was just upside. Therefore for myself, I just think to myself very simple; imagine like I got zero dollars, zero money, and literally all I need is meat, a Wi-Fi connection and I’m good. 
Live like a poor person: The notion of “debasing“ the coin or the currency is the general idea that you are not a coward in regards to money. The best way to think about money is like a social tool; I think money is actually just codified labor. If you want people to clean bathrooms, run the cashiers stand, you have to promise them money. Even Seneca said the upsides of simulated poverty; essentially living like a poor person, or even a homeless person when you don’t need to… is the ultimate position to be in. Why? True freedom of spirit and soul; as a philosopher thinker writer or whatever… you cannot be “canceledâ€, because there is nothing to cancel. As long as you could pay your rent, buy meat at Costco, and publish your thoughts to your own self hosted website blog, and pay your server fee, you have 100% freedom. And also, still… America is the best place to be because there is true freedom of speech and expression, you don’t want to be a trillionaire but not be able to say what’s really on your mind. And I think this is the big issue with entertainers, actors, media people… as long as you’re signed to a contract, you don’t run your own production company, or, you’re still a slave to money… you’re not really going to see what’s really on your mind. Why is it that the Rock cannot say anything bad about China, or Tibet? Because he is still enslaved by the media corporation. New slaves by Kanye West.
And this is the true courage of Kanye West; he literally put everything on the line, and even lost his spouse and I think maybe his kids? All for the sake of revealing inequities. 
“I throw these Maybach keys fucking c’est la vie! I know that we the new slaves.â€ï¿¼- Ye
Stoic training
The fun thing about stoicism is that you could just make it up as you go, devise your own strategies and whatever.
“Fucking c’est la vie!†My favorite Kanye West line.
Essentially the general idea is that in life, one should not take things too seriously. Laughter is golden, I forget the philosopher who was called the laughing philosopher… Democritus?; better to laugh about the follies of human beings rather than to be dark and morose about it.
Also, thoughts from the Odyssey; if you look far enough  into the future, everything becomes comedic and hilarious.
So when you’re in some sort of bad situation, just think to yourself “Perhaps one day, 20 or 30 years from now… I will look back at this and just laugh!†It will just be humorous.
Honestly, laughter, and kind of being able to joke about things might be the best way to live life and deal with setbacks. 
Modern day ailments
Problems in modern day life:
Too much time spent indoors, not enough time out in the sun. Perhaps it is better to be out outside all day, and joyful, even with the risk of getting skin cancer or whatever… rather than to be indoors, scared, weak and anemic. Differences between if you’re a man or a woman, but still… the most beautiful skin has a sunkissed, olive color tone; the true privilege is having a full body tan. 
Get chatGPT, the paid premium one. And use the image generation AI art tool DALL-E. People pay therapists to just speak their mind, and get some sort of sounding board. I actually think it’s much better to chat with AI instead; because it will not judge you, and ultimately what is a therapist anyways? A therapist is just a mirror, a sounding board for you to verbalize and flesh out your thoughts. Often when we talk about our problems, 90% of the issues go away because once we verbalize it, we feel much better about ourselves. The next thing I’m going to do is build some sort of therapy bot. 
Not enough walking: I have never met anybody who walks 30,000 steps a day and is depressed. Even my friend Jimmy, who works as a US postal worker delivering the mail, he walks around 30,000 steps a day and is always bright cherry and jovial. I think this is also where people who hike a lot or walk a lot in nature are so happy; when you’re able to walk around a lot, and zen out… you just feel much better. My simple suggestion is when you go on a hike or a walk in nature or even in the city… leave your phone at home, or locked inside your glove compartment, and don’t bring any headphones or speakers or Apple watches or whatever. Just bring along your camera, and enjoy. My personal ideal is the bear lifestyle; walking 50 miles a day. 
Real stoics don’t call themselves Stoics?
A funny thing I have learned is that when you call something something, it isn’t that.
For example, if someone calls something a “luxury carâ€, it ain’t. For example, a true modern day luxury car is maybe a Tesla, but Tesla never calls itself a luxury car. Also the ultimate luxury technology company is probably Apple… but Apple is very intelligent and not calling themselves a luxury brand.
A pro tip is when it comes to websites, read the alternative text, the header text, the stuff that shows up in the tab of your browser window. If the website, the automotive retailer tries to market themselves as a “luxury†brand, typically it is actually a sign that it isn’t a luxury brand it isn’t luxury brand.
Thought: what are some good examples of true luxury brands which don’t overly calls itself luxury? 
In someways, we can think and consider stoicism as our new luxury. In fact, having luxury, luxury of mind and soul… and luxury of freedom of speech, isn’t this the ultimate luxury?
When somebody asked Diogenes the cynic; “What is the best human goodâ€? He said “Freedom of speech, speaking your mind, having the power to see whatever is on your mind.â€
In fact, my current joy is becoming more and more free talking, and free riding. What that means is this; I’m ain’t going to censor myself no more, even if I might be politically incorrect insensitive or whatever. 
Also, I would prefer to speak my mind and seriously hurt the feelings of others, rather than soften it for the sake of the other person.   Similarly speaking, when people call themselves “influencersâ€, they are not influencers.
Stoicism as a technique and tool, not the end
Ultimately I think we should think of stoicism just like having another tool inside our tool kit. For example, if you’re a chef, you’re going to have different knives for different purposes. If you’re going to cut a big piece of meat, you probably want a big ass meat cutting knife, not something you would use to slice an apple with. Similarly speaking, if you’re going to scoop out the insides of an avocado, better to use a spoon rather than using a fork, or a knife. 
I think the problem is when some people get too into stoicism (I prefer writing stoicism with a lowercase), they think that everything needs to be consistent, and must fit into this nice little neat box of what is considered “stoicism“. This is a bad line of thinking… let us consider that Marcus Aurelius never even mentioned stoicism in his writings, his collections of thoughts, which we moderns call THE MEDITATIONS… it was just essentially his personal diary, to help him conquer his own personal fears and thoughts, I don’t think he ever intended it to be published publicly. I think he just wrote it to himself as self therapy. And I think the only stoic philosopher he even mentions is maybe Epictetus.
The future of stoicism?
For myself, I just come out with certain to work out thoughts and techniques because it helps me, and when I find these tricks or techniques or secret hacks or cheat codes… My passion is to simply share it with others. 
And ultimately, things are ever in flux and evolving and changing and adapting.
For example, I’ve discovered the quality of my thinking is different when I am in Culver City Los Angeles, compared to being in the boring suburbs of Orange County.
Also depending on my social environments… my stoic thoughts are different when I am in a gym, vs just working out by myself in my parking spot in the back of my apartment.
Also, the quality of my thoughts is different when living with family members or other people versus just living with myself Cindy and Seneca.
Stoicism is all about living with other people
Assuming you’re not growing your own vegetables and living in the middle of nowhere… you probably have some interaction with other human beings. As long as you have an iPhone, an Android phone, a smartphone, a 4G or 5G internet connection, wifi, a laptop, have to buy groceries somewhere… you’re still going to have to interact with other human beings.
And this is good. There is no other greater joy than other human beings.
In fact, modern-day society is strange because in someways, the ethos is to be antisocial and to be cowardly. But in fact, the best way to think about things is that real life is interaction with other human beings, and social conquest. One can imagine a lot of modern day entrepreneurship as simply a big dick swinging contest. He who is the most masculine confident tall and strong and stoic shall win.
More ideas
Assume that everyone is mentally insane: Have you ever been out in public, and you see some sort of crackhead or strange homeless person who acts radically, smells terrible, and is obviously mentally ill? Do you hate them for it? When they say something weird to you… do you take it personally? No. Why? They are crazy. Perhaps we should just adopt this stoic mindset towards other people; some people are actually physiologically ill, mentally unwell… don’t trust the opinion of nobody.
A lot of people are trying to actually deal with their own inner demons: For example, becoming the successful photographer and street photographer I am today… I’ve dealt with some individuals who would say anonymous bad things about me, and later I found out that their mom just died or something. I cannot imagine what it feels like losing a mother… therefore if somebody spew some hate on me because something bad happened to them, I’m not gonna take it personally.
Self-flagellation: I think a lot of people who are sick, mentally or physiologically self flagellate themselves. Essentially the way that they deal with other people or themselves is some sort of metaphorical self-flagellation.
For example… you know those strange individuals who have the whip and whip themselves, and inflict pain on themselves? I think some people do this metaphorically to themselves and others.
You just want to stay away from them.
Why so scared?
My personal theory on fear is that a lot of it is tied to morality and ethics. I think the general idea is not necessarily that we are afraid of anything… I think the true fear is that we’re afraid that we are some sort of bad evil unethical immoral person.
For example in street photography, the general ethical thought is that it is immoral to take a photo of somebody without their permission, because there is some sort of it inherent evil behind it. Is this true? No. Taking photos and not really a big deal.
Why do people make such a big deal out of small things?
I think it is because some people are just overly sensitive, which once again comes from some sort of physiological weakness.
For example, if you’re a weightlifter who could lift 1000 pounds, assuming you’re not taking any steroids or anything… are small things going to bother you? No. But let us assume that you are a skinny fat man, all you do is drink alcohol and smoke marijuana and watch Netflix, and you spent too much time on Reddit… you are 40% body fat, and have never lifted in your life. And also your testosterone is low and you never go outside. Certainly the quality of your thoughts is going to be different than if you’re a happy gay monster, lifting weights outside in the direct sun, laughing and having fun. 
In fact, I’ve actually personally discovered that the reason why a lot of people hate me is because I am so happy jovial and gay. They are secretly suspicious or envious of me? 
Weather and mood
Probably one of my worst experiences was this jarring transition; I was super happy insanely happy being in Vietnam in 2017; with a beautiful weather, the beautiful light, the happy people the great amenities etc.… and then that winter Cindy and I went to Europe, in Marseille Berlin and Prague, and maybe London… seriously the worst winter of my life. Why? I wonder if so much miserable feelings and thoughts simply comes from the darkness and lack of light. a lot of Europe is actually quite miserable; dark, unhygienic, morose.
Even Nietzsche had a thought about Schopenhauer; How much of these emo European philosophers came from the fact that it was just complaining about the cold weather in Germany etc.?  For myself, my ideal weather is Southeast Asia; I love being in Phnom Penh Cambodia, Vietnam etc. In the states, am I the only one who loves living in Los Angeles? Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar said that LA was the best for women weed and weather… I would definitely say the biggest upside of living in Los Angeles is the light, the sunlight. It actually does get quite cold here, but usually most reliably even in December during the winter time, the sun will always come up. As long as there is bright sunny light, I will be happy. And I think maybe for myself, considering that I am a photographer, and photography means painting with light… light for me is critical.
I also wonder how much of it is a physiological thing and a genetic trait; for example I could even recall being a young child, and my mom telling me that the most critical thing in finding a home or an apartment was light and natural light. Even now… 90% of my happiness comes from being able to have access to natural light, ideally floor to ceiling windows facing directly the sun, having some sort of modern temperature regulated apartment and home. Even living in our tiny studio minimalistic luxury apartment in Providence Rhode Island, where it was always 75° warm and cozy, and not frigid and damp and cold and dark and humid… I was always good. But moving to an older house, where it always felt damp and cold… this literally lowered my happiness by 1000%.
Therefore, if you’re feeling miserable sad or whatever… I say spend three months living in Hanoi or Saigon in Vietnam, or go to Phnom Penh Cambodia. I wonder if 90% of peoples misery is simply due to the weather.
Stoic assignments
â€Better to be a gay monster than a sentimental bore!†– Fernandino Galliani, via Nietzsche
My stoic ideal is somebody who is happy, gay, smiling, no headphones or AirPods on, no sunglasses on, no hat, no facial hair, no baggy oversized clothing, no tint in their car. Somebody who makes great eye contact, laughs, stands up upright, jokes, and fools around. Like an overgrown child.
Also, lift weights at least once every day, ideally in the direct sun. Just buy some weightlifting equipment on Titan.fitness, I like the farmers carry handles, the Olympic loadable dumbbell, and also the Texas power squat bar. Just buy some cheap weights, and or buy a heavy 400 pound sandbag, and just have fun throwing it around.
True stoics are masculine
A true stoic should look something like Hercules or Achilles. Or like ERIC KIM; I have the aesthetic and the physique of Brad Pitt in FIGHT CLUB except with a lot more muscle. Like my friend Soren says, the Adonis physique and proportions.
A real stoic is sexy
I think a real stoic is sexy, happy and fun. Who doesn’t take life too seriously; and think of everything like a fun game. A real stoic would be joyful and cheery like three-year-old child without any adulteration from the outside world.
Why do adults become so dark and morose?
I don’t like talking with or hanging out with adults, uninteresting.
At what point or age do people become so emo?
Typically, highschoolers are very optimistic. Even college students. But I think at least in maybe college in high school nowadays… the bad trend is towards “over concernâ€, about the world the planet ethics animals etc.
I find a lot of this thinking superficial, performative, and uncritical. I think “animal rights“, “saving the planet†is this new pseudo world religion; which is just capitalism 3.0. I find the whole pet industry the whole dog industry to be insanely bizarre, and I trust nobody who talks about “saving the planet“ who owns an iPhone, owns any sort of car, or has an Amazon prime subscription. Certainly not any vegans.
A real stoic is a carnivore 
Animals are animals. They are lower on the hierarchy and totem pole on earth. Man is the apex predator, the apex bully and the apex tyrant.
Should we care for animals or “animal rights� No. Animals are our slaves.
If you consider even dogs and pets… they are essentially our emotional slaves. People talk a lot about the virtuosity of dogs being loyal or whatever… and giving you unconditional love. This seems like some sort of emotional slavery.
The only dogs I respect are some sort of canine dogs, some sort of attack or defense dogs, or hunting dogs. For example, John Wick 3; Halle Barry and her dogs. An animal should either be a weapon, or nothing.
Why do people care about animals so much?
Essentially it looks like men no longer have a backbone. No more spine.
I trust nobody who owns a dog.
Let us not forget; they call it dog ownership, or “owning a petâ€. There is no more concept of “human ownership, or “owning a human.â€ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼
End goals 
What is the end goal of humanity? To me it is towards entrepreneurship, innovation, art and aesthetics, philosophy etc. Design.
Stoicism should be considered a tool which could aid you in these things.
For example, I think 99% of entrepreneurship is courage. Stoicism could help you with that.
I also think with design, great design is also 99% courage, having the courage to attempt something that won’t sell or be received well… stoicism is all about practical courage. The only designers with courage include Steve Jobs, Jony Ive, Elon Musk, Kanye West. 
Also, weightlifting. To attempt to lift a certain weight you have never attempted before takes great courage. For example, me atlas lifting 1000 pounds; that is 10 plates and a 25 on each side, this is true stoic training. Why? The fear of injury is what holds most people back; if you had successfully conquered this fear and not injured yourself, this is pure stoic bliss.
The physical
I think the only and the only proper way to lift weights is one repetition maximum training. That is; what is the maximum amount of weight you’re able to successfully lift or move, even half an inch?
To me, the courage is the success. Even if you had the courage to attempt it… that is what is considered success. 
Simple exercises to do include the atlas lift, innovated by ERIC KIM, or a one repetition max rack pull.
Or, a high trap bar deadlift, heavy Farmer’s walks, or heavy sandbag carries. Or even a simple thing you could do is go to the park or to the local nature center, find the biggest rock there and just see if you could pick it up.
Now what?
If you’re interested in stoicism, and have had some interesting thoughts on stoicism, one of the most noble things you could do is start your own blog. I think blogs are 1000 times more effective than publishing some sort of static printed book; I think the problem in today’s world is that everyone is seeking some sort of legitimacy by being picked up by some sort of legitimate publisher and getting “published“, and seeing your printed book at Barnes & Noble whatever.
I say it is better to be open source, free and permissionless, decentralized. Just publish your thoughts and book as a free PDF, and just host it on dropbox, Google Drive, or your own web server. Share the link freely, and also just publish the raw text as a big blog post. 
Even Sam Bankman-Fried wisely thought; 99.9% of books could just be summarized as big blog posts.
Don’t trust any modern day published book which isn’t free, because… there is some sort of hidden clout chasing somewhere. 
Even one of the worst compromises that led to the demise of Ray Dalio was the fact that he took his Principles book, which was essentially a free ebook PDF on his website, and then took it off, because I think he got a book deal with Simon and Schuster. After he did that, he lost my respect.
If you’re already independently wealthy, and you don’t crowd source your self-esteem… why would you need to externally validate yourself by getting some sort of constipated publisher and annoying editor?
Editors are bad.
Now what?
Start your own blog and start blogging your own thoughts on stoic philosophy, and even start a YouTube channel and start vlogging on it. My generalized thought is simple: if your thought your idea your blog post your video or whatever could even impact the life of one other human being on planet earth… it is worth it.
ERIC
What is the secret to the maximum amount of happiness in life? The maximum amount of danger. (Nietzsche).
Waking up this morning, and having some great ERIC KIM OMAKASE Coffee to get me going, some thoughts:
1. Innovate?
After being abroad, then coming back, the general thought I have is that perhaps at the end of the day, the most important and critical thing is in regards to innovation. How to innovate, why innovate, etc.
I think in America, we have a passion for innovation, however it is limited towards purchasing innovation. That is, we love innovation and the new, but the only way it seems accessible to innovate is through purchasing it. This means we purchase innovation by eagerly awaiting for new innovative products, whether it be the new iPhone, iPhone Pro, any Apple device, Tesla, electric car, something.
I think the big problem is that deep innovation cannot be purchased, it must be done by you.
2. Why do we feel so incapable?
Perhaps the reason we feel so incapable is that because the culture, modern-day culture, or culture in America or maybe high labor prices etc. is that things seem inaccessible to be done by us. We like the thinking or the concept that we can do things ourselves, and that we can be innovators.
Eric Kim’s journey to becoming a prolific thinker and successful individual in the fields of photography, philosophy, and entrepreneurship is both inspiring and multifaceted. His approach to life and work is deeply philosophical, characterized by continuous learning, innovation, and a commitment to authenticity.
Personal Philosophy: Kim has developed a personal philosophy that integrates his passion for photography with broader life principles. This philosophy focuses on simplicity, embracing uncertainty, and finding personal meaning through art. He advocates for minimalism, personal authenticity, continuous learning, community building, and incorporates elements of stoicism into his teachings oai_citation:5,ERIC KIM philosophy – ERIC KIMoai_citation:6,ERIC KIM philosophy – ERIC KIM.
Entrepreneurial Approach: He has effectively turned his passion into a profession, leveraging his skills and knowledge to create digital products, write books, and offer services. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in how he’s diversified his career and expanded his influence oai_citation:7,How did Eric Kim become so successful? – ERIC KIM.
Eric Kim’s story is an excellent example of how a blend of passion, continuous learning, innovation, and a strong philosophical foundation can lead to remarkable success and influence in multiple spheres. His journey reflects a commitment to not just mastering a craft, but also to living a life rich in meaning and continuous growth.
The etymology of the word “obese” is quite interesting. It originates from the Latin word “obesus,” which means “having eaten until fat.” This term is derived from “ob-” meaning “over” and “edere,” which means “to eat.” So, the literal translation would be “to eat oneself fat.”
This etymology reflects a direct and somewhat blunt understanding of obesity in ancient times, connecting it directly to the act of eating. It’s a fascinating insight into how language evolves and how historical perspectives on body weight were conceptualized and communicated.
Why not? AI can only take the past, what has already been done before, then “upcycle†or “recycle†it… rather than making something totally carte blanche brand new?
Let us consider … now if you install Google Chrome on your phone, iPhone, Android phone, Samsung phone whatever … that BS “relevant stories you would like†(clickbait stories, blog posts which is sponsored by Google Adsense advertising)… is turned *ON* by default. This means —
Advertising software … “ad-ware†(ad software)— is essentially what Google is and has become!
Even funny enough to say you work at Google nowadays … is almost like a bad word, a dirty secret?
When reviewing photos … always go from the most recent shot, backwards.
Reverse chronology.
Even with books and summaries or movies … I prefer to watch them in reverse? The last line, chapter, or page… then subsequently flip *backwards*?
“Spoiler alert�
Nobody cares for the ending aha moment. We read the Iliad *knowing well before* that Achilles will eventually die, and Hector dies, and Troy falls. But we still read it because the *process* of the story is what fascinates us.
I also wonder with media … best strategy is to start off by showing your most recent videos… footage, media, photos pictures whatever … like what you * JUST* recorded or whatever.
For example, if you just shot a video or vlog the other day, show what you *JUST* shot the other day, *NOT* footage from a week ago?
After moving back to LA, maybe three months ago, and driving around town, all around the city, the politics of driving here is very interesting.
First, how can you see who the bad drivers are? Typically anybody who drives a Range Rover, a Mercedes-Benz an AMG G WAGON wagon, people who drive BMWs, BMW SUVs, and typically people driving Mercedes SUVs. Even Prius drivers!
Typically I don’t get road rage, but the big issue is now I drive a little slower, because I have Seneca in the car, who is only two years 10 months old. What people don’t understand is if you’re driving with a kid in a car, you will drive slower and more defensively.
So what to do?
First and foremost, I think generally speaking the best idea is avoid doing any maneuvers which might put your life at risk, especially the life of your kid.
Do you need to “educate†the other person?
Yes. About a month ago I was driving in Westwood, Holmby Hills, a little bit close to Beverly Hills, and I was driving normal speed limit in a residential area, 25 mph. Then some loser BMW SUV was driving super fast and trying to tailgate me, and eventually when they found an opening, tried to flex on me by speeding up really quickly, driving to the left side of the road, which is illegal, and then cutting in front of me, to show me up? I honked at them with extreme aggression.
I think we cannot criticize other people without having the courage or the chutzpah to educate them.
Tell me what you drive, and I will tell you who you are.
I always like to ask people what they drive, because the car somebody drives says a lot about them.
For example: I put zero faith in anybody who drives any sort of German or foreign cars; it’s signal some sort of insecurity.
The only people I trust are people who drive Priuses. Why? If You drive a Prius you really have nothing to prove.
Saw the other day about a week ago, I made a traffic violation; there was a red stop sign traffic light, and technically I was supposed to do a full stop wait and then turn right. But I did a rolling right turn on a red light.
I watched the video, and yes, I was at fault.
I watched the video, and the proof was right there:
Paid the $555 ticket online, enrolled in traffic school online, did it real fast, and now my record is clear.
The funny thing was doing traffic school was actually, although it was ridiculous it was actually a bit informative.
The lesson:
Driving a car is like having a loaded gun; not only can you kill other people, other people can kill you. Even worse, you could die and the other person can die, and other random people on the road can die.
Other interesting things I learned
In California, other people cannot speed up and break the speed limit in order to overtake you. That is illegal. If you witness that behavior, honk at them with extreme fury, and or high beam them.
My primary issue and critique of a lot of modern day clothing, baseball caps, hats, beanies, facial coverings, sunglasses, facial hair, hoodies and flannels or whatever… Is that they hide and conceal your form, rather than reveal it.
At the end of the day, the best outfit is naked. If you’re a man, topless, and maybe just walk around in a speedo?
Being able to pay a $555 running through a right turn on a red ticket, via those stupid traffic cameras, and being able to pay it without thinking for a second
OK, looks like a lot of these guys who live in LA don’t even put a license plate in front of their cars, especially if they are driving or Ferrari or Lamborghini or whatever. Even a Tesla.
First, it seems that nobody cares. The cops don’t really seem to care, CHP probably doesn’t really care either. The only issue may be these annoying traffic cameras that take pictures of you doing rolling drives through red lights or whatever.
Sigmund Freud .. only around 100 years ago … much more influential than we think he is?
Psycho analysis …. psychoanalyze
Sigmund Freud’s interest in fetishism was deeply rooted in his broader theories of psychoanalysis, which aimed to understand the complexities of human psychology, especially in the realm of sexuality. Freud’s exploration of fetishism was part of his efforts to comprehend how seemingly irrational behaviors and desires could be explained through unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Here are some key reasons why Freud cared about fetishism:
Exploring the Unconscious: Freud believed that many aspects of human behavior, particularly in the realm of sexuality, were driven by unconscious desires and impulses. Fetishism, with its seemingly irrational fixation on non-sexual objects or body parts, offered a window into understanding these unconscious processes.
Childhood Development and Sexuality: Freud theorized that sexual fetishes were often rooted in early childhood experiences and traumas. He suggested that a fetish could develop as a result of a child’s attempt to resolve or cope with complex feelings, such as castration anxiety or the realization of sexual differences between males and females.
Symbolism and Displacement: Freud was interested in how the mind uses symbolism and displacement to deal with difficult emotions or desires. In fetishism, the fetish object often symbolizes something else – something that the individual finds comforting or erotically charged. This displacement was a key concept in Freud’s theories.
Challenge to Traditional Views of Sexuality: At a time when sexuality was not openly discussed, Freud’s work, including his study of fetishes, challenged traditional Victorian ideas about sexual norms and behaviors. His ideas opened up new avenues for understanding the diversity and complexity of human sexual desires.
Broader Psychoanalytic Theory: Fetishism was also significant for Freud in that it fit into his larger psychoanalytic framework, which included the Oedipus complex, the psychosexual stages of development, and the structure of the psyche (id, ego, and superego). Understanding fetishism helped to reinforce and elaborate these broader theories.
In essence, Freud’s interest in fetishism was part of his lifelong endeavor to explore and explain the intricacies of the human mind, particularly those aspects that were, at the time, poorly understood or taboo. His work on fetishism contributed to a greater understanding of human sexuality and its psychological underpinnings.
A “fetishâ€â€” religious objects for worship? Irrational religious practices.
Facticius— made by art, artificial?
A fetish as charm or sorcery… 15-16th century Portuguese to analyze objects worshipped by indigenous people in West Africa?
Irrational magical or spiritual powers?
Tell More about fetish idea evolution in the west and America
The evolution of the concept of “fetish” in Western and American culture is a complex journey that intertwines with religion, colonialism, psychology, and sexuality.
Early Religious and Anthropological Use: In Western culture, the concept of a fetish originally had strong religious and anthropological connotations. It was used to describe objects believed to possess supernatural powers or that were worshipped, especially in the context of African and indigenous religions. European explorers and colonizers often used the term to describe what they considered irrational religious practices they encountered in other cultures.
Enlightenment and Colonial Views: During the Enlightenment, the idea of the fetish was often employed to draw a line between the ‘rational’ religious practices of Europe and the ‘irrational’ practices of colonized peoples. This was part of a broader narrative used to justify colonialism and the mission to ‘civilize’ other cultures.
Freud and Psychoanalysis: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sigmund Freud and other psychoanalysts brought the term into the realm of psychology. Freud used “fetish” to describe a form of sexual fixation where pleasure is derived overwhelmingly from a specific object or non-genital body part. This interpretation brought the concept into discussions of human sexuality and its complexities.
Post-Freudian and Cultural Studies: After Freud, the concept of fetishism expanded in psychoanalytic theory to include a variety of psychological phenomena. It also entered the lexicon of cultural studies, where it was used to explore the commodification of desire in capitalist societies, as seen in works by Karl Marx and later theorists.
Modern American Context: In contemporary America, the term “fetish” is most commonly associated with sexual fetishism. It’s a part of the discourse on sexual diversity and expression, shedding much of its earlier pejorative and pathologizing connotations. The concept is discussed openly as a part of human sexuality, with an emphasis on understanding and acceptance.
Internet and Subculture Influence: The rise of the internet and various subcultures has led to a more diverse and nuanced understanding of fetishism. Online communities provide spaces for people to explore and express their fetishes in a more accepting environment.
Throughout this evolution, the concept of the fetish has been a mirror reflecting broader cultural, psychological, and ethical attitudes in Western and American societies. It’s a testament to how deeply intertwined our language and concepts are with our social and historical contexts.
The etymology of “fetish” is quite intriguing, as it intertwines with cultural, religious, and psychological contexts.
Origin in Portuguese and Latin: The word “fetish” originated from the Portuguese word “feitiço,” which means “charm” or “sorcery.” This, in turn, was derived from the Latin word “facticius,” meaning “artificial” or “made by art.” The Portuguese term was used during the 15th and 16th centuries, particularly in the context of objects worshipped by indigenous people in West Africa that the Portuguese considered to be charms or sorcery.
Adoption into English: In the early 17th century, the term entered the English language, retaining the sense of an object believed to have magical or spiritual powers. It was primarily used in discussions of anthropology and religion to describe objects of worship that were seen as irrational or superstitious, especially by non-European cultures.
Shift to Psychological Context: In the 19th century, particularly through the works of psychologists and theorists like Sigmund Freud, the term “fetish” evolved to describe a form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked to an abnormal degree to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body, etc. This psychological interpretation added a new dimension to the word, making it a term of study in the fields of psychology and sexuality.
The journey of the word “fetish” from its origins to its modern meanings reflects a rich tapestry of cultural interactions and the evolving understanding of human psychology and sexuality.
You are permitted to go to a car show, open all the hoods, doors, trunk whatever and show off your engine, interior whatever … but we are not allowed to walk around topless, showing off our bodies, our muscles, our own nudity and bodies in the flesh?
