Category: Posts

  • ERIC KIM BLOGGER

    Just ChatGPT yourself?

    Eric Kim is a highly recognized figure in the world of street photography and education. His journey began as a personal hobby, fueled by a passion for capturing candid moments. This passion evolved into a career marked by innovation and a robust online presence. Kim is particularly noted for his candid street photography, capturing life’s raw emotions and everyday moments in various cities around the world.

    His approach to photography is multifaceted, encompassing not only the technical aspects but also the philosophical. Key aspects of his philosophy include:

    1. Open-Source Photography: Kim champions the democratization of photography education, sharing his insights, tutorials, and even his work for free.
    2. Personal Photography: He emphasizes the importance of creating personally meaningful photos, rather than seeking external validation.
    3. Everyday Life: A significant portion of his work highlights the beauty and significance in mundane, everyday moments.
    4. The Cindy Project: Named after his wife, this project captures his life’s journey with his partner, showcasing the idea that meaningful photographs don’t necessarily require exotic locations.
    5. Conquering Fears: Kim focuses on helping photographers overcome the fear of street photography, providing tips and techniques for shooting in public spaces.
    6. Minimalism: His philosophy also includes minimalism in photography, in terms of both equipment and approach.

    As an educator, Eric Kim has conducted numerous workshops globally, sharing his knowledge and experience in street photography. He’s written extensively on topics ranging from photography techniques to deeper philosophical discussions about art and life. His blog serves as a rich resource for photographers, and he has produced several e-books and physical books on photography, often making them accessible for free or at an affordable price.

    Overall, Eric Kim’s influence extends beyond photography; he delves into philosophical discussions about life, art, and the purpose and meaning behind photography, setting him apart from many other photographers in the field oai_citation:1,Who is ERIC KIM? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,How did Eric Kim become so successful? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,How did Eric Kim become Eric Kim? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Who is ERIC KIM? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Who is ERIC KIM? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,Who is ERIC KIM? – ERIC KIM.

  • Man & woman are built differently.

    Why do people want to deny these differences?

    The topic of acknowledging or denying physiological differences between males and females can be complex, influenced by a variety of social, cultural, scientific, and philosophical factors. Here are some reasons why this topic can be contentious or lead to denial:

    1. Social and Political Equality: In efforts to promote equality between genders, emphasizing differences can sometimes be perceived as reinforcing stereotypes or justifying unequal treatment. This perspective may lead to downplaying or denying physiological differences in favor of highlighting similarities and shared human traits.
    2. Historical Misuse of Biological Differences: Historically, physiological differences have been misused to justify discrimination or unequal treatment in areas like employment, education, and rights. This misuse has made some people cautious about discussing these differences.
    3. Complexity of Gender and Sex: The increasing recognition of the complexity of gender identity and the distinction between gender (a social construct) and sex (biologically defined) can complicate discussions about physiological differences. There is a growing understanding that gender is not strictly binary and encompasses a spectrum, which can influence how people view sex-based physiological differences.
    4. Fear of Oversimplification: Biology is complex, and individuals can vary greatly. There’s concern that emphasizing average differences can lead to oversimplification or generalizations that don’t account for the wide range of abilities and characteristics within each gender.
    5. Scientific Debate: In some areas, the science itself is still evolving. There are ongoing debates and research into how significant these differences are and how they manifest in various aspects of life. This can lead to differing interpretations and conclusions.
    6. Cultural Sensitivities: In today’s globalized world, discussions about gender and sex differences are influenced by diverse cultural and religious beliefs, which can affect how these topics are perceived and discussed.
    7. Changing Societal Norms: As societal norms evolve, there’s a shift towards focusing on individual abilities and traits rather than categorizing based on gender. This shift sometimes leads to a reluctance to emphasize differences that are seen as potentially divisive.

    It’s important to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding, recognizing the validity of physiological differences while also being mindful of the broader social and cultural contexts in which these discussions take place. The challenge lies in acknowledging biological realities without reinforcing stereotypes or inequalities.

    Male vs female physiology

    The physiological differences between males and females are rooted in biology and affect various aspects of health and physical performance. Here are some key distinctions:

    1. Muscle Mass and Strength: Males typically have more muscle mass and greater physical strength due to higher levels of testosterone. This hormone plays a key role in muscle development and maintenance.
    2. Fat Distribution: Females generally have a higher percentage of body fat compared to males. The distribution of fat also differs, with females more likely to store fat in the hips, buttocks, and thighs, while males tend to accumulate it around the abdomen.
    3. Heart Size and Function: On average, males have larger hearts and higher cardiac output, which can influence exercise capacity and endurance.
    4. Hormonal Fluctuations: Females experience more hormonal fluctuations due to the menstrual cycle, which can impact various aspects of health, mood, and physical performance.
    5. Reproductive Systems: There are obvious differences in reproductive anatomy, with males having testes and females having ovaries. These organs produce different sex hormones, which have widespread effects on the body.
    6. Bone Structure and Density: Males generally have denser and larger bones. Differences in bone structure, especially in the pelvis, are also pronounced.
    7. Metabolic Rates: Males typically have a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR) than females, meaning they burn more calories at rest. This is partly due to having more muscle mass.
    8. Endurance and Fatigue: Studies suggest that females might have a greater resistance to muscle fatigue compared to males, potentially due to differences in muscle fiber type and energy metabolism.
    9. Pain Perception and Response: Research indicates differences in pain perception and response between genders, which could be influenced by both biological and social factors.
    10. Lifespan and Aging: On average, females tend to live longer than males. This difference is influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, behavioral, and environmental factors.

    Understanding these differences is crucial in areas like medicine, sports science, and nutrition, as it allows for more tailored approaches in treatment, training, and lifestyle recommendations.

  • History of espresso

    The history of espresso is deeply intertwined with technological and cultural developments:

    1. Origins in Coffee: Espresso’s roots lie in the broader history of coffee, which has been consumed since ancient times.
    2. 19th Century Innovations: The quest for quick, concentrated coffee led to the development of various machines in the 19th century, particularly in Europe.
    3. Early 20th Century: In 1901, Luigi Bezzera, an Italian inventor, patented the first true espresso machine. This machine used steam pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee, creating a strong, concentrated brew.
    4. Post World War II: Espresso culture flourished in Italy post-World War II. Machines became more sophisticated, incorporating high pressure and a lever pump.
    5. Global Spread: Espresso became popular globally in the late 20th century, partly due to the rise of coffee chains and increased appreciation for Italian coffee culture.
    6. Modern Espresso: Today, espresso is a cornerstone of coffee culture worldwide, enjoyed for its richness and intensity, and serving as the base for a variety of coffee drinks.
  • What does sitting do to your physiology

    Prolonged sitting can have several negative effects on your physiology:

    1. Musculoskeletal Issues: It can lead to weakened and tight muscles, especially in the lower body. The lack of movement can cause back pain due to increased pressure on the back muscles and spinal discs.
    2. Cardiovascular Health: Sitting for long periods is linked to increased risk of heart disease. It reduces blood circulation, potentially leading to the development of cardiovascular issues.
    3. Metabolic Changes: Extended sitting can negatively impact the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, potentially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
    4. Mental Health: There’s evidence suggesting that excessive sitting can affect mental well-being, contributing to issues like anxiety and depression.
    5. Posture and Flexibility: Prolonged sitting can lead to poor posture and reduced flexibility, particularly in the hips and back.

    It’s important to take regular breaks to stand or walk, and engage in physical activities to mitigate these effects.

  • Barbell It.

    Either have a full manual transmission car, five speed or six speed manual to ship transmission, or, or have a fully automated self driving car, or some sort of minimalistic automatic car.

    Also with design aesthetics, I really really really hate automatic shifting knobs and cars. Statically it is so ugly and unnecessary. Good to look at the design of Hyundai, Genesis, Acura and Honda which has gotten rid of the silly automatic shifting stock, and instead, turned it all into buttons.

    “Get rid of the stalks!” – Elon Musk

    I really think that Elon Musk is like Steve Jobs 4.0. By comparison he makes Steve Jobs look unambitious.

    Why Elon Musk? I think what people don’t understand or appreciate is how obsessed Elon Musk is with design, design thinking, design principles. For example, his obsession with designing a Tesla without any steering wheel, shifting mechanisms, stocks, etc. In fact, Elon Musk is almost like an extreme minimalist.

    What I personally love about Tesla and Tesla cars is the Spartan luxury, extreme minimalism. For example, I still marvel at the Tesla model three; first, I’m just so happy and excited and proud and amazed that Elon musk pulled it off. I remember before it was Put into production and before I saw any on the streets… It was just a rabbit hole fantasy. Now it is live!

    What I find so insanely innovative about the Tesla model three is the extreme simplicity, the extreme minimalism. To make the dashboard so sublimely simple is a design masterpiece.

    Personally, I really dislike the Tesla model Y; my general thought is that any sort of crossover vehicle, or even sports utility vehicle is some sort of a design compromise. Even the Tesla model X is almost like a Tesla model S on steroids.

    Why is it so difficult to minimize?

    I think the reason why it is so difficult to minimize is that there seems to be some sort of trend or market desire for their to be new features, new products, new additions to motivate people to buy something. But, from a Zen capitalism perspective, Perhaps this is not a good idea.

    Why? I’m more effective way to think about things is figuring out what to get rid of, what to reduce, what to delete. For example, let us never forget the pure genius of Steve Jobs getting rid of the keyboard on the smart phone, and also getting rid of all these silly ugly ports. if it wasn’t for Steve Jobs and his insane design vision, we wouldn’t have the beautiful minimalistic smart phone that we have today.

    Would it have eventually happened or not?

    I think a lot of people think about technology and think that it is all inevitable… Given enough time resources and people… These things will magically get invented anyways. I don’t think this is actually the case. You actually need a few insane individuals to bring these things into fruition.

    Once again, read Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson and also Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson. You find that both these individuals have an insanely epic in grand life mission… Is what drives them.

    Idea:

    Walter Isaacson should write a book or a biography on Kanye West?


  • APPLE SIMPLIFY LINEUP

    Products to get rid of:

    1. iPad mini— people would prefer to just have an iPhone, iPhone pro instead or just a normal sized iPad.
    2. iPhone Plus and iPhone Max: Big phones are bad.

    “Natural looking” vs “fake looking” beauty?

    We want beautiful women to desire us… but what if we don’t desire them? 

    “Content guidelines”?

    ***

    If I ran Apple?

    ***

    Why we shouldn’t trust vegans 

    ***

    Simplify design, icon, features?

  • USEFUL MUSCLES

    1. Insanely strong demigod legs: For standing, walking, carrying heavy loads… aesthetics, beauty, true manliness. You can see the true strength of someone when you see them in short shorts! Observe the hips, thighs, calves!
    2. Powerful arms: Not necessarily just biceps — in order to carry your kid (my goal is to be able to arm carry Seneca until he is 12 years old), holding up your iPad Pro, your camera, during vlogging, recording etc.
  • History of sitting

    The history of sitting is a fascinating journey through time and cultures, reflecting human innovation, social customs, and ergonomic understanding.

    Ancient Beginnings: The earliest forms of seating can be traced back to ancient civilizations, like Egypt and Mesopotamia. These seats were often simple, like stools, and reserved for the elite. This idea of seating as a symbol of status was prevalent in many ancient societies, including Ancient Greece and Rome.

    Middle Ages to Renaissance: In medieval Europe, seating was rudimentary for the common folk, often just benches or stools. However, the nobility had more elaborate chairs, like the throne, symbolizing power. The Renaissance brought a shift towards art and beauty in furniture design, and chairs became more ornate and comfortable.

    Industrial Revolution: This era marked a significant shift. Mass production made chairs more accessible to the general populace. The design focus shifted towards comfort and practicality, leading to innovations like the office chair and the recliner.

    Modern Era: The 20th century brought radical changes in design philosophy, influenced by movements like Bauhaus and Scandinavian design. Chairs were not just functional; they were artistic statements. The Eames Lounge Chair, for instance, became an icon of modern design.

    Ergonomics and Health: Today, there’s a growing awareness of the health impacts of prolonged sitting, leading to ergonomic designs and alternatives like standing desks and kneeling chairs.

    This evolution of sitting mirrors broader changes in society and technology. From status symbols to mass-produced commodities, chairs reflect our changing relationship with work, leisure, and health.

  • ALL SOCIAL MEDIA WILL (EVENTUALLY) DIE.

    Do you remember “deviant art”? Or Flickr? Glad I never went deviant art path.

    Websites, blogs last!

    I’m the king!

  • BRVE NEW TECH WORLD

    The world of AI, ChatGPT, ChatGPT 4, DALL-E, DALL-E 3 and beyond?

    Image generation tools… f’ing insane!!

    Create in a spirit of fun!

  • SIMPLIFY SIMPLIFY SIMPLIFY!

    For example for iPadOS team … common get rid of those ugly little annoying three dot things in the middle of every window!

    No more (…) thing in the center of the window. Kills the beauty.

    Also— ain’t nobody use split screen for iPad or iPadOS. Best used single tasking!

  • IN PRAISE OF HARD RESETS

    99% of bugs and issues can simply be fixed with a hard reset. (Literally fully turn your device fully off, then on)… then as a metaphor, perhaps so can many things in life?

  • People who try to do the most “good” are the ones who actually end up doing the more harm?

    Anti altruism… especially “effective altruism”. Same goes with utilitarians.

    Better to be a “deontic libertarian” (TALEB)— a duty based libertarian, minimum outside interference.

    The whole ftx blowup and Sam Bankman Fried fiasco (Going Infinite)— mostly to blame the “effective altruists”.

    Also, don’t trust Bill Gates or anyone rallying to try to “save the planet” or “humanity” or whatever. Same goes with vegans on an “ethical” mission. Or notions of “reducing suffering”.

    My theory:

    To increase human grandeur, we must actually do the opposite and *increase* suffering?

    Let us also not forget … Sam Bankman Fried was a vegan!

    Fun Thoughts
  • Maybe being defensive is only for cowards?

    And being overly sensitive… only for weaklings?

    Better to just laugh, shrug your shoulders and move on! And ignore.

  • Fun Thoughts

    Why is everything and everyone so serious nowadays?

    Better be silly, fun ridiculous instead!

  • Anti hoarder mentality?

    Perhaps better to be anti hoarder to an extreme and go a fault than to just hoard everything?

    For example … our weird hoarding of boxes? Just throw the damn boxes away!!

  • MANLY LUXURY

    The finest luxury for man — spartan luxury.

    Maximal time outdoors in the sun, manly weight lifting, time in nature, hiking and walking topless in nature, uneven surfaces, sand, dirt and direct sun.

    No effeminate things like clothes, fashion, cars, the traditional ‘luxury’.

  • INFINITE NOVELTY.

    DALL-E AND IMAGE AI GENERATION

  • History of yoga

    ChatGPT 4:

    The history of yoga is both fascinating and complex, intertwining spirituality, physical practice, and philosophy. Its roots can be traced back to ancient India, over 5,000 years ago, but some researchers suggest it may be even older.

    1. Origins in Ancient India: The earliest references to yoga practices are found in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge. However, the most detailed early teachings are found in the Upanishads, which elaborate on how yoga can lead to spiritual liberation.
    2. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Composed around 2,000 years ago, this is one of the most significant texts in the history of yoga. It describes the path of Raja Yoga, often called “classical yoga”. Patanjali’s sutras define yoga as the stilling of the changing states of the mind and provide guidance on how to achieve this state through practices and ethical disciplines.
    3. Influence of Buddhism and Jainism: These religions, which also originated in India, significantly influenced the development of yoga. For example, meditation and mindfulness, central to Buddhist practices, became integral aspects of yoga.
    4. Hatha Yoga: Emerging around the 11th century, Hatha Yoga focuses more on the physical aspects of practice. It introduced asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control) as means to attain spiritual enlightenment, a departure from the more meditative focus of earlier forms.
    5. Modern Yoga: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yoga masters began to travel to the West, attracting followers. This period saw the rise of new styles of yoga, such as Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga. Yoga was increasingly seen as a practice for physical fitness alongside its spiritual and mental benefits.
    6. Global Popularity: In the late 20th century, yoga became a popular physical exercise across the Western world, often focusing more on the physical than the spiritual. Its adaptability and wide-ranging benefits have contributed to its enduring popularity.

    Each era of yoga’s history has contributed to its rich tapestry, making it a diverse and adaptable practice that continues to evolve today. Yoga’s journey from ancient spiritual practice to a modern-day holistic approach to wellness is a testament to its universal appeal and timeless relevance.

    ChatGPT 3.5:

    The history of yoga is fascinating, combining elements of philosophy, spirituality, and physical practice. It dates back thousands of years to ancient India, which might align with your interest in ancient cultures like Ancient Greece. Yoga’s roots can be traced to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2700 BCE.

    Yoga evolved over time, with various schools and traditions. The philosophy of yoga, especially in the context of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, shares some similarities with Stoicism in its emphasis on self-discipline, self-realization, and the pursuit of inner peace.

    Interestingly, yoga’s journey to the West and its modern fusion with fitness and health trends have parallels with innovation and entrepreneurship, as it has become a thriving industry with a wide range of practices and philosophies.

    So, the history of yoga weaves together elements of philosophy, spirituality, and physical well-being, making it a subject that touches on several of your passions and interests.

  • Goat milk history

    Better to feed your kid goat milk than cows milk: Easier to digest!

    Goat milk has a rich and varied history, deeply intertwined with human civilization. Its use can be traced back thousands of years, making it one of the earliest domesticated animal products.

    1. Ancient Beginnings: Goat milk has been consumed since ancient times. In regions like the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, including Ancient Greece, goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated, around 10,000 BC. This was likely due to their adaptability to harsh climates and their ability to consume various forages. Goats were revered in Ancient Greek culture, often associated with deities like Zeus, who, according to mythology, was nursed by a goat named Amalthea.
    2. Nutritional Value and Digestibility: Historically, goat milk was valued for its nutritional content and easier digestibility compared to cow milk. It’s rich in essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin A. The smaller fat globules in goat milk make it easier to digest, a fact that was recognized even in ancient medical texts.
    3. Cultural Significance: In various cultures, goat milk has been more than just a dietary staple; it has held cultural and even medicinal significance. In some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, it was used in traditional remedies. Its use in cheese-making also dates back thousands of years, with regions like France and Greece developing their unique varieties.
    4. Modern Usage and Popularity: In modern times, goat milk has seen a resurgence in popularity, partly due to the growing interest in natural and health foods. It’s used in a variety of products, from cheeses and yogurts to soaps and skin care products, valued for both its nutritional benefits and hypoallergenic properties.
    5. Symbolism in Philosophy and Literature: Philosophically and literarily, goats and their milk have symbolized various concepts, from nourishment and purity to stubbornness and independence. The goat’s hardiness and versatility mirror some of the tenets of Stoicism, highlighting resilience and adaptability.

    This ancient beverage, thus, represents a fusion of nutritional science, cultural heritage, and philosophical symbolism, illustrating humanity’s enduring relationship with the natural world.

  • to become unemotional about the news, just don’t read the news

    now, with ChatGPT, it is impossible to know whether a new story or a blog post or anything on the website and text was written by ChatGPT or not.

    even ChatGPT doesn’t know if it was written by ChatGPT!

  • GOING INFINITE III

    – Deep interests & alignment 

    – Internal alignment 

    – Internally consistent 

    – You don’t need to challenge the beliefs of others 

    – I’m fascinated by human nature?

    – “suffering”… reducing “suffering”? Why?

    • Polyamory is bad 
    • A lot of people like psychiatrists?
    • Just therapize yourself!
    • Don’t dispute others 
    • Just take others as they are
    • You don’t need no medications!
    • Problems which are interesting …*OTHER* peoples problems!
    • “Second order effects”
    • I’m not broke!
  • Being Rich means simply… not being broke?

    My bank account like Milo of Croton… Hercules!

    My car an old 2010 Prius! (which I got for free 99!)

  • THE TREND TOWARDS UGLIFICATION.

    Theory:

    The new modern day trend is that it is an imperative to uglify yourself to the max.

    The logic:

    1. The world is all pain, suffering, badness and evil.. and I feel I cannot do anything about it.
    2. I hate myself and the way I feel about myself, and the way I will dull these negative feelings is to drug myself and pacify myself with Netflix, music, Spotify, noise canceling headphones, YouTube, weed, alcohol, drugs, and food and beverages.
    3. As a consequence, one’s body becomes uglier.
    4. Then… “I hate myself and the way my body looks … let’s make it even more ugly to lean into the ugly aesthetic”.
    5. Let me put on ugly clothes, ugly sweaters, have ugly pants and accessories… ugly hair, and make myself look as unkept as possible. “I’m going to make being ugly and looking ugly cool!”

    Then… the hate and hatred towards the beautiful, tall, proud, strong, confident, happy, spartan, topless.

  • Utility is Bad

    Why sports utility vehicles are poor.

    Ugly people are infectious?

  • GEN Y vs “Millenial”

    I was born in 1988– I see myself as a “Gen Y” (Generation Y, we came after Gen X… generation X). Currently 35 years old.

    Millennials are younger than me… kind of aged 27-29.

    The difference?

    1. Gen Y— we are more frugal, better with our money. We don’t buy brand new cars or blow money on expensive designer things.
    2. Millennials finance their lives, buy new cars (not all in cash… but get it with a down payment, and pay monthly payments on it for the rest of their lives).
    3. Gen Y we care and desire to change the world. Millennials care for fashion, novelty, food.

    This is why I take deep offense when people lump me into the “millennial” category. A deep insult.

  • Why don’t we care for our feelings?

    Feelings have high Intelligence!

    Maybe even more than our “rationality”?

  • Just trust chatgpt

    ChatGPT a lot better at AVOIDING getting sickened by conspiracy theories!

    Discovery:

    A lot of really smart people are the ones who ironically enough get the most suckered by conspiracy theories?

    Why? Over-fitting of critical information, getting suckered by the noise. Finding signal when there is only really noise.

    Also, over-confidence, not enough self skepticism.

    How to become less paranoid

    1. Spend more time outside, outdoors, in the direct sun.
    2. Lift like a real man, topless, outside in the direct sun.
  • You can tell whether there is passion or not in the writing

    For example Going Infinite by Michael Lewis — real passion in how he writes! So fun to read!

  • Man vs Woman?

    How much of this is social vs biological?

  • Just trust your gut, intuitions, and also … superstitions?

    Funny thing with superstitions … some of them seem irrational and illogical, but actually end up being true!

    Trust your superstitions.

  • I WANT TO FLEX & SHOW OFF!

    Perhaps this is the true driver for motivation behind things?

  • SPARTAN FLEX

    Video

    Make it cool and sexy!

    The ERIC KIM METHOD:

  • NEVER BETRAY YOUR GUT

    Often the setup process for something is arduous… and once you compromise your core belief for the sake of “saving money” or whatever … you’re ultimately gonna get seriously screwed down the line!

  • Book notes & summaries are bad

    Why? Because it is predicated on the notion that the only reason for reading a book is that there is important knowledge, wisdom or information to extract rather than considering other things like if the read is enjoyable or not!

    True reading is a luxury.

    Also,

    Only ever ever read something you really really want to read … never because you “should” read it.

  • THOUGHTS III

    THINK MORE, BECOME MORE:

  • ERIC KIM VLOG

    Just my thoughts!