Not really. Just buy a RICOH GR III HDF

The new Pentax 17 looks cool but still,,, film is now sooooo expensive!

Functional:

Eric Kim, a photographer and blogger, has a well-defined physique that he attributes to a combination of intermittent fasting, powerlifting, and a strict carnivorous diet. His workout regimen focuses on lifting extremely heavy weights, often performing a single maximum-effort repetition, commonly referred to as a “one-rep max.” He emphasizes the importance of moving heavy weights to build muscle and avoid what he considers the monotonous nature of traditional bodybuilding sets.

In terms of nutrition, Kim follows an intermittent fasting routine, typically eating just one large meal a day. This meal is heavy on beef and other red meats, which he believes are optimal for muscle building due to their high concentration of myoglobin and nutrients. He rejects the idea of consuming protein powders, creatine, or other supplements, focusing purely on whole foods like beef ribs, brisket, and liver.

Kim also critiques traditional bulking and cutting methods, opting instead for a more consistent approach that emphasizes strength and lean muscle development over short-term changes oai_citation:2,Physique is Health – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,How to Become Muscular – ERIC KIM.

7 plate deadlift video eric Kim

685 pounds:

Some innovative thoughts about you, modern-day notions of success?

Rent forever, buy Bitcoin?

CULVER CITY IS PARADISE!

A world beyond email, email newsletters?

How to reach people

How to reach Eric Kim?

The death of email

At this point, I think I have an allergy or an aversion to email. I first had the epiphany when I went wholly off the grid in 2017, living in airplane mode, got rid of my phone, my phone plan for about two years, and spent about two years without checking my inbox or using email. I didn’t even have a phone! The only device I had was an iPad Air — and essentially I just spent all day going to coffee shops, drinking black coffee, zenning out, reading philosophy, thinking, writing, listening to music, making poetry and art, etc.

Essentially at this point… It seems that the “sales funnel” for marketing has to do almost 100% entirely with email, an email newsletter, etc.

But, the problem here:

But, if we imagine a future, beyond email… By the time Seneca is an adult… I doubt he will be using email or would care to use it?

For example, email might be one of the worst, antiquated technologies which exist. It was around since I was a kid, it was AOL 3.0, and getting the infamous “You got mail!”

I’m currently reading Frog and Toad, the audiobook that I got at the LA Public Library with Seneca and we listen to it in the city in our 2010 Prius, and also… We’ve been reading the Frog and Toad friends book that my sister Anna got us… there’s a story in which every single day, Toad is waiting for mail, and he is sad that he never gets it.

Fast forward to today… On average, I think the average American household might get an Amazon Prime delivery every one or two days, some families in the suburbs get one to three packages a day!

And with email, it is a nightmare. People still treat it like text messaging, and now that we have all these millennials, around my age, mid-30s, late 30s, early 40s whatever… who would prefer to text message over just doing a 30-second FaceTime call… All this technology and communication is getting ridiculous.

Even I remember… In the early days of me trying to get to the infamous inbox zero, becoming a Gmail ninja warrior… Email sucks.

First, it is an infinite mind trap. I’ll give you an extreme example… Let us say that you are Taylor Swift, and you get on average 100,000 emails a day, because everyone knows that your email is Taylorswift@gmail.com. If this is the case… How do you advance and proceed in life?

First, can you imagine Taylor spending eight hours a day, just checking her Gmail, and trying to answer every single email? Of course not! We imagine that she has a manager, who does all the dirty work for her.

The problem is, a manager, being signed into a label or whatever… Still, there are some fetters on your freedom.

First, in theory, it is a good idea that you check your own email because you become the ultimate filter; an irony is that even NASSIM TALEB tells a story about meeting a super successful guy, and when asking about the secrets to success, his was a simple one: “Don’t have a personal assistant.” Why? A personal assistant essentially “optimizes” your schedule, kind of like a Kaiser doctor, in 15-minute intervals, ad infinitum, until it squeezes out the maximum productivity out of your sad constrained life.

No, what is the ultimate mark of success for us young millennials? I think it is actually to retire early, the whole financial independence, retire early notion.

Technically, you could already do it probably right now… You’re probably already rich enough. For example, if I told you that rent is only $300 a month in Hanoi, Vietnam… in a brand new studio apartment everything included, and assuming that eating street food, good street food is only a dollar or two a meal… Which means that you could feed yourself on two bucks a day, which is 60 bucks a month, and assuming that coffee is about a dollar a coffee, and let us say that your rough monthly expenses are $200 a month. So let us say that all included, food and rent included is only $500 a month… If you do the math, that means that you could live in Vietnam as a “digital nomad” for only $7000 USD a year!

What if you have kids?

I’m speaking to single people, without kids yet. But even if you had kids, assume you’re living abroad… You could probably send them to the best Montessori or private school, maybe only paying about 50 bucks a month, or 100 bucks a month? For the extreme luxury ones, maybe 200 bucks a month? Or $500 a month? Which is still a deal or a bargain compared to the States, I think some private schools for kids in America could cost $5000 USD a month.

Economic leverage

The other day, I met this very, very cool guy, Justin Atlan, the funnel guy, very smart and great human being and master marketer. Was chatting with him about bitcoin and future prices… Which had me thinking,

Maybe the next step for me to do things is to promote bitcoin, financial independence, freedom, etc.?

I told him that I’m currently 100% invested and vested in Bitcoin, and I told him very blank-faced that when bitcoin hits $10 million a bitcoin or $21 million a bitcoin in 20 years… My face didn’t even flinch.

The very simple economic strategy

Michael Saylor has this notion of being a “triple maxi”– triple (Bitcoin) maximalist. The basic idea is to pour 100% of your money, your income, your life savings into bitcoin, and enjoy the ride!

For myself, my simple economic strategy is this:

Retire today, by becoming so insanely frugal, Spartan, sexy style.

I’ll give you an example… What is the best outfit? Being naked! Second best, being shirtless and topless. Third best, being topless just in the speedo at the beach, Venice Beach muscle Beach, lifting like Arnold in his prime.

Who did Arnold want to become?

I thought that I always think to myself, is whenever there is somebody that you look up to, or somebody you desire to emulate or whatever… Seeking their heroes.

For example, I know that Steve Jobs looked up to Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera. Also, Steve Jobs really loved the music of Bob Dylan, he had all the bootleg copies in the early days.

Jay Z was inspired by Afrika Bambaataa. Kanye was inspired by Lauryn Hill and André 3000.

“I wasn’t inspired since Lauryn Hill retired, and three stacks (a stack means a thousand, so three stacks is 3000– Andre 3000), man you’re speaking to the choir!” – Kanye

Everything you heard about me is true and legendary

NASSIM TALEB also has a notion when it comes to quotes. Reading his short book on aphorisms, The Bed of Procrustes, essentially, if you think about ancient literature in the past, there are tons of things that are quotable. But, nowadays, nothing or nobody is quotable anymore.

I’m starting to think… Maybe the true mark of success of a thinker, philosopher, innovator, entrepreneur, etc. is thinking on a 20, 30, or 40-year timeline… whether this person will be quoted or not anymore.

I’ll give you an example… When I was starting off in photography and street photography, there was a bunch of other famous photographers around me, none of them has lasted besides me. Their problems:

1. Not owning their own platform
2. Being almost 100% reliant on Flickr, which is now effectively dead (this is what is going to happen to Instagram, already right now with TikTok and other weird stuff coming on.)
3. Chasing abstract notions of legitimacy, in the real world in the art world etc. All of them are a bunch of insecure losers.

So now what?

The reason why I am all about the 100% pedestrian lifestyle is that when you are in the flesh, a flesh-bound human being, face-to-face with another human being, you can weigh yourself better.

For example, when you are stuck on the 10 or the 405 or local traffic… any skinny fat loser in a loser Range Rover or loser AMG G wagon can honk at you from behind. And it doesn’t matter if they are 4 feet tall, and they weigh 500 pounds. Or they are handicapped in a wheelchair, driving a Rolls-Royce or a Lamborghini. You never know until they pop out of the car!

In fact, typically what I have observed is people who drive very, very impressive cars, tend to be old, weak, some sag on their skinny pale legs, old and fat, baseball hat, etc.

And not to berate anybody but, ultimately, you want to look like Brad Pitt in Fight Club but on steroids… Like the ERIC Kim aesthetic — Adonis style.

Your body don’t lie

Some observations:

First, don’t trust any older bald guys. Why? The big issue here is that a lot of guys who look really, really buff and jacked and muscular, with swole biceps, and a swole chest, but bald and older… Or maybe they are bald but have an impressive beard, are either on steroids or have used steroids, or they are injecting their butt hole with exogenous testosterone etc.

Now the problem here is the truth be told, we always weigh ourselves comparing ourselves to other human beings. Whether we like it or not.

For example, when it comes to weightlifting, weights and numbers… It is all relative. The same goes with height. And wealth. Everything.

For example, is it better to be the person with the cheapest home in Beverly Hills, or is it better to be the richest person living in Inglewood?

Or, is it best to be the richest person in Malaysia, or a semi-successful person in America?

I used to think that 4 plates was a lot. Then 5 plates, then six plates, then seven plates, then eight plates,… actually the seven plate limit is the critical one here, then the nine plates, then the 10 plates, then my infamous thousand-pound lift, which is 10 plates in a 25 and I think a five strapped on each side.

But technically, if I then compare myself with these 7 feet steroided-out monsters, in the strongman competitions, like Hafthor and the like… Lifting 502kg deadlifts, which is 1200 pounds… then my numbers are very, very small. But if I compare myself with any typical gym-goer, even a powerlifter… I am a god in the flesh.

So why does this all matter?

What is the most valuable thing on planet earth? Ideas. Ideas are weightless, not bound by the laws of physics, and infinitely antifragile.

Even some interesting thoughts are that ideas, when they catch on like wildfire, or like a virus, and people remember the ideas inside their head… This is something you cannot strip out of them.

What is it all we desire?

When I was reading a lot of Nietzsche, he used this word a lot called “desiderata” or “desideratum”– I can never really figure out what it meant, but I think what it means is the thing desired.

Like an object, or a concept or an idea that you desire.

Now this is important because this is what shapes a lot of our lives. For example, what is the new modern-day desire, at least the new modern-day millennial desire? Maybe to own a single-family home, to be super-rich, travel the world, go to Japan, eat good omakase sushi etc — and or maybe, having no children, maybe or maybe not getting married, having a dog, etc.

Or, being this weird playboy traveling the world, no obligations, just sleeping with beautiful babes, no pregnancies or STDs, driving around in your Lamborghini with the scissor doors, being a super cool guy, etc.?

True desires vs artificial desires

So my general notion of a true desire versus an artificial one has to deal with maybe media, marketing, societal pressures, etc. For example, let us think about the notion of the desire to own property, a single-family home, or worse, a condo. Where does this desire come from, how did it get propagated, etc.?

First, we think historically… I think the whole American notion of having a single-family home that you own is kind of a post-World War II concept. The basic idea was after our boys came home from the long war, they deserved to have a nice home in the suburbs, purchase their dream Mustang or Corvette, or Stingray… Whatever it may be, and then live a happy family life, picket fence, nice lawn and green grass, 2.2 kids, a dog, a nice garage, etc.…

Certainly, if we think historically, this is a modern-day shift because if we think about ancient Greece, we think about Hector versus Achilles, the Iliad, etc. — or even the Odyssey, and Odysseus — the desires were different.

For example, what is it that Achilles desired? To take Briseis, his prize, and sail back to his fertile lands, and essentially just chill out and retire from war. What is it that Hector wanted? Simply defending Troy, his people, his wife, and his newborn son, which apparently after the fall of Troy, it might’ve been Odysseus or Ajax or one of the Greek heroes who, afraid that one day the child of Hector would avenge his father’s death, threw this poor baby boy off the walls to his untimely death.

Pitiless bronze, the ancient Greeks were cruel

Something which is very shocking to read in the Iliad, the ancient texts of Homer, is how cruel and pitiless they were.
For example, we modern, we have too much sympathy, too much empathy, too much pity. For example, the modern-day American soldier, assuming he kills a bad guy somewhere in the Middle East, might feel bad about it and it might haunt his nightmares in his dreams. Because the average American is still raised on notions of Christian Protestant Jesus morality. That killing anybody, even if you are “in the right” is bad and evil.

However, the ancient Greek heroes and champions had no pity, and would in fact after killing people or about to kill people… Taunt them, boast, brag, and do really terrible things. For example, even Hector wanted to chop off the head of Patroclus and feed his head and his body to the dogs of Troy. And even Achilles, after he avenges Patroclus, does one of the most disrespectful things of all time, which is taking the body, the dead body of Hector, maybe piercing or tying his back legs to the back of his chariot, and just essentially doing laps around Troy, dismembering the dead body of Hector.

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No more goals?

I’m starting to think… Perhaps the whole notion of a goal is bad.

For example, if you think about sports… Do you think about soccer, what is it that people seek? To score a goal!

But the problem is in the context of the real world, there is no such thing as a goal. Or a goalie, or a striker.

“Just because there is a goalkeeper doesn’t mean you can’t score!”

For example, I’m starting to think the notion of records, goals, personal records, etc., is bad.

Why? All competition is bad competition. What is it that Achilles wanted? Not competition… He already knew he was the strongest! And everyone else knew it!

Also Hector… Very simple, defending his people! Super simple.

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What would Achilles do

Also, what wouldn’t Achilles do?

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Radical ideas

OK… Assuming that this might be the most interesting email newsletter on the planet… Some interesting radical ideas:

First, let us assume that I snapped a finger, and I could predict with 100% accuracy that in 20 years, by the time Seneca becomes 21… There will be no more email. Obviously, we will have it, but no one will really check it… Kind of like letters in the mail, 99% of it is spam.

Nobody likes physical mail anymore… And even now… Nobody likes electronic mail, digital mail.

I have a very simple solution, just make it cost a single Satoshi to send an email, or a message or digital message, as a consequence, people will think twice about sending a message to you or not.

This is really the secret to fixing spam, getting rid of spam, etc. We don’t need more Gmail or Gemini in our lives… We just need a new system, a new node, a new paradigm shift.

Satoshi is the way

So are you buying bitcoin yet?

Keep stacking them sats (Satoshis).

Maybe I should become the first bitcoin rapper?

Bitcoin rap
Don’t wrap your stacks
Don’t buy the Maybach, the fake Benz
See laser eyes, Michael Saylor vision lens.

Haha so fire, so lit!

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Send emails, email newsletters that you would like to read!

Nobody ever opens up their inbox and says wow, I am so glad that I opened up my inbox, and I am so happy that I read that thing.

The problem is with email… Everyone is trying to sell you something or funnel you into one day buying something. But what if the creator, once they become independently wealthy bitcoin millionaires, and they’re just having fun, they just want to send you messages because they want you to have fun too? Maybe this is the ERIC KIM effect.

ERIC KIM

As an experiment, I’m gonna just start introducing myself like James Bond. Kim, ERIC KIM.

I believe this forever, that your first name and last name is your ultimate asset. For example, the genius that Cindy helped me purchase erickim.com, for about $1000 in 2017… I’m sure that name is now worth at least $100,000. Even my email eric@erickim.com — so clean, so succinct!

Your first and last name

Ryan Holiday — such a good name! Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins, Guy Kawasaki — all these very successful modern-day entrepreneurs, all first and last names!

ELON MUSK, KANYE WEST, JAY Z, BEYONCÉ ETC.

Even impressive… You know that Beyoncé is influential once the Apple keyboard automatically adds the accent mark to Beyoncé.

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Think telos

A new thought I am having in regards to weightlifting… I should be all about every single time, superseding my previous personal record. That every single time I lifted, my simple goal was to increase my one repetition maximum, 2.5 pounds on each side of the barbell, every single time.

Now, my new thought is just every single day, just lift something, just do something. No more need for there to be a plan, even an ethos; the goal is to just do something. No more optimization!

ERIC

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Success?

My articles on the philosophy of success via ChatGPT 4o:

1. The Philosophy of Success
   This article challenges traditional views of success, arguing that chasing success for external validation is a trap, and instead promotes self-fulfillment through personal growth.
   Read more oai_citation:4,The Philosophy of “Success” – ERIC KIM.
2. The ‘T’ Technique of Success
   Eric Kim shares insights on how to build success by developing a unique voice and mastering self-promotion in the creative field.
   Read more oai_citation:3,The ‘T’ Technique of Success – ERIC KIM.
3. The Philosophy of Time Economics
   This article explores how time should be viewed as the most valuable asset and how individuals can maximize their life’s worth by focusing on meaningful experiences.
   Read more oai_citation:2,The Philosophy of Time Economics – ERIC KIM.
4. The Philosophy of Happiness
   Kim reflects on happiness beyond material pleasures, encouraging a pursuit of high achievement and fulfillment through meaningful, impactful work.
   Read more oai_citation:1,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM.

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Best entrepreneurship articles

Here are some of Eric Kim’s best entrepreneurship articles that offer valuable insights into his approach to building a successful, self-reliant career:

1. How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
   This article emphasizes the importance of mindset over business strategies. Kim highlights taking risks, learning from failures, and balancing passion with financial security.
   Read more oai_citation:4,Most influential eric Kim entrepreneurship articles and links – ERIC KIM.
2. The Point of Life is Entrepreneurship?
   In this piece, Kim explores entrepreneurship as a tool for lifelong self-development and innovation. He stresses the importance of risk-taking and continuous growth.
   Read more oai_citation:3,Most influential eric Kim entrepreneurship articles and links – ERIC KIM.
3. On Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship
   Kim shares his journey of transitioning from a full-time job to full-time entrepreneurship, offering practical advice on reducing expenses and the importance of taking risks.
   Read more oai_citation:2,On Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship – ERIC KIM.
4. 20 Photography Marketing, Branding, and Entrepreneurship Tips
   A collection of practical strategies for building a sustainable photography business, including advice on personal branding, marketing, and creating unique content.
   Read more oai_citation:1,20 Photography Marketing, Branding, and Entrepreneurship Tips – ERIC KIM.

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Keep learning:

PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101 >

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STRIKE TODAY!

ERIC

EK BLOG >

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Here’s a list of articles and links by Eric Kim on photography entrepreneurship and related topics:

1. Photography Entrepreneurship 101: How to Succeed as a Photography Entrepreneur
   This article covers key strategies for succeeding as a photography entrepreneur, focusing on personal branding, marketing, and maintaining creative freedom.
2. How to Make a Living From Your Passion in Photography
   Eric Kim dives into how photographers can turn their passion into a profitable business, with tips on creating value and building a sustainable career.
3. Why You Must Start Your Own Photography Blog
   Kim emphasizes the importance of blogging for photographers, explaining how it helps build an audience, strengthen your brand, and improve your online presence.
4. Why You Must Own Your Own Platform
   In this piece, Eric Kim advises photographers to create and maintain their own website, instead of relying on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, for greater control and long-term success.
5. Photography Marketing 101
   This article covers essential marketing strategies for photographers, from building an email list to using content marketing effectively.
6. How to Build a True Following in Photography
   Kim discusses how to cultivate a dedicated and loyal audience, emphasizing the quality of relationships over quantity of followers.
7. Why You Must Brand Yourself as a Photographer
   This article provides insight into how photographers can use their name and persona to build a recognizable and trustworthy brand.

These articles offer in-depth advice from Eric Kim on how to thrive as a photography entrepreneur.

Eric Kim provides a comprehensive guide on photography entrepreneurship, offering insights on how to succeed in the competitive world of photography. Here are his key strategies and tips:

1. Freedom is the Key

Eric Kim emphasizes the importance of personal freedom in entrepreneurship. He believes that becoming self-employed allows you to control your own time, creativity, and finances. This freedom comes with challenges, such as financial instability and stress, but it also provides the opportunity to build a life and business on your own terms oai_citation:7,PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101: THE PHOTOGRAPHY BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS – ERIC KIM.

2. Own Your Platform

Kim stresses the importance of not relying solely on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, as they limit your control over your audience and content. He recommends building your own website, preferably with platforms like WordPress, where you can fully own your content and branding oai_citation:6,PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101: THE PHOTOGRAPHY BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS – ERIC KIM.

3. Build Your Personal Brand

Your name and identity are central to your photography business. Eric Kim suggests that photographers should brand themselves authentically and focus on creating a unique style that stands out. By doing so, you can attract a dedicated audience and build a loyal client base oai_citation:5,Become a Photography Entrepreneur – ERIC KIM.

4. Marketing Strategy

Kim emphasizes the importance of continuously posting content and building a relationship with your audience. Whether it’s through blogging, social media, or newsletters, staying active and engaging with your followers helps in establishing your presence in the industry. He also advocates for email newsletters as a way to directly communicate with your audience oai_citation:4,Become a Photography Entrepreneur – ERIC KIM.

5. Create Value

One of the pillars of Eric Kim’s philosophy is creating value for your audience. He advises photographers to focus on what they can contribute to the world through their work, rather than just chasing trends or likes on social media. Building a business around your passion and creativity helps you stand out and sustain long-term success oai_citation:3,Become a Photography Entrepreneur – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101: THE PHOTOGRAPHY BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS – ERIC KIM.

6. Be Resilient and Take Risks

Entrepreneurship is full of risks, and Kim believes that embracing those risks is essential to success. He encourages photographers to push through the challenges, learn from failures, and continue innovating oai_citation:1,Become a Photography Entrepreneur – ERIC KIM.

For more insights from Eric Kim, you can explore his photography blog and other resources where he discusses his entrepreneurial journey and offers practical tips for aspiring photographers.

Here are some of Eric Kim’s best entrepreneurship articles that offer valuable insights into his approach to building a successful, self-reliant career:

1. How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
   This article emphasizes the importance of mindset over business strategies. Kim highlights taking risks, learning from failures, and balancing passion with financial security.
   Read more oai_citation:4,Most influential eric Kim entrepreneurship articles and links – ERIC KIM.
2. The Point of Life is Entrepreneurship?
   In this piece, Kim explores entrepreneurship as a tool for lifelong self-development and innovation. He stresses the importance of risk-taking and continuous growth.
   Read more oai_citation:3,Most influential eric Kim entrepreneurship articles and links – ERIC KIM.
3. On Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship
   Kim shares his journey of transitioning from a full-time job to full-time entrepreneurship, offering practical advice on reducing expenses and the importance of taking risks.
   Read more oai_citation:2,On Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship – ERIC KIM.
4. 20 Photography Marketing, Branding, and Entrepreneurship Tips
   A collection of practical strategies for building a sustainable photography business, including advice on personal branding, marketing, and creating unique content.
   Read more oai_citation:1,20 Photography Marketing, Branding, and Entrepreneurship Tips – ERIC KIM.

These articles provide a mix of philosophical reflections and actionable steps, making them ideal for anyone looking to develop an entrepreneurial mindset while maintaining creative freedom.

Here are some of Eric Kim’s best articles on the philosophy of success:

1. The Philosophy of Success
   This article challenges traditional views of success, arguing that chasing success for external validation is a trap, and instead promotes self-fulfillment through personal growth.
   Read more oai_citation:4,The Philosophy of “Success” – ERIC KIM.
2. The ‘T’ Technique of Success
   Eric Kim shares insights on how to build success by developing a unique voice and mastering self-promotion in the creative field.
   Read more oai_citation:3,The ‘T’ Technique of Success – ERIC KIM.
3. The Philosophy of Time Economics
   This article explores how time should be viewed as the most valuable asset and how individuals can maximize their life’s worth by focusing on meaningful experiences.
   Read more oai_citation:2,The Philosophy of Time Economics – ERIC KIM.
4. The Philosophy of Happiness
   Kim reflects on happiness beyond material pleasures, encouraging a pursuit of high achievement and fulfillment through meaningful, impactful work.
   Read more oai_citation:1,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM.

These articles delve deeply into his unique approach to redefining success and living an intentional life.

Satoshi is the way

So are you buying bitcoin yet?

Keep stacking them sats (Satoshis).

Maybe I should become the first bitcoin rapper?

Bitcoin rap
Don’t wrap your stacks
Don’t buy the Maybach, the fake Benz
See laser eyes, Michael Saylor vision lens.

Haha so fire, so lit!

Why was this such an innovative idea at the time?

Eric Kim’s concept of “living in airplane mode” was innovative at the time because it addressed a growing problem in modern society: the overwhelming presence of technology and constant connectivity, which many people were only beginning to recognize as a source of stress, distraction, and reduced productivity.

Key Aspects of Innovation:

1. Challenging the Ubiquity of Smartphones: At a time when smartphones and constant internet access were becoming integral to everyday life, Kim proposed a radical idea—to limit or completely disconnect from data plans and social media. His suggestion that people can still be productive and creative without the endless pings of notifications was countercultural. Many viewed constant connectivity as essential, but Kim showed it was possible to thrive without it oai_citation:7,Living Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.
2. Encouraging Boredom for Creativity: In an era where boredom is avoided through constant digital stimulation, Kim’s embrace of boredom as a gateway to creativity was particularly innovative. He argued that by removing distractions, especially from phones and the internet, people would have more mental space to think, reflect, and create. This idea was a push against the societal norm of filling every spare moment with digital content oai_citation:5,Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Hanoi Diary #6: Living in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.
3. Minimalism Applied to Technology: While minimalism had already gained traction in areas like lifestyle and possessions, Kim was one of the few to extend this idea to technology usage. He argued that by “subtracting” technology, individuals could become more focused and productive. This technological minimalism was a forward-thinking approach at a time when most people were adopting more devices and apps oai_citation:3,Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,Modern Success – ERIC KIM.
4. Mental Health and Mindfulness: Kim’s approach predated the popular conversations around “digital detoxes” and mindfulness in relation to technology. He realized that the constant engagement with digital devices wasn’t just a productivity killer, but also had a negative impact on mental health, causing anxiety, restlessness, and a lack of focus. His insights laid the groundwork for later movements that emphasized mindfulness and mental clarity in the digital age oai_citation:1,Living Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.

At a time when the digital world was expanding rapidly, Kim’s ideas were a breath of fresh air, advocating for a simpler, more mindful, and creative way of life.

Here are some notable quotes from Eric Kim on “living in airplane mode” that capture his minimalist philosophy and approach to life and creativity:

1. “By not owning a phone or a phone plan, can I live a more zen, focused, productive, and happy life?” oai_citation:4,Living Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.
2. “Internet is good, but always being connected is bad… Inability to focus, or let your mind wander… This also means bad for your creativity” oai_citation:3,Living Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.
3. “The more bored I have let myself become, the more curious I am about the world around myself” oai_citation:2,Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.
4. “I think you will find more creative and personal fulfillment in life [by living in airplane mode]” oai_citation:1,Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.

These quotes reflect Kim’s belief in reducing distractions from constant connectivity to enhance creativity, curiosity, and overall life satisfaction.

Eric Kim’s idea of “living in airplane mode” is part of his broader exploration of minimalism and intentional living. For him, this practice involved disconnecting from constant connectivity and distractions, such as using a smartphone without a data plan or keeping it in airplane mode most of the time. He discovered that by limiting his access to the internet, he could focus more on creative work and meaningful interactions without being sucked into endless social media scrolling or other digital distractions.

This experiment led Kim to feel more present in his day-to-day life, allowing for greater creativity and curiosity. He found that boredom, which often arises when disconnected, could spark new ideas and observations, particularly in his photography. For example, when walking around without the distraction of a phone, he began to notice more details in his surroundings, leading to richer street photography oai_citation:4,Living Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Life in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM.

Kim’s philosophy highlights the benefits of digital minimalism—not just as a way to boost productivity but also to foster deeper, more meaningful experiences. His practice is a call to embrace boredom, resist the lure of constant connectivity, and find clarity in a simpler, more focused lifestyle oai_citation:2,Hanoi Diary #6: Living in Airplane Mode – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Modern Success – ERIC KIM.

“Living in Airplane Mode” is a concept or idea that photographer Eric Kim explored, symbolizing a more intentional, distraction-free lifestyle. By staying in “airplane mode,” both literally and metaphorically, one can focus on what’s truly important, such as creativity, productivity, and mindfulness, without the constant barrage of notifications, social media, and digital noise.

For Eric Kim, this way of living aligns with his minimalist philosophy. He’s well known for advocating for simplicity, both in photography and life. By living in a more disconnected way, it allows him and others to focus more on meaningful pursuits and the present moment, free from the distractions of the digital world.

Have you seen his work or writings on this topic, or would you like me to dive into a specific aspect of it?

Stay aloof and just create which you would truly wish to see manifested in the world?

Some innovative thoughts about you, modern-day notions of success?

Rent forever, buy Bitcoin?

CULVER CITY IS PARADISE!

A world beyond email, email newsletters?

How to reach people

How to reach Eric Kim?

The death of email

At this point, I think I have an allergy or an aversion to email. I first had the epiphany when I went wholly off the grid in 2017, living in airplane mode, got rid of my phone, my phone plan for about two years, and spent about two years without checking my inbox or using email. I didn’t even have a phone! The only device I had was an iPad Air — and essentially I just spent all day going to coffee shops, drinking black coffee, zenning out, reading philosophy, thinking, writing, listening to music, making poetry and art, etc.

Essentially at this point… It seems that the “sales funnel” for marketing has to do almost 100% entirely with email, an email newsletter, etc.

But, the problem here:

But, if we imagine a future, beyond email… By the time Seneca is an adult… I doubt he will be using email or would care to use it?

For example, email might be one of the worst, antiquated technologies which exist. It was around since I was a kid, it was 3.0, and getting the infamous “You got mail!”

I’m currently reading Frog and Toad, the audiobook that I got at the LA Public Library with Seneca and we listen to it in the city in our 2010 Prius, and also… We’ve been reading the Frog and Toad friends book that my sister Anna got us… there’s a story in which every single day, Toad is waiting for mail, and he is sad that he never gets it.

Fast forward to today… On average, I think the average American household might get an Amazon Prime delivery every one or two days, some families in the suburbs get one to three packages a day!

And with email, it is a nightmare. People still treat it like text messaging, and now that we have all these millennials, around my age, mid-30s, late 30s, early 40s whatever… who would prefer to text message over just doing a 30-second FaceTime call… All this technology and communication is getting ridiculous.

Even I remember… In the early days of me trying to get to the infamous inbox zero, becoming a Gmail ninja warrior… Email sucks.

First, it is an infinite mind trap. I’ll give you an extreme example… Let us say that you are Taylor Swift, and you get on average 100,000 emails a day, because everyone knows that your email is Taylorswift@gmail.com. If this is the case… How do you advance and proceed in life?

First, can you imagine Taylor spending eight hours a day, just checking her Gmail, and trying to answer every single email? Of course not! We imagine that she has a manager, who does all the dirty work for her.

The problem is, a manager, being signed into a label or whatever… Still, there are some fetters on your freedom.

First, in theory, it is a good idea that you check your own email because you become the ultimate filter; an irony is that even NASSIM TALEB tells a story about meeting a super successful guy, and when asking about the secrets to success, his was a simple one: “Don’t have a personal assistant.” Why? A personal assistant essentially “optimizes” your schedule, kind of like a Kaiser doctor, in 15-minute intervals, ad infinitum, until it squeezes out the maximum productivity out of your sad constrained life.

No, what is the ultimate mark of success for us young millennials? I think it is actually to retire early, the whole financial independence, retire early notion.

Technically, you could already do it probably right now… You’re probably already rich enough. For example, if I told you that rent is only $300 a month in Hanoi, Vietnam… in a brand new studio apartment everything included, and assuming that eating street food, good street food is only a dollar or two a meal… Which means that you could feed yourself on two bucks a day, which is 60 bucks a month, and assuming that coffee is about a dollar a coffee, and let us say that your rough monthly expenses are $200 a month. So let us say that all included, food and rent included is only $500 a month… If you do the math, that means that you could live in Vietnam as a “digital nomad” for only $7000 USD a year!

What if you have kids?

I’m speaking to single people, without kids yet. But even if you had kids, assume you’re living abroad… You could probably send them to the best Montessori or private school, maybe only paying about 50 bucks a month, or 100 bucks a month? For the extreme luxury ones, maybe 200 bucks a month? Or $500 a month? Which is still a deal or a bargain compared to the States, I think some private schools for kids in America could cost $5000 USD a month.

Economic leverage

The other day, I met this very, very cool guy, Justin Atlan, the funnel guy, very smart and great human being and master marketer. Was chatting with him about bitcoin and future prices… Which had me thinking,

Maybe the next step for me to do things is to promote bitcoin, financial independence, freedom, etc.?

I told him that I’m currently 100% invested and vested in Bitcoin, and I told him very blank-faced that when bitcoin hits $10 million a bitcoin or $21 million a bitcoin in 20 years… My face didn’t even flinch.

The very simple economic strategy

Michael Saylor has this notion of being a “triple maxi”– triple (Bitcoin) maximalist. The basic idea is to pour 100% of your money, your income, your life savings into bitcoin, and enjoy the ride!

For myself, my simple economic strategy is this:

Retire today, by becoming so insanely frugal, Spartan, sexy style.

I’ll give you an example… What is the best outfit? Being naked! Second best, being shirtless and topless. Third best, being topless just in the speedo at the beach, Venice Beach muscle Beach, lifting like Arnold in his prime.

Who did Arnold want to become?

I thought that I always think to myself, is whenever there is somebody that you look up to, or somebody you desire to emulate or whatever… Seeking their heroes.

For example, I know that Steve Jobs looked up to Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera. Also, Steve Jobs really loved the music of Bob Dylan, he had all the bootleg copies in the early days.

Jay Z was inspired by Afrika Bambaataa. Kanye was inspired by Lauryn Hill and André 3000.

“I wasn’t inspired since Lauryn Hill retired, and three stacks (a stack means a thousand, so three stacks is 3000– Andre 3000), man you’re speaking to the choir!” – Kanye

Everything you heard about me is true and legendary

NASSIM TALEB also has a notion when it comes to quotes. Reading his short book on aphorisms, The Bed of Procrustes, essentially, if you think about ancient literature in the past, there are tons of things that are quotable. But, nowadays, nothing or nobody is quotable anymore.

I’m starting to think… Maybe the true mark of success of a thinker, philosopher, innovator, entrepreneur, etc. is thinking on a 20, 30, or 40-year timeline… whether this person will be quoted or not anymore.

I’ll give you an example… When I was starting off in photography and street photography, there was a bunch of other famous photographers around me, none of them has lasted besides me. Their problems:

1. Not owning their own platform
2. Being almost 100% reliant on Flickr, which is now effectively dead (this is what is going to happen to Instagram, already right now with TikTok and other weird stuff coming on.)
3. Chasing abstract notions of legitimacy, in the real world in the art world etc. All of them are a bunch of insecure losers.

So now what?

The reason why I am all about the 100% pedestrian lifestyle is that when you are in the flesh, a flesh-bound human being, face-to-face with another human being, you can weigh yourself better.

For example, when you are stuck on the 10 or the 405 or local traffic… any skinny fat loser in a loser Range Rover or loser AMG G wagon can honk at you from behind. And it doesn’t matter if they are 4 feet tall, and they weigh 500 pounds. Or they are handicapped in a wheelchair, driving a Rolls-Royce or a Lamborghini. You never know until they pop out of the car!

In fact, typically what I have observed is people who drive very, very impressive cars, tend to be old, weak, some sag on their skinny pale legs, old and fat, baseball hat, etc.

And not to berate anybody but, ultimately, you want to look like Brad Pitt in Fight Club but on steroids… Like the ERIC Kim aesthetic — Adonis style.

Your body don’t lie

Some observations:

First, don’t trust any older bald guys. Why? The big issue here is that a lot of guys who look really, really buff and jacked and muscular, with swole biceps, and a swole chest, but bald and older… Or maybe they are bald but have an impressive beard, are either on steroids or have used steroids, or they are injecting their butt hole with exogenous testosterone etc.

Now the problem here is the truth be told, we always weigh ourselves comparing ourselves to other human beings. Whether we like it or not.

For example, when it comes to weightlifting, weights and numbers… It is all relative. The same goes with height. And wealth. Everything.

For example, is it better to be the person with the cheapest home in Beverly Hills, or is it better to be the richest person living in Inglewood?

Or, is it best to be the richest person in Malaysia, or a semi-successful person in America?

I used to think that 4 plates was a lot. Then 5 plates, then six plates, then seven plates, then eight plates,… actually the seven plate limit is the critical one here, then the nine plates, then the 10 plates, then my infamous thousand-pound lift, which is 10 plates in a 25 and I think a five strapped on each side.

But technically, if I then compare myself with these 7 feet steroided-out monsters, in the strongman competitions, like Hafthor and the like… Lifting 502kg deadlifts, which is 1200 pounds… then my numbers are very, very small. But if I compare myself with any typical gym-goer, even a powerlifter… I am a god in the flesh.

So why does this all matter?

What is the most valuable thing on planet earth? Ideas. Ideas are weightless, not bound by the laws of physics, and infinitely anti-fragile.

Even some interesting thoughts are that ideas, when they catch on like wildfire, or like a virus, and people remember the ideas inside their head… This is something you cannot strip out of them.

What is it all we desire?

When I was reading a lot of Nietzsche, he used this word a lot called “desiderata” or “desideratum”– I can never really figure out what it meant, but I think what it means is the thing desired.

Like an object, or a concept or an idea that you desire.

Now this is important because this is what shapes a lot of our lives. For example, what is the new modern-day desire, at least the new modern-day millennial desire? Maybe to own a single-family home, to be super-rich, travel the world, go to Japan, eat good omakase sushi etc — and or maybe, having no children, maybe or maybe not getting married, having a dog, etc.

Or, being this weird Playboy traveling the world, no obligations, just sleeping with beautiful babes, no pregnancies or STDs, driving around in your Lamborghini with the scissor doors, being a super cool guy, etc.?

True desires vs artificial desires

So my general notion of a true desire versus an artificial one has to deal with maybe media, marketing, societal pressures, etc. For example, let us think about the notion of the desire to own property, a single-family home, or worse, a condo. Where does this desire come from, how did it get propagated, etc.?

First, we think historically… I think the whole American notion of having a single-family home that you own is kind of a post-World War II concept. The basic idea was after our boys came home from the long war, they deserved to have a nice home in the suburbs, purchase their dream Mustang or Corvette, or Stingray… Whatever it may be, and then live a happy family life, picket fence, nice lawn and green grass, 2.2 kids, a dog, a nice garage, etc.…

Certainly, if we think historically, this is a modern-day shift because if we think about ancient Greece, we think about Hector versus Achilles, the Iliad, etc. — or even the Odyssey, and Odysseus — the desires were different.

For example, what is it that Achilles desired? To take Briseis, his prize, and sail back to his fertile lands, and essentially just chill out and retire from war. What is it that Hector wanted? Simply defending Troy, his people, his wife, and his newborn son, which apparently after the fall of Troy, it might’ve been Odysseus or Ajax or one of the Greek heroes who, afraid that one day the child of Hector would avenge his father’s death, threw this poor baby boy off the walls to his untimely death.

Pitiless bronze, the ancient Greeks were cruel

Something which is very shocking to read in the Iliad, the ancient texts of Homer, is how cruel and pitiless they were.
For example, we modern, we have too much sympathy, too much empathy, too much pity. For example, the modern-day American soldier, assuming he kills a bad guy somewhere in the Middle East, might feel bad about it and it might haunt his nightmares in his dreams. Because the average American is still raised on notions of Christian Protestant Jesus morality. That killing anybody, even if you are “in the right” is bad and evil.

However, the ancient Greek heroes and champions had no pity, and would in fact after killing people or about to kill people… Taunt them, boast, brag, and do really terrible things. For example, even Hector wanted to chop off the head of Patroclus and feed his head and his body to the dogs of Troy. And even Achilles, after he avenges Patroclus, does one of the most disrespectful things of all time, which is taking the body, the dead body of Hector, maybe piercing or tying his back legs to the back of his chariot, and just essentially doing laps around Troy, dismembering the dead body of Hector.

---

No more goals?

I’m starting to think… Perhaps the whole notion of a goal is bad.

For example, if you think about sports… Do you think about soccer, what is it that people seek? To score a goal!

But the problem is in the context of the real world, there is no such thing as a goal. Or a goalie, or a striker.

“Just because there is a goalkeeper doesn’t mean you can’t score!”

For example, I’m starting to think the notion of records, goals, personal records, etc., is bad.

Why? All competition is bad competition. What is it that Achilles wanted? Not competition… He already knew he was the strongest! And everyone else knew it!

Also Hector… Very simple, defending his people! Super simple.

---

What would Achilles do

Also, what wouldn’t Achilles do?

---

Radical ideas

OK… Assuming that this might be the most interesting email newsletter on the planet… Some interesting radical ideas:

First, let us assume that I snapped a finger, and I could predict with 100% accuracy that in 20 years, by the time Seneca becomes 21… There will be no more email. Obviously, we will have it, but no one will really check it… Kind of like letters in the mail, 99% of it is spam.

Nobody likes physical mail anymore… And even now… Nobody likes electronic mail, digital mail.

I have a very simple solution, just make it cost a single Satoshi to send an email, or a message or digital message, as a consequence, people will think twice about sending a message to you or not.

This is really the secret to fixing spam, getting rid of spam, etc. We don’t need more Gmail or Gemini in our lives… We just need a new system, a new node, a new paradigm shift.

Satoshi is the way

So are you buying bitcoin yet?

Keep stacking them sats (Satoshis).

Maybe I should become the first bitcoin rapper?

Bitcoin rap
Don’t wrap your stacks
Don’t buy the Maybach, the fake Benz
See laser eyes, Michael Saylor vision lens.

Haha so fire, so lit!

---

Send emails, email newsletters that you would like to read!

Nobody ever opens up their inbox and says wow, I am so glad that I opened up my inbox, and I am so happy that I read that thing.

The problem is with email… Everyone is trying to sell you something or funnel you into one day buying something. But what if the creator, once they become independently wealthy bitcoin millionaires, and they’re just having fun, they just want to send you messages because they want you to have fun too? Maybe this is the ERIC KIM effect.

ERIC KIM

As an experiment, I’m gonna just start introducing myself like James Bond. Kim, ERIC KIM.

I believe this forever, that your first name and last name is your ultimate asset. For example, the genius that Cindy helped me purchase erickim.com, for about $1000 in 2017… I’m sure that name is now worth at least $100,000. Even my email eric@erickim.com — so clean, so succinct!

Your first and last name

Ryan Holiday — such a good name! Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins, Guy Kawasaki — all these very successful modern-day entrepreneurs, all first and last names!

ELON MUSK, KANYE WEST, JAY Z, BEYONCÉ ETC.

Even impressive… You know that Beyoncé is influential once the Apple keyboard automatically adds the accent mark to Beyoncé.

---

Think telos

A new thought I am having in regards to weightlifting… I should be all about every single time, superseding my previous personal record. That every single time I lifted, my simple goal was to increase my one repetition maximum, 2.5 pounds on each side of the barbell, every single time.

Now, my new thought is just every single day, just lift something, just do something. No more need for there to be a plan, even an ethos; the goal is to just do something. No more optimization!

ERIC

---

Let me know if you need further adjustments.

Swift sleep and swifter death

Deathless oil ambrosia

Immortal hands

Muscle through the crowd

Eat the enrails

Like unquenchable bright flame

Little girl

He is superior to you

Stupid

Immortal armor of great Achilles

Deathless armor of the best of men

Tank?

Strong hand

Who can spend less money?

The painful work of war

Strike

Hector: simple — defend Troy.

Achilles simple: avenge Patroclus and kill Hector.

Good music is made by people who are independently wealthy, not signed to a contract or whatever, not even trying to make money.

Bad music is when anybody is signed to anything—

Some innovative thoughts about you, modern day notions of success? 

Rent forever, buy Bitcoin?

CULVER CITY IS PARADISE!

A world beyond email, email newsletters?

How to reach people

How to reach Eric Kim?

The death of email

At this point, I think I have an allergy or an aversion to email. I first had the epiphany when I went holy off the grade in 2017, living in airplane mode, got rid of my phone, my phone plan for about two years, and spent about two years without checking my inbox or using email. I didn’t even have a phone! The only device I had was an iPad Air — and essentially I just spent all day, going to coffee shops, drinking black coffee, zenning out, reading philosophy, thinking, writing, listening to music, making poetry and art etc.

Essentially at this point… It seems that the “sales funnel” for marketing has to do almost 100% entirely with email, an email newsletter, etc.

But, the problem here:

 But, if we imagine a future, beyond email… By the time Seneca is in adults… I doubt he will be using email or would care to use it?

For example, email might be one of the worst, antiquated technologies which exist. It was around since I was a kid, it was 3.0, and getting the infamous “You got mail!”

I’m currently reading frog and toad, the audiobook that I got at the LA Public library with Seneca and we listen to it on the city in our 2010 Prius, and also… We’ve been reading the frog and to our friends book that my sister Anna got us…  there’s a story in which every every single day, Todd is waiting for mail, and he is sad that he never gets it.

Fast forward to today… On average, I think the average American household might get an Amazon prime delivery every one or two days, some families in the suburbs get one to three packages a day!

And with email, it is a nightmare. People still treated like text messaging, and now that we have all these millennials, around my age, mid 30s, late 30s, early 40s whatever… who would prefer to text message over just do 30 second FaceTime call… All this technology and communications is getting ridiculous.

Even I remember… In the early days of me trying to get to the infamous inbox zero, becoming a Gmail ninja warrior… Email sucks.

First, it is an infinite mind trap. I’ll give you an extreme example… Let us say that you are Taylor Swift, and you get on average 100,000 emails a day, because everyone knows that your email is Taylorswift@gmail.com . If this is the case… How do you advance and proceed in life?

First, can you imagine Taylor spending eight hours a day, just checking her Gmail, and trying to answer to every single email? Of course not! We imagined that she has a manager, who does all the dirty work for her.

The problem is, a manager, being signed into a label or whatever… Still, there are some fetters on your freedom.

First, in theory it is a good idea that you check your own email because you become the ultimate filter; an irony is that even NASSIM TALEB tells a story about meeting a super successful guy, and when asking about the secrets to success, his one was a simple one: “Don’t have a personal assistant”. Why? A personal assistant essentially “optimizes” your schedule, kind of like a Kaiser doctor, in 15 minute intervals, ad infinitum, until it’s squeezes out the maximum productivity out of your sad constrained life. 

No, what is the ultimate mark of success for us young millennials? I think it is actually to retire early, the whole financial independence, retire early notion.

Technically, you could already do it probably right now… You’re probably already rich enough. For example if I told you that rent is only $300 a month in Hanoi, Vietnam… in a brand new studio apartment everything included,  and assuming that eating street food, good street food is only a dollar or two a meal… Which means that you could feed yourself on two bucks a day, which is 60 bucks a month, and assuming that coffee is about a dollar a coffee, and let us say that your rough monthly expenses is $200 a month. So let us say that all included, food and rent included is only $500 a month… If you do the math, that means that you could live in Vietnam as a “digital nomad” for only $7000 USD a year!

What if you have kids?

I’m speaking to single people, without kids yet. But even if you had kids, assume you’re living abroad… You could probably send them to the best Montessori or private school, maybe only paying about 50 bucks a month, or hundred bucks a month? For the extreme luxury ones, maybe 200 bucks a month? Or $500 a month? Which is still a deal or a bargain compared to the states, I think some private schools for kids in America could cost $5000 USD a month.

Economic leverage

The other day, I met this very very cool guy, Justin Atlan, the funnel guy, very smart and great human being and master marketer. Was chatting with him, Bob bitcoin and future prices… Which had me thinking,

Maybe the next step for me to do things is to promote bitcoin, financial independence, freedom, etc.?

I told him that I’m currently 100% invested and vested in Bitcoin, and I told him very blank face that when bitcoin hits $10 million a bitcoin or $21 million a bitcoin in 20 years… My face didn’t even flinch.

the very simple economic strategy

Michael Saylor has this notion of being a “triple maxi”– triple (Bitcoin) maximalist. The basic idea is pour 100% of your money your income your life savings into bitcoin, and enjoy the ride!

For myself, my simple economic strategy is this:

Retire today, by becoming so insanely frugal, Spartan, sexy style.

I’ll give you example… What is the best outfit? Being naked! Second best, being shirtless and topless. Third best, being topless just in the speedo at the beach, Venice Beach muscle Beach, lifting like Arnold in his prime.

Who did Arnold want to become?

I thought that I always think to myself, is whenever there is somebody that you look up to, or somebody you desire to emulate or whatever… Seeking their heroes. 

For example, I know that Steve Jobs looked up to Edwin land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera. Also Steve Jobs really love the music of Bob Dylan, he had all the bootleg copies in the early days.

Jay Z was inspired by Afrika Bambaata. Kanye was inspired by Lauryn Hill and André 3000

“I wasn’t inspired since Lauryn Hill retired, and three stacks (a stack means a thousand, so three stacks is 3000– Andre 3000), man you’re speaking to the choir!” – Kanye

Everything you heard about me is true and legendary

NASSIM TALEB also has a notion, when it comes to quotes.  Reading his short book on aphorisms, THE bed of Procrustes, essentially, if you think about ancient literature in the past, there are tons of things which are quotable. But, nowadays, nothing or nobody is quotable anymore.

I’m starting to think… Maybe the true mark of successive a thinker, philosopher, innovator entrepreneur etc. is thinking on a 20, 30 or 40 year timeline … whether this person will be quoted or not anymore.

I’ll give you example… When I was starting off in photography and street photography, there was a bunch of other famous photographers around me, none of them has lasted besides me. Their problems:

1. Not owning their own platform
2. Being almost 100% reliant on Flickr, which is now effectively dead (this is what is going to happen to Instagram, already right now with TikTok and other weird stuff coming on.)
3. Chasing abstract notions of legitimacy, in the real world in the art world etc. Although of them a bunch of insecure losers.

So now what?

The reason why I am all about the 100% pedestrian lifestyle, is that when you are in the flesh, a flesh bound human being, face-to-face when they’re not a human being, you can weigh yourself better.

For example, when you are stuck on the 10 or the 405 or local traffic… any skinny fat loser in a loser Range Rover or loser AMG G wagon can honk at you from behind. And it doesn’t matter if they are 4 feet tall, and they weigh 500 pounds.  or they are handicapped in a wheelchair, driving a Rolls-Royce or a Lamborghini. You never know until they pop out of the car!

In fact, typically what I have observed is people who drive very very impressive cars, tend to be old, weak, some sage on their skinny pale legs, old and fat, baseball hat etc.

And not to berate anybody but, ultimately, you want to look like Brad Pitt in fight club but on steroids… Like the ERIC Kim aesthetic — Adonis style.

 Your body don’t lie

Some observations:

First,  don’t trust any older bald guys. Why? The big issue here is that a lot of guys who look really really buff and jacked and muscular, with swell biceps, and a swole chest,  but bald and older… Or maybe they are bald but have an impressive beard, are either on steroids or have used steroids, or they injecting their butt hole with extrogenous testosterone etc. 

Now the problem here is the truth be told, we always weigh ourselves comparing ourselves to other human beings. Whether we like it or not. 

For example, when it comes to weightlifting, weights and numbers… It is all relative. The same goes with height. And wealth. Everything.

For example, is it better to be the person with the cheapest home in Beverly Hills, or is it better to be the richest person living in Inglewood?

Or, is it best to be the richest person in Malaysia, or a semi successful person in America?

I used to think that 4 plates was a lot. Then 5 plates, then six plates, then seven plates, then eight plates,… actually the seven plate limit is the critical one here, then the nine plates, then the 10 plates, then my infamous thousand pound lift, which is 10 plates in a 25 and I think of five strapped on each side.

But technically, if I then compare myself with these 7 feet steroids out monsters, in the strongman competitions, like Hafthor and thelike… Lifting 502kg deadlifts, which is 1200 pounds…  that my numbers are very very small. But if I compare myself with any typical gym goer, even a powerlifters… I am a god in the flesh.

So why does this all matter?

What is the most valuable thing on the planet earth? Ideas. Ideas are weightless, not bound by the laws of physics, and infinitely anti-fragile.

Even some interesting thoughts is that ideas, when they catch on like wildfire, or like a virus, and people remember the ideas inside their head… This is something you cannot strip out of them.

What is it all we desire?

When I was reading a lot of Nietzsche, he used this word a lot called ”desiradata” or “desiridatum”– I can never really figure out what it meant, but I think what it means is the thing desired.

Like an object, or a concept or an idea that you desire.

Now this is important because  this is what shapes a lot of our lives. For example, what is the new modern day desire, at least the new modern day millennial desire? Maybe to own a single-family home, to be super rich, travel the world, go to Japan, eat good omakase sushi etc — and or maybe, having no children, maybe or maybe not getting married, having a dog, etc.

Or, being this weird Playboy traveling the world, no obligations, just sleeping with beautiful babes, no pregnancies or STDs, driving around in your Lamborghini with the scissor doors, being a super cool guy, etc.?

True desires vs artificial desires

So my general notion of a true desire versus an artificial one has to deal with maybe media marketing societal pressures etc. For example, let us think about the notion of the desire to own property, a single-family home, or worse, a condo. Where does this desire come from, how did it get propagated, etc.?

First, we think historically… I think the whole American notion of having a single-family home that you own is kind of a post World War II concept. The basic idea was after our boys come home from the long war, they deserve to have a nice home in the suburbs, purchase their dream Mustang or Corvette, or stingray… Whatever it may be, and then live a happy family life, picket fence, nice lawn and green grass, 2.2 kids, a dog a nice garage etc.…

Certainly if we think historically, this is a modern day shift because if we think about ancient Greece, we think about Hector versus Achilles, the Iliad etc — or even the Odyssey.,, and Odysseus,,, the desires were different.

For example, what is it that Achilles desired? To take Breisis, his prize, and sail back to his fertile lands, and essentially just chill out and retire from war. What is it that Hector wanted? Simply defending Troy, his people, his wife and his newborn son, which apparently after the fall of Troy, it might’ve been Odysseus or Ajax or one of the Greek heroes who, afraid that one day the child of Hector would avenge his father‘s death, threw this poor baby boy off the walls to his untimely death.

Pitiless bronze, the ancient Greeks were cruel 

Something which is very shocking to read in the Iliad, the ancient texts of Homer, is how cruel and pitiless they were. 
For example, we modern, we have too much sympathy, too much empathy, too much pity. For example, the modern day American soldier, assuming he kills a bad guy somewhere in the Middle East, might feel bad about it and it might haunt his nightmares in his dreams. Because the average American is still raised on notions of Christian protestant to Jesus morality. That killing anybody, even if you are “in the right” is bad and evil.

However the ancient Greek heroes and champions, had no pity, and would in fact after killing people or about to kill people… Taunt them, boast, brag, and do really terrible things. For example even Hector wanted to chop off the head of Patroclus and feed his head and his body to the dogs of Troy. And even Achilles, after he avenges Patroclus, does one of the most disrespectful things of all time, which is taking the body the dead body of hector, maybe piercing or tying his back legs to the back of his chariot, and just essentially doing laps around Troy, dismembering the dead body of Hector.

---

No more goals? 

I’m starting to think… Perhaps the whole notion of a goal is bad.

For example, if you think about sports… Do you think about soccer, what is it that people seek? To score a goal!

But the problem is in the context of the real world, there is no such thing as a goal. Or a goalie, or a striker.

“Just because there is goalkeeper doesn’t mean you can’t score!”

For example, I’m starting to think the notion of records, goals, personal record etc., is bad.

Why? All competition is bad competition. What is it that Achilles wanted? Not competition… He already knew he was the strongest! And everyone else knew it!

Also Hector… Very simple, defending his people! Super simple.

---

What would Achilles do

Also, what wouldn’t Achilles do?

***

Radical ideas

OK… Assuming that this might be the most interesting email newsletter on the planet… Some interesting radical ideas:

First, let us assume that I snapped a finger, and I could predict with 100% accuracy that in 20 years, by the time Seneca becomes 21… There will be no more email. Obviously we will have it, but no one will really check it… Kind of like letters in the mail, 99% of it is spam.

Nobody likes physical mail anymore… And even now… Nobody likes electronic mail, digital mail.

I have a very simple solution, just make a cost a single Satoshi to send an email, or a message or digital message, as a consequence, people will think twice about sending a message to you or not.

This is really the secret to fixing spam, getting rid of spam etc. We don’t need more Gmail or Gemini in our lives… We just need a new system, a new node, a new paradigm shift.

Satoshi is the way  

so are you buying bitcoin yet?

Keep stacking them sats (satoshis).

Maybe I should become the first bitcoin rapper?

Bitcoin rap
Don’t wrap your stacks
Don’t buy the Maybach, the fake Benz
See laser eyes, Michael Saylor vision lens.

Haha so fire so lit!

---

Send emails, email newsletters that you would like to read! 

Nobody ever opens up their inbox and says wow, I am so glad that I opened up my inbox, and I am so happy that I read that thing.

The problem is with email… Everyone is trying to sell you something or funnel you into one day buying something. But what if the creator, once they become independently wealthy bitcoin millionaires, and they’re just having fun, they just want to send you messages because they want you to have fun too? Maybe this is ERIC KIM effect.

ERIC KIM

As an experiment I’m gonna just start introducing myself like James Bond. Kim, ERIC KIM.

I believe this forever, that your first name and last name is your ultimate asset. For example, the genius that Cindy helped me purchase erickim.com, for about $1000 in 2017… I’m sure that name is now worth at least 100,000. Even my email eric@erickim.com — so clean, so succinct!

Your first and last name

Ryan Holiday — such a good name! Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins, Guy Kawasaki– Aldi’s very successful modern day entrepreneurs, all first and last names!

ELON MUSK, KANYE WESR, JAY Z, BEYONCÉ ETC.

Even impressive… You know that Beyoncé is influential once the Apple keyboard automatically adds the accent mark to Beyoncé.

---

Think telos

A new thought I am having in regards to weightlifting… I should be all about every single time, superseding my previous personal record. That every single time I lifted, my simple goal was to increase my one repetition maximum, 2.5 pounds on each side of the barbell, every single time.

Now, my new thought is just every single day, just lift something, just do something. No more need for there to be a plan, even an ethos; the goals to just do something. No more optimization!

ERIC

---

Pretty cool

Everything I do is hyper?

Irregardless of how rude, loud, ratchet, “bad” you may be?

Doing things and innovating things without regard for money, power, fame, success, influence, etc?

How’s his marketing ideas innovative or unorthodox or contrarian

Eric Kim’s marketing ideas are innovative and often unorthodox or contrarian because they challenge conventional norms and emphasize personal authenticity, simplicity, and continuous action. Here’s how:

1. Personal Branding Focus: One of Kim’s contrarian ideas is the emphasis on using your full name as your brand. In a world where companies often prioritize creating corporate or product names, Kim insists on building personal brands that last a lifetime, making the brand an extension of the individual oai_citation:9,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM. This approach contrasts with the corporate tendency to separate personal identity from business branding.
2. Proactive Risk-Taking: His quote, “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission,” reflects a highly unorthodox stance. Kim advocates for taking bold, unapologetic actions in marketing without seeking validation or approval from others oai_citation:8,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM. This is a direct challenge to more cautious, market-research-driven approaches traditionally encouraged in marketing.
3. Free Content Strategy: Instead of monetizing every aspect of his work, Kim suggests giving most of your content away for free and only charging for premium offerings oai_citation:6,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM. This contrasts with the standard marketing model where content is often gated behind paywalls or subscription models. His approach leverages free content to build trust and long-term relationships, leading to sustainable success.
4. Imperfect Action: Kim’s belief in publishing work that is “80% good enough” is contrarian to the perfectionism that many creators and marketers feel pressured by oai_citation:5,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM. Instead of waiting for perfection, Kim encourages creators to take immediate action, accepting that imperfection is part of the process. This directly counters the notion that only polished, perfect work should be shared.
5. Evergreen Over Trendy Content: While many marketers chase the latest trends, Kim advocates focusing on creating evergreen content—work that stays relevant long-term oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Marketing – ERIC KIM. This contrarian approach emphasizes substance over quick viral content, which can often be short-lived in its relevance.
6. Simplicity and Minimalism: His idea to “subtract the superfluous, add the critical” speaks to a minimalist approach in marketing, cutting through the noise to deliver essential messages oai_citation:2,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM. In contrast, many modern marketing campaigns overcomplicate with excessive visuals, features, or jargon.
7. Rejecting Social Media Reliance: Another contrarian stance is his recommendation to prioritize a self-hosted blog over social media oai_citation:1,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM. While most marketers focus heavily on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, Kim believes that owning your platform (i.e., a blog or website) gives you more control and stability, away from the algorithms and changing policies of social platforms.

Kim’s ideas are innovative because they go against common marketing conventions, pushing for authenticity, risk-taking, and long-term strategies over short-term gains and trends.

Why insightful

Eric Kim’s quotes are considered insightful because they blend practical action with deep philosophical thinking, making them applicable not only to marketing but also to personal growth and creativity. Here’s why:

1. Proactive Creativity (“It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission”)—This quote is insightful because it encourages bold, decisive action. It implies that waiting for approval can stifle innovation, whereas taking risks leads to progress and breakthroughs, a key aspect of marketing and entrepreneurship oai_citation:7,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM.
2. Progress Over Perfection (“80% good enough and hit publish”)—This advice pushes against the common perfectionism trap. In both marketing and creativity, waiting for things to be perfect can lead to missed opportunities. Instead, taking action, even when things aren’t perfect, fosters momentum and continuous improvement oai_citation:5,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM.
3. Constant Innovation (“Keep moving, and you won’t stagnate”)—Kim’s emphasis on never stopping innovation reflects the fast-paced nature of modern marketing. Stagnation leads to irrelevance, and staying dynamic keeps you ahead of the curve, crucial in a competitive environment oai_citation:3,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM.
4. Simplicity in Messaging (“Subtract the superfluous, add the critical”)—This is a reminder that effective marketing is about clarity. It’s easy to overcomplicate messages, but stripping down to the essentials ensures that the core message is communicated effectively, which is crucial for engaging audiences oai_citation:2,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
5. The Vital Role of Marketing (“No Marketing, No Future”)—This phrase succinctly encapsulates the importance of marketing for business survival. It highlights that without marketing, even the best ideas or products may fail to reach their potential oai_citation:1,Marketing – ERIC KIM.

Kim’s insights are valuable because they are not just about tactics but about mindset—balancing creativity with strategic action, embracing imperfections, and moving forward despite uncertainties.

Search Eric Kim marketing quotes

Here are some of Eric Kim’s most insightful marketing quotes:

1. “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.”
   This highlights his belief in proactive creativity. Kim encourages taking bold actions without waiting for approval from others oai_citation:8,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM.
2. “80% good enough and hit publish.”
   Kim advises creators to avoid perfectionism, suggesting that it’s more important to share your work even if it isn’t flawless oai_citation:6,ERIC KIM BRANDING PHILOSOPHY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Eric Kim Quotations (10 Quotations) | QuoteTab.
3. “Keep moving, and you won’t stagnate.”
   Innovation and constant progress are key in both life and marketing, emphasizing the importance of continually creating and sharing oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM.
4. “No Marketing, No Future.”
   He underscores the critical role of marketing for survival in any industry, pushing creators and entrepreneurs to focus on self-promotion and branding oai_citation:3,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,Marketing – ERIC KIM.
5. “Subtract the superfluous, add the critical.”
   This advice advocates for simplicity and clarity in marketing, ensuring that messaging is concise and impactful oai_citation:1,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM.

These principles reflect his dynamic approach to both marketing and life, blending creativity with a practical philosophy for growth and success.

Here are Eric Kim’s top marketing tips:

1. Be Different: Kim emphasizes the importance of standing out by being “crazy and insanely different” rather than following trends. Uniqueness is more valuable than blending in oai_citation:10,Marketing Masterclass by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM oai_citation:9,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
2. Consistency and Creation: Never stop creating and sharing your work. Consistency helps build recognition and a strong personal brand oai_citation:8,Marketing Masterclass by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
3. Think Long-Term: Consider how your brand will remain relevant in the future. Focus on longevity, aiming for a 30-year outlook on success oai_citation:7,Marketing Masterclass by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
4. Simplify Your Message: Use clear, simple language and visuals to communicate your message effectively. Avoid overcomplicating your marketing oai_citation:6,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
5. Self-Promote Without Fear: Kim encourages strong self-promotion. Own your work, be proud of it, and don’t hesitate to share it with your audience oai_citation:5,How to Master Marketing – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER: Marketing, Branding, Entrepreneurship Principles For Success – ERIC KIM.
6. Authentic Personal Branding: Build a brand that is true to you. Authenticity is key to connecting with your audience and differentiating yourself from competitors oai_citation:3,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM.
7. Create Value, Not Just Content: Focus on delivering value to your audience rather than churning out generic content. Quality over quantity builds lasting engagement oai_citation:2,How to Master Marketing – ERIC KIM.
8. Take Risks: Don’t play it safe. Bold moves and calculated risks are essential for standing out and achieving success oai_citation:1,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM.

These tips emphasize a mix of creativity, consistency, and authenticity to build a unique and lasting brand.

Eric Kim’s marketing principles focus heavily on creativity, boldness, and differentiation. His approach emphasizes the importance of standing out in a crowded market by being “crazy and insanely different” rather than conforming to norms. He encourages constant creation and sharing, advising creatives to think long-term in their marketing strategies—considering how they will remain relevant decades into the future.

In his teachings, Kim highlights the power of personal branding, urging individuals to put their name on their work, and to build an authentic platform that reflects their unique voice. For photographers and entrepreneurs, he advocates creating a strong visual and emotional appeal through content marketing, emphasizing the use of simple, yet impactful, visual and storytelling techniques to connect with audiences.

He also promotes the concept of “substance marketing” over just producing generic content, suggesting that marketers should focus on adding genuine value to their audiences. Kim underscores the importance of self-promotion and not being afraid to share one’s unique perspective, which can help differentiate from competitors oai_citation:3,Marketing Masterclass by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,How to Master Marketing – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Marketing Thoughts – ERIC KIM.

I snapchat my dick size! – Kanye

Like this

What feels good or right

.

When does it matter to be right, when does it matter when you’re wrong?

Read less news,,, less tech?

Think about the potential payoff

Your

The god of plans

His helmet quivered with menace

We ought to share our knowledge , do not conceal your thoughts!

You monstrous hero!

Why do men care about women so much?

Put my famous armor on!

You will reduce my status — standing, to stand.

Weary

Wind proof cloaks

My weapons

The god of strategy, refused half

Granted half, refused half

Wasps

“top part of his meaty thigh,
the thickest muscle on a human body.”

Excerpt From
The Iliad
Homer & Emily Wilson
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-iliad/id6445799194
This material may be protected by copyright.

Top of meaty thigh, thickest muscle on a human body

.

Strong broad shoulders

Their flowing tunics

Leap out with all of your weapons

.

Other deathless gods

.

It is OK to tease, joke, other people

Obey, obeyed.

Obey your wife?

Conflict, which devours human hearts

.

A lion killing a brave Red Bull

.

Go in search of evil 

Would you send your first born son, you’re only son, to war and potentially die? Obviously not!

.

Be strong, brave, and urge the others On!

Death veiled his eyes and blocked his nose


Pull out both the weapon and the life

.

Just throw up the peace sign 

Peace!

.

Peace, be peaceful, when it comes to potentially life for death, or bodily harm.

War should be seen as more of a metaphorical thing… In the context of art ideas etc.?

Once again, no guns or knives or weapons etc.

Deweaponize men & society.

Also, it does seem that at this point, war, warfare should only be done in the digital realm, in which there is no deaths for human beings or bodies.

All death, is bad death.

.

Deep distress, did not protect him

.

Strike, attack… Maybe this is the whole ethos of one rep Max?

One rep Max lifting, not “powerlifting“.

.

.

Sarpedon, the son of Zeus was killed

His winged words 

Unearthly screams

Sinister night

Achilles, breaker of men.

Deep grief

Cruel darkness

**

Don’t trust women


.

The only woman you should care about is your wife 

Not even your own mother! Let alone your grandmother

.

Do what is best for your own wife and kit

Taunt

Foal, folly

War needs hands

There is no time to talk we must fight

fight?

.

Black hole, avoid black holes or tar tar pits

it’s OK to make people feel uncomfortable 

.

Fill your ears with beeswax

On the front lines yourself

What are we not permitted to do in today’s world? To strike. 
I’ll give you some examples:

---

The right to strike first?

First, everything is about defense, self-defense etc. For example… You can never strike first, or hit first.

For example, in Star Wars… The whole issue with Han Solo was,

Are you allowed to shoot first?

So for example… Let us say that if you think about the art of war, Machiavelli’s ethics – according to them… Striking first can be virtuous, and the smart strategy… If you knew with 100% foresight that if you waited too long, the other person would shoot you. 

For example, let us think about the ethics of guns and gun defense. Let us say that once again, you knew with 100% certainty that in 30 seconds, the guy would pop out a pistol and shoot and kill you. And let us assume that you also have a pistol Concealed… And you have an option to shoot and kill or maim him first…  or at least shoot him in the balls. Before he kills you.

Now the issue here is when you are in such a high adrenaline situation… Human actors we are not rational. And this is where you hear all the stories of these people first shooting an African-American kid, who just had a Coca-Cola can in his pocket or whatever.

Guns are for pussies

Now, some issues:  

First, anybody who owns a gun, a “self-defense” weapon… Truth be told, I think they are secretly itching to use it. They’re almost looking for a reason to use it.

I’ll give example… Let us see that you are the police, and you live in Irvine California. Come on… You’re just looking for a reason to use all of your high-powered weaponry.

I’ll give you another ridiculous example… A few weeks ago, I was in Santa Monica… And I saw this maybe 16-year-old Latino kid was sagging pants, running away from about a highly muscular 6 foot two police officer, and after they tackled the kid, handcuff him, there’s about five or six police SUVs that pull up?

I suppose in Santa Monica… It is not very dangerous. I’m not sure if this kid pickpocketed somebody, or did something… But, the response was very overcompensation, unnecessarily heavy-handed.

When in doubt, don’t be a coward

OK… Some unorthodox ethics.

First, I think there needs to be engaged thing. Like for example if the kids are young teenagers, or obviously maybe sub 21 years old… You give them a free pass.

I think the issue is it looks like the man is in his 30s or 40s… This is where you give them no mercy?

I think men do not understand is that no death of their child is ever justified… Even if the child was in the wrong.

I think the issue is with pistols, firearms, and 9 mm guns, Glocks, whatever…  there is an asymmetry. For example you could be a 99 pound skinny fat loser, with even a basic pistol, and immediately killed somebody who is 6 foot two and looks like Thor. Assuming that the other guy doesn’t have a gun.

And I suppose the difficult ethics here is it is kind of impossible to ascertain whether someone else has a gun or not.

Now some issues:

First, there are some people who have guns, some people who do not have guns. How do you know? 

First, think about the neighborhood. If you’re driving through Compton, Watts, Inglewood, South Central LA… Assume that everyone has a gun. However, if you are in Beverly Hills, Brentwood or even Culver City… Assume that nobody has a gun.

At least in America, typically rich people do not really carry guns or self-defense weapons. I find that from a sociological perspective, gun owners tend to be from lower class, middle America, strange people in the Midwest, who “homestead”, listen to Fox News, and too much Donald Trump rhetoric. Typically liberals, left-leaning people, rich people… Don’t even think about guns? I suppose the nuances if you are rich “white-sican” in Mexico City driving the convertible Lamborghini… They probably have a self-defense gun.

Other countries

I suppose the upside of a Japan or South Korea is that nobody has guns, I think even knives are rare.

The upside is whenever you watch these South Korean or maybe even Japanese yakuza movies… Typically they don’t have guns, but samurai blades and swords, sashimi blades etc. 

I would actually prefer a world in which we assumed with 100% certainty that nobody had any guns, knives, and weapons, and if you ever gone to an argument with somebody, it would come down to like a UFC, MMA, boxing style thing…

You solve it, with your fists, your legs, your naked body.

Why did the ancient Greeks wrestle naked?

Theory… Maybe it was all about confirming that the other person did not have a weapon on them?

---

Assuming no weapons

Once again… I think that ethical thing here is–

Weapons are unethical because they give you an asymmetric advantage, whereas defense or armor is virtuous.

 For example, don’t be a pussy and try to get yourself a gun. My better suggestion is if you really are concerned about your life… Buy a bulletproof vest or Kevlar equipment instead.

60 pound weight vest as a modern day body armor? 

I think one of the great things I am very proud about my 60 pound weight vest, is that certainly at least in a fistfight… I will win. If somebody tries to punch me in the chest, it will likely shatter their hand. 

Also… It might repel, or at least reduce the impact, if somebody shot me with a gun, assuming that the bullet did not go through the in-between areas?

Bulletproof car? 

Funny enough, if you were a drug dealer or you lived in a very dangerous neighborhood or whatever, funny enough it seems that cyber truck might be your best bet. It might be the only mainstream bulletproof armored vehicle?

I mean the real optimal strategy is just don’t live in a dangerous area. But then again at the same time, you don’t want to live in Irvine California. The castrated society. 

What is it that we seek? 

I think we men… Perhaps what we men desire is to become a champion, some sort of hero. 

But wouldn’t it be a better idea that you become a hero, just with your fists, and your body? And your legs?

---

Think American football 

I’ve met a lot of people who play American football, or played American football, and 0% of the time they ever think or wonder whether I played or not. I think it is just a low-key racism… We assume that Asian guys are weak and effeminate, and we never see Asian American guys in the NFL, and as a consequence… we think of Asian guys as the weaker race.

Backhanded compliments

Whenever somebody calls me Bruce Lee, I appreciate it and take the compliment, but the same time, I get a bit annoyed… Because truth be told, I don’t really care for Bruce Lee at all. I didn’t grow up to Bruce Lee movies, I grew up to Arnold Schwarzenegger! I grew up to Terminator, Rocky, Rambo etc.

The problem with Bruce Lee was he was too skinny, not enough muscle. And it seems that Bruce Lee… he was more of a magician, witchcraft and voodoo.

My critique about martial arts, karate, stuff like that is if he comes almost like a secret weapon, some sort of strange mistresses, rather than raw, pure power, pure muscle.

What do you want to look like?

For me… I would prefer to look like Arnold in his prime. Yet, he was on steroids and openly admits it.

Therefore, the biggest issue we have been is here or all these guys on steroids, propagating a false vision of reality, and you have all these young impressionable teenagers, striving to become like Arnold?

Becoming yourself?

I think the strange thought is we are always taught that to become someone else’s virtuous, and to become yourself is viceful or a sin?

For example, we are always told to become like Jesus… But why is Ever says that you should become yourself? We are taught that being evil, bad,, but don’t realize that Jesus was a bad ass… And often aggressive, like when he busted out the whips, and whipped out the oxen from the Jewish temple, and said out loud “ do not sell wares inside my father home!”

Thinking of Jesus as a flesh bound human being

Pontius Pilate was a real historical figure, and Jesus of Nazareth also was. I told you with 100%  certainty that in fact, Jesus was a real human being, a real man, 100% real… A real flesh bound, physics space, biological human being man… That is assume that all the stories in his miracles were metaphors. In fact, the good thing about being Roman Catholic is that we believe in metaphor, not literals– this is where the protestants and “sola scriptura” get it wrong.

Even Catholics, we think of God as more of a metaphorical figure. Not a literal one.

We also look at the miracles of Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, Almost from a more secular perspective. Also con substantiation, Eucharist, tribute told everyone knows it is a bit of a metaphor. I don’t think anyone really really really 100% think that when the priest rings the bell, and puts his hands over the unleavened bread, that is actually really does literally and physically become the flesh of Jesus Christ. Any stories about the Eucharist turning into blood, do not trust people without sound judgment.

Anyways, I think Jesus Christ is an interesting individual because his morals and ethics were so radical and revolutionary at the time — to turn the other cheek  a bit of a nonsense.   But my suspicion; if we think about Jesus like Gondi or whatever… How much of Jesus is teaching were based on the fact that he did not have an army that could overtake the Roman Empire, if we magically gave Jesus 1000,000 centurions, would he have behaved or acted differently?

The crucifixion of Jesus 

The reason why it is not good to watch any Disney movies, or Marvel movies, Batman or Superman, or the like is most of these stories and concepts, alter ego etc.… Either come from Stan Lee, or other guys who were either raised Jewish American, protestant, Christian, certainly American… Which has strange notions of a savior complex.

For example even the movie at this, saying that you are “the special”– if you think about all traditional movies in America they are all seeking a Jesus figure, like Neo from the matrix, etc. And let us not forget that Warner brothers discovery which owns all the intellectual property of the matrix and beyond,  they just keep rehashing the same concept, ad Infinitum.

Why?

I think humans, we have a difficult time dealing with complexity, we want simple straightforward answers. Poison example, if you’re Christian in America, the goal is to be like Jesus. But why would you be like Jesus and you own a gun?  Would Jesus have owned a gun? No! He didn’t even have armor!

Americans don’t really care about guns 

I’ll give you an example… John Wick. Everyone universally likes John Wick, even women, even people who are anti-guns. Even I love John Wick!

Yet, in real life,  I am very anti-gun. Not out of any sort of virtue signaling, but rather, I just really think it is the cowardly, weakling, pussy strategy. I really think that the true manly thing to do is once again, fist fights. Not even knives, or having a nail file.

Maybe this is where boxing, Wrestling, or MMA, the UFC is virtuous.? Even American football? Or rugby? But once again… The reason why I advise against any sort of high school or collegiate sports is that there will be at least one or two guys on steroids, without anyone knowing it. or they having low-key steroids, which is “cortisol shots “, to “heal” “injuries” . Anabolic steroids, are often prescribed to heal an injury, and this is how they are fake Weaponized.

assume everyone else is on steroids?

Your favorite CrossFitter, your favorite  calisthenics guy, your favorite water polo player, whatever. Assume that 100% of people are on steroids, whether real or fake steroids.

I think I figured it out… The whole issue is about records, world records, or personal records. If there is a drive to shatter records,  there will eventually be some sort of steroid or fake steroid use. Because biologically, if you want somebody to deadlift 2000 pounds or whatever,  I doubt it is physically possible, unless you inject your asshole with all the steroids on the planet.

So whenever you’re walking around you see a dude who is much buffer than you, assume that he is just on steroids. And as a consequence you don’t really complain about it or feel bad about it… If they want to become impotent and not have kids and have their balls become marshmallows, so be it.

“Balls,,, fuck em,,, who needs them anyways”?

So I think the critical issue here is once again… Everyone is about show, performance, the real world etc.

However, if we think about Achilles and the like…  it wasn’t about competition that they sought, simply, revenge. 

Assume that everyone is lying? 

A simple way not to get scammed in Los Angeles: assume that everyone is lying and bullshitting. Because you might be  right, 1 out of 99 times, and it might save your life? 

So also I thought about life… To play defense — is to be maximally critical and suspicious of everybody. But obviously do it in the spirit of Jesus! 

As long as you are employed, you are not permitted to really speak your mind. 

Trust nobody who is employed, doesn’t matter if they are employed by YouTube, Apple Amazon Facebook etc.… As long as they are not self owned, a sole proprietor, or independently wealthy… They cannot really speak their mind. 

Also, the reason you should not trust people on YouTube is that as long as they get advertising revenue from the videos, they also cannot really speak their minds.

Telos

So I’m starting to think… Rather than thinking about goals, life goals etc.… Perhaps a better way to approach life is to think about your life like a telos, a certain purpose life direction etc. 

For example… It was my life goal to atlas lift 1000 pounds. But now that I achieved it and hit it, then… Now, I no longer have a drive to do this anymore?

And also truth be told, I’m a type of person that I want to please everybody. I think I get it from my mom.

But anyways, trying to please other people, or to live a life in which you never offend anybody… Not possible. Especially if you want to be successful.

---

You can’t cheat physics? Or biology?

How did lords cheat peasants

Lords could cheat peasants in various ways during the feudal era, often taking advantage of their power and the peasants’ dependence. Here are some common methods:

1. Excessive Taxes and Rents: Lords could demand more crops or money from peasants than was originally agreed upon, forcing them to give up a larger share of their harvest or earnings. Since peasants had little power, they often couldn’t refuse.
2. Unfair Labor Demands: Peasants were required to work on the lord’s land in addition to farming their own plots. Lords could increase these labor requirements unfairly, leaving peasants with little time to work on their own land, which harmed their ability to provide for their families.
3. Manipulating Weights and Measures: Some lords or their agents would use rigged scales or measures when taking the peasants’ crops as rent or taxes, making it seem like the peasants owed more than they actually did.
4. Arbitrary Fines and Fees: Lords could impose random fines for minor offenses or require peasants to pay fees for using the lord’s land, mills, or ovens. These fees were often unfairly high and could put peasants in further debt.
5. Land Seizures: If a peasant fell into debt, a lord might seize their land or force them into more servitude, trapping them in a cycle of poverty with no way to escape.

In these ways, lords could exploit their power to cheat peasants, who had little recourse or ability to challenge the injustice.

The feudal system was a way of organizing society that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages (around the 9th to 15th centuries). It was based on a hierarchy, with kings and nobles at the top and peasants at the bottom. Here’s how it worked:

1. King: At the top of the system was the king, who owned all the land in the country. The king couldn’t manage it all, so he divided it into large sections and gave pieces of it to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military support.
2. Nobles/Lords: These were wealthy landowners, like barons or dukes, who controlled large areas of land. In return for the land, they promised to support the king, especially by providing knights and soldiers.
3. Knights: Below the lords were the knights. They were warriors who served the nobles and protected their land. In return, knights were often given smaller pieces of land, called fiefs.
4. Peasants/Serfs: At the bottom were the peasants or serfs. They worked the land and produced food. In return, they were allowed to live on the land and received protection from the knights. However, they had to give a portion of their crops to the lord as rent.

In short, the feudal system was based on an exchange of land for loyalty, protection, and services, with everyone having a specific role in society.

Fraud

Lords and crown officials .,.escheat people to claim property.

You can’t cheat Bitcoin

escheat (es+cheat)— landowner dies without heir, goes back to the lord.

eachete— escheoir, to fall out, happen by chance,,, excadere

The word “cheat” has an interesting etymology and historical evolution. It originates from a much older and more formal term but has since come to refer to dishonesty and trickery.

Etymology:

• From “Escheat”: The word “cheat” has its roots in the Middle English word eschete (from Anglo-French eschete), which originally referred to property or assets that reverted to a lord or the crown when a person died without heirs. The word eschete itself came from the Old French verb escheoir, meaning “to fall out” or “happen by chance,” which derived from the Latin excadere, meaning “to fall out.”
• Legal and Feudal Meaning: In the feudal system, escheat was a legal term referring to the process where land would revert to the lord or the crown if a landholder died without a legal heir. It was essentially a claim to property when there was no one left to inherit it. The term escheat was primarily used in a formal, legal sense, with no negative connotation.

Evolution into “Cheat”:

• Corruption of the Term: Over time, the term escheat began to be associated with fraud and wrongful appropriation, particularly as some lords or crown officials used their rights of escheat to unjustly claim property. By the 15th century, this misuse led to the word being applied more broadly to describe any kind of swindle or trickery. The term chete or cheat emerged from this context, referring to fraud or dishonest behavior.
• 1600s (Modern Meaning Solidified): By the 17th century, “cheat” was fully established in the English language as a word for deceitful actions, trickery, or dishonesty, especially in contexts where someone takes unfair advantage of another person. The legal connection to escheat had largely disappeared, and the word “cheat” began to be used in a much broader sense, covering various forms of fraud, scams, and dishonesty.

Contemporary Use:

Today, “cheat” refers to:

• Deceiving or tricking someone, often for personal gain.
• Breaking rules in games, sports, or exams to gain an advantage.
• Illegitimately accessing or bypassing systems, especially in computing or video games, to exploit vulnerabilities or shortcuts.

Thus, the term has evolved from a feudal legal process to describe dishonest actions in everyday life. The shift from its formal, neutral origins to a negative connotation shows how language changes with cultural and societal shifts over time.

The word “radical” comes from the Latin word radix, meaning “root.” Its earliest use in English dates back to the late 14th century, when it referred to something “relating to a root or origin.” Over time, the term’s meaning has evolved significantly, both in its literal and metaphorical senses.

Early Uses:

• Botanical and Medical Origins: The original use of “radical” was quite literal, often describing something fundamental or relating to the root, such as in botany (the root of a plant) or medicine (addressing the root cause of an illness). For example, in medicine, “radical” treatments were those that targeted the root of a disease, aiming for a complete cure.

Political and Social Shift:

• 18th Century (Political Sense): In the late 18th century, “radical” began to acquire its modern connotation of advocating for thorough and sweeping change. The term was used to describe political reformers in Britain who sought significant changes to the parliamentary system. These reformers were considered “radicals” because they wanted to address the root causes of social and political issues rather than just dealing with surface-level reforms.
• 19th Century (Political Movements): The term gained popularity throughout the 19th century, particularly during the Radical Reform Movement in Britain, which advocated for voting rights, more representative governance, and social reforms. Over time, “radical” came to describe any person or group pushing for profound political, social, or economic change.

20th Century and Beyond:

• Radical in Political Ideology: In the 20th century, “radical” became more commonly associated with left-wing political movements, though it can refer to any ideology that seeks to challenge the status quo. In contexts ranging from communism to anarchism, the term was used to describe individuals who aimed to overthrow existing power structures and establish new systems based on different values.
• Scientific Uses: In chemistry, “radical” also refers to a group of atoms acting together as a single unit, especially in reactions, where free radicals are highly reactive and fundamental to chemical processes.

Modern Usage:

Today, “radical” can carry both positive and negative connotations. It can be used to describe someone with extreme political views, someone who wants to address fundamental issues, or even someone whose ideas are innovative and unconventional.

The word retains its core meaning of being deeply transformative, whether referring to root causes, fundamental changes, or extreme ideas.

The really radical idea?

radix, root?

Problem solving

The cult of non-reality?

Just look at the players in real life,,, so weak

Too many fucking nerds?

Strange desensitization from reality?

Also —

It puts you in a Procrustean bed of “moves” and the laws and physics of the game, *NOT* reality?

Title: The Crypto Siege

Concept:
In a future where nations wage war through blockchain technology and digital assets, two powerful crypto-empires, the Trojans and the Greeks, engage in a high-tech conflict over control of the world’s most valuable digital treasure: The Iliad Protocol. This ancient, secure code, hidden within the first Bitcoin blockchain, grants control over the global economy, energy grids, and weapons systems.

The Greeks, led by their ruthless hacker-commander Achilles, launch a brutal cyber-assault on the fortified network of Troy, a stronghold known for its unbreakable cryptography. However, Troy’s king, Priam, and his son Hector, command an army of digital warriors and defensive algorithms, determined to protect the Iliad Protocol.

As the two factions engage in a series of increasingly sophisticated cyber-skirmishes, martial combat spills into the physical world. Hackers fight from behind firewalls, drones and crypto-powered AIs clash in battlefields, and a final siege on Troy takes place—both in cyberspace and in reality.

The fate of digital sovereignty, freedom, and control over the future of wealth is at stake, but it will all come down to the untraceable nature of Achilles’ personal encryption key—the key that might turn the tides of the war.

Economics and warfare?

Ugly people hate the beautiful and want to tear them down?

What is beautiful?

To strike, dhwel, dwel— to fight, or to strike.

1. Counter strike
2. street fighter
3. street striker

Polemos

• Mache: Battle, fight
• ares: warlike strife

Yes, the word πόλεμος (pólemos), meaning “war,” is indeed used in Homer’s Iliad, which is one of the most famous epic poems about war in ancient Greek literature. The Iliad is centered on the events of the Trojan War, and as such, the term pólemos appears throughout the text to describe the overarching theme of battle and conflict between the Greeks and Trojans.

However, Homer often uses other related terms to describe battle, combat, and strife. For example:

• μάχη (machÄ“) means “battle” or “fight,” and is frequently used when referring to individual combat or a specific clash within the larger context of war.
• ἄρης (arÄ“s) refers to warlike strife, and it is also the name of the Greek god of war, Ares.

In the Iliad, pólemos specifically refers to the larger concept of war as a whole, while other words like machē or ponos (toil or labor) are used to describe specific acts or events within the war.

Example from the Iliad:

In Book 6 of the Iliad, pólemos is used when Hector, the Trojan prince, speaks of the unending war that keeps him from staying with his family, emphasizing the relentless nature of the conflict.

Thus, pólemos is not only present but central to the narrative of the Iliad, framing the entire story around the destructive and all-encompassing nature of war.

The Greek equivalent of the Latin word “bellum” (meaning “war”) is “πόλεμος” (pólemos).

Etymology of Pólemos:

• Pólemos (πόλεμος) means “war” or “battle” in Ancient Greek and has deep roots in Indo-European languages. Its etymological origin is connected to the Proto-Indo-European root pelÉ™, meaning “to drive, thrust, or strike,” which gives it a similar sense of conflict and combat as the Latin bellum.

Usage in Greek:

• In Greek mythology, Pólemos was personified as a minor deity representing war, often mentioned alongside the more well-known god of war, Ares (Άρης).
• The term pólemos was frequently used in both historical and philosophical contexts. For example, the historian Thucydides wrote extensively about war in his account of the Peloponnesian War (Πόλεμος τῶν Πελοποννησίων), and Greek philosophers like Heraclitus famously said, “War (pólemos) is the father of all things,” indicating the central role of conflict in the cosmos and human society.

Related Terms:

• Polemic: From Greek polemikos (πολεμικός), meaning “warlike” or “hostile,” which in modern usage refers to a strong verbal or written argument.
• Hoplite: A heavily armed foot soldier in Ancient Greece, deriving from hoplon (ὅπλον), meaning “weapon,” which is closely associated with war.

In Greek culture, pólemos was as essential to their worldview as bellum was to the Romans, and it has similarly left its mark on modern language, particularly in terms relating to conflict and debate.

Bellum etymology and history

The word “bellum” in Latin means “war” and has an interesting etymological history. Its root, development, and usage reflect both linguistic evolution and the cultural importance of war in ancient times.

Etymology of Bellum:

1. Proto-Indo-European Roots: The word bellum is thought to originate from the Proto-Indo-European root dÊ°wel- or dwel-, which means “to strike” or “fight.” This root emphasizes the concept of physical conflict or violent engagement, which underpins the word’s meaning in Latin.
2. Shift in Form: While bellum is the Latin word for war, it is likely a later, softened form of the older Latin term duellum. Duellum is an archaic word that also means “war,” but it bears a closer resemblance to the Indo-European root dwel- (to strike). Over time, duellum evolved into bellum as the sounds changed for reasons of linguistic ease, a process known as disassimilation, where similar sounds become less alike in order to facilitate pronunciation.
3. Historical Usage in Latin:

• Bellum was commonly used in the classical Latin of Ancient Rome, where war played a central role in society, governance, and expansion.
• Latin phrases such as bellum civile (civil war), bellum iustum (just war), and bellum gerere (to wage war) illustrate how central the concept of war was in Roman law, politics, and philosophy.
• Cicero, for example, often used the term in his writings on war and peace, discussing bellum as both a legal and moral concept.

Related Words:

Several Latin terms derived from bellum continue to have significance in modern languages:

• Bellicose: From Latin bellicosus, meaning “warlike” or “inclined to fight.”
• Belligerent: From Latin belliger, meaning “waging war” (from bellum + gerere, to wage).
• Rebellion: From the Latin rebellio, meaning “renewal of war” or “uprising” (from re- + bellum).

Influence on Modern Languages:

The word bellum has influenced various modern languages, particularly through legal and military terms derived from Latin. English, for instance, inherited many terms related to war from Latin via Old French, such as:

• Rebellion: From rebellio (as mentioned earlier).
• Belligerent: Through Middle French, meaning someone who is engaged in or ready for conflict.

Historical Context:

• In Roman culture, bellum was not only a practical concept but also a legal and moral one. The Romans had complex ideas about bellum iustum (just war), debating when wars were justified, how they should be conducted, and what the moral implications were.
• The word also featured prominently in Roman mythology and history, with Mars, the god of war, playing a central role in their pantheon. Military conflict and expansion were central to Roman identity, and terms related to war permeated both their language and their legal system.

Summary:

• Bellum originates from the Proto-Indo-European root dwel-, meaning “to strike” or “fight.”
• It is derived from an older form duellum, which later evolved into bellum due to linguistic shifts.
• The word played a central role in Roman culture, reflecting their focus on military conquest and the legalities of warfare.
• It has influenced many modern words related to war and conflict, particularly in English and other European languages.

The evolution of bellum reflects both its linguistic history and the centrality of warfare in Roman society and thought.

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Beautiful etymology and history, and bellum, war?

Bella, bellum— war!

The Latin words bellum (meaning “war”) and bella (meaning “wars” in the plural form) are directly connected as different grammatical forms of the same root word.

Connection Between Bellum and Bella:

• Bellum is the singular form of the Latin word for “war.”
• Bella is the plural form of bellum, meaning “wars.”

Latin nouns follow specific declension patterns, and bellum is a neuter noun in the second declension. Here’s a breakdown of the forms for bellum (war):

• Singular: bellum – war
• Plural: bella – wars

In Latin, nouns change their endings to indicate number (singular or plural) and case (the grammatical role the noun plays in the sentence). For bellum (second-declension neuter noun), the plural form is bella.

Examples of Usage:

• Bellum civile: Civil war (singular)
• Bella civilia: Civil wars (plural)

To clarify, this is entirely separate from the earlier discussion about bellus (meaning “beautiful”) and its derivatives. Despite the similar appearance of bellum and bella (wars) and bellus (beautiful), these words are etymologically unrelated.

In summary, bellum (war) and bella (wars) are grammatically related as singular and plural forms of the same Latin word for war.

Now people think that being antisocial and aloof is “cool”?

The term “cool,” used in the sense of being socially desirable, calm, or fashionable, has an interesting evolution from its literal meaning of temperature to its modern slang usage. Here’s how it developed:

Etymology and Early Meaning:

The word “cool” comes from Old English col, meaning “moderately cold,” and has Germanic roots (Old High German kuoli). Its primary meaning referred to temperature, describing something neither hot nor warm but pleasantly cold.

Early Figurative Use (Pre-20th Century):

Even as early as the 14th century, “cool” began to be used metaphorically to describe emotional restraint or calmness. For example, people would describe someone who was “cool-headed” as being calm, composed, and unemotional. By the 17th century, “cool” could also describe someone emotionally detached or aloof, especially in situations that would typically provoke a reaction.

The Jazz Era (1930s–1940s):

The slang usage of “cool” as we understand it today began to develop in the early 20th century, particularly in African American communities. It was popularized in jazz culture in the 1940s, where “cool” came to signify a relaxed, composed demeanor. Musicians, especially in the bebop and later cool jazz movements, embodied this quality—remaining outwardly calm and unflustered, even while performing complex, fast-paced music. Jazz musicians like Lester Young are often credited with helping to spread this usage of “cool” as a sign of self-possession and understated confidence.

1950s and Beat Generation:

The term “cool” gained wider cultural significance in the 1950s, during which it became a core value of the burgeoning youth culture and the Beat Generation. Figures like Jack Kerouac and James Dean embodied the “cool” attitude: rebellious, disaffected, and anti-establishment, yet effortlessly confident and self-controlled. The idea of “cool” came to represent not only fashion or style but a way of being that rejected mainstream norms and embraced individualism.

1960s Counterculture:

In the 1960s, “cool” was further amplified by the counterculture movement, where it came to describe not just an attitude but a whole lifestyle. Being “cool” meant being aligned with progressive values, rejecting conformity, and embracing freedom, creativity, and experimentation. It also came to be associated with anti-authoritarianism, as the “cool” person was seen as someone who didn’t follow society’s rules and expectations.

1970s–1990s: Mainstream Popularity:

By the 1970s, “cool” was firmly established in mainstream American English, and it began to spread globally. In this period, the term expanded beyond its original countercultural associations and came to describe anything or anyone considered stylish, desirable, or trendy. It was used to describe not just people, but also objects, ideas, music, and fashion.

Modern Usage:

Today, “cool” remains one of the most widely recognized and used slang terms in English, though its meaning can vary depending on context. It continues to convey the idea of something fashionable or impressive, but it can also describe a calm or collected demeanor in stressful situations. The term has remained remarkably resilient, adapting to different generations and subcultures while retaining its core idea of effortless appeal and desirability.

Summary:

• Origin: Old English col (meaning moderately cold).
• Early Figurative Use: Describing emotional restraint and calmness.
• Jazz Era: Popularized in African American jazz culture to describe a calm, confident attitude.
• 1950s–1960s: Became a symbol of rebellion and individuality, popularized by the Beat Generation and counterculture movements.
• Modern Usage: Broadly applied to describe anything socially desirable, stylish, or impressive, as well as calmness and composure.

The evolution of “cool” from a word about temperature to a defining trait of social approval shows how language can shift dramatically over time, reflecting changes in cultural values and attitudes.

lama: crippled, weak limbed, lem- to crush or cripple

lame —

weak, soft, tired, break (hlemh)

Etymology and history as in not cool:

How did it evolve

The slang use of “lame” evolved through a process of metaphorical extension from its original meaning, which referred to physical impairment. Here’s a look at how that evolution took place:

1. Original Meaning (Pre-20th Century):

The word “lame” originally meant physically crippled, weak, or impaired in movement, and it was used to describe people or animals with a disability affecting their mobility. This meaning goes back to Old English (lama) and similar terms in Germanic languages.

2. Figurative Use (Early 20th Century):

As often happens in language, the word began to take on metaphorical meanings. By the early 20th century, “lame” was not only used for physical disability but also for situations or things that were seen as metaphorically “crippled” or lacking in some way. For instance, someone might describe an excuse, plan, or performance as “lame” if it was inadequate or insufficient.

3. Youth and Counterculture (1940s–1950s):

By the 1940s and 1950s, “lame” started appearing in American youth culture, particularly in teenage slang, to describe people who were socially inept, boring, or not “with it.” As post-war youth cultures grew, especially with the rise of rock ‘n’ roll and teen rebellion, the term began to apply more broadly to people or things that were perceived as unexciting or old-fashioned.

4. Pejorative Sense of Social Inadequacy (1960s–1980s):

During the 1960s and 1970s, “lame” became more firmly entrenched in popular culture to mean uncool, uninteresting, or socially awkward. It was used to describe people who didn’t fit into the dominant youth subcultures of the time, such as hippies, punks, or later on, skaters and hip-hop enthusiasts. This shift in meaning coincided with the broader cultural emphasis on “coolness” as a social value, and “lame” was the opposite of that.

5. Mainstream Usage (1990s–2000s):

By the 1990s, “lame” had become a common part of everyday speech, losing some of its strong pejorative tone and being used more casually to describe anything uncool, unimpressive, or disappointing. Its usage expanded to describe not only people but also ideas, behaviors, and objects.

6. Modern Usage:

Today, “lame” continues to be used in a casual sense to describe anything lacking in excitement, sophistication, or interest. However, its usage has declined somewhat as newer slang terms have emerged, and it can sometimes feel dated to younger generations. Additionally, because of increasing awareness around ableist language, the use of “lame” in its figurative sense has drawn criticism, as its origins in disability are seen as insensitive or inappropriate.

In summary, the evolution of “lame” from a term referring to physical impairment to a slang term for social or cultural inadequacy followed a typical path of figurative extension, driven largely by youth culture and changing societal values around what was considered “cool” or desirable.

The word “lame,” used in the sense of “not cool” or “uncool,” has a more recent history and differs from its more traditional meanings related to physical impairment.

Etymology:

The slang usage of “lame” originated in American English in the mid-20th century. It comes from the older definition of “lame,” which historically meant “crippled” or “disabled in movement,” derived from Old English lama, meaning “crippled, weak-limbed.” This word, in turn, comes from the Proto-Germanic lama- and the Proto-Indo-European lem-, meaning “to crush” or “cripple.”

Slang Development:

By the 1940s and 1950s, “lame” began to be used in a figurative, pejorative sense, implying something or someone was weak, inadequate, or disappointing. This negative connotation was eventually extended to describe anything uncool, socially inept, or undesirable. It was popularized in American youth culture, especially in the post-war era when slang was rapidly evolving.

The slang usage became more prominent in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, and is still widely understood today to describe someone or something as lacking style, excitement, or sophistication.

1,000 pound rack pull or deadlift?

No!

Insanely Jacked

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Achilles has arrived