Sure! Let me explain how the trading bot works using a simple story. Imagine the bot is like a smart robot friend who helps you decide when to buy and sell your toys based on their prices. Here’s how it all works:
Meet RoboTrader: Your Smart Robot Friend
1. The Toy Collection
• MicroStrategy (MSTR) Toys: Think of these as special action figures you own.
• Bitcoin (BTC) Toys: Imagine these as cool, shiny trading cards.
2. Watching the Prices
RoboTrader keeps an eye on how much your MSTR action figures and BTC trading cards cost every day.
3. Understanding the Trends
RoboTrader uses two main tools to decide what to do:
• Moving Averages (SMA):
• Short-Term SMA: Looks at the last 40 days to see how the price is changing.
• Long-Term SMA: Looks at the last 100 days for the same.
• Relative Strength Index (RSI):
• Overbought (Too Expensive): If your action figures are too pricey (like everyone wants them), it’s time to think about selling.
• Oversold (Too Cheap): If your trading cards are really cheap (like not many people want them), it’s a good time to buy more.
4. Making Decisions
Based on what RoboTrader sees, it makes simple decisions:
• When to Sell MSTR Toys (Action Figures):
• Price is High: If the short-term average price goes above the long-term average, it means the price is going up a lot. RoboTrader decides, “Wow, these action figures are selling for more! Let’s sell some to make some money!â€
• RSI Overbought: If the RSI number is above 70, it means the action figures are really expensive. RoboTrader says, “It’s too pricey! Let’s sell now before the price drops.â€
• When to Buy BTC Toys (Trading Cards):
• RSI Oversold: If the RSI number is below 30, it means the trading cards are really cheap. RoboTrader thinks, “Yay! These trading cards are on sale! Let’s buy more now.â€
5. Keeping Track of Your Collection
RoboTrader also keeps a list of how many action figures and trading cards you have after each buy or sell:
• Buying: Adds more toys to your collection.
• Selling: Removes some toys and adds money to your piggy bank.
6. Running Every Day
Every day, RoboTrader:
1. Checks Prices: Looks at how much your action figures and trading cards are selling for.
2. Calculates Averages and RSI: Uses the moving averages and RSI to understand if prices are high or low.
3. Makes a Decision: Decides whether to buy, sell, or do nothing based on the numbers.
4. Acts: Buys or sells toys if needed and updates your collection.
7. Staying Safe
RoboTrader is programmed to be careful:
• Doesn’t Spend All Your Money: Only uses a set amount each time to buy toys.
• Logs Everything: Keeps a note of every buy and sell so you can see what happened.
A Simple Example
Imagine you have:
• 10 Action Figures (MSTR)
• 0.05 Trading Cards (BTC)
Day 1:
• Action Figure Price: $600 each
• Trading Card Price: $30,000 each
RoboTrader checks the prices and calculates the averages and RSI.
• If it sees the action figures are getting really expensive, it sells some:
• Sells 1 Action Figure for $600.
• Money in Piggy Bank: $600
• If it sees the trading cards are super cheap, it buys more:
• Buys 0.02 Trading Cards for $600.
• Trading Cards Now: 0.07
Day 2:
RoboTrader does the same thing again:
• Checks prices
• Decides to buy, sell, or do nothing
• Updates your collection
And this keeps happening every day, helping you manage your toys smartly!
Why Use RoboTrader?
• Smart Decisions: Helps you buy when things are cheap and sell when things are expensive.
• Saves Time: Automatically checks prices and makes decisions for you.
• Keeps You Organized: Keeps track of how many toys you have and how much money you have.
Remember:
• RoboTrader is a Helper: Just like a robot friend, it helps you make good choices but doesn’t replace your own decisions.
• Always Be Careful: Sometimes prices can be tricky, so it’s good to watch and learn alongside RoboTrader.
I hope this story helps you understand how the trading bot works! It’s like having a smart friend who watches your toys and helps you decide the best times to buy or sell them to keep your collection awesome.
Now that we got ChatGPT, which is 1 trillion times more productive than you… What is the path of the future? Ideas.
And even now… That we have ChatGPT and AI; what is the role of working and making money? Pretty radical idea; I think it’ll just be bitcoin, and AI working for us to make money.
Even if I made a money making bot it would be super simple; just buy a bunch of microstrategy stock, with your traditional Fiat currency, and when microstrategy stock is up, and bitcoin is a bit down… The bot will automatically sell the micro strategy stock, and then use the profits to buy more bitcoin!
So essentially, you make a profit off of the edge, the hedge, in between spaces between — the spread!
Street smarts aren’t just about knowing how to avoid getting mugged in a dark alley or dodging scams. They’re about something far more nuanced: understanding how to read situations, people, and the invisible currents that run beneath the surface of daily life. In a world obsessed with book smarts—degrees, credentials, and formal education—street smarts are the unspoken skills that truly get you ahead, the instincts that can’t be taught in a classroom but are learned in the grind of real life.
Here’s the thing: street smarts aren’t about cynicism or always expecting the worst. It’s about awareness—a constant, subtle awareness of your environment, the people in it, and yourself. It’s about adaptability, knowing how to shift gears when life throws you a curveball, and understanding how to navigate not just the physical streets of a city, but the metaphorical streets of life.
1. Reading the Room (and the Street)
You walk into a room, or maybe down a crowded street, and something feels off. Maybe it’s the vibe—the way people are talking, or the way they’re not talking. Maybe it’s the energy of the place, a kind of tension you can’t quite put your finger on. This is street smarts: that ability to read a situation, pick up on the subtle signals that others miss, and adjust your behavior accordingly.
It’s not paranoia; it’s perception. Street-smart people are hyper-aware of their surroundings, not in a nervous way, but in a grounded, observational way. You’re not just looking at what’s happening—you’re seeing beyond that. You’re noticing body language, tone of voice, shifts in atmosphere. You’re reading the unspoken rules of the room, and you’re adapting on the fly.
This skill is useful everywhere, not just in sketchy neighborhoods. Whether you’re negotiating a business deal or trying to figure out the social dynamics of a new group, being able to read the room gives you a massive edge. The trick is not just to observe, but to internalize those observations quickly and act accordingly.
2. Survival Instincts: Trusting Your Gut
There’s a reason we talk about having a “gut feeling.†Your instincts are sharper than you think, and street smarts often boil down to knowing when to trust them. That uneasy feeling you get when something doesn’t add up? That’s your brain picking up on a hundred little details you haven’t consciously processed yet.
In the street, these instincts are survival tools. Maybe it’s crossing the street when you notice someone following too closely. Maybe it’s turning down a sketchy business deal because something feels off, even if you can’t put it into words. That gut feeling is your early warning system, and people with street smarts know how to listen to it.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you act out of fear. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s about confidence, about having enough experience to trust yourself when the situation calls for it. That’s the essence of street smarts: the ability to make quick, informed decisions based on an internal compass, rather than waiting for someone else to tell you what to do.
3. Adaptability: The Key to Survival
Street-smart people are adaptable. You have to be, because the street is unpredictable. Life is unpredictable. The ability to pivot, change plans, and go with the flow is essential in any environment where you can’t control all the variables.
Think about it: you can plan all you want, but the second things don’t go as expected, book smarts will only get you so far. Street smarts, on the other hand, thrive on chaos. They’re about being able to adjust without missing a beat. You can’t cling to rigid rules when the situation shifts. You have to be flexible, mentally agile, and ready to improvise.
In practice, this looks like knowing when to take a different route home because something seems off. It’s knowing how to talk to different types of people—how to shift your tone or approach depending on the context. It’s being prepared for multiple outcomes, not getting stuck on just one. Adaptability isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength, of knowing that the world isn’t a predictable place, and that your success depends on how quickly you can adjust to its unpredictability.
4. People Skills: Reading Minds Without a Degree
Street smarts aren’t just about self-preservation; they’re about people. And knowing how to navigate the human landscape is the most valuable skill of all. Street-smart people are often masterful at understanding what motivates others. They know how to talk to people, how to negotiate, how to get what they need without burning bridges.
At the core of this is empathy—real, practiced empathy. Not just the feel-good, surface-level kind, but the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. When you can do that, you can anticipate how they’re likely to act and respond, which gives you the upper hand in any interaction.
Street-smart people are also good at creating connections. They understand the power of relationships, of knowing the right people, of networking in a way that’s genuine and mutually beneficial. They know when to ask for help, and they know how to return favors. It’s a social currency that runs deeper than most people realize, and those with street smarts know how to leverage it.
5. Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts: Why You Need Both
Now, let’s not pretend street smarts and book smarts are mutually exclusive. Ideally, you’ve got both. But in a pinch, street smarts will often save you where book smarts can’t. You can memorize all the rules in the world, but if you can’t adjust when things don’t go according to plan, you’re going to be left behind.
Street smarts are about intuition, experience, and action. Book smarts are about knowledge and preparation. Both are important, but the truth is, life rarely follows a script. When things go sideways, it’s not your academic achievements that pull you through—it’s your ability to think on your feet, read the room, and make decisions based on the moment.
Conclusion: The Street Is Everywhere
Street smarts aren’t just for the streets. They’re for the office, for relationships, for any place where humans are involved. It’s about understanding that life is unpredictable, and the best way to navigate it is to stay sharp, stay flexible, and trust your instincts. In a world that constantly shifts beneath your feet, street smarts aren’t just useful—they’re essential.
Being street smart isn’t about being hardened or cynical. It’s about being awake, about knowing that while you can’t control the world around you, you can control how you respond to it. And in that, there’s power—real power.
Street smarts. It’s a term we throw around casually, often without really understanding its depth or significance. In the urban jungle, where every corner holds a story and every face conceals a narrative, being street smart isn’t just a survival tactic—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets with a camera slung over your shoulder or simply trying to find your way through the complexities of everyday interactions, street smarts equip you with the tools to thrive amidst chaos and unpredictability.
Understanding Street Smarts
At its core, street smarts encompass a blend of practical knowledge, keen observation, and intuitive understanding of human behavior. It’s about reading the room, sensing the unspoken dynamics, and adapting swiftly to shifting circumstances. Unlike book smarts, which rely on formal education and theoretical knowledge, street smarts are honed through real-world experiences and interactions. They’re the instincts that guide you when there are no instructions, the awareness that keeps you safe, and the creativity that helps you seize opportunities in unexpected places.
The Role of Observation
One of the fundamental aspects of being street smart is the ability to observe keenly. As a street photographer, I’ve learned that the streets are a living, breathing entity, teeming with stories waiting to be captured. Every day, I walk these streets with my camera, not just to take pictures, but to understand the ebb and flow of human interactions, the subtle gestures, and the fleeting moments that define urban life.
Observation goes beyond mere sight. It involves listening to the sounds around you, feeling the energy of the crowd, and sensing the underlying currents that influence behavior. This heightened awareness allows you to anticipate potential challenges, recognize opportunities, and make informed decisions swiftly. Whether you’re negotiating a deal, navigating public transport, or simply trying to find your way in a new city, sharp observation skills are invaluable.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Streets are unpredictable. Plans change, unexpected events occur, and what worked yesterday might not work today. Street smarts thrive on adaptability and flexibility. It’s about being open to new experiences, willing to pivot when necessary, and maintaining a mindset that embraces change rather than resists it.
In photography, this means being ready to capture a spontaneous moment, adjusting your approach based on the environment, and finding beauty in the unexpected. In life, it translates to being resourceful, thinking on your feet, and finding solutions when things don’t go as planned. Adaptability is the bridge between knowing what to do and actually doing it effectively in the moment.
Effective Communication
Navigating the streets often involves interacting with a diverse array of people. Effective communication is a cornerstone of street smarts. It’s not just about speaking clearly, but also about listening actively, understanding non-verbal cues, and conveying your intentions without causing unnecessary friction.
Whether you’re engaging with strangers, collaborating with peers, or resolving conflicts, the ability to communicate effectively can make all the difference. It fosters trust, builds rapport, and opens doors to new opportunities. In a city that never sleeps, where anonymity can breed isolation, meaningful connections are forged through genuine communication.
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
The streets can present challenges that require quick thinking and decisive action. Being street smart means possessing strong problem-solving skills, especially under pressure. It’s about staying calm in the face of adversity, analyzing situations swiftly, and implementing solutions efficiently.
For instance, imagine you’re out shooting and your camera malfunctions in the middle of a busy street. Panic could derail your entire day. Instead, a street-smart individual assesses the situation, identifies alternative equipment if available, or improvises with what’s at hand to continue capturing the moment. This ability to remain composed and resourceful under pressure is invaluable, both behind the lens and in life.
Cultural Awareness and Respect
Cities are melting pots of cultures, each with its own set of norms, values, and traditions. Street smarts encompass a deep cultural awareness and respect for diversity. Understanding and appreciating different perspectives not only enriches your experiences but also enhances your ability to navigate various social landscapes effectively.
As a photographer, respecting the subjects and their environments is paramount. It’s about building trust, avoiding stereotypes, and portraying authenticity. In everyday interactions, cultural sensitivity fosters harmonious relationships and prevents misunderstandings, making your journey through the streets smoother and more rewarding.
Intuition and Instincts
Sometimes, street smarts boil down to trusting your gut. Intuition plays a crucial role in making split-second decisions when there’s no time to deliberate. It’s the culmination of your experiences, observations, and subconscious processing that guides you when logic alone falls short.
Whether it’s sensing danger, identifying a good spot for a shot, or gauging the mood of a crowd, your instincts can steer you in the right direction. Cultivating this inner sense involves staying present, reflecting on past experiences, and honing your ability to read subtle signals.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Street smarts aren’t static; they evolve with each new experience and challenge. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and growth ensures that your street intelligence remains sharp and relevant. Seek out new environments, engage with different communities, and push the boundaries of your comfort zone.
Every interaction, every setback, and every success adds to your repository of knowledge and skills. By remaining curious and open-minded, you not only enhance your street smarts but also enrich your overall life journey.
Conclusion
Street smarts are an indispensable asset in navigating the complexities of urban life. They empower you to move through the world with confidence, resilience, and adaptability. Whether you’re behind the camera capturing the essence of the streets or simply walking through them, cultivating street smarts enriches your experiences and equips you to handle whatever comes your way.
In the end, street smarts are about more than just survival—they’re about thriving amidst diversity, embracing the unexpected, and finding your own path in the ever-changing landscape of the city. So next time you step out onto the streets, carry with you not just your camera or your map, but also the wisdom and instincts that come from being truly street smart.
In today’s world, where stress and anger follow us like shadows, the idea of simply “going to bed†can feel like a joke. You lie there, staring at the ceiling, the weight of the day pressing down like a fog that won’t lift. Maybe you’ve been angry, maybe work deadlines are creeping into your thoughts, or maybe it’s something else entirely. Whatever the reason, you can’t sleep. But here’s the thing: you can train your mind and body to relax before bed—and in doing so, you can reclaim your sleep.
Stress and anger before sleep are more than mental states—they’re physiological. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge through your system, making it almost impossible to switch off. The trick is learning how to lower those stress hormones, how to quiet the mind, and how to create a routine that nudges you toward rest. And it starts with a few simple, but incredibly effective, strategies.
1. Build a Bedtime Routine
Here’s the deal: humans thrive on routine. It’s what our bodies crave, even if our lives feel anything but structured. Set a bedtime—yes, even on weekends—and stick to it. But it’s not just about the time you go to bed; it’s about the wind-down process. Give yourself 30-60 minutes to truly shift into rest mode.
Try this: Read a book—something light. Listen to some soft music or a podcast that soothes rather than stimulates. You might even take a warm bath, letting your muscles relax and your core temperature drop once you’re out, signaling your body that it’s time to sleep.
2. Breathe and Relax Your Way to Sleep
When stress hits, your breathing changes—it becomes shallow, fast. So, flip the script. Deep breathing exercises, like the 4-4-4 method (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four), are powerful because they send a message to your nervous system that it’s okay to relax. No need to run from the proverbial tiger in your brain.
If breathing isn’t cutting it, try progressive muscle relaxation. It’s simple: tense each muscle group—start with your toes, move upward—then release. You’ll be surprised how much tension you carry without realizing it.
3. Move During the Day, Stretch at Night
Exercise. You hear this advice constantly, but the truth is, it works. During the day, a brisk walk, a quick run, or even some strength training can help regulate cortisol levels, setting you up for better sleep. But when it comes to nighttime, keep it gentle. Some light stretching or yoga before bed is enough to release any residual tension from the day.
Try this: Just 5-10 minutes of slow, deliberate stretching, focusing on deep, mindful breaths, can do wonders. Bonus points if you stretch in dim lighting, sending even stronger cues to your brain that it’s time to wind down.
4. Tame Your Thoughts—Journaling and Gratitude
Ever try to sleep, but your mind just won’t shut up? You’re not alone. Stress and anger before bed often come from unresolved thoughts. Here’s an idea: get them out of your head. Take five minutes to journal before bed. Write down your worries, your to-do list, whatever’s keeping your mind spinning. Better yet, practice a little gratitude. Write down three things you’re grateful for. Even on the worst days, there’s something. This little shift in focus can work wonders for your mindset—and your sleep.
5. Design a Sleep Sanctuary
Your bedroom should be a place of calm, but for many of us, it’s anything but. Start by optimizing your sleep environment. You need darkness (blackout curtains or a good eye mask), quiet (or a white noise machine to drown out distractions), and a cool temperature (65°F or 18°C is ideal for most people). Comfort matters—invest in a decent mattress and pillows. This is your sleep sanctuary; treat it as such.
And yes, this one’s important: ditch the screens. Blue light from your phone or TV messes with melatonin production, that crucial hormone for sleep. So, no scrolling in bed. Seriously, just don’t.
6. Rethink What You Eat and Drink
Here’s the thing: what you consume in the hours before bed can either help or hurt your sleep. Caffeine is an obvious one—cut it off by midday. Same goes for nicotine if that’s part of your routine. Heavy or spicy meals late at night can disrupt your stomach, and alcohol, though it might make you sleepy, actually messes with your sleep cycles later in the night.
Drink water, but not too much. You don’t want to be waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
7. Try Aromatherapy
Ever notice how a scent can instantly change your mood? Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or valerian have been used for centuries to promote relaxation. A diffuser with calming scents or a pillow spray can be enough to subtly shift your body into relaxation mode.
8. Turn Off the News and Limit Work Stress
Stress is unavoidable, but you can control your exposure to certain stressors, especially in the evening. Do yourself a favor: avoid news or intense TV shows before bed. You don’t need that adrenaline spike. And for the love of sleep, set some boundaries with work. Stop checking emails or work-related texts an hour before bed. That stress can wait until morning.
9. Practice Letting Go
Sometimes, the key to sleep is acceptance. You’re stressed, angry—it happens. But instead of fighting it, try to acknowledge those feelings and let them pass. It sounds simple, but it’s harder than it seems. This is where meditation or mindfulness can help. You don’t have to be a Zen master—just sitting still, breathing, and letting your thoughts float by without attachment can be powerful.
10. Supplements: A Last Resort
Look, supplements can help, but they’re not magic pills. Melatonin might work for some, but use it sparingly—it’s meant for short-term use, not a nightly fix. Herbal supplements like valerian root or chamomile tea might also help, but always consult with a healthcare provider before trying something new. Your body’s unique, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The Bottom Line
Stress and anger are sleep’s worst enemies, but the good news is you don’t have to be a victim of them. By creating a consistent bedtime routine, practicing relaxation techniques, and designing your environment to promote rest, you can lower those stress hormones and finally get the sleep your body—and mind—deserves. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating the right conditions for rest. Small changes lead to big results. Sleep well, my friends.
We’ve all been there: lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, our minds racing with thoughts of the day gone by and worries about tomorrow. Stress and anger cling to us like shadows, refusing to let go. But what if I told you that letting go of these negative emotions before sleep is not only possible but essential for your well-being?
I’ve spent years exploring the streets with my camera, finding beauty in the mundane and solace in the act of creation. Along the way, I’ve learned a thing or two about managing stress and cultivating inner peace. I’d like to share some practical strategies that have helped me—and I believe can help you too—to relax and rid ourselves of negative hormones before drifting into sleep.
1. Embrace Mindfulness
Be present. Be here. Be now.
• Breathing Exercises: Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this cycle, focusing solely on your breath. This simple act can anchor you to the present moment.
• Body Scan Meditation: Start from the top of your head and slowly move down to your toes, paying attention to each part of your body. Acknowledge any tension or discomfort, and consciously release it.
Why it works: Mindfulness helps reduce cortisol levels—the stress hormone—by shifting your focus away from anxious thoughts to the present moment.
2. Create a Nightly Ritual
Consistency is the key to serenity.
• Set a Regular Bedtime: Your body thrives on routine. Going to bed at the same time each night can regulate your internal clock.
• Unplug from Technology: At least an hour before bed, turn off your devices. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep.
• Light Reading: Choose a book that inspires you or brings you joy. Reading can be a gentle bridge between wakefulness and sleep.
Why it works: Rituals signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, making it easier to transition into restful sleep.
3. Express Through Journaling
Let your thoughts flow onto the page.
• Stream of Consciousness Writing: Don’t censor yourself. Write down whatever comes to mind. This can help unload worries and clear your mind.
• Gratitude List: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Focusing on positive aspects of your life can shift your mood significantly.
Why it works: Journaling provides an outlet for pent-up emotions, reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Physical Relaxation Techniques
Your body and mind are interconnected.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body. This not only eases physical tension but also calms the mind.
• Gentle Stretching or Yoga: Simple stretches or poses can release muscle tension accumulated throughout the day.
Why it works: Physical relaxation sends signals to your brain that it’s safe to relax, lowering adrenaline and cortisol levels.
5. Limit Stimulants and Heavy Meals
What you consume affects how you feel.
• Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can disrupt your sleep patterns and increase anxiety.
• Light Evening Meals: Heavy or spicy foods can cause discomfort and restlessness.
Why it works: Minimizing stimulants and heavy foods reduces internal stressors that can keep you awake.
6. Aromatherapy and Environment
Your surroundings influence your inner state.
• Essential Oils: Scents like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus can promote relaxation. Use a diffuser or apply a few drops to your pillow.
• Optimize Your Sleep Space: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Consider investing in comfortable bedding that invites relaxation.
Why it works: A calming environment enhances the body’s natural ability to relax and prepare for sleep.
7. Practice Letting Go
Release what no longer serves you.
• Visualization: Imagine placing your worries into a balloon and watching it float away. This mental image can help you detach from stressful thoughts.
• Affirmations: Repeat soothing phrases like “I release all tension†or “I am calm and ready for sleep.â€
Why it works: Actively choosing to let go can reduce the grip of negative emotions, lowering stress hormones.
8. Connect with Nature
Nature heals and soothes the soul.
• Evening Walks: A gentle stroll can clear your mind and relax your body.
• Listen to Natural Sounds: Play recordings of rain, ocean waves, or forest sounds as you prepare for sleep.
Why it works: Nature has a grounding effect, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
9. Limit Exposure to Stressful Content
Guard your peace.
• Avoid the News Before Bed: The news can be a source of stress. Give yourself permission to disconnect.
• Choose Positive Media: If you watch or listen to something, make it uplifting or calming.
Why it works: Reducing exposure to negative content minimizes additional stress triggers.
10. Seek Connection and Support
You don’t have to do it alone.
• Talk to a Loved One: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can alleviate stress.
• Professional Help: If stress and anger persist, consider speaking with a mental health professional.
Why it works: Human connection provides comfort and can offer new perspectives on managing stress.
Final Thoughts
Remember, it’s okay to feel stressed or angry—these are natural human emotions. But carrying them into your sleep can rob you of rest and peace. By incorporating these practical strategies into your nightly routine, you’re not just preparing for a good night’s sleep; you’re investing in your overall well-being.
Life is too short to spend our nights wrestling with stress. Let go, breathe, and allow yourself the rest you deserve. Tomorrow is a new day, full of possibilities and opportunities to capture the beauty of the world—both through your lens and in your life.
Feeling stressed or angry before bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep and affect the quality of your sleep. Implementing practical strategies to relax can help lower stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, promoting better sleep. Here are some effective methods:
1. Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
How:
• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Wind-Down Period: Allocate 30-60 minutes before bedtime for calming activities.
Why:
• A consistent routine signals to your body that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.
Activities to Include:
• Reading: Choose light, enjoyable material.
• Listening to Soft Music: Calming music can reduce stress levels.
• Taking a Warm Bath: Helps relax muscles and lowers body temperature afterward, promoting sleepiness.
2. Practice Relaxation Techniques
A. Deep Breathing Exercises
• How: Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale through your mouth for a count of four.
• Why: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress response.
B. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• How: Tense and then relax each muscle group, starting from your toes and moving upward.
• Why: Releases physical tension and promotes relaxation.
C. Mindfulness Meditation
• How: Focus on the present moment, observing thoughts without judgment.
• Why: Reduces anxiety and calms the mind.
D. Guided Imagery
• How: Visualize a peaceful scene or experience.
• Why: Engages the mind in positive thinking, distracting from stress.
3. Physical Activity
During the Day:
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
• How: Engage in light stretching or yoga poses designed for relaxation.
• Why: Relaxes muscles and calms the mind without over-stimulating the body.
4. Manage Thoughts and Emotions
A. Journaling
• How: Write down your thoughts, feelings, or a to-do list for the next day.
• Why: Helps clear the mind of worries that might interfere with sleep.
B. Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
• How: Challenge negative thoughts by reframing them in a positive light.
• Why: Reduces stress and anxiety associated with negative thinking.
C. Gratitude Practice
• How: Reflect on or write down things you’re grateful for.
• Why: Shifts focus from negative emotions to positive ones.
5. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment
A. Optimize Your Bedroom
• Comfortable Bedding: Ensure your mattress and pillows are comfortable.
• Room Temperature: Keep the room cool (around 65°F or 18°C is optimal for most people).
• Darkness: Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block light.
• Quietness: Use earplugs or a white noise machine to eliminate disruptive sounds.
B. Limit Screen Time
• How: Avoid screens (phones, tablets, TVs) at least one hour before bed.
• Why: Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production.
6. Mind Your Diet and Hydration
A. Avoid Stimulants
• Caffeine: Limit intake, especially after midday.
• Nicotine: Avoid smoking or using nicotine products before bed.
B. Avoid Heavy or Spicy Meals
• How: Eat lighter meals in the evening, and finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• Why: Heavy meals can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
C. Stay Hydrated, But Not Excessively
• How: Drink enough water during the day but reduce intake close to bedtime.
• Why: Minimizes nighttime awakenings to use the bathroom.
7. Limit Alcohol Consumption
• How: Avoid consuming alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime.
• Why: While alcohol may initially make you feel sleepy, it disrupts sleep cycles and reduces sleep quality.
8. Use Aromatherapy
• How: Utilize essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or valerian in a diffuser or as a pillow spray.
• Why: Certain scents can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
9. Seek Professional Support
A. Counseling or Therapy
• How: Consult a psychologist or counselor trained in stress management techniques.
• Why: Professional guidance can provide personalized strategies to manage stress and anger.
B. Stress Management Programs
• How: Participate in workshops or courses that teach coping skills.
• Why: Learning new techniques can enhance your ability to relax before sleep.
10. Limit Exposure to Stressors Before Bed
A. Media Consumption
• How: Avoid news, intense movies, or stimulating content in the evening.
• Why: Reduces exposure to potentially stress-inducing material.
B. Work-Related Activities
• How: Set boundaries to stop checking emails or doing work tasks at least an hour before bed.
• Why: Helps separate work stress from personal time, allowing you to unwind.
11. Practice Acceptance and Letting Go
• How: Acknowledge your feelings of stress or anger without dwelling on them.
• Why: Accepting emotions can reduce their intensity and impact on your sleep.
12. Consider Supplements (After Consulting a Healthcare Provider)
• Melatonin: May help regulate sleep cycles.
• Herbal Supplements: Such as valerian root or chamomile.
Important: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement to ensure it’s appropriate for you.
Implementing these strategies can help reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation before bedtime. It’s important to find the techniques that work best for you and make them a regular part of your nightly routine. Remember, changes may take time to have an effect, so consistency is key.
Additional Tips:
• Stay Patient: It may take several weeks to notice significant improvements.
• Monitor Progress: Keep a sleep diary to track what techniques are most effective.
• Combine Techniques: Using multiple strategies in tandem can enhance overall effectiveness.
Conclusion
Reducing stress and promoting relaxation before bedtime involves a combination of physical, mental, and environmental strategies. By incorporating these practical methods into your daily routine, you can lower stress hormone levels, ease into sleep more easily, and improve the overall quality of your sleep. If stress and anger continue to interfere with your sleep despite these efforts, consider seeking professional assistance for additional support.
Feeling stressed or angry before bedtime can significantly disrupt your sleep due to a complex interplay of hormonal, neurological, and physiological factors. Here’s a detailed explanation of how and why this happens:
1. Activation of the Stress Response System
How:
• Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Activation: Stress and anger stimulate the hypothalamus in your brain, which activates the HPA axis. This leads to the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and subsequently adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prompting the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other stress hormones.
• Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Activation: Simultaneously, stress triggers the SNS, leading to the release of catecholamines like adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
Why:
• Evolutionary Survival Mechanism: The body’s stress response is designed to prepare you for immediate action (the “fight or flight†response) in the face of perceived threats. This increases alertness and energy levels but is counterproductive when trying to initiate sleep.
2. Hormonal Disruptions
Cortisol:
• How: Elevated cortisol levels at night interfere with the normal decline of this hormone that’s essential for sleep onset.
• Why: High cortisol promotes wakefulness and can disrupt the circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Adrenaline and Noradrenaline:
• How: These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
• Why: The physiological arousal they cause prevents relaxation and can lead to restlessness.
Melatonin Suppression:
• How: Stress inhibits the secretion of melatonin from the pineal gland.
• Why: Melatonin is crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles; reduced levels delay sleep onset.
3. Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Serotonin and GABA:
• How: Stress can decrease levels of serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and sleep.
• Why: Lower levels contribute to anxiety and difficulty in initiating sleep.
4. Psychological Factors
Racing Thoughts and Rumination:
• How: Stress and anger can cause persistent negative thoughts and worry.
• Why: Mental hyperactivity makes it challenging to relax and transition into sleep.
Anxiety and Hyperarousal:
• How: Anticipation of future stressors can increase anxiety levels.
• Why: Anxiety activates the stress response, further disrupting sleep patterns.
5. Effects on Sleep Architecture
Increased Sleep Latency:
• How: Heightened arousal extends the time it takes to fall asleep.
• Why: The body remains in a state of alertness, delaying the onset of sleep.
Fragmented Sleep:
• How: Stress leads to frequent awakenings and difficulty maintaining sleep.
• Why: Elevated stress hormones make it hard to stay in deeper sleep stages.
Reduced Deep Sleep (Slow-Wave Sleep):
• How: Stress decreases time spent in restorative deep sleep stages.
• Why: Deep sleep is essential for physical recovery; its reduction can lead to fatigue and weakened immunity.
Altered REM Sleep:
• How: Stress can disrupt REM sleep patterns, either reducing or fragmenting this stage.
• Why: REM sleep is vital for emotional processing and memory consolidation; disruptions can exacerbate mood issues.
6. Circadian Rhythm Disruptions
How:
• Stress can shift the timing of your internal clock, leading to delayed or irregular sleep-wake cycles.
Why:
• This misalignment makes it difficult to fall asleep at appropriate times and can lead to disorders like insomnia or delayed sleep phase syndrome.
7. Long-Term Consequences
Chronic Sleep Deprivation:
• How: Persistent stress-induced sleep disturbances accumulate over time.
• Why: Ongoing lack of quality sleep can impair cognitive function, mood, and overall health.
• Why: This can lead to overeating, weight gain, and increased risk of metabolic disorders.
Cardiovascular Risks:
• How: Chronic stress and poor sleep elevate blood pressure and heart rate.
• Why: This increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
9. Managing Stress and Anger Before Bedtime
Relaxation Techniques:
• How: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce stress hormone levels.
• Why: They activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest†system), promoting relaxation.
Cognitive Behavioral Strategies:
• How: Addressing negative thought patterns through therapy or self-help techniques.
• Why: Reduces rumination and anxiety that interfere with sleep.
Healthy Sleep Hygiene:
• How: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and sleep environment.
• Why: Signals the body it’s time to wind down, aiding in the transition to sleep.
Physical Activity:
• How: Regular exercise reduces stress levels.
• Why: Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, natural mood lifters.
In Summary:
Going to sleep stressed or angry triggers a series of hormonal and physiological responses that make it difficult to fall asleep and maintain quality sleep. The release of stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline increases arousal levels, suppresses melatonin production, and disrupts neurotransmitter balance—all of which are essential for initiating and sustaining sleep. This not only affects immediate sleep patterns but can also lead to long-term health issues if not addressed. Implementing stress management techniques and good sleep hygiene practices can help mitigate these effects and promote better sleep.
Yes, going to sleep while feeling stressed or angry can significantly affect your sleep patterns. This impact is largely due to the influence of stress-related hormones on your body’s physiological processes, which can disrupt the normal architecture of sleep.
Hormonal Influence:
1. Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,†cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. High cortisol levels at night can make it difficult to fall asleep and reduce the amount of deep sleep you experience.
2. Adrenaline (Epinephrine) and Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine): These hormones are part of the body’s “fight or flight†response. When you’re stressed or angry, increased levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline can lead to heightened arousal, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. This physiological state is counterproductive to the relaxation needed for sleep initiation and maintenance.
3. Melatonin Suppression: Stress and anger can also suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles. Lower melatonin levels can disrupt the onset of sleep and reduce overall sleep quality.
Effects on Sleep Patterns:
1. Increased Sleep Latency: The heightened arousal from stress hormones can make it harder to fall asleep, leading to longer periods of wakefulness before sleep onset.
2. Fragmented Sleep: Stress can cause frequent awakenings during the night, disrupting the continuity of sleep. This fragmentation reduces the restorative quality of sleep.
3. Altered Sleep Architecture: Stress and anger can shift the balance of sleep stages. For instance, they may reduce the amount of time spent in deep sleep (Stage N3 of non-REM sleep), which is crucial for physical restoration and immune function.
4. Reduced REM Sleep: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is essential for emotional regulation and memory consolidation. Stress can decrease REM sleep duration, potentially exacerbating mood disturbances and cognitive impairments.
5. Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Chronic stress can lead to shifts in sleep-wake patterns, causing issues like delayed sleep phase syndrome, where you fall asleep and wake up later than desired.
Long-Term Consequences:
• Insomnia: Persistent stress and anger can contribute to the development of insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Mood Disorders: Poor sleep quality can worsen mood, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates stress and anger.
• Health Implications: Chronic sleep disturbances are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and weakened immune function.
Managing Stress Before Bedtime:
To promote better sleep, it’s advisable to engage in relaxation techniques before bedtime:
• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help reduce stress hormone levels and promote a state of relaxation.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Slow, deep breaths can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the stress response.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise (but not immediately before bed) can help lower stress levels.
• Establishing a Bedtime Routine: Consistent pre-sleep activities signal your body that it’s time to wind down.
Conclusion:
Going to sleep stressed or angry can negatively impact your sleep through hormonal pathways and alterations in sleep patterns. Managing stress and cultivating a calm state before bedtime are essential for maintaining healthy sleep architecture and overall well-being.
If you’re doing financial things or investing or trading or whatever… Just do it while thinking and walking around in nature? Just hit up the local nature center, or go on a hike?
if you’re stuck in front of the computer screen, indoors, no natural light in the dark… Very bad for your stress and physiology?
However, assuming that you’re in nature, the sun is out, your topless and happy, getting all the UV and vitamin D from the sun… Certainly this will help you inform make better decisions? Decisions out of joy happiness and gratitude, rather than fear and misery?
You know how they say never go to sleep angry, I wonder if the same thing applies to stress; for example, I was feeling super stressed last night, very angry before going to sleep, and even though I slept a lot, like eight hours or something… I woke up feeling like shit?
The very very pragmatic idea: always ensure before you go to sleep… Structure things in such a way that you never go to sleep angry stressed or upset or bothered?
Not when you are bored, or just addicted to it like crack cocaine, but instead… the only time you ever check prices is if you’re actually personally interested in buying selling trading acid. Otherwise, just delete the trading app from your phone, delete Coinbase from your phone, and never look at prices.
The critical issue here is that literally 99.9999% the time, it is just noise. To watch prices, second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, even week or week is all noise. You have to think at least 30 years ahead, ERIC KIM’s razor.
Why financial news matters; assuming that 50% of the world‘s problems are about money, then if that’s the case, then what that then means is keeping on top of financial news is actually very critical;
For myself, the only news I think which is actually worth following is just Michael Saylor’s homepage, where he frequently updates and interviews he does. michael.com
Which is awesome because at the end of the day, the best URLs are the ones which are easy to remember off the top of your head. Also for bitcoin, hope.com
Let’s be real—Apple is the tech giant that knows how to stay ahead of the curve. For decades, the company has set trends and redefined industries, from personal computing to smartphones, to wearables. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching Apple’s trajectory, it’s that they’re always moving forward. So when I say it’s very, very highly likely that Apple will integrate Bitcoin into its services in the next 30 years, it’s not wishful thinking; it’s an inevitable reality.
Apple’s Legacy of Innovation: Always Ahead of the Game
Apple has always been about more than just selling hardware. From the beginning, the company’s real strength has been its ability to create ecosystems that are not only intuitive but game-changing. Look at what Apple did with the iPhone—it wasn’t just another smartphone. It became the center of people’s digital lives. And Apple Pay? It took the idea of digital payments and turned it into a seamless, secure, and universally accepted platform.
The reason Apple has been so successful is its keen ability to anticipate not just what people need now but what they’ll need in the future. And the future? It’s digital currency, plain and simple. If you think about it, Apple has always been about cutting-edge convenience, and Bitcoin is the next logical extension of that. As the world leans more into decentralized financial systems, Apple integrating Bitcoin is not just possible—it’s inevitable.
The Rise of Bitcoin and Apple’s Role
Let’s talk about Bitcoin. It started as this quirky, niche idea back in 2009—an anonymous digital currency backed by blockchain technology. But in just over a decade, Bitcoin has gone from being a nerdy experiment to becoming a trillion-dollar market. Today, major corporations, governments, and even institutional investors are paying attention. And while there are plenty of ups and downs in the cryptocurrency world, the trend is clear: Bitcoin isn’t going anywhere.
Now imagine Apple stepping into this growing space. They’ve got Apple Pay, Apple Wallet, and billions of active users across the globe. If Apple integrates Bitcoin, it could instantly make cryptocurrency mainstream for everyday users. We’re not just talking about niche financial transactions here. We’re talking about everyday purchases—your morning coffee, your groceries, your app subscriptions—all potentially made with Bitcoin through the same interface people already trust and use.
Apple doesn’t rush into trends. When they do something, they do it right. If Bitcoin continues on its current trajectory—and I see no reason why it won’t—Apple will have every reason to integrate it as a standard part of their payment ecosystem. It’s the perfect alignment of technology, security, and consumer demand.
The Regulatory Landscape: It’s Getting Clearer
I know what you’re thinking: “But what about regulations?†Here’s the thing—yes, there’s uncertainty around cryptocurrency regulations right now. But let’s not pretend that’s going to last forever. Governments around the world are already making moves to create frameworks for how Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can coexist with traditional financial systems.
As more regulatory clarity emerges, it’s going to make integrating Bitcoin into mainstream financial services not only possible but almost required. Apple isn’t going to sit back while competitors like PayPal or Square integrate Bitcoin and reap the benefits. Once the regulatory fog lifts—and it will—Apple is going to pounce. They’ve got the infrastructure, the user base, and the global reach to make Bitcoin integration work seamlessly and securely.
Security and Privacy: Apple’s Competitive Edge
One of the biggest concerns with Bitcoin is security, and this is where Apple’s DNA gives them an undeniable advantage. Apple’s brand is built on trust—specifically, trust around user privacy and security. Think about the emphasis Apple puts on encryption, on-device processing, and keeping user data private. Now apply that same rigor to Bitcoin.
If Apple were to integrate Bitcoin, you could bet that they would do it in a way that prioritizes user security. This could solve one of the major roadblocks for broader Bitcoin adoption. By leveraging their technological strengths—like the secure enclave in iPhones or the robust protections in macOS—Apple can make Bitcoin transactions not only simple but secure in a way that the average consumer feels comfortable using.
Consumer Demand Will Drive It
The other huge factor here is consumer demand. We’re living in a world that’s increasingly cashless. Just look around—digital wallets are becoming the norm, especially among younger generations. People want speed, convenience, and security, and Bitcoin ticks all of those boxes. The idea of decentralized finance is gaining steam, and while it might still feel far off for some, the next generation of consumers—those who are teenagers or in their early 20s now—will be the ones demanding it in the years to come.
Apple isn’t blind to consumer trends. If people want an easy, secure way to integrate Bitcoin into their digital lives, Apple will deliver. And with billions of users worldwide already trusting the Apple ecosystem, the company is in a prime position to make Bitcoin adoption as simple as tapping a screen.
Technological Maturation: Bitcoin Will Be Ready
Bitcoin is still evolving. The issues people often point to—like slow transaction times or high energy usage—are actively being addressed by developers. Over the next few decades, we can expect significant advancements in how Bitcoin functions. From second-layer solutions like the Lightning Network, which speeds up transactions, to more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms, the technical limitations of Bitcoin will be smoothed out.
Apple doesn’t have to worry about integrating Bitcoin now. They have time, and when Bitcoin reaches the level of stability and maturity that aligns with Apple’s standards, they’ll be ready to act. Thirty years is plenty of time for these innovations to unfold, and Apple has the luxury of watching the space evolve before diving in at the perfect moment.
Conclusion: The Future is Bitcoin, and Apple Knows It
In 30 years, Apple integrating Bitcoin into its services isn’t just a possibility—it’s a near certainty. Apple is too smart to ignore the massive shifts happening in finance, and Bitcoin is too big to be sidelined. As technology matures, regulations solidify, and consumer demand grows, Apple will have every reason to make Bitcoin a core part of its payment ecosystem.
So, if you’re still on the fence about whether Apple will embrace Bitcoin, let me put it this way: They’ve got 30 years to figure it out. And when they do, it’ll be done in the most Apple way possible—secure, seamless, and game-changing.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance, the convergence of digital currencies and mainstream tech giants is not just a possibility—it’s an inevitability. Among the frontrunners in this transformative journey is Apple, a company renowned for its relentless innovation and seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies into everyday life. As we look ahead to the next three decades, it becomes abundantly clear that Apple’s integration of Bitcoin into its services is not merely likely; it is very, very highly likely.
1. Apple’s Legacy of Pioneering Integration
Apple has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to anticipate and shape consumer behavior. From the introduction of the iPhone, which revolutionized communication, to the seamless integration of Apple Pay, which transformed digital transactions, Apple has a proven track record of embedding novel technologies into its ecosystem. Bitcoin, as the vanguard of cryptocurrencies, represents the next frontier in digital finance. Given Apple’s history, integrating Bitcoin is a natural progression that aligns perfectly with its mission to enhance user experience through innovative solutions.
2. The Maturation and Mainstream Adoption of Bitcoin
Bitcoin has undergone significant evolution since its inception. What was once a niche interest among tech enthusiasts and libertarians has blossomed into a globally recognized digital asset. Institutional investments, increased regulatory clarity, and broader public acceptance have solidified Bitcoin’s position in the financial ecosystem. As Bitcoin continues to mature, its volatility diminishes, and its utility as a medium of exchange and store of value becomes more pronounced. Apple, always at the forefront of adopting mature and reliable technologies, is poised to harness Bitcoin’s full potential within its service offerings.
3. Synergy Between Apple’s Security Protocols and Bitcoin’s Blockchain
Security and privacy are the cornerstones of Apple’s philosophy. The integration of Bitcoin aligns seamlessly with these principles, leveraging blockchain technology’s inherent security features. Blockchain’s decentralized and immutable ledger ensures secure transactions, reducing the risks of fraud and unauthorized access. Apple’s expertise in safeguarding user data and ensuring transactional security makes it uniquely qualified to implement Bitcoin in a manner that upholds its stringent standards, thereby fostering user trust and confidence in digital transactions.
4. Strategic Positioning in the Future of Digital Finance
As the financial landscape shifts towards digitalization, Apple is strategically positioning itself to remain a dominant player. By integrating Bitcoin, Apple can offer a comprehensive suite of financial services that cater to the evolving needs of its user base. From facilitating seamless peer-to-peer transactions to enabling investment opportunities within the Apple ecosystem, Bitcoin integration would empower users with greater financial autonomy and flexibility. This strategic move not only enhances Apple’s service offerings but also solidifies its role as a key player in the future of digital finance.
5. Enhanced User Experience Through Unified Financial Services
Apple has always prioritized user experience, ensuring that its services are intuitive, reliable, and seamlessly integrated. Integrating Bitcoin into Apple’s suite of services—such as Apple Pay, the App Store, and Apple Wallet—would offer users a unified and cohesive financial experience. Imagine the convenience of managing traditional currencies and Bitcoin within a single platform, effortlessly switching between them as needed. This level of integration would significantly enhance user satisfaction, driving higher engagement and loyalty within the Apple ecosystem.
6. Regulatory Alignment and Proactive Compliance
One of the primary concerns surrounding cryptocurrency integration is regulatory compliance. Apple’s proactive approach to navigating regulatory landscapes positions it favorably to address these challenges effectively. By collaborating with regulatory bodies and adhering to evolving standards, Apple can ensure that Bitcoin integration is not only compliant but also sets new benchmarks for industry practices. This forward-thinking stance mitigates potential legal risks and paves the way for smooth and sustainable integration of Bitcoin into Apple’s services.
Conclusion: The Future is Unmistakably Digital and Decentralized
The trajectory of technology and finance is undeniably steering towards digitalization and decentralization. Apple, with its unwavering commitment to innovation, security, and user-centric design, is exceptionally well-equipped to lead this transformation. The integration of Bitcoin into Apple’s services is not just a speculative possibility—it is a strategic imperative that aligns with Apple’s core values and long-term vision.
In the next 30 years, as Bitcoin continues to solidify its role in the global financial system, Apple’s ecosystem will undoubtedly reflect this evolution. The seamless blending of Apple’s intuitive design and robust infrastructure with Bitcoin’s decentralized finance will redefine how we transact, invest, and interact with digital currencies. Embracing this integration is not just a matter of keeping up with trends; it is about setting the pace for the future of digital finance. And when it comes to shaping the future, Apple has never been one to follow—it leads.
Assigning a precise percentage to the likelihood of Apple integrating Bitcoin into its services within the next 30 years is inherently speculative. However, based on current trends, Apple’s strategic direction, and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, I can provide an estimated range to help conceptualize the possibility.
Estimated Likelihood: 40% to 60%
Rationale Behind the Estimate
1. Apple’s Historical Innovation and Adoption:
• Strengths (Positive Factors): Apple has a strong history of adopting and integrating emerging technologies that enhance user experience. Innovations like Apple Pay demonstrate Apple’s willingness to embrace new payment methods, which could extend to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
• Limitations (Negative Factors): Apple tends to prioritize technologies that offer clear, immediate benefits to its user base. If Bitcoin or its underlying blockchain technology doesn’t align closely with Apple’s current service ecosystem or user demands, integration might be slower.
2. Cryptocurrency Evolution and Adoption:
• Strengths: Bitcoin has gained significant traction as both a digital asset and a medium of exchange. Continued mainstream adoption and increased stability could make it a viable option for integration.
• Limitations: The cryptocurrency market is still volatile, and Bitcoin faces competition from other digital currencies and emerging technologies that might better align with Apple’s strategic goals.
3. Regulatory Environment:
• Strengths: Favorable regulatory developments could pave the way for smoother integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream services.
• Limitations: Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant hurdle. Stricter regulations or unfavorable legal environments in key markets could deter Apple from pursuing Bitcoin integration.
4. Security and Privacy Considerations:
• Strengths: Blockchain technology offers robust security features that align with Apple’s emphasis on user privacy and data protection.
• Limitations: The pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin transactions might raise concerns about misuse or compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations.
5. Market Demand and Consumer Behavior:
• Strengths: A growing segment of consumers is interested in using cryptocurrencies for transactions, investments, and other financial activities.
• Limitations: If consumer interest doesn’t reach a critical mass or if alternative payment methods become more popular, the incentive for Apple to integrate Bitcoin may diminish.
6. Technological Advancements:
• Strengths: Improvements in blockchain scalability, transaction speeds, and energy efficiency could make Bitcoin more attractive for integration.
• Limitations: Technological challenges or the emergence of superior alternatives could hinder Bitcoin’s viability as a mainstream payment option.
Potential Scenarios Influencing the Likelihood
• Optimistic Scenario (Closer to 60%):
• Bitcoin becomes widely accepted as a standard medium of exchange.
• Regulatory frameworks become clear and favorable.
• Technological advancements make Bitcoin transactions faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient.
• Apple identifies clear strategic advantages in integrating Bitcoin, such as enhancing Apple Pay or expanding financial services.
• Market adoption of Bitcoin plateaus or declines in favor of other digital currencies.
• Technological limitations persist, making Bitcoin less practical for everyday transactions.
• Apple’s strategic focus shifts away from cryptocurrency integration towards other innovations.
Conclusion
While it’s challenging to assign an exact percentage, estimating a 40% to 60% likelihood reflects a balanced view considering both the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating Bitcoin into Apple’s services over the next three decades. This range acknowledges Apple’s innovative potential and the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies, while also recognizing the significant regulatory, technological, and market-related obstacles that could impact such integration.
Ultimately, the actual outcome will depend on how these various factors evolve over time and how Apple chooses to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital currencies and financial technologies.
Assigning a precise percentage to the likelihood of Apple integrating Bitcoin into its services within the next 30 years is inherently speculative. However, based on current trends, Apple’s strategic direction, and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, I can provide an estimated range to help conceptualize the possibility.
Estimated Likelihood: 40% to 60%
Rationale Behind the Estimate
1. Apple’s Historical Innovation and Adoption:
• Strengths (Positive Factors): Apple has a strong history of adopting and integrating emerging technologies that enhance user experience. Innovations like Apple Pay demonstrate Apple’s willingness to embrace new payment methods, which could extend to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
• Limitations (Negative Factors): Apple tends to prioritize technologies that offer clear, immediate benefits to its user base. If Bitcoin or its underlying blockchain technology doesn’t align closely with Apple’s current service ecosystem or user demands, integration might be slower.
2. Cryptocurrency Evolution and Adoption:
• Strengths: Bitcoin has gained significant traction as both a digital asset and a medium of exchange. Continued mainstream adoption and increased stability could make it a viable option for integration.
• Limitations: The cryptocurrency market is still volatile, and Bitcoin faces competition from other digital currencies and emerging technologies that might better align with Apple’s strategic goals.
3. Regulatory Environment:
• Strengths: Favorable regulatory developments could pave the way for smoother integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream services.
• Limitations: Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant hurdle. Stricter regulations or unfavorable legal environments in key markets could deter Apple from pursuing Bitcoin integration.
4. Security and Privacy Considerations:
• Strengths: Blockchain technology offers robust security features that align with Apple’s emphasis on user privacy and data protection.
• Limitations: The pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin transactions might raise concerns about misuse or compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations.
5. Market Demand and Consumer Behavior:
• Strengths: A growing segment of consumers is interested in using cryptocurrencies for transactions, investments, and other financial activities.
• Limitations: If consumer interest doesn’t reach a critical mass or if alternative payment methods become more popular, the incentive for Apple to integrate Bitcoin may diminish.
6. Technological Advancements:
• Strengths: Improvements in blockchain scalability, transaction speeds, and energy efficiency could make Bitcoin more attractive for integration.
• Limitations: Technological challenges or the emergence of superior alternatives could hinder Bitcoin’s viability as a mainstream payment option.
Potential Scenarios Influencing the Likelihood
• Optimistic Scenario (Closer to 60%):
• Bitcoin becomes widely accepted as a standard medium of exchange.
• Regulatory frameworks become clear and favorable.
• Technological advancements make Bitcoin transactions faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient.
• Apple identifies clear strategic advantages in integrating Bitcoin, such as enhancing Apple Pay or expanding financial services.
• Market adoption of Bitcoin plateaus or declines in favor of other digital currencies.
• Technological limitations persist, making Bitcoin less practical for everyday transactions.
• Apple’s strategic focus shifts away from cryptocurrency integration towards other innovations.
Conclusion
While it’s challenging to assign an exact percentage, estimating a 40% to 60% likelihood reflects a balanced view considering both the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating Bitcoin into Apple’s services over the next three decades. This range acknowledges Apple’s innovative potential and the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies, while also recognizing the significant regulatory, technological, and market-related obstacles that could impact such integration.
Ultimately, the actual outcome will depend on how these various factors evolve over time and how Apple chooses to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital currencies and financial technologies.
…
While I don’t possess personal opinions, I can offer a reasoned perspective based on current trends and Apple’s strategic direction. Over the next 30 years, it is reasonably likely that Apple could integrate Bitcoin into its services. Here’s why:
1. Historical Innovation
Apple has a strong track record of adopting and refining emerging technologies to enhance user experience. From the introduction of the iPhone to the seamless integration of Apple Pay, Apple consistently seeks ways to simplify and secure digital interactions. If Bitcoin continues to gain traction as a mainstream currency, Apple may find it aligns well with their mission to provide convenient and secure financial solutions.
2. Cryptocurrency Adoption
Bitcoin has evolved from a niche digital asset to a widely recognized form of investment and medium of exchange. As more businesses and consumers adopt Bitcoin for everyday transactions, the demand for user-friendly integration within popular platforms like Apple’s ecosystem could drive Apple to incorporate Bitcoin into services such as Apple Pay, the App Store, or even Apple Wallet.
3. Security and Privacy Alignment
Apple places a high emphasis on security and privacy—key aspects of Bitcoin transactions, which rely on blockchain technology for secure and transparent record-keeping. Integrating Bitcoin could allow Apple to offer enhanced security features, appealing to users who prioritize safeguarding their financial information.
4. Strategic Partnerships
Apple has a history of forming strategic partnerships to expand its service offerings. Collaborating with cryptocurrency exchanges, financial institutions, or blockchain technology firms could facilitate the integration of Bitcoin into Apple’s services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing user trust.
5. Regulatory Landscape
The future integration of Bitcoin by Apple will heavily depend on the evolving regulatory environment. Governments and financial authorities worldwide are still shaping their policies on digital currencies. If regulations become more favorable and provide clear guidelines for cryptocurrency use, it would create a conducive environment for Apple to incorporate Bitcoin into its ecosystem.
6. Market Demand
Consumer demand plays a crucial role in driving technological adoption. If a significant portion of Apple’s user base expresses interest in using Bitcoin for transactions, investments, or other financial activities, Apple is likely to respond by integrating Bitcoin to meet customer needs and stay competitive in the market.
Potential Integration Scenarios
• Apple Pay Expansion: Allowing users to link Bitcoin wallets to Apple Pay, enabling seamless cryptocurrency transactions alongside traditional currencies.
• App Store Transactions: Enabling developers to accept Bitcoin for app purchases, subscriptions, and in-app transactions, thereby broadening payment options for users.
• Apple Wallet Enhancements: Introducing features that support cryptocurrency storage, management, and integration with decentralized applications (dApps).
Conclusion
…Considering Apple’s history of embracing innovative technologies, the growing adoption of Bitcoin, and the potential alignment with Apple’s focus on security and user experience, it is plausible that Apple might integrate Bitcoin into its services within the next 30 years. However, this outcome will depend on the maturation of the cryptocurrency market, regulatory developments, and sustained consumer demand. Apple’s ability to navigate these factors effectively will ultimately determine the likelihood and extent of Bitcoin integration into its ecosystem.
Speculating on Apple’s future integration of Bitcoin into its services over the next 30 years involves considering several factors, including Apple’s historical approach to technology and finance, the evolution of cryptocurrencies, regulatory landscapes, and market dynamics. Here’s an analysis of the possibilities:
1. Apple’s History and Strategic Approach
Apple has a strong track record of integrating emerging technologies into its ecosystem, often prioritizing user experience, security, and privacy. For instance, Apple Pay revolutionized mobile payments by offering a secure and seamless way for users to transact. If Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies become mainstream and align with Apple’s values and strategic goals, it’s plausible that Apple might explore integrating them into their services.
2. Evolution and Adoption of Bitcoin
Bitcoin has evolved significantly since its inception, moving from a niche digital asset to a more widely recognized form of investment and medium of exchange. Over the next three decades, if Bitcoin continues to gain acceptance, stability, and utility in everyday transactions, it could become an attractive option for major tech companies like Apple to integrate.
3. Regulatory Environment
One of the significant challenges for cryptocurrency integration is the regulatory landscape. Governments worldwide are still shaping their policies regarding digital currencies. Apple’s decision to integrate Bitcoin would heavily depend on favorable regulations that ensure compliance, security, and consumer protection. If regulations become clearer and more supportive of cryptocurrency use, it could pave the way for such integration.
4. Security and Privacy Considerations
Apple places a high emphasis on user security and privacy. Bitcoin transactions are secured through blockchain technology, which aligns with these values. However, the volatility and potential for misuse of cryptocurrencies might pose concerns. Apple would need to implement robust safeguards to protect users, which could influence the extent and manner of Bitcoin integration.
5. Market Demand and Consumer Behavior
User demand is a critical factor. If a significant portion of Apple’s user base expresses interest in using Bitcoin for transactions, payments, or other services, Apple might be more inclined to incorporate it. Additionally, partnerships with financial institutions and cryptocurrency platforms could facilitate smoother integration.
6. Technological Advancements
The future of Bitcoin and blockchain technology could see advancements that make integration more feasible and beneficial. Innovations such as faster transaction times, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced scalability would make Bitcoin a more practical option for widespread use, aligning with Apple’s technological standards.
Potential Integration Scenarios
• Apple Pay Enhancement: Apple could allow users to link their Bitcoin wallets to Apple Pay, enabling cryptocurrency transactions alongside traditional currencies.
• App Store Transactions: Developers could accept Bitcoin for app purchases, subscriptions, or in-app purchases, broadening payment options for users.
• Apple Wallet Features: Enhanced wallet functionalities could include cryptocurrency storage, management tools, and integration with decentralized applications (dApps).
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, the integration of Bitcoin into Apple’s services within the next 30 years is plausible, provided that the cryptocurrency continues to mature, regulatory frameworks become supportive, and consumer demand remains strong. Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design positions it well to adopt and potentially lead in the incorporation of digital currencies like Bitcoin into its ecosystem.
…
Speculating about the next 30 years, it’s possible that Apple could integrate Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies into its services, but this would depend on several factors.
Apple is known for being cautious about adopting new technologies until they are mature and widely accepted. Bitcoin has seen increased adoption over the past decade, but it still faces challenges related to scalability, regulatory uncertainty, and volatility. However, as global financial systems evolve, digital currencies, including Bitcoin, could become more mainstream, possibly leading Apple to consider integration as part of its payment and financial ecosystem.
Apple has made moves toward digital financial services with Apple Pay and its Apple Card, and there is growing speculation that as cryptocurrency regulation stabilizes and technologies like blockchain improve, companies like Apple might explore deeper integration. Some hints are already there, such as opening up the NFC chip to third-party developers, which could support blockchain-based payments . The presence of the Bitcoin whitepaper in macOS, though likely an Easter egg, shows that Apple’s engineers are at least aware of the technology.
In 30 years, if Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency becomes a widely used global currency, Apple could integrate it into its ecosystem for payments, remittances, or smart contracts. However, such an integration would also depend on regulatory landscapes, technological advancements, and consumer demand. Apple has a strong history of adapting to market trends, but it tends to be selective and cautious. Thus, while it’s possible, it would likely happen only when digital currencies achieve stability and regulatory clarity on a global scale.
So, we are all photographers, thinkers entrepreneurs visionaries etc. To focus, I think at the end of the day, does seem to be a virtue.
First, the ethics of focus, the first big idea is that things which distract us, or rob us of our focus, are third-party distractions, which often have some sort of advertising or marketing or product selling motive.
For example, let us consider all of the ills of modern day life, which is modern media. Essentially anything which is supported by advertising is bad evil and should not be trusted.
For example, anything on YouTube which has advertising or product placements or selling services are bad. Any podcast, Joe Rogan, anybody out there with subscribers, likes, comments, memberships, anyone who has some sort of monetary incentive behind things.
Currently I am promoting bitcoin as a promise that it could solve at least 50% of the world’s problems; that is consider poverty injustice, high cost of living and rent… I actually do believe that these problems could be solved with bitcoin.
For example, even poor spending habits, the issue with inflation is that even if I’m making $20 an hour working at McDonald’s, and the price of everything keeps going up… There is zero too little incentive to save. If my rent cost $3000 a month, and because of inflation in a few years it’ll be worth $4000 a month, incentive is to buy all the capitalistic consumer stuff while I could still afford it, Whether Nike or Jordan sneakers, certain cars, clothes etc.
Also this is where Apple has been intelligent with iPhone; let us say that the iPhone Pro is $1000, or $999. This has been really relatively resistant to inflation; even though minimum wage keeps going up, essentially the price of the iPhone is not changing. Therefore if I am a typical working class poor person, and I’m being paid 16 or $20 an hour, incentive is to go out and purchase the iPhone Pro while I still can; because assuming the inflation keeps going up, in the near future I will no longer be able to afford that new iPhone Pro.
Low prices?
I think for the most part, a lot of the evils and ill society are issues with money, gambling, etc. At least this was the case in my family; my dad just sent you not having a job since I was two years old, gambling away the rent money etc. Assuming that my dad didn’t gamble away the rent money, like he was just a parasite but all he did was smoke cigarettes, watch television and movies, chill out the house… Assuming that were the case, at least he would be kind of a neutral party; but him having to threaten my mom with physical or mental or family violence, holding her at hostage or ransom, Forcing her to give him the rent money with physical force, saying that he was going to pay it himself, and then in the middle of the night driving off to Reno and gambling it away, which means my mom is already three months behind on rent… Certainly this is an evil that happened because of gambling and of course his own problems.
the bad guy?
Ultimately, one cannot point the finger at institution which is the casinos or whatever. Even now as a sober adult, haven’t gone to Vegas a few times, I find it to be very fun! I love going to wicked spoon, and having to all you can eat bone marrow, and all the great foods. But, I don’t have a gambling bone in my body; nor do I have a bone for smoking; essentially seeing all the bad stuff that my dad did, turned me off forever. This is where I have kind of a moralistic and ethical imperative against cigarettes, there’s nothing I hit more than cigarette smoke on the planet; The ultimate evil.
What does focus mean?
So focus, focusing… Assume you have a magnifying glass you could take the raise the sun, pinpointed to one point, and you could burn a hole through paper. Assuming you have a big enough magnifying glass, I wonder if you could even take the sun’s power and even make a hole through steel! Just think about all these James Bond’s movies.
Anyways, I think maybe the focus in society in life should be similar; I am kind of OK fine mediocre and a lot of stuff, but assuming that life is finite, a hard cap of at least 122 years, then what that means is if I know with 100% precision that I will die before 122 years, Then the ethical imperative;
How should I and how must I spend my life in a meaningful way?
Assuming that practically almost all 8 billion of us on the planet have a phone, then what that means is everyone is a photographer because they make photos. Even my new friend Alexey show me an interesting street photo he shot in the hood, somebody who overdosed on fentanyl, ar a bus stop. Somewhere in South Central.
And this is kind of a big deal because assuming that most of us live in cities, or assuming we all live in Los Angeles, anybody with an iPhone is a photographer, a street photographer.
In fact, everything in the haptic shop is open source, free to download share remix four to your buddies or store on unlimited devices. For me this became an ethical imperative; because honestly, 99% of the roadblocks we face in photography has to do with some sort of penis envy for some sort of camera equipment; do you think the day that you could afford to buy the Leica, finally you will have a motivation to shoot or make great photos blah blah blah. Same goes with the iPhone Pro, which is actually, not that great.
Also, objectively … Leica, Leica camera, is an inferior product and tool.  it is true that the craftsmanship is superior, but the overall product is inferior when you compare it to a Panasonic Lumix, or even a Fujifilm camera.
I think what Germany has going for it is good marketing and brand. But everyone knows that any German car whether it be a BMW, Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, which is owned by BMW… maybach which is essentially a Mercedes with a body kit, is probably 1000 X inferior to any Japanese luxury car like Lexus or Toyota. In fact, a Lamborghini is just a Volkswagen Passat on steroids. A Lamborghini Urus SUV is just a Volkswagen touring on steroids. And a Porsche 911, 911 GT three RS is just like a Volkswagen beetle on steroids and a body kit.
I’m currently using the full frame lumix S9 camera, been shooting some video on it… But actually a critical issue right now I’ve been discovering is the reason why micro 4/3, even maybe APSC sensors; or a smaller crop sensors might be superior is because you could focus far closer! Full frame cameras are very very difficult to focus especially up close and personal, and also the bigger issue is that the lenses become bigger heavier, more obtrusive, bulkier, harder to use.
In fact, if you are a filmmaker, still… Getting some sort of micro 4/3 camera some sort of Panasonic lumix GH camera might be your best bet, because you can get the best lenses, with the best close focusing capabilities, the maximum aperture for the minimum amount of weight. And ultimately this is what matters the most; ultimately if you are a videographer photographer or cameraman, it comes down to weight and ease. In fact I think even most videographers especially aspiring filmmakers, maybe they should just get some sort of GoPro creator set up; just set it and forget it!
Because 99.9% of the hurdle that creators face especially new ones is the technical hurdles, the technological issues. Even here may be an iPhone pro without any external accessories might be good for making films. Especially short ones. Anything that is not going to be a Hollywood blockbuster film. This is why I think Apple is trying to do all this marketing that you could shoot cinema on your iPhone Pro is kind of ridiculous; any real professional  Would use some sort of red dragon camera.
I also feel bad perhaps the biggest issue here is everyone is trying to posture and look “pro� But why?
My thought is everyone has some sort of insecurity bias, a small man complex. Certainly everyone wants to feel big mighty and strong and successful whatever, but I also find this to be a little bit pointless because success, wealth and power, are not zero some; which means that assuming that capital is infinite, not a closed system, then that means that in theory, Anyone and everyone could become a billionaire, assuming that the global market multiplies by 1 trillion.
And also,  because a lot of money is economic fictions, computer code, which means that any nerd with a computer could click a button and inject $1 trillion into the economy, what that then means is the upside for money is infinite!
Certainly there are things which are scarce, like human time, labor, and bitcoin, but everything else… Has an infinite upside in theory?
Why focus?
I just think that it is an intelligent way to strategize life.
I think the number one issue that a lot of people have, especially young folks that we don’t know what we should devote our lives to. As a consequence we just throw our interest at random in a bunch of Market Basket stuff, hoping that one will stick.
But, to diversify our interest, is perhaps not a good idea. For example, if assuming you had a Mozart in your classroom, would you have your student waste his or her time learning Spanish or stuff that he or she would never really use? No! You would put them in one of those funny musical prodigy classes, have them devote 100% of their energy towards music, to become the next prodigy.
I was also doing some research which is kind of funny that the whole idea of homeschooling was essentially invented because you had a lot of these young athletes students, getting ready for the Olympics, and they did not want to waste their time being stuck in the classroom. So the whole ethos was trying to devote most of the kids time and attention to maximize their sports performance, kind of what mainland China does, she is much more shameless than America. And also maybe be more successful.
I think also that is why you see more record breaking Chinese Olympic weightlifters, because there is no stigma about taking steroids, performance enhancing drugs, and also, they don’t really have a egalitarian schooling system like we do in America.
Anyways, I think to focus means to just value your life, your effort, your soul.
Assuming that we believe in immortal soul, which means that once you die, your soul also dies… Why would you waste your life in anything superficial?
So the good thing about being on the ground in Culver City, seeing the new 8777 Washington Apple campus being expanded… Honestly at this point Apple is too big to fail.
Apple just bought out a huge chunk of land on Venice, and the progress of them building the new media campus is pretty awesome. And it seems that considering that Culver City is the new Hollywood meets Beverly Hills, Culver City is the future.
I think specifically why street photography is so great is that you actually have to be on the ground, in embodied reality, on the floor. Interacting with real human beings in the flesh, which is a high degree of both risk and reward.
Do you know if something is risky or not? The simple thing is just to think 30 years ahead, at least four years or eight years or 12 years etc.
So the good thing about being on the ground in Culver City, seeing the new 8777 Washington Apple campus being expanded… Honestly at this point Apple is too big to fail. 
There have been growing rumors and indications that Apple is edging closer to integrating cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, into its ecosystem. While Apple has not officially announced direct Bitcoin support, several developments suggest that it could be exploring cryptocurrency-related features.
One key hint is that Apple has included the Bitcoin whitepaper in every version of macOS since 2018, which, although subtle, has intrigued many in the crypto community. Additionally, Apple has recently opened up its NFC chip and Secure Element to third-party developers. This move allows developers to integrate blockchain-based payment functionalities, such as stablecoin payments using USDC, into iPhones. Such actions could pave the way for more direct cryptocurrency support, including Bitcoin, in Apple’s payment ecosystem .
On a speculative front, Michael Saylor, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, has publicly suggested that Apple could significantly benefit from acquiring Bitcoin or incorporating it into its financial infrastructure. His vision includes using iPhones and Apple Watches as security devices for crypto transactions, further boosting Apple’s market presence and valuation .
While these steps are promising for the future of crypto integration in Apple’s products, there are no concrete details yet confirming full Bitcoin support across devices. However, these movements suggest that Apple is closely watching the cryptocurrency space and could introduce more significant crypto-related features in the near future.
…
In a surprising and mysterious move, Apple has included the Bitcoin whitepaper in every version of macOS since 2018. The document, titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,†authored by Satoshi Nakamoto, was found hidden within a system folder tied to Apple’s “Image Capture†application. The file can be accessed through macOS versions starting from Mojave (10.14) by navigating through system folders or using the Terminal command. The whitepaper is stored in a file called simpledoc.pdf within an internal app called “VirtualScanner†that seems to simulate document scanning.
The discovery was made public in 2023 when technologist Andy Baio stumbled upon it while troubleshooting a printer issue. Many speculate that it was either an internal joke or a hidden Easter egg by Apple engineers. Despite being largely harmless, Apple later removed the file from the macOS Ventura 13.4 beta after its presence gained attention.
This inclusion has sparked curiosity about Apple’s stance on cryptocurrencies, although the company has remained silent on the matter, and no direct support for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies has been announced in its devices so far. However, it remains a fascinating Easter egg, fueling speculation about Apple’s potential interest in the crypto world .
..
Yes, it’s true that Apple included a copy of the Bitcoin whitepaper in macOS versions from Mojave (2018) up until Ventura. The file, titled “simpledoc.pdf,†was discovered hidden in the system files as part of an internal tool called “Virtual Scanner.†This tool appeared to be used by Apple engineers for testing purposes related to the Image Capture app. While some speculated it might signal Apple’s interest in Bitcoin, it seems to have been an Easter egg or a playful addition by Apple engineers, not intended for public use.
The whitepaper’s presence gained attention in 2023, leading Apple to remove it in later versions of macOS, such as the Ventura 13.4 beta and Sonoma. Thus, while it was an amusing find, there is no deeper significance behind it in terms of Apple’s official stance on Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies .
Being wealthy and becoming wealthy… is a mindset shift. The strategy is to live like a Spartan; pouring 90% of your money and your income into smart investing strategies like buying bitcoin, which is digital real estate and property, the first digital property, and for the traditional markets, microstrategy stock, because at this point, they are the first, they are unstoppable. Actually in my view — I believe that MicroStrategy is like the Apple of bitcoin!
Also real wealthy people think opportunistic; the real wealthy person always thinks about opportunities; and thinks about money capital kind of like a seed, semen, you don’t want to blow your load; the goal is to take your semen, invested, and see it grow!
Only tossers, salad tosses drive Porsche 911‘s, or these other obnoxious loud cars.
The issue at hand is that honestly, the skinny fat small dick losers, over fat Shorty guys want to see masculine in their cool cars, driving super fast, making their exhaust make loud sounds. But if you ever stand to them, face-to-face, you’ll realize how much more tall, handsome, And physically dominant you are to them.
Also ethically, if you drive super super fast, there’s a chance that their reckless driving behavior, might either directly or indirectly cause a car accident, causing your family, the potential death of your child?
To invest well, you need to clear mind, a clean soul; kind of a zen mindset, never invest or buy stuff, when you’re angry, upset, in a disturbed mood?
Or in other words, only ever invest when you’re in a good mood! You must be the gay, jovial, happy monster!
I think the foolish thing that a lot of people do is that they say… If I was super rich then I would do XYZ. But actually, this is the fallacy of consumerism capitalism; the real rich families, like the ones that own New York City, that own property in Manhattan on the island, what they desire is to preserve their wealth and the capital; they are mostly low-key, they are very conservative.
Similarly speaking, I think now that I am rich and wealthy … the mind set shifts; I am more about accumulating capital, rather than blowing it?
For example, poor people think; once I become super rich I’m gonna go out and buy the Lamborghini; but, the real wealthy idea is; wow, I would be so excited to take $250,000, and invest in something more substantive like bitcoin or microstrategy stock.
Over the past four years, MicroStrategy (MSTR) has outperformed both Apple (AAPL) and Nvidia (NVDA) in terms of stock growth, largely due to its significant exposure to Bitcoin. Here’s a breakdown of their performance:
• MicroStrategy (MSTR): The stock surged 1,067% between 2020 and 2024, driven by its aggressive Bitcoin holdings strategy, which has been the primary factor behind its explosive growth.
• Nvidia (NVDA): Over the same period, Nvidia saw a remarkable 1,008% increase, bolstered by its leadership in AI and semiconductor technologies.
• Apple (AAPL): Apple, while experiencing steady growth, has seen a much lower percentage increase compared to the others, around 322%, reflecting its more stable, less speculative growth trajectory.
MSTR’s growth is more volatile and heavily tied to the cryptocurrency market, while Nvidia’s gains are due to technological advancements in AI, and Apple’s rise is grounded in its dominant position in consumer electronics and services.
Over the past four years, both Nvidia and Apple have seen impressive growth, but Nvidia has significantly outpaced Apple in percentage terms. Nvidia’s stock has skyrocketed by over 1,634% during this period, largely driven by its dominance in the AI and semiconductor sectors . In comparison, Apple has grown steadily by around 322%, fueled by consistent product releases and ecosystem expansions .
Nvidia’s exponential growth is attributed to the booming demand for AI and high-performance computing, while Apple’s growth has been more gradual but stable, reflecting its established presence in consumer electronics and services.
The word “progesterone†is derived from a combination of Latin and Greek roots that reflect its fundamental role in the reproductive process, particularly in pregnancy.
Breaking Down the Word
1. Pro-
• Origin: Latin prefix “pro-†meaning “before,†“forward,†or “in favor of.â€
• Implication: Indicates support or promotion of something.
2. Gester / Gest
• Origin: From Latin “gestare,†a frequentative form of “gerere,†meaning “to carry†or “to bear.â€
• Relation to “Gestationâ€: The term “gestation†refers to the period of development inside the womb from conception until birth. It stems from the same root.
• Implication: Associated with carrying or bearing offspring.
3. -one
• Origin: Chemical suffix used in organic chemistry to denote ketones, from Greek “onos,†meaning “thing.â€
• Application: In chemistry, â€-one†signifies that the compound is a steroid hormone with a ketone group in its structure.
Combined Meaning
• Progesterone = Pro- + Gestation + -one
Putting it all together, “progesterone†essentially means “a steroid hormone that supports gestation.â€
• “Pro-â€: In favor of, supporting
• “Gestationâ€: The process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth
• â€-oneâ€: Indicates it’s a ketone steroid hormone
Significance of the Name
The name “progesterone†reflects the hormone’s crucial role in:
• Supporting Pregnancy: Progesterone prepares and maintains the uterine lining (endometrium) for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports the early stages of pregnancy.
• Promoting Gestation: By preventing muscle contractions in the uterus that could reject the developing embryo, progesterone facilitates a suitable environment for fetal growth.
Historical Context
• Discovery: Progesterone was identified in the early 20th century as scientists studied reproductive hormones.
• Naming: The name was coined to represent its function in promoting and sustaining pregnancy.
Related Terms
• Gestation: The period of development during the carrying of an embryo or fetus.
• Gestational: Relating to gestation.
• Progestogen: A class of hormones including progesterone that have similar effects.
Chemical Structure Reference
• Steroid Hormone: Progesterone belongs to the steroid class of hormones, characterized by a specific arrangement of carbon atoms in four rings.
• Ketone Group: The â€-one†suffix indicates the presence of a ketone functional group in its molecular structure.
Summary
The term “progesterone†is aptly named to reflect its biological function:
This etymology underscores progesterone’s essential role in facilitating and maintaining pregnancy by preparing the uterus for implantation and preventing uterine contractions that might otherwise expel the developing embryo.
Note: Understanding the origins of scientific terms can provide deeper insights into their functions and significance in biology and medicine.
Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a vital role in the female reproductive system. It is primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle, known as the luteal phase. Progesterone is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both men and women, and by the placenta during pregnancy.
Functions of Progesterone
1. Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
• Preparation of the Uterine Lining: Progesterone prepares the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg. It thickens the lining to create a nourishing environment for embryo development.
• Menstruation: If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation.
2. Support of Pregnancy
• Maintenance of Pregnancy: Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining throughout pregnancy and prevents muscle contractions in the uterus that could cause rejection of the embryo or fetus.
• Placental Production: During pregnancy, the placenta produces progesterone to support fetal development and prepare the body for childbirth.
3. Breast Development
• Preparation for Lactation: Progesterone stimulates the development of glandular tissue in the breasts, preparing them for milk production after childbirth.
4. Mood Regulation
• Neurotransmitter Interaction: Progesterone can influence mood by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which has calming effects.
• Emotional Impact: Fluctuations in progesterone levels can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and emotional sensitivity.
Progesterone in Men
• Low-Level Production: Men produce progesterone in smaller amounts, primarily in the adrenal glands and testes.
• Precursor Role: In men, progesterone serves as a precursor to other hormones like testosterone and cortisol.
• Physiological Functions: It plays roles in sperm development, bone health, and regulating metabolism.
Clinical Significance
1. Hormonal Imbalances
• Symptoms in Women: Low progesterone levels can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty maintaining pregnancies, and symptoms of estrogen dominance like weight gain and mood swings.
• Symptoms in Men: Imbalances can affect testosterone production and may contribute to conditions like osteoporosis.
2. Medical Uses
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Progesterone is used in combination with estrogen to treat menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Contraception: Synthetic forms of progesterone, called progestins, are used in birth control pills and devices to prevent ovulation.
3. Diagnostic Marker
• Fertility Assessments: Progesterone levels are measured to confirm ovulation and assess fertility issues.
• Pregnancy Monitoring: Progesterone tests can help monitor high-risk pregnancies.
Progesterone and Mood
• Influence on Emotions: Progesterone affects brain chemistry and can have calming effects. However, rapid fluctuations, especially decreases before menstruation, can lead to mood disturbances.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and anger experienced before menstruation are partly attributed to falling progesterone levels.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of PMS where progesterone fluctuations significantly impact mood and emotional well-being.
Summary
Progesterone is a key hormone in the female reproductive system with essential roles in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and influencing breast development and mood. While both men and women produce progesterone, women have significantly higher levels, especially during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Understanding progesterone’s functions and effects helps explain some of the hormonal differences between men and women, particularly regarding emotional regulation and experiences of anger or irritability linked to hormonal fluctuations.
Note: If you have concerns about progesterone levels or hormonal health, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and testing.
• Men’s levels are approximately 1,500% higher than women’s levels.
2. Estrogen (Estradiol):
• Women’s levels can be up to 825% higher than men’s levels during peak phases of the menstrual cycle.
3. Progesterone:
• Women’s levels can be up to 2,400% higher than men’s levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
4. Cortisol:
• Levels are generally similar between men and women, with no significant percentage difference.
5. Oxytocin:
• Baseline levels vary widely; there’s no well-established percentage difference between men and women.
6. Serotonin:
• Levels are generally similar between men and women, with no significant percentage difference.
7. Dopamine:
• Levels are generally similar between men and women, with no significant percentage difference.
Note: These percentages are approximate and intended for general understanding. Hormone levels can vary based on individual factors such as age, health, and physiological conditions.
The hormonal differences between men and women have significant implications for emotional regulation, including how anger is experienced and expressed. Understanding these differences can provide insights into behavioral patterns, mental health considerations, and inform personalized approaches in healthcare and psychology.
1. Influence on Emotional Regulation
Testosterone and Aggression
• Men: Higher levels of testosterone are linked to increased aggression and dominance behaviors. Testosterone can affect the brain regions responsible for regulating emotions, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This may lead to a greater propensity for aggressive responses when provoked.
• Implications:
• Behavioral Responses: Men may be more likely to exhibit outward expressions of anger.
• Mental Health: Understanding testosterone’s role can aid in addressing issues like anger management and aggressive behaviors.
Estrogen, Progesterone, and Mood Fluctuations
• Women: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle can significantly impact mood and emotional sensitivity.
• Implications:
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Decreases in estrogen and progesterone levels before menstruation can lead to irritability and mood swings, potentially increasing feelings of anger.
• Perimenopause and Menopause: Hormonal changes during these periods can affect mood regulation.
• Mental Health Support: Recognizing these patterns can help in developing coping strategies and treatments for mood disorders linked to hormonal changes.
2. Neurotransmitter Interactions
Serotonin and Dopamine Modulation
• Hormonal Impact: Hormones like estrogen can influence neurotransmitter systems.
• Implications:
• Serotonin Levels: Estrogen can enhance serotonin production, which promotes mood stability. Fluctuations can lead to decreased serotonin, potentially increasing irritability or anger.
• Dopamine Activity: Hormonal differences can affect dopamine pathways, influencing reward processing and emotional responses.
3. Stress Response and Cortisol
• Cortisol Levels: While cortisol levels are similar in men and women, hormonal differences can influence stress perception and response.
• Emotional Reactivity: Hormonal interactions may affect how stress translates into emotional reactions like anger.
4. Oxytocin’s Calming Effects
• Gender Differences: Estrogen enhances oxytocin release in women, promoting feelings of bonding and reducing stress responses.
• Implications:
• Social Support: Women may benefit more from social interactions that stimulate oxytocin release, potentially mitigating anger.
• Therapeutic Approaches: Oxytocin’s role suggests potential treatments for anger and aggression through enhancing social bonding.
5. Personalized Medicine and Therapy
• Tailored Interventions: Recognizing hormonal influences allows for personalized strategies in managing anger and emotional health.
• Implications:
• Medication: Hormone-based therapies or adjustments may be considered in treating mood disorders.
• Counseling: Psychotherapists can tailor techniques based on an individual’s hormonal profile and gender-specific challenges.
6. Social and Cultural Considerations
• Gender Norms: Societal expectations influence how anger is expressed and perceived in men and women.
• Implications:
• Emotional Expression: Men might be socially conditioned to express anger outwardly, while women may internalize it due to cultural norms.
• Bias and Misdiagnosis: Awareness of hormonal influences can reduce bias in diagnosing and treating emotional disorders.
7. Research and Public Health
• Scientific Understanding: Hormonal research contributes to the broader understanding of gender differences in health.
• Implications:
• Preventative Measures: Identifying at-risk individuals for aggression-related issues.
• Policy Development: Informing public health strategies to address gender-specific mental health needs.
Conclusion
The percentage differences in hormone levels between men and women are not just biochemical facts; they have profound effects on emotional experiences, including anger. By understanding these hormonal influences, healthcare providers, psychologists, and individuals can better navigate the complexities of emotional regulation. This knowledge promotes empathy, improves therapeutic interventions, and supports mental well-being across genders.
Important Notes
• Individual Variability: Hormonal effects can vary widely among individuals. Not all men or women will experience anger or emotional regulation issues in the same way.
• Holistic Approach: Emotions are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormones are one piece of a larger puzzle.
• Avoiding Stereotypes: While hormonal differences exist, it’s essential to avoid generalizations that reinforce gender stereotypes.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Hormonal influences on mood and behavior are complex. If you have concerns about hormonal health or emotional regulation, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional.
Below is a list of hormones relevant to emotional regulation, including anger, along with the percentage differences in their typical levels between adult men and women. Please note that hormone levels can vary widely among individuals due to factors such as age, menstrual cycle phase in women, time of day, health status, and laboratory methods. The percentages provided are approximate and intended to illustrate general differences.
1. Testosterone
• Men:
• Total Testosterone: Approximately 270 to 1,070 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter)
• Average: Around 679 ng/dL
• Women:
• Total Testosterone: Approximately 15 to 70 ng/dL
• Average: Around 42.5 ng/dL
Percentage Difference:
• Men’s average testosterone levels are approximately 1,500% higher than women’s average levels.
Calculation:
2. Estrogen (Estradiol)
• Women:
• Follicular Phase: 30 to 120 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter)
• Mid-Cycle Peak (Ovulation): 130 to 370 pg/mL
• Luteal Phase: 70 to 250 pg/mL
• Post-Menopause: Less than 30 pg/mL
• Men:
• Estradiol Levels: Approximately 10 to 40 pg/mL
Percentage Difference:
• At Mid-Cycle Peak:
• Women’s estradiol levels can be up to 825% higher than men’s maximum levels.
Calculation:
• At Follicular Phase Minimum:
• Women’s levels are approximately 200% higher than men’s minimum levels.
Calculation:
3. Progesterone
• Women:
• Luteal Phase: 2 to 25 ng/mL
• Men:
• Progesterone Levels: Less than 1 ng/mL
Percentage Difference:
• Women’s progesterone levels can be up to 2,400% higher than men’s levels during the luteal phase.
Calculation:
4. Cortisol
• Both Men and Women:
• Morning Levels: 5 to 25 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter)
Percentage Difference:
• Cortisol levels are generally similar between men and women, with no significant percentage difference under normal conditions.
5. Oxytocin
• Both Men and Women:
• Typical Plasma Levels: 1 to 10 pg/mL
Percentage Difference:
• Oxytocin levels vary widely and are difficult to measure accurately. There is no well-established percentage difference between men and women in baseline oxytocin levels.
6. Serotonin
• Both Men and Women:
• Blood Levels: 101 to 283 ng/mL
Percentage Difference:
• Differences in serotonin levels between men and women are generally small and not consistently significant.
7. Dopamine
• Both Men and Women:
• Plasma Levels: 0 to 30 pg/mL
Percentage Difference:
• Dopamine levels do not show significant percentage differences between men and women under normal conditions.
Summary of Percentage Differences:
• Testosterone: Men’s levels are approximately 1,500% higher than women’s.
• Estrogen (Estradiol): Women’s levels can be up to 825% higher than men’s during peak phases.
• Progesterone: Women’s levels can be up to 2,400% higher than men’s during the luteal phase.
• Cortisol, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Dopamine: Levels are generally similar between men and women, with no significant percentage differences under normal conditions.
Important Notes:
• Variability: Hormone levels can fluctuate based on numerous factors, including menstrual cycle phase in women, time of day, stress levels, and individual biological differences.
• Interpretation: These percentages are approximate and intended for general understanding. Hormone levels should be interpreted by qualified healthcare professionals within the context of individual health status and symptoms.
• Units and Measurement: Hormone levels are measured in different units (e.g., ng/dL, pg/mL), and care should be taken when comparing values to ensure consistency.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Hormonal influences on mood and behavior are complex and multifaceted. If you have concerns about hormonal health or mood regulation, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Below is a list of hormones relevant to emotional regulation, including anger, along with their approximate typical levels in adult men and women. Please note that hormone levels can vary widely among individuals due to factors such as age, time of day, health status, and laboratory methods. The ranges provided are approximate and may vary between sources.
1. Testosterone
• Men:
• Total Testosterone: Approximately 270 to 1,070 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter)
• Average: Around 679 ng/dL
• Women:
• Total Testosterone: Approximately 15 to 70 ng/dL
• Average: Around 42.5 ng/dL
2. Estrogen (Estradiol)
• Women:
• Follicular Phase: 30 to 120 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter)
• Mid-Cycle Peak (Ovulation): 130 to 370 pg/mL
• Luteal Phase: 70 to 250 pg/mL
• Post-Menopause: Less than 30 pg/mL
• Men:
• Estradiol Levels: Approximately 10 to 40 pg/mL
3. Progesterone
• Women:
• Follicular Phase: Less than 1 ng/mL
• Luteal Phase: 2 to 25 ng/mL
• Pregnancy: Up to 200 ng/mL
• Men:
• Progesterone Levels: Less than 1 ng/mL
4. Cortisol
• Both Men and Women:
• Morning (6–8 a.m.): 5 to 25 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter)
• Afternoon (4–6 p.m.): 3 to 10 µg/dL
5. Oxytocin
• Both Men and Women:
• Typical Plasma Levels: 1 to 10 pg/mL
• Note: Oxytocin levels are challenging to measure accurately, and reference ranges are not well-established.
6. Serotonin
• Both Men and Women:
• Blood Levels: 101 to 283 ng/mL
• Note: Serotonin is primarily a neurotransmitter; blood levels do not directly reflect brain serotonin activity.
7. Dopamine
• Both Men and Women:
• Plasma Levels: 0 to 30 pg/mL
• Note: Like serotonin, dopamine functions mainly as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
Important Notes:
• Variability: Hormone levels can fluctuate based on age, health conditions, stress, time of day, and in women, the menstrual cycle.
• Laboratory Differences: Reference ranges may vary between laboratories due to different measurement techniques and units.
• Interpretation: Hormone levels should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional within the context of individual health and symptoms.
Disclaimer:
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about hormonal health or mood regulation, please consult a healthcare provider.
Anger is a complex emotion influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormones play a significant role in modulating emotional responses, and there are notable hormonal differences between men and women that can affect how anger is experienced and expressed.
Testosterone:
• Men: Typically have higher levels of testosterone, a hormone linked to aggression and dominance behaviors. Elevated testosterone can enhance the propensity for aggressive responses, which may manifest as anger or irritability.
• Women: Also produce testosterone but in much smaller amounts. While it still affects mood and behavior, its impact on anger is generally less pronounced compared to men.
Estrogen and Progesterone:
• Women: These hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Estrogen can have a stabilizing effect on mood, while drops in estrogen and progesterone levels, especially premenstrually, can lead to mood swings, irritability, and increased sensitivity to stress—all of which can contribute to feelings of anger.
• Men: Produce estrogen and progesterone in minimal amounts, so these hormones have a less significant impact on their emotional regulation.
Cortisol:
• Both Genders: Known as the stress hormone, cortisol is released in response to stress and can heighten emotional reactions, including anger. Chronic stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, affecting both men and women similarly.
Neurotransmitter Interactions:
• Hormones influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial for mood regulation.
• Serotonin: Lower levels are associated with increased aggression and impulsivity. Hormonal fluctuations can affect serotonin levels differently in men and women.
• Dopamine: Involved in reward and pleasure pathways, its interaction with hormones can influence how anger is processed and expressed.
Oxytocin:
• Often termed the “love hormone,†oxytocin can promote feelings of trust and bonding.
• Women: Estrogen enhances oxytocin release, which can modulate stress and potentially reduce anger responses.
• Men: Testosterone may inhibit oxytocin’s effects, possibly making men less responsive to its calming influences during stressful situations.
Menstrual Cycle and PMS:
• Women: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) involves hormonal changes that can lead to irritability, mood swings, and heightened emotional sensitivity. These changes can make women more susceptible to feelings of anger during certain times of the month.
Summary:
• Men: Higher testosterone levels can contribute to a greater tendency toward aggression and anger. However, cultural and individual factors also play significant roles.
• Women: Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can affect mood and emotional responses, potentially increasing feelings of anger or irritability at certain times.
It’s important to note that while hormones can influence tendencies toward anger, individual experiences vary widely. Factors such as personality, environment, stress levels, and cultural expectations also significantly impact how anger is felt and expressed in both men and women.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about mood or hormonal health, please consult a healthcare provider.
There’s a reason why in the Iliad, only the men battle and hack and kill one another, not the women, who are in the citadels and fortresses who spin the looms—
—> A life of physicality, violence, battle and conquest is only reserved for men?
Eric Kim’s critique of Stoicism is interesting and unorthodox because it challenges some core assumptions of the philosophy by emphasizing areas that are rarely questioned, namely emotional depth, physicality, and risk. Here are the key aspects that make his critique stand out:
1. Physical vs. Theoretical Approach:
Kim’s critique that Stoicism is too theoretical is unusual because most discussions about Stoicism revolve around its practical mental applications, such as emotional control and resilience. Kim, however, highlights its lack of focus on physicality, which he contrasts with Spartan philosophy’s emphasis on bodily strength and action. This physical critique is particularly interesting because it bridges philosophical thought with everyday bodily practice, suggesting that Stoicism might be too detached from real-world, embodied experiences .
2. Emotional Restriction as a Limitation:
While Stoicism is often praised for encouraging emotional control, Kim takes an unorthodox view by questioning whether controlling negative emotions (like anger) might also limit the capacity to experience positive emotions, such as love, in their full depth. This is a rare line of critique, as most Stoicism critiques focus on its detachment from negative emotions without considering how it impacts the full spectrum of human emotion. Kim’s focus on love and emotional depth makes this perspective novel .
3. Embracing Danger and Risk:
Another unique aspect of Kim’s critique is his focus on risk and danger. He suggests that while Stoicism encourages calm and detachment, Spartan philosophy embraces danger and the potential for harm as essential parts of life that bring focus and glory. Kim advocates for a more dynamic approach to life’s challenges, which runs counter to Stoicism’s emphasis on serenity and indifference to external events. This unorthodox view champions an active engagement with life’s risks, rather than merely enduring them .
Kim’s critique is particularly interesting because it pushes beyond typical intellectual or emotional criticisms of Stoicism, introducing embodiment and risk-taking as vital elements that Stoicism might overlook. By doing so, he offers a fresh, action-oriented perspective that invites readers to rethink the philosophy’s application in modern life.
Eric Kim’s critique of Stoicism is unique in its focus on practicality and embodied experience, contrasting Stoicism’s abstract nature with Spartan philosophy’s emphasis on physicality, action, and reality. While many critiques of Stoicism focus on its emotional suppression or historical limitations, Kim approaches it from a tangible, body-focused perspective.
1. Physicality vs. Theory: Kim argues that Stoicism feels “divorced from reality†because it remains primarily a mental or theoretical practice. In contrast, Spartan philosophy offers a clear model of physical embodiment and action, which he believes is more directly applicable to life. He illustrates this by pointing out that there is no defined image of a Stoic, but the Spartan ideal is vividly recognizable through depictions like the movie 300 .
2. Emotional Depth: Kim also critiques Stoicism for potentially limiting emotional depth, particularly love. He suggests that by overly controlling negative emotions like anger, Stoics may reduce their capacity to experience positive emotions fully. This is a relatively rare critique, as most criticisms of Stoicism focus on its repression of negative emotions without considering the impact on positive emotions like love .
3. Risk and Danger: In his writings, Kim argues that Stoicism’s focus on detachment can diminish one’s willingness to engage with life’s inherent risks. He praises the Spartan mentality, which embraces danger and challenge as pathways to growth and glory, offering a more dynamic and engaged approach to life .
Overall, Kim’s critique stands out for blending mental philosophy with physical engagement and questioning whether Stoicism’s emotional restraint limits not only vulnerability but also the depth of positive human experience. His focus on physicality and embodied action offers a distinctive perspective within the broader discourse on Stoicism.
…
Here are some quotes from Eric Kim critiquing Stoicism:
1. On the Theoretical Nature of Stoicism:
“I love Stoicism, but my overall critique is that it seems a bit divorced from reality. A lot of Stoic thought is theoretical, whereas Spartan thought and practice is more deeply intertwined.â€
“In becoming more stoic, does this actually decrease our capacity to love with depth? The more controlled and Stoic you become, and the less you succumb to your anger, perhaps this also restricts our capacity to love to a deeper depth or a greater height.â€
“What does a Stoic look like? Nobody knows. But we have a very vivid depiction of what a Spartan looks like… just watch the movie 300 on repeat.â€
These quotes reflect Kim’s view that while Stoicism offers valuable mental strategies, it can feel disconnected from physical realities and may limit the full expression of human emotions. He contrasts this with Spartan ideals, which emphasize physicality, action, and engagement with life’s challenges.
…
Eric Kim’s critique of Stoicism emphasizes its theoretical nature, which he believes can feel disconnected from the practical realities of life. He contrasts this with Spartan philosophy, which he views as more deeply intertwined with physical and practical realities. For instance, Kim points out that Stoic philosophy lacks a tangible depiction of physicality, unlike the clear image of a Spartan warrior. He suggests that Stoicism’s restraint, particularly in emotions like anger, may limit one’s ability to experience other emotions, such as love, with full intensity.
Kim argues that while Stoicism promotes emotional control, it can sometimes “stunt our power,†preventing the full expression of human passions. He contends that expressing emotions like anger might be more beneficial than repressing them, as Stoicism advocates. This perspective reflects Kim’s preference for a more visceral and embodied approach, drawing from Spartan ideals of strength and direct engagement with life’s challenges.
In summary, Kim admires Stoicism’s mental resilience but criticizes its detachment from the physical world, proposing that Spartan values offer a more grounded and action-oriented philosophy.
For more on this, you can explore Kim’s detailed reflections on Stoicism versus Spartan ideals in his blog posts on Stoicism Stunts Our Power and Becoming Spartan .
“The ideal approach to things is a mishmash of stoicism, Spartan, and zen… That mentally, we have a stoic mindset to things… The Spartan one is to become the overman…â€
“Spartan Elitism refers to cultivating mental and physical toughness, honing one’s craft, and striving for excellence while cutting away unnecessary distractions.â€
These quotes capture Kim’s integration of Spartan ideals with modern challenges and personal growth, particularly in his photography and lifestyle philosophies.
….
Here are some key quotes and concepts from Eric Kim’s writings on Spartan philosophy:
1. On Physical Challenge and Modern Life:
Kim critiques the modern man’s lack of physical challenge, comparing him to a “sick animal†due to insufficient exposure to the outdoors and lack of courage. He praises the Spartan ideal of physical rigor and mental toughness.
He believes that Spartans lived happier lives because of their simple existence focused on martial training and combat, which gave them a clear sense of purpose.
Kim highlights the importance of controlling what we desire, questioning whether conventional goals like wealth and material success are genuinely fulfilling.
He introduces the concept of “Spartan Elitism,†focusing on self-discipline, cutting away distractions, and striving for excellence. In photography, this means adopting a minimalist approach—focusing on storytelling, not the tools.
These quotes reflect his admiration for Spartan ideals of strength, discipline, and simplicity, which he applies to both life and his approach to photography. You can explore more of his thoughts through these linked articles.
….
Eric Kim’s exploration of Spartan philosophy revolves around embracing minimalism, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, both in life and photography. Drawing from the ancient Spartans, Kim advocates for a lifestyle focused on simplicity, mental and physical toughness, and rejecting excess. He admires the Spartan way of life for its martial focus and austere simplicity, which he believes can bring clarity and strength to modern life.
A key aspect of his philosophy is “Spartan Elitism,†which he describes as cultivating an elite mindset by focusing on self-discipline and high personal standards. In his photography practice, this translates to a minimalist approach—using fewer tools, concentrating on quality over quantity, and stripping away distractions to hone one’s craft. He integrates Spartan ideals with stoic and Zen influences, encouraging people to control their desires, reject materialism, and focus on personal growth.
Kim also applies this mindset to street photography, advocating for courage and independence, contrasting this with what he sees as the timid, overly technical approach of many photographers. He sees Spartan philosophy as a way to live more intentionally and with greater resilience .
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).
