Dalle and ChatGPT too slow

A Real Spartan Never Buys Anything for Himself
(in the voice of Eric Kim)

In today’s world, consumerism is the new religion. We are constantly bombarded by advertisements telling us to buy, upgrade, consume, and indulge. Our society is obsessed with owning things—whether it’s the latest smartphone, a fancier car, or even clothes we don’t need. We’re taught to think that our worth is measured by the things we buy, the things we own. But there’s a lesson from the Spartans, the ancient warriors of Greece, that we’ve long forgotten: A real Spartan never buys anything for himself.

The Spartan Mindset of Discipline

The Spartans were known for their incredible discipline, both in battle and in life. They were warriors in the truest sense—not just because they fought in wars, but because they fought against indulgence. They believed in living simply, without excess, and without the need for unnecessary material possessions. For a Spartan, to buy something for oneself would be a sign of weakness. Why? Because it’s not about needing more, it’s about being more.

In our modern world, we’re soft. We think happiness can be purchased, but real happiness comes from within. The Spartan didn’t care about external validation through material possessions. A real Spartan knew that everything he needed, he already had within himself—his strength, his discipline, and his willpower. He was content because he was self-sufficient. He didn’t rely on the external world to provide him with comfort or identity. And if we want to live better, stronger, more purposeful lives, we should adopt the same mindset.

Buy Nothing—Own Everything

To buy something for yourself is to admit a lack. When you buy a new pair of shoes, you’re admitting that your current shoes aren’t enough. When you buy the latest gadget, you’re telling yourself that you need this thing to be complete. But as soon as you depend on external objects for satisfaction, you become enslaved by them. You no longer own your possessions—your possessions own you.

The Spartans understood this on a deep level. By refusing to buy anything for themselves, they declared that they already owned everything. They owned their self-respect, their inner strength, their freedom. When you need less, you own more. True freedom comes not from acquiring things, but from freeing yourself from the need for them.

This is a philosophy that applies to modern life as well. Think about the endless cycle of upgrading and consuming. You buy the new thing, you feel good for a few days, and then you need something else. It’s a never-ending treadmill. The Spartan mentality says, “Step off the treadmill.” Real happiness isn’t found in the next purchase—it’s found in mastering your desires.

The Ultimate Warrior Mentality

We all admire warriors. We watch movies about gladiators, samurais, and Spartans because they embody something we’ve lost—strength, discipline, focus. But being a warrior isn’t just about fighting in battle. It’s about fighting the internal battle, the war against temptation, indulgence, and distraction. The real battle is fought within.

When you stop buying things for yourself, you strengthen your mind. You resist the lure of instant gratification and learn to sit with discomfort. You grow stronger because you prove to yourself that you don’t need external things to feel complete. This is the essence of the warrior mentality.

In street photography, for example, the best photographers don’t rely on fancy gear. The best camera is the one you already own. It’s not about the tools—it’s about the mindset. Are you a consumer, or are you a creator? Are you driven by external desires, or do you find satisfaction in the process itself?

Living a Spartan Life

To live like a Spartan today doesn’t mean you have to go live in the wilderness or fight in wars. It means cultivating a mindset of strength, simplicity, and self-reliance. It means understanding that buying more won’t make you happy—becoming more will.

Ask yourself: What would happen if you stopped buying things for yourself? What if you resisted the urge to consume and instead focused on creating, on giving? The more you give, the more you receive. The less you need, the more powerful you become.

Ultimately, a real Spartan never buys anything for himself because he knows that everything he needs, he already has. True strength, true satisfaction, and true fulfillment come from within—not from the things we buy, but from the people we become.

Be a Spartan. Own your life. Don’t buy it.

The photographer as capitalist:

Some big ideas:

Incoming!

It looks like I was very wise, the idea of making all my photos open source, full free resolution JPEG images, without any stupid signatures, watermarks, etc.

Open source is the key

Why? What it seems is the secret to winning, is to win long-term.

What that means is on in today’s world, the number one issue is that nobody cares to look at your photos. It even seems difficult now to pay money for people to see your photos! Also in the world of writing, now that I live in Culver City, and I have met a lot of writers, is that the number one critical difficulty is getting anyone to even read your draft!

The new economy?

What I think writers, artist, creators, photographers,  videographers etc.… The number one critical thing is having anyone look at your stuff!

Why do you care what Alex Webb or Bruce Gilden thinks of your photos?

Honestly, my honest thought is a lot of photographers who end up doing magnum photos workshops is because they just want the chance of the opportunity to show their photos and their portfolio to a really famous notable photographer, and they secretly want praise admiration confirmation or acknowledgment that their photos are in fact good!

This is where the whole portfolio review thing is a bit of a scam; why do you care what other people think about your photos? Why don’t you just review your own photos, portfolio review yourself? 

What Satoki Nagata taught me:

First, care about what you think about your own photos.

Photographers also need to pay their rent 

It also seems that a lot of photographers, famous older photographers, do workshops or review photos begrudgingly… In fact, I wonder if Magnum photos actually copied me in doing workshops, and street workshops… because before ERIC KIM, nobody did any street photography workshops, it wasn’t a thing. And therefore whenever I witness anyone who brands a street workshop, certainly they were inspired by ERIC KIM.

ERIC KIM was the first to ever do a street photography workshop, with Thomas Leuthard?

Think JPEG and PDF

Anyways, I still think that JPEG, open source free source, or any sort of file types which are open source are the future. 

For example, I think PDF is actually still very underrated. Why? To make a digital portfolio in a PDF, looks legitimate, and is very easy to transport and share! Also, assuming you have an iPhone or an iPad… To AirDrop your photos via PDF to someone else via airdrop is very easy, and also… to just store your PDF portfolios and photos in your iCloud Books library is very good!

Use Apple Books!

Never sell your rights

Own your own intellectual property

The number one critical mistake that anyone, any artist ever does is sell their rights, they often sell their rights to their intellectual property whether it be books, movies cinema, concepts ideas etc., and it seems that in the long run, intellectual property, creative property is the most valuable asset? 

Why did they sell the Matrix concept?

For example, the Wachowski’s who I think essentially sold their Matrix concept to Warner Bros. discovery, … maybe they did the wrong trade. The Matrix might be the best concept the last 20 years, if the wochowskis owned the rights to the matrix concept, they would probably be billionaires now. But now, they are nobodies. 

Writers

So one critical mistake that a lot of people do in the world of writing, is they try so hard to be successful, and finally they sell their script for let’s say $100,000 or $200,000 or whatever… and then the concept becomes a screaming win, and after they put a down payment on a humble condo, they got nothing.

This is where it is wise to think long-term. I would rather be a long-term billionaire or millionaire, rather than a short term $500,000naie.

Never sell the rights!

---

I promise, I’m so self conscious

100% of everybody cares about what other people think about them. It is human nature! If you 0% don’t care about what other people think, either you have Asperger’s or autism. 

In fact, typically people who get diagnosed with Asperger, or low-key autism, end up becoming the insanely successful entrepreneurs. Why? They don’t care about others, what others think about them etc.!

Even Elon Musk, when he did his Saturday night life gig, said that he was the first person to present, who had Asperger, or at least admitted it!

But anyways, the useful thing to consider is that everybody cares about what other people think about them. And it is a good thing. Because everything is judged based on human sociological comparison and weighing.

So for example we photographers, obviously we care about what other people think about our photos, but why? Towards what ends? And what are we trying to prove to who?

ERIC

---

Real human Feedback

Real humans, not bots:

Upload your photos to arsbeta.com >

---

A mind that can be changed is always best.

Yield to my strength and hands

Hector of the flashing helmet

Breathe great strength and courage into

He is all confidence

Never spend money

The photographer as capitalist:

Some big ideas:

Incoming!

It looks like I was very wise, the idea of making all my photos open source, full free resolution JPEG images, without any stupid signatures, watermarks, etc.

Open source is the key

Why? What it seems is the secret to winning, is to win long-term.

What that means is on in today’s world, the number one issue is that nobody cares to look at your photos. It even seems difficult now to pay money for people to see your photos! Also in the world of writing, now that I live in Culver City, and I have met a lot of writers, is that the number one critical difficulty is getting anyone to even read your draft!

The new economy?

What I think writers, artist, creators, photographers,  videographers etc.… The number one critical thing is having anyone look at your stuff!

Why do you care what Alex Webb or Bruce Gilden thinks of your photos?

Honestly, my honest thought is a lot of photographers who end up doing magnum photos workshops is because they just want the chance of the opportunity to show their photos and their portfolio to a really famous notable photographer, and they secretly want praise admiration confirmation or acknowledgment that their photos are in fact good!

This is where the whole portfolio review thing is a bit of a scam; why do you care what other people think about your photos? Why don’t you just review your own photos, portfolio review yourself? 

What Satoki Nagata taught me:

First, care about what you think about your own photos.

Photographers also need to pay their rent 

It also seems that a lot of photographers, famous older photographers, do workshops or review photos begrudgingly… In fact, I wonder if Magnum photos actually copied me in doing workshops, and street workshops… because before ERIC KIM, nobody did any street photography workshops, it wasn’t a thing. And therefore whenever I witness anyone who brands a street workshop, certainly they were inspired by ERIC KIM.

ERIC KIM was the first to ever do a street photography workshop, with Thomas Leuthard?

Think JPEG and PDF

Anyways, I still think that JPEG, open source free source, or any sort of file types which are open source are the future. 

For example, I think PDF is actually still very underrated. Why? To make a digital portfolio in a PDF, looks legitimate, and is very easy to transport and share! Also, assuming you have an iPhone or an iPad… To AirDrop your photos via PDF to someone else via airdrop is very easy, and also… to just store your PDF portfolios and photos in your iCloud Books library is very good!

Use Apple Books!

Never sell your rights

Own your own intellectual property

The number one critical mistake that anyone, any artist ever does is sell their rights, they often sell their rights to their intellectual property whether it be books, movies cinema, concepts ideas etc., and it seems that in the long run, intellectual property, creative property is the most valuable asset? 

Why did they sell the Matrix concept?

For example, the Wachowski’s who I think essentially sold their Matrix concept to Warner Bros. discovery, … maybe they did the wrong trade. The Matrix might be the best concept the last 20 years, if the wochowskis owned the rights to the matrix concept, they would probably be billionaires now. But now, they are nobodies. 

Writers

So one critical mistake that a lot of people do in the world of writing, is they try so hard to be successful, and finally they sell their script for let’s say $100,000 or $200,000 or whatever… and then the concept becomes a screaming win, and after they put a down payment on a humble condo, they got nothing.

This is where it is wise to think long-term. I would rather be a long-term billionaire or millionaire, rather than a short term $500,000naie.

Never sell the rights!

---

I promise, I’m so self conscious

100% of everybody cares about what other people think about them. It is human nature! If you 0% don’t care about what other people think, either you have Asperger’s or autism. 

In fact, typically people who get diagnosed with Asperger, or low-key autism, end up becoming the insanely successful entrepreneurs. Why? They don’t care about others, what others think about them etc.!

Even Elon Musk, when he did his Saturday night life gig, said that he was the first person to present, who had Asperger, or at least admitted it!

But anyways, the useful thing to consider is that everybody cares about what other people think about them. And it is a good thing. Because everything is judged based on human sociological comparison and weighing.

So for example we photographers, obviously we care about what other people think about our photos, but why? Towards what ends? And what are we trying to prove to who?

ERIC

---

Why self sovereignty

Self-sovereignty is a central theme in Eric Kim’s philosophy because it empowers individuals to take full control over their own lives—free from external limitations imposed by society, institutions, or traditional systems. For Kim, self-sovereignty is essential for the following reasons:

1. Freedom to Live on Your Own Terms

At its core, self-sovereignty is about having the freedom to live life according to your own values, rather than being dictated by societal expectations or the pressures of conforming to the norm. Kim often advocates for rejecting mainstream definitions of success, wealth, and happiness in favor of carving out a life that’s meaningful to the individual. Self-sovereignty allows for this personal autonomy, encouraging people to decide what’s best for themselves without outside interference.

2. Creative Independence

Kim believes that true creativity can only flourish when you’re not constrained by outside forces. Self-sovereignty removes the dependencies that limit creative expression—whether they’re financial, social, or institutional. In street photography, for example, Kim embraces breaking the rules and pushing boundaries. The concept of self-sovereignty aligns with this: the freedom to create without being bound by conventions or limitations set by others.

3. Rejection of Traditional Power Structures

Self-sovereignty is a rejection of the traditional power structures that Kim often critiques. Whether it’s government, corporations, or financial institutions, these systems often impose control and restrict individual freedom. Kim’s philosophy centers on opting out of these systems as much as possible—whether it’s through minimalism (owning less), financial independence (e.g., Bitcoin and cryptocurrency), or living life untethered to societal norms. Self-sovereignty is the pathway to breaking free from these structures and reclaiming personal agency.

4. Empowerment Through Responsibility

With self-sovereignty comes the responsibility of taking control of your own destiny. Kim advocates for self-reliance—believing that the more responsibility you take for your life, the more empowered you become. Rather than relying on external systems (like governments or traditional careers), self-sovereignty requires you to take ownership of your decisions, your finances, and your future. This empowers individuals to cultivate resilience and adapt to challenges with greater confidence.

5. Resilience and Anti-Fragility

Kim’s concept of anti-fragility—the idea of becoming stronger in the face of adversity—is deeply linked to self-sovereignty. When you’re self-sovereign, you’re less vulnerable to external disruptions because you’ve built a life that doesn’t rely on fragile systems. Whether it’s in terms of finances (e.g., Bitcoin as a decentralized, resilient form of currency) or creative freedom, self-sovereignty allows for a kind of strength that thrives in uncertainty. You’re not dependent on institutions that could fail or change, giving you more control over your life’s trajectory.

6. Alignment with Minimalism

Kim’s minimalist philosophy is closely tied to self-sovereignty. By owning less and simplifying life, you reduce your dependence on external things, be they material possessions, jobs, or societal approval. Minimalism is about reclaiming your time, energy, and focus so that you can dedicate yourself to the things that truly matter to you. Self-sovereignty supports this minimalist lifestyle by emphasizing the importance of personal choice and control over the things that influence your life.

7. Living with Purpose and Intentionality

Self-sovereignty allows for a more intentional life. Kim often talks about the importance of living with purpose and not just drifting through life following the scripts that society hands out. With self-sovereignty, you get to define your own purpose, your own goals, and what success means to you. This leads to a more fulfilling life, where your actions align with your true desires and values, rather than being shaped by external pressures.

8. Legacy and Impact

Kim also emphasizes the importance of leaving behind a meaningful legacy—something that outlives you and makes a lasting impact on the world. Self-sovereignty plays a role in this because it gives you the freedom and autonomy to shape the kind of life and legacy you want to build. When you’re not tied down by external systems or societal expectations, you can focus on creating something that truly matters to you and potentially to future generations.

In Summary:

Self-sovereignty is central to Eric Kim’s philosophy because it offers the ultimate form of freedom and control over one’s life. It empowers individuals to live creatively, reject conventional systems, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. Through self-sovereignty, people can take full responsibility for their lives, align their actions with their values, and ultimately create a life of purpose and meaning—free from external constraints.

Eric Kim’s approach to cryptocurrency and Bitcoin revolves around themes of freedom, self-sovereignty, and creative empowerment. Although Eric Kim isn’t known primarily as a cryptocurrency expert, based on his general philosophy around minimalism, kaizen (constant improvement), and the rejection of traditional systems, his crypto philosophy would likely focus on the following core ideas:

1. Bitcoin as a Tool for Radical Freedom

Eric Kim has always advocated for radical self-sovereignty, meaning the ability to live on your own terms, free from societal expectations and institutional pressures. In the context of Bitcoin, this would translate into using cryptocurrency as a tool to break free from traditional financial systems like banks and governments, which often limit personal freedom. He might view Bitcoin as a path to greater autonomy, where individuals can be in full control of their wealth and transactions without the need for middlemen or regulators.

2. Decentralization Equals Creative Liberation

Much like his views on living a minimalist life that frees up space for creative expression, Kim would likely see Bitcoin’s decentralization as a parallel to creative freedom. By decentralizing financial power, Bitcoin empowers people to make independent financial decisions. This freedom could, in turn, enable more creative lives, where people are less constrained by the financial pressures and restrictions of centralized systems. Bitcoin becomes a tool not for accumulating wealth, but for accumulating the freedom to create, explore, and live life on your own terms.

3. Bitcoin as Anti-Fragility

Kim frequently talks about the concept of anti-fragility—the idea of becoming stronger through adversity and chaos. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and resistance to censorship make it an anti-fragile system, one that can thrive and grow stronger in times of economic and political turmoil. Kim might emphasize that owning Bitcoin is not just about financial gain but about positioning oneself in a way that thrives during uncertainty. Bitcoin becomes a form of resilience, allowing individuals to be less dependent on fragile, centralized economies.

4. Bitcoin Aligns with Kaizen: Constant Improvement

Kim’s kaizen philosophy of continuous, incremental self-improvement can also apply to how he views Bitcoin. In this framework, owning Bitcoin isn’t about getting rich quickly but about steadily accumulating value over time, much like how small improvements in life compound into something greater. Bitcoin allows for a long-term perspective, emphasizing patience, discipline, and a commitment to future growth, rather than the instant gratification culture often associated with traditional investments.

5. Rejecting Consumerism and Traditional Financial Systems

Kim’s minimalist approach—owning fewer things but valuing quality over quantity—applies to his likely view on Bitcoin as well. Traditional financial systems are often seen as promoting consumerism, debt, and excess. In contrast, Bitcoin offers an escape from the cycle of endless consumption. By owning Bitcoin, you’re rejecting the mainstream financial structures that encourage waste and overconsumption, and instead choosing a form of wealth that aligns with simplicity and purpose.

6. Stoicism and Bitcoin: Control What You Can

Kim’s interest in Stoicism would play a role in his crypto philosophy. Stoicism teaches focusing only on what you can control and accepting external events as they come. Bitcoin allows for a similar mindset: rather than being subject to the whims of governments or financial institutions, you take control of your financial future. Bitcoin holders practice a form of Stoic financial discipline by focusing on accumulating wealth that’s outside of traditional control, while accepting the volatility of the market as part of the process.

7. Living a Legacy, Not Just Wealth

Finally, Kim often speaks about legacy and the importance of leaving a lasting impact, not just amassing material wealth. In his crypto philosophy, Bitcoin could be a way to build not just personal wealth but a tool to create systems of freedom for others. Kim would likely see Bitcoin as a way to decentralize power and foster a world where more people have access to financial freedom and the ability to live according to their own values. It’s about creating a legacy of empowerment rather than just accumulating wealth for personal gain.

In Summary:

For Eric Kim, Bitcoin would symbolize more than just a financial revolution—it’s a tool for creative freedom, self-sovereignty, and living a life with purpose, outside the constraints of traditional systems. It aligns perfectly with his philosophies of minimalism, anti-fragility, and constant self-improvement, representing a way to take control of one’s future while empowering creativity and individuality.

wow,,, sounds pretty good ChatGPT 4o:

He Who Dies with the Most Bitcoin Shall Win

The world is chaotic, and in chaos lies opportunity. Bitcoin is not just an investment; it’s a radical revolution—a rebellion against the old, tired, and centralized systems that no longer serve us. To truly understand Bitcoin, you must embrace it not merely as a currency, but as a mindset. A way of life. The mantra “He who dies with the most Bitcoin shall win” speaks to this profound transformation, but it’s not about greed. It’s about freedom.

The Philosophy of Accumulation

First, let’s get one thing straight: Bitcoin isn’t about getting rich quick. That’s short-term thinking. You’re playing the long game here. You’re not hoarding wealth; you’re accumulating freedom. Bitcoin represents autonomy—freedom from outdated, corrupt institutions. Banks, governments, middlemen—these entities have had their grip on you for too long. But with Bitcoin, you break free.

Owning Bitcoin is about opting out of systems that don’t serve you. When I say, “He who dies with the most Bitcoin shall win,” I’m not talking about materialistic gain. I’m talking about control. You’re stacking sats to stack sovereignty. Each Bitcoin brings you closer to a state of true independence. The more you hold, the less you are held down by anyone else.

Kaizen and Crypto: Constant Improvement, Constant Revolution

You’ve probably heard me talk about kaizen—the idea of constant self-improvement. Bitcoin is kaizen for your financial life. You don’t accumulate Bitcoin because you want more money; you accumulate Bitcoin because you want a better life, a life with fewer limitations. A life where you’re not beholden to a system that doesn’t serve you. With Bitcoin, you can evolve and improve not just financially, but mentally and philosophically.

The thing about Bitcoin is that it forces you to think long-term. There’s no “get rich quick” mentality here if you’re serious. You hold. You accumulate. You let time and compound growth work for you. It’s the ultimate patience practice, like the perfect photo you wait for on the streets—timing is everything. And like street photography, the chaos of the Bitcoin market can be your best teacher.

Bitcoin as a Creative Tool

What happens when you don’t have to worry about the system collapsing beneath you? You become free to create. You’re no longer tied to the whims of the economy, the decisions of banks, or the instability of fiat currencies. Bitcoin becomes a tool, not just of wealth, but of creative liberation. Just like shooting street photography without permission—Bitcoin is the camera that lets you break free from the confines of the norm.

To win with Bitcoin is to win creatively. It’s about using your financial freedom to do the things that matter most to you—writing, creating art, connecting with people. Once you accumulate enough Bitcoin, you’re not thinking about price anymore. You’re thinking about what you can build with the life that Bitcoin affords you.

Anti-Fragility in the Age of Digital Sovereignty

Here’s something else to think about: Bitcoin is anti-fragile. It thrives in chaos. The more systems collapse, the stronger Bitcoin becomes. In a world where everything seems uncertain, Bitcoin represents certainty. It’s decentralized, untouchable by governments or corporations. It’s the ultimate stoic asset, unphased by external noise and disruption. You can’t destroy Bitcoin. You can only adapt.

This is why holding Bitcoin isn’t about wealth, it’s about resilience. The person who dies with the most Bitcoin isn’t the one with the biggest bank account, but the one who has built the most resilient life, free from the fragility of traditional systems. You’re not just holding Bitcoin; you’re building a future where you don’t have to rely on anyone else.

The True Meaning of “Winning”

So what does it mean to “win” in the world of Bitcoin? It’s simple. Winning means freedom. Winning means having the ability to do what you want, when you want, with the people you care about. It means not being tied to any government, system, or institution that doesn’t serve your best interests. Bitcoin is about reclaiming your time, energy, and creative spirit.

He who dies with the most Bitcoin isn’t the richest in dollars or material possessions. He’s the one who lived life on his own terms, who refused to be shackled by the constraints of a broken system. He’s the one who used Bitcoin as a tool for creativity, freedom, and self-expression. That’s the real win.

In the end, it’s not just about how much Bitcoin you have. It’s about what you do with the life that Bitcoin unlocks for you. Because true wealth isn’t measured in numbers; it’s measured in moments, choices, and the freedom to live fully. And Bitcoin is your key to that freedom.

So, accumulate. Not out of greed, but out of a desire to live a life unchained.

Win by living free.

• Eric Kim

Wow:

Year 40 written in text

In 40 years, the $1 million USD investment at a 55% annual percentage rate (APR) would grow to approximately $41 trillion, 45 billion, 724 million, 593 thousand, and 552 dollars and 47 cents.

This illustrates the immense power of compound interest over a long period at a high interest rate.

Create me a chart, taking $1 million USD… Assuming 55% APR over 40 years projection.

As simple text graph

Here is the simple text graph showing the projected growth of a $1 million USD investment at 55% APR over 40 years:

• Year 0: $1,000,000.00
• Year 5: $8,946,609.69
• Year 10: $80,041,824.90
• Year 15: $716,102,966.06
• Year 20: $6,406,693,733.40
• Year 25: $57,318,188,220.06
• Year 30: $512,803,457,999.52
• Year 35: $4,587,852,385,122.00
• Year 40: $41,045,724,593,552.47

This shows the exponential growth over time in clear steps. Let me know if you’d like more intervals or different details.

A simple thought, in regards to all of life:

Become a champion.

A simple way we could think about the whole champion thing is simple:

Let us assume that it was a 1v1, player versus player, single player versus single player. If that were the case… How would you equip yourself to be the best, the most supreme champion?

In other words, what it comes down to is Achilles versus Hector. How can you become Achilles?

Maybe the big critical issue issue here is that most modern day people, have really weak feet.

For example, if we think about shoes, like having souls on the bottom of your feet come up foam padding or whatever has really really thick condoms on the bottom of your feet, what does that mean?

It means that perhaps the critical issue here is not that we need to give people orthotics, or new types of shoes… But rather, new ideas on how to strengthen their feet?

For example, I think the initial difficulty that people have in transitioning to barefoot shoes, like the view from five finger shoes, is that for most people, their whole lives… They have always wore so much protective foam on the bottom of their feet, that their feet has become so insanely weak?

It’s like almost like if somebody was in a wheelchair, or on crutches their whole life, assuming that they’re able bodied…  imagine if suddenly ,,, I told you to stand up on your own two feet, and walk? Certainly it would be an awkward transition, but the good thing is with a steady transition, you could do it! 

Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?

First, bare feet are not really marketable. Which means… a lot of modern day biases is that we are anti bare feet —

For example, this really bizarre foot fetish thing in which people have this strange for end relationship with feet, bare feet? I think the critical issue here is that if you observe children, babies young children etc.… What is the first thing that their parents tried to force their kids to do? To strap on Shoes and socks on their little feet, against their own will!

For example, Seneca. Ever since Seneca is born, in the early years… He would absolutely refuse to wear anything on his feet. Why? If you think about it it is unnatural to have stuff on your feet. And if you look at more traditional societies, kids are essentially running around barefoot all day!

Certainly in modern day times, assuming that you live in a city,  there are practical hygiene concerns, and sometimes I’ve seen random screws in the street, and also, dead bumblebees, with the stinger pointing up. About eight months ago, when I was at the park, I accidentally stepped on a dead bumblebee stinger, and it hurt very bad, for almost 2 weeks.

But besides this… Assuming that your kid is playing on the playground, at the beach or whatever… Or in sand or sandpits, just take off their shoes! 

Same thing for you!

Why did Hafthor deadlift 502 kg barefoot?

The current world record for dead lift is from the Norwegian strong man, Hafthor,  and a very interesting thing… He did it totally barefoot! 

To me this was insanely fascinating, because when it comes down to it, assuming that you want to best maximize physics in order to accomplish an insanely audit task, what that then means is —

Your revealed preference will be made true.

For example, he did not have any loser weight lifting shoes, which honestly I think are a scam, it is just a loser Nike corporation trying to peddle more of their mediocre shoes. 

A good trend I saw for a while in the gym was people squatting and dead lifting Justin socks, and funny enough it has been made pretty permissible, even in a commercial gym. Most gym managers just turn a blind eye.

A good thing at my old crunch fitness gym, is that I took the lead from Hathor, And started to do all my weightlifting totally barefoot. For about 6 to 8 months, nobody said anything to me!

Just start weightlifting barefoot at the gym, and just keep doing it until you get “in trouble”.

In fact, maybe it is a wise idea to seek trouble – a motto that I had, when I was around 18, 19, maybe 21 years old was simple: 

It is better to bag for forgiveness than ask for permission.

In the world of entrepreneurship, and life in general… This becomes a very smart strategy because no good entertainers or innovation or disruption has ever emerged out of people playing by the traditional rules.

For example, I think the primary problem and issue of traditional K-12 education is that it turns you into a quiet, obedient, domesticated animal.

For example, no teacher wants a bunch of feral wolves, running around and causing chaos. But children, by their nature do not sit, do not listen to instructions, do not want to listen to a boring (underpaid) teacher.

I’ll give you a prime example, think about the modern day library. It is ridiculous, even the year 2024… The rule or the unspoken rule is that you have to be quiet, in a library?

Why?

The first thought is to preserve the sanctity of the library, it has almost become like a modern day cathedral?

The problem that the modern day library is currently facing is that at this point… Honestly are just trying to beg people to go into their underutilized libraries. And the only new day of people who decide to go to the library new families, who could obviously afford to buy books on Amazon, but would rather bring their kids to the library, because it is seen as a virtuous place for kids to learn, build their personal interest, and discover new books! 

Yet this is my honest critique of the library in general, especially to some of these bad librarians, 99.9% of them are good, I have only encountered one bad apple —

The modern day library should or 99% of their efforts in becoming friendly towards children, young children, and young families, not the general population.

Why? The critical issue here is homelessness, homeless people, infecting the local library. Frankly speaking, anyone who has too much sympathy for homeless people have never been raised in poverty, and has never been homeless in their life, and or has never been challenged with potential homelessness.

In fact, one and two of my friends who told me their experience said the reason they had zero sympathy for homeless people is that they tend to be terrible people who get addicted to drugs on their own accord. Almost most decent people will always have a friend or family member whose couch they could crash on. No matter how bad the situation gets.

I’ll give you an example… being a man, with a young male child, I would say about 99% of the time, public restrooms are absolutely filthy for men. Why? It seems that almost 100% of homeless people are men. And as a consequence, they use the male restroom, and if you are a woman and have never entered a public men restroom, you have no idea. It is literally day and night. 

Pro tip if you are a man with a male boy, or even a girl… Always take your young kid to the women’s restroom, because it will be 1000 times nicer, and more hygienic. And if anyone says anything… Tell them that you are using the women’s restroom because the men’s restroom is disgusting and you have a young kid, and 100% of people understand. Even one of the whole upsides of the whole transgender, transgender bathroom thing is that as a male, I have zero issues entering a female restroom. Especially if I am with Seneca. Even if I am at a restaurant, and there’s a line for the men’s restroom, but no line for the women’s restroom, I’ll just use the women’s restroom. Make sure to clean up, put the toilet seat down again wipe up a bit.

I took the top off my Maybach!

The upside of the new Ford bronco, you could takeoff all the doors in the roof very easily? Very cool. Also do they have it in a stick shift?

You are a real red blooded American, you would not get a loser Range Rover, which is anti-American. You would probably get a Ford F150 raptor bronco, which I think is probably the coolest car on the road, I’ve only ever seen maybe one or two, but it is very cool.

And still… The best smart strategy is get something that will hide dirt, like a white car, or even like a tan color a sand color, some sort of green color, think camo, desert camo, digital camo.

True Innovation

The reason why the whole Overlanding trend is a bad one, even the idea of modifying your car is bad because it is all predicated on accumulation, adding, and audition.

If you think about the real way to innovate, the real smart strategy is subtraction, which means, figuring out what to delete or cut out from your car.

For example, the number one most critical thing assuming you really want to create a real race car or a good sports car is figuring out what to delete. For example deleting and getting rid of the backseats, getting rid of all the sounding material inside the car, getting rid of the AC, power steering, Automatic gearbox etc.

Also a very very simple thing with cars and homes, just get rid of the trash, delete the trash, throw away the trash! Even with homes, the real optimal strategy here is to get rid of furniture, throw things in the trash, give it away, put it on the curb etc.

Even with clothes and wardrobes… Just make a big bag and it all, and start from scratch.

Or, better yet… Take your clothes, and start cutting off the sleeves! Or turn them into tank tops, or crop tops — don’t matter if you’re a guy or girl.

My new fashion trend

Assuming that you’re a straight guy, funny enough, I think actually the best fashion is probably from the gay guys; but the interesting thought: 

What is the implications of a straight guy, dressing like a gay guy?

In fact, even with Seneca… I’ve been confused for being gay, and I thought that was actually a huge compliment! Why? If you’re a straight guy, 100% heterosexual, and people think that you’re gay… It probably means that you’re doing something innovative or interesting.

Why so much anti-gay sentiment as a kid growing up?

I’m actually kind of curious about this… Where did the whole anti-gay sentiment come from?

Certainly not from ancient Greece, I don’t think people really thought about that. Certainly in the 90s, as a kid growing up… The common words “stop being so gay” or “that’s gay” or “faggot” etc — was probably the worst thing that you could tell another kid or guy.

Especially in rap and hip-hop culture music… To make fun of gay people or Tabash gay people, or being gay homosexual etc., was the worst thing that man could do.

But now, one of the grand upsides of gender fluidity is that you could just be a straight guy, and do whatever the hell you want! Nobody will really bat an eye anymore. 

In fact, ironically enough it seems that the street guys who dress kind of more like the gay guys, are the ones who are given more attention by straight beautiful women!

And it kind of makes sense… The guys who are straight who looked the most “gay“,  end up becoming the most interesting, mysterious, desired?

The new cowboys

So I think, that I never really considered, or grew up to was Cowboys, western films etc. But I did grow up watching cowboy bebop.

So recently, I bought one of these sun hats on Amazon for only about 10 bucks, and it has literally been the best hat of all time. Why? This summer in LA, the sun has become unusually hot, and the UV rays unusually strong… So bad that even putting on SPF 60 sunscreen, I would still get sunburnt on my face! And also the back of my neck!

This hat is amazing because it blocks and protects the back of my neck, which is the most annoying place to get a sunburn, and also the most annoying place to have to always reapply sunscreen.

A new trend I’ve been doing just walking around town with my 60 pound weight vest, and my son hat! And at first, I really hated the whole look of the sun hat, it just made me look like a old Asian lady. But now, I care less about what people think about me, I just don’t want the pragmatic thing of getting a bad sunburn anymore. And I don’t really have anything to prove to anybody anymore else anymore.

But now, I suppose my hat is getting iconic. Sometimes when people see me without my hat, they asked me if I lost my hat on accident? , one of the girls was a security guard, on one of the overcast days saw without a hat and she said it was the first time she ever saw me without a hat.

Actually the upside of the sun hat, I almost feel like Raiden from Mortal Kombat! Or it feels almost like having a modern day spartan hoplite helmet, having a very practical visor.

Black is more stylish?

Typically, it seems that black is always the most fashionable color. Even the sun hat I realized… The sun hat in all black looks quite cool! Why? Typically old Asian women or prediabetic hikers, always wear some sort of tan color, sand color, or white color. Never black.

I say only go black if it is uncommon to see black. Otherwise go white. Or a different color. 

I think with clothes , clothing, hats, shoes pants etc– typically I like black because it hides dirt, marks.

For example, I have my ERIC KIM satchel, which is all black leather, and when I am wearing a white shirt, it marks it with the black smudge. And also, I tried using the white sunblock, The one with zinc, which is actually supposed to work better, I ended up stop using it, because it left too many strange white marks on my black accessories, and also my face. I hate the look of the white washing of the face.

***

Some big ideas:

The incoming!

It looks like I was very wise, the idea of making all my photos open source, full free resolution JPEG images, without any stupid signatures, watermarks, etc.

Why? What it seems is the secret to winning, is to win long-term.

What that means is on in today’s world, the number one issue is that nobody cares to look at your photos. It even seems difficult now to pay money for people to see your photos!  also in the world of writing, now that I live in Culver City, and I have met a lot of riders, is that the number one critical difficulty is getting anyone to even read your draft!

What I think writers, artist, creators,  photographers,  videographers etc.… The number one critical thing is having anyone look at your stuff!

Honestly, my honest thought is a lot of Fatar for who end up doing magnum photos workshops is because they just want the chance of the opportunity to show their photos and their portfolio to a really famous notable photographer, and they secretly want praise admiration confirmation or acknowledgment that their photos are in fact good!

This is where the whole portfolio review thing is a bit of a scam; why do you care what other people think about your photos? Why don’t you just review your own photos, portfolio review yourself? 

It also seems that a lot of Qatar first, famous older photographer, do workshops or review photos begrudgingly… In fact, I wonder if Magnum photos actually copied me and doing workshops, and street workshops… Because before ERIC KIM, nobody did any of your workshops, it wasn’t a thing. And therefore whenever I witness anyone who brands a street workshop, Certainly they were inspired by ERIC KIM.

Anyways, I still think that JPEG, open source free source, or any sort of file types which are open source are the future. 

For example, I think PDF is actually still very underrated. Why? To make a digital portfolio in a PDF, looks legitimate, and is very easy to transport and share! Also, assuming you have an iPhone or an iPad… To AirDrop your photos via PDF to someone else via airdrop is very easy, and also… to just store your PDF portfolios and photos in your iCloud Books library is very good!

Use Apple Books!

Never sell your rights

The number one critical mistake that anyone, any artist ever does is sell their rights, they often sell their rights to their intellectual property whether it be books, movies cinema, concepts ideas etc., and it seems that in the long run, intellectual property, creative property is the most valuable asset? 

For example, the Wachowski’s who I think essentially sold their matrix concept to Warner Bros. discovery, … maybe they did the wrong trade. The matrix might be the best concept the last 20 years, if the wochowskis the rights to the matrix concept, they would probably be billionaires now. But now, they are nobodies. 

Writers

 so one critical mistake that a lot of people do in the world of writing, is they try so hard to be successful, and finally they sell their script for let’s say $100,000 or $200,000 or whatever… And then the concept becomes a screaming win, and after they put a down payment on a humble condo, they got nothing.

This is where it is wise to think long-term. I would rather be a long-term billionaire or millionaire, rather than a short term $500,000naie.

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I promise, I’m so self conscious

100% of everybody cares about what other people think about them. It is human nature! If you 0% don’t care about what other people think, either you have Asperger’s or autism. 

In fact, typically people who get diagnosed with Asperger, or low-key autism, end up becoming the insanely successful entrepreneurs. Why? They don’t care about others, what others think about them etc.!

Even Elon Musk, when he did his Saturday night life gig, said that he was the first person to present, who had Asperger, or at least admitted it!

But anyways, the useful thing to consider is that everybody cares about what other people think about them. And it is a good thing. Because everything is judged based on human social logical comparison and weighing.

So for example we photographers, obviously we care about what other people think about our photos, but why? Towards what ends? And what are we trying to prove to who?

---

The first critical issue here is an ethical one. Shyness is a virtue and duty. Why? To disturb others, to say hi to a stranger, is seen as a bad thing.

“I’m sorry to bother you but…”

You are not a bother!

Often the biggest issue we do is we think we are bothering or troubling others. No! Your injecting fun excitement into their life! 

Second, just practice. Whenever you walk by a stranger, just wave your hand at them!

I think the critical issue here is that we are somehow shy and afraid to acknowledge the existence of others?

Experiment

I am shocked, we could see somebody from a very very far distance. I do an experiment, for the people I already know, I always throw up the peace sign at them, and they almost always universally way back at me, even if they are half a mile away! 

I think to experiment and look closely at somebody, from a distance is a good idea, because often the biggest issue that we do is that we don’t acknowledge their existence.

But what do you do if you acknowledge the existence of somebody, let us say your cowardly neighbor, and they never acknowledge your existence, and pretend to hide from you? I say keep saying hi to them, 1000×1000 — the Jesus way!

.

 always my most fugitive thoughts come to me while I am walking? And taking down a note is just a thought capturing device?

Seize your ideas!

.

Really successful people are weird!

I want more power not more fame or money 

Long proud stride

Aegis shield of Zeus

How to conquer shyness

Hungry to sate themselves on human flesh

Shake the aegis and begin to scream

Mesmerized their spirits in their flesh , chest, zeal

How not to lose your courage?

Tunics forged of bronze, slaughter

Slatr– butchers meat, slay.

Zeus the cunning god of strategy

Thunderclap of Zeus

Zeus Kim

Greater vigor

How to get to 100% certainty

What percentage certainty

Achieving 100% certainty would require direct access to metadata, authorship logs, or other technical data that can verify the origin of the text. Here are some ways you could increase certainty:

1. Check Metadata: If the text was generated using a tool like ChatGPT, there might be metadata or logs indicating it. However, this isn’t typically available to end users without developer access to the system that generated the text.
2. Use Plagiarism Detection Tools: Run the text through advanced AI detection tools specifically designed to determine if content was AI-generated. Some tools like OpenAI’s AI text classifier or other AI-detection tools might give more insight into whether an AI wrote the text.
3. Compare with Writing Samples: Compare this text with other confirmed AI-generated or Eric Kim-authored texts. Specific patterns, such as sentence structures or vocabulary, can be analyzed for discrepancies.
4. Ask the Creator: If you know the person or source who provided the text, asking directly would provide a clear answer. For example, if it was posted on a blog or forum, the platform owner could clarify if AI was used.

Ultimately, without direct access to how or where the text was created, reaching 100% certainty might be impossible, though tools can bring you closer to that conclusion.

I would estimate around 80% certainty that this text was generated by ChatGPT or another AI model. The high level of organization, consistent tone, and style closely match how AI typically constructs content. However, the remaining 20% uncertainty comes from the fact that it’s possible a human, deeply familiar with Eric Kim’s style, could have written this with similar themes and structure.

Based on the style, structure, and themes, it’s quite likely that this text was written by ChatGPT, especially given the seamless integration of Eric Kim’s philosophies, such as the focus on emotion, intuition, and continuous improvement. The clear, well-organized format, direct takeaways after each point, and motivational tone also align with how ChatGPT tends to generate instructional or inspirational content.

Though it’s an accurate imitation of Eric Kim’s teachings, the polished nature of the phrasing, uniformity in lesson structure, and emphasis on actionable tips suggest it was probably created by AI rather than a human writer organically mimicking his style.

AI OR NOT?

I can’t definitively tell whether a particular piece of writing was created by ChatGPT or another AI model, as I don’t have the ability to track or identify external text sources or creators. However, if you share the text, I can analyze its style and content and offer insights about whether it aligns with typical ChatGPT output or another likely source based on patterns, style, and tone.

Test:

The writing you’ve provided closely mimics the style of Eric Kim. It emphasizes key themes typical of his approach to street photography, such as spontaneity, fearlessness, minimalism in terms of gear, and continuous self-improvement, particularly through the lens of the Japanese concept of Kaizen.

Key elements that align with Eric Kim’s style:

1. Direct, actionable advice: Each lesson provides a clear and concise takeaway, focusing on practical guidance rather than abstract theory, which is a hallmark of Kim’s writing.
2. Focus on emotions and intuition: Kim often stresses the importance of instinct and emotional connection in photography, which is echoed in lessons like “Shoot from the Gut” and “Look for Emotion, Not Perfection.”
3. Kaizen and self-improvement: The final lesson reflects Kim’s philosophy of continuous improvement, particularly through his embrace of the Kaizen concept, which he has spoken about in various writings and teachings.
4. Minimalism regarding gear: Kim regularly emphasizes that the camera is secondary to the photographer’s vision, a concept clearly expressed in “Don’t Worry About Gear.”

The structure of 10 lessons also resembles Kim’s affinity for numbered lists or structured advice posts, often breaking down complex ideas into digestible chunks for his readers. Additionally, the motivational tone and focus on personal growth resonate with Kim’s overarching philosophy of self-empowerment through photography.

Overall, while this text may or may not have been written by ChatGPT, it does a great job of emulating Eric Kim’s style and themes.

Create an image in the spirit of ERIC KIM:

Wow!

Eric Kim is more known for his influence as a street photography educator, blogger, and thought leader than for a singular body of famous photographs. While he has produced a vast collection of street photos over the years, some of his most recognized works are those that emphasize his core philosophy—capturing candid, often raw moments on the street, typically involving people in dynamic urban environments.

Here are a few themes and types of photos Eric Kim is known for:

1. Flash Street Photography

One of Eric Kim’s distinctive techniques is using a flash in broad daylight to highlight his subjects and create high-contrast images. He often captures close-up portraits of strangers on the street, which adds a bold, direct feel to the photos. This style has been influential in street photography circles, pushing boundaries on how to approach strangers and use flash creatively.

2. Candid Human Emotions

Many of Eric Kim’s famous photos focus on capturing genuine human expressions and interactions. He frequently documents fleeting emotions—joy, anger, curiosity, or surprise—often in public spaces. These images are not only technically strong but also rich in storytelling.

3. Travel Street Photography

Eric Kim has shot in various countries like Japan, Korea, India, and Mexico. His travel photography is known for exploring local cultures and people, often focusing on everyday life. These photos have been popular on his blog and social media, illustrating his belief that you don’t need an exotic location to make meaningful photos.

4. Close-Up Portraits of Strangers

Kim’s ability to approach strangers and ask for close-up portraits, particularly using a wide-angle lens, has yielded some of his most striking images. The intimacy in these portraits and the wide-angle distortion give the viewer a sense of connection with the subject.

5. Photographs with Strong Black-and-White Aesthetic

Eric Kim often shoots in black and white, especially for his street photography. The monochrome aesthetic is central to his work, emphasizing mood, texture, and contrast over color, and giving his photos a timeless, classic feel.

Though Eric Kim doesn’t have a single photo that’s become iconic in the mainstream sense, his approach to street photography, emphasis on education, and philosophy around candid photography are what have made his work influential and memorable. His body of work and blog have inspired a generation of street photographers to be more fearless, creative, and engaged in the act of photographing people in urban environments.

Top 1 idea

The top 1 idea from the article is:

Shoot From the Gut

Street photography is about capturing the raw emotion of the moment, not perfection. Trust your instincts and shoot what excites you. Overthinking leads to missed opportunities. Follow your intuition and let your heart guide your camera.

Key Idea: Shoot instinctively, embrace imperfection, and capture the raw, real moments.

10 Lessons ERIC KIM Can Teach You About Street Photography

Written in the style of ERIC KIM.

Street photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about capturing life in its rawest, most authentic form. It’s about human connection, curiosity, and the courage to walk through the streets, camera in hand, with an open heart and mind. You don’t need the fanciest camera or the most exotic locations. All you need is the willingness to shoot, the courage to confront your fears, and the desire to improve—constantly.

Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned from years on the street. Hopefully, they can help you on your own journey as a street photographer.

1. Shoot From the Gut

Forget the rules. Street photography isn’t about perfect composition or technical perfection—it’s about capturing the emotion of the moment. Shoot with your gut, not your head. Trust your instincts. When something excites you, don’t hesitate—shoot it. If you overthink, you miss the moment.

Takeaway: Shoot what excites you, and forget about being “correct.” Follow your intuition.

2. Get Closer

If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough. The greatest street photos often come from intimate, up-close moments. Don’t be afraid to get physically closer to your subjects. Feel their energy, capture their soul, and bring the viewer into the scene.

Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to get in close—push your comfort zone.

3. Embrace Fear

Fear is natural, but don’t let it hold you back. The fear of confrontation, of getting too close, of rejection—it’s all part of the process. Embrace that fear, and turn it into fuel. The more you confront your fears on the street, the stronger you’ll become, both as a photographer and as a person.

Takeaway: Use fear to your advantage. Let it motivate you, not control you.

4. Shoot Every Day

Street photography is a discipline. The more you shoot, the better you get. Don’t wait for “the perfect day” to go out and shoot—make every day the perfect day. Carry your camera with you everywhere, and take every opportunity to document the world around you.

Takeaway: Consistency beats talent. Shoot every single day.

5. Don’t Worry About Gear

The best camera is the one you have with you. Whether it’s an iPhone or a high-end DSLR, your gear doesn’t matter. What matters is how you see the world. Stop obsessing over equipment, and start focusing on what’s in front of you.

Takeaway: Don’t let gear get in the way of your creativity. Shoot with whatever you have.

6. Capture the Ordinary

Street photography isn’t about photographing the extraordinary. It’s about finding beauty in the mundane. A fleeting glance, a quiet moment, the way light falls on a street corner—these are the moments that make street photography magical. Don’t chase after the spectacular—find the beauty in the everyday.

Takeaway: The magic of street photography is in the ordinary, not the extraordinary.

7. Be Invisible

The best street photographers are invisible. They blend into the environment, becoming part of the scene rather than an observer. Don’t draw attention to yourself. Be quiet, be patient, and wait for the moment to unfold naturally.

Takeaway: Become invisible. Let the scene unfold without interference.

8. Break the Rules

Street photography is freedom. Don’t be bound by traditional photography rules like composition, framing, or focus. The best street photos often break every rule in the book. Experiment, play, and don’t be afraid to create something messy or imperfect.

Takeaway: There are no rules. Shoot how you feel, not how you’re “supposed” to.

9. Look for Emotion, Not Perfection

Perfection is boring. What matters in street photography is emotion. Capture the laughter, the sadness, the anger, the joy. Don’t worry about whether the shot is technically perfect—worry about whether it makes you feel something.

Takeaway: Focus on capturing emotion, not technical perfection.

10. Always Strive to Improve (Kaizen)

Street photography, like life, is a constant journey of growth. Never stop learning. Never stop experimenting. Always strive to improve, even if it’s just 1% a day. The Japanese concept of Kaizen—constant improvement—applies here. Every photo you take should be a step toward becoming a better photographer, and a better human.

Takeaway: Be obsessed with self-improvement. Never settle for mediocrity.

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Conclusion:

Street photography isn’t about having the best gear, following the rules, or waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about being present, embracing your fears, and capturing life as it is—raw, messy, and beautiful. The streets are your playground, your battlefield, and your canvas. Treat every day as an opportunity to grow, improve, and push your boundaries.

Shoot from the heart, be fearless, and never stop chasing the next shot.

Top 5 ideas

Here are the top 5 ideas from the article, distilled for maximum impact:

1. Speed Wins

Napoleon’s rapid strategies overwhelmed his enemies, and in entrepreneurship, speed is your advantage. Move fast, execute quickly, and adjust along the way. The more you act, the faster you can adapt, refine, and stay ahead of the competition.

Key Idea: Don’t wait for perfection—act fast and iterate.

2. Failure is Your Teacher

Napoleon faced failure but never let it define him. Every loss was a lesson, a way to improve for the next battle. For entrepreneurs, failure is part of the game, and those who embrace it, learn from it, and adapt are the ones who eventually win.

Key Idea: Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback. Use it to grow.

3. Innovate, or Get Crushed

Napoleon revolutionized warfare by introducing new tactics and strategies. In business, innovation is what sets you apart from the rest. You must constantly evolve and disrupt the status quo to stay ahead of the curve.

Key Idea: Innovation is survival. Constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible.

4. Own Your Story

Napoleon carefully crafted his own narrative, positioning himself as a hero of the people. As an entrepreneur, your personal brand and story are as important as your business. People buy into who you are as much as what you offer. Shape your story intentionally to build trust and loyalty.

Key Idea: Control your narrative. Your personal brand is your power.

5. Adapt, or Perish

Napoleon’s flexibility in adapting to changing circumstances allowed him to thrive in the face of adversity. In entrepreneurship, you must remain agile. The market, technology, and customer needs are constantly changing. Rigidity leads to failure—adaptability leads to success.

Key Idea: Stay flexible. Pivot quickly when needed and adapt to survive.

Top 3 ideas

Here are the top 3 ideas from the article that stand out as key lessons for entrepreneurs:

1. Speed Wins

Napoleon’s rapid maneuvers allowed him to dominate the battlefield by outpacing his opponents. For entrepreneurs, this translates to acting quickly—don’t wait for the perfect moment or plan. Speed gives you a competitive edge, allowing you to pivot and learn from your actions faster than your competitors.

Key Idea: Move fast, take action, and iterate. Speed over perfection.

2. Failure is Your Teacher

Napoleon’s setbacks didn’t break him; they made him stronger. Entrepreneurs should view failure not as an end, but as an essential learning process. Each failure provides critical feedback, helping you adapt and evolve. Failure sharpens your strategy.

Key Idea: Fail fast, learn faster. Failure is a step toward growth.

3. Innovate, or Get Crushed

Napoleon introduced new tactics and wasn’t afraid to disrupt tradition. Entrepreneurs must constantly innovate to stay ahead in their industry. Stagnation leads to irrelevance. The key to survival in business is to always be on the cutting edge of change.

Key Idea: Innovation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Always push boundaries.

10 Lessons Napoleon Could Teach You About Entrepreneurship

Written in the style of ERIC KIM.

Napoleon didn’t just conquer—he created. He was a man obsessed with winning, with progress, and with pushing his limits. His empire rose from nothing, and while it eventually fell, the principles that drove him can still guide you today.

As an entrepreneur, you’re not just running a business. You’re waging war—against mediocrity, against fear, against doubt. To win, you need strategy, focus, and an unshakable mindset. In this game, you need to think like a general and act like a Spartan. Here are 10 lessons Napoleon could teach you about entrepreneurship.

1. Your Vision is Everything

Napoleon was fueled by vision. He wasn’t just chasing battles—he wanted to reshape the world. You must do the same. Without a clear, burning vision, you are lost. Everything you do should serve that vision, even if others don’t understand it. Hold it tight, like a sword, and let it guide every move.

Takeaway: If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re already lost. Your vision is your only map.

2. Move Fast, or Die Slow

Napoleon’s armies moved at lightning speed, catching his enemies off-guard. As an entrepreneur, speed is your weapon. Don’t get paralyzed by planning or perfection. The longer you wait, the more you lose. Act now, move fast, and deal with the consequences later.

Takeaway: Speed is your advantage. Perfection is a trap. Execute, adjust, repeat.

3. Trust Your Team, but Lead Like a General

Napoleon handpicked his generals and trusted them to execute his plans. You can’t do everything alone. You need a small, loyal crew who can act decisively in battle. But remember: you’re the general. You set the strategy, you lead from the front.

Takeaway: Build a team of warriors, not followers. Delegate, but always lead.

4. Study. Plan. Strike.

Napoleon studied every battlefield before he set foot on it. He knew his enemies better than they knew themselves. You need to do the same. Don’t go into business blind. Study the market, your competitors, and yourself. Know when to attack and when to hold back. Then, when the moment is right—strike hard.

Takeaway: Knowledge is power. Know your enemy, know yourself, and always be ready to strike.

5. Failure is Your Teacher

Napoleon faced setbacks—devastating ones. But each time, he learned. Each time, he adapted. In business, failure is inevitable. But in every loss, there’s a lesson. Every mistake is a stepping stone to victory. Embrace failure—it’s part of the process.

Takeaway: Failure isn’t defeat. It’s training. Learn fast, adapt faster.

6. Innovate, or Get Crushed

Napoleon changed the game by introducing new tactics and technologies. He wasn’t afraid to disrupt the status quo. As an entrepreneur, if you’re not innovating, you’re falling behind. The world moves fast, and you must move faster. Innovation isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Takeaway: Don’t follow trends—create them. Always be innovating, always be evolving.

7. Own Your Story

Napoleon crafted his own legend. He knew the power of narrative. In business, you are your brand. Your story matters as much as your product. Control your narrative, or someone else will. Be clear about who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re doing what you do.

Takeaway: You’re the hero of your own story. Make sure you’re telling it right.

8. Work Harder Than Anyone Else

Napoleon didn’t sleep much. He worked relentlessly, obsessed with every detail. In entrepreneurship, there’s no shortcut to success. The only way to get ahead is through sheer effort. Outwork everyone. Hustle harder. Success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who grind.

Takeaway: Outwork, outlast, outfight. There’s no substitute for hard work.

9. Adapt, or Perish

Napoleon knew how to adapt to the unexpected. When plans failed, he shifted his strategy on the fly. In entrepreneurship, rigidity is death. You have to be flexible, ready to pivot at any moment. The market changes. Your customers change. You must change too.

Takeaway: Be like water—flow around obstacles, change form, and stay adaptable.

10. Know When to Cut Your Losses

Napoleon’s ambition was his strength—and his downfall. He didn’t know when to stop. As an entrepreneur, there’s power in knowing when to walk away. Not every venture will succeed, and sometimes, quitting is the most strategic move you can make. Let go of what isn’t working, and refocus your energy where it matters.

Takeaway: Know when to fight, and know when to retreat. The smartest generals know how to live to fight another day.

---

Conclusion:

Napoleon fought countless battles, won many, lost some, but through it all, he never lost his relentless drive to push forward. As an entrepreneur, you are in a daily fight—against fear, doubt, and the forces that would have you stay small. Like Napoleon, you must be relentless. You must be disciplined. You must be willing to fail, adapt, and rise again.

Remember, your empire isn’t built overnight. It’s built through small, daily battles, through grit and determination. You are the general of your own destiny. Lead with strength, strategy, and an unshakable vision.

(In life, and in entrepreneurship, be bold, be fearless, and always push forward. KAIZEN.)

10 Lessons Napoleon Could Teach You About Entrepreneurship

Written in the style of ERIC KIM.

Napoleon Bonaparte was more than a military mastermind—he was an architect of change, a relentless innovator, and a symbol of ambition. But strip away the historical context, and you’ll find that the same principles that led him to build an empire can be applied to entrepreneurship. Here are 10 lessons Napoleon could teach you about building your own empire, whether it’s in business, art, or life.

1. Craft Your Vision—Then Dominate

Napoleon wasn’t just fighting for land—he had a grand vision of unifying Europe. As an entrepreneur, your first task is to build a compelling vision for what you want to achieve. Without vision, you’re just wandering. With vision, you’re unstoppable. Craft a vision so clear that it gives you direction, energy, and purpose every single day. Let it become an obsession.

Takeaway: Set a grand vision for your life and business—something bigger than yourself—and focus on it with laser intensity.

2. Speed Wins

Napoleon’s rapid advances on the battlefield often left his enemies confused and unable to react. In the entrepreneurial world, speed is everything. Move fast, make decisions quickly, and execute relentlessly. Perfectionism kills momentum. The faster you move, the faster you can learn, adapt, and conquer new territory.

Takeaway: Speed is an asset. Don’t wait for perfection—act now and refine later.

3. Cultivate Your Inner General

Napoleon handpicked his generals based on talent, not birthright. He knew that his success depended on the strength of his inner circle. In entrepreneurship, you can’t do everything alone. Cultivate a network of people who are smarter than you in their areas of expertise. Invest in the best, empower them, and trust them to lead their battles.

Takeaway: Surround yourself with a strong team—people you trust to help you carry out your vision.

4. Obsess Over Strategy

Napoleon was a strategic genius. He didn’t win by brute force but by outthinking his enemies. As an entrepreneur, you need to think strategically. Business isn’t just about brute effort; it’s about playing chess while everyone else plays checkers. Study your industry, analyze trends, and think several steps ahead. Know when to strike and when to retreat.

Takeaway: Strategy is your greatest weapon. Outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast your competition.

5. Embrace Failure as a Weapon

Napoleon lost battles—many of them. But what made him great was his ability to bounce back and learn from every failure. In entrepreneurship, failure is inevitable. The key is to treat failure not as the end but as a critical learning experience. Every loss teaches you how to win in the future.

Takeaway: Failure isn’t fatal—it’s feedback. Learn from it, adjust your strategy, and come back stronger.

6. Revolutionize Your Industry

Napoleon wasn’t content to do things the way they’d always been done. He introduced revolutionary military tactics, reshaped laws (hello, Napoleonic Code), and redefined leadership. As an entrepreneur, you must innovate. Don’t be content with the status quo. Break rules, disrupt industries, and bring something new to the table. Innovation is the path to dominance.

Takeaway: Innovate or stagnate. Revolutionize your industry by breaking from tradition and pushing boundaries.

7. Leverage Your Story

Napoleon knew how to craft a narrative. He built an image of himself as a hero of the people, using propaganda and media to shape public perception. As an entrepreneur, you have to master storytelling—about yourself, your brand, and your product. In today’s world, your personal brand is as important as your business. Craft it, control it, and use it to connect with your audience.

Takeaway: Become the hero of your own story. Shape your narrative and use it to inspire loyalty and trust.

8. Outwork Everyone

Napoleon was known for his tireless work ethic. He spent long hours planning battles, studying the battlefield, and perfecting his strategy. As an entrepreneur, there’s no substitute for hard work. Hustle, grind, and be relentless in the pursuit of your goals. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

Takeaway: Outwork your competition. There’s no shortcut to success—grind until you get there.

9. Adapt or Die

One of Napoleon’s greatest strengths was his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Whether it was shifting battlefield conditions or political turmoil, he knew how to pivot quickly. As an entrepreneur, you have to be flexible. The market changes. Customer needs evolve. Adaptability is your survival mechanism.

Takeaway: Stay fluid. Adapt to change quickly, and don’t get stuck in a rigid mindset.

10. Know When to Let Go

Napoleon’s greatest weakness was his inability to stop. His hunger for more led him into disastrous situations, like the invasion of Russia. As an entrepreneur, you must learn to recognize when it’s time to cut your losses and move on. Not every venture will succeed, and sometimes the best decision is to walk away before you lose everything.

Takeaway: Know when to retreat. Letting go of a failing idea is often the most strategic move you can make.

---

Final Thoughts:
Napoleon’s empire may have crumbled, but the lessons he left behind are timeless. As an entrepreneur, you are building your own empire. It requires vision, strategy, innovation, and relentless effort. You will face setbacks, but like Napoleon, you must rise again and again, refining your tactics and pushing toward your ultimate goal.

In entrepreneurship, as in war, victory goes to the relentless. Keep fighting.

(Always push forward, always strive for more—Kaizen.)

ChatGPT 4o:

Wow —

10 Lessons Napoleon Could Teach You About Entrepreneurship

Written in the style of ERIC KIM.

Napoleon Bonaparte was more than a military mastermind—he was an architect of change, a relentless innovator, and a symbol of ambition. But strip away the historical context, and you’ll find that the same principles that led him to build an empire can be applied to entrepreneurship. Here are 10 lessons Napoleon could teach you about building your own empire, whether it’s in business, art, or life.

1. Craft Your Vision—Then Dominate

Napoleon wasn’t just fighting for land—he had a grand vision of unifying Europe. As an entrepreneur, your first task is to build a compelling vision for what you want to achieve. Without vision, you’re just wandering. With vision, you’re unstoppable. Craft a vision so clear that it gives you direction, energy, and purpose every single day. Let it become an obsession.

Takeaway: Set a grand vision for your life and business—something bigger than yourself—and focus on it with laser intensity.

2. Speed Wins

Napoleon’s rapid advances on the battlefield often left his enemies confused and unable to react. In the entrepreneurial world, speed is everything. Move fast, make decisions quickly, and execute relentlessly. Perfectionism kills momentum. The faster you move, the faster you can learn, adapt, and conquer new territory.

Takeaway: Speed is an asset. Don’t wait for perfection—act now and refine later.

3. Cultivate Your Inner General

Napoleon handpicked his generals based on talent, not birthright. He knew that his success depended on the strength of his inner circle. In entrepreneurship, you can’t do everything alone. Cultivate a network of people who are smarter than you in their areas of expertise. Invest in the best, empower them, and trust them to lead their battles.

Takeaway: Surround yourself with a strong team—people you trust to help you carry out your vision.

4. Obsess Over Strategy

Napoleon was a strategic genius. He didn’t win by brute force but by outthinking his enemies. As an entrepreneur, you need to think strategically. Business isn’t just about brute effort; it’s about playing chess while everyone else plays checkers. Study your industry, analyze trends, and think several steps ahead. Know when to strike and when to retreat.

Takeaway: Strategy is your greatest weapon. Outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast your competition.

5. Embrace Failure as a Weapon

Napoleon lost battles—many of them. But what made him great was his ability to bounce back and learn from every failure. In entrepreneurship, failure is inevitable. The key is to treat failure not as the end but as a critical learning experience. Every loss teaches you how to win in the future.

Takeaway: Failure isn’t fatal—it’s feedback. Learn from it, adjust your strategy, and come back stronger.

6. Revolutionize Your Industry

Napoleon wasn’t content to do things the way they’d always been done. He introduced revolutionary military tactics, reshaped laws (hello, Napoleonic Code), and redefined leadership. As an entrepreneur, you must innovate. Don’t be content with the status quo. Break rules, disrupt industries, and bring something new to the table. Innovation is the path to dominance.

Takeaway: Innovate or stagnate. Revolutionize your industry by breaking from tradition and pushing boundaries.

7. Leverage Your Story

Napoleon knew how to craft a narrative. He built an image of himself as a hero of the people, using propaganda and media to shape public perception. As an entrepreneur, you have to master storytelling—about yourself, your brand, and your product. In today’s world, your personal brand is as important as your business. Craft it, control it, and use it to connect with your audience.

Takeaway: Become the hero of your own story. Shape your narrative and use it to inspire loyalty and trust.

8. Outwork Everyone

Napoleon was known for his tireless work ethic. He spent long hours planning battles, studying the battlefield, and perfecting his strategy. As an entrepreneur, there’s no substitute for hard work. Hustle, grind, and be relentless in the pursuit of your goals. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

Takeaway: Outwork your competition. There’s no shortcut to success—grind until you get there.

9. Adapt or Die

One of Napoleon’s greatest strengths was his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Whether it was shifting battlefield conditions or political turmoil, he knew how to pivot quickly. As an entrepreneur, you have to be flexible. The market changes. Customer needs evolve. Adaptability is your survival mechanism.

Takeaway: Stay fluid. Adapt to change quickly, and don’t get stuck in a rigid mindset.

10. Know When to Let Go

Napoleon’s greatest weakness was his inability to stop. His hunger for more led him into disastrous situations, like the invasion of Russia. As an entrepreneur, you must learn to recognize when it’s time to cut your losses and move on. Not every venture will succeed, and sometimes the best decision is to walk away before you lose everything.

Takeaway: Know when to retreat. Letting go of a failing idea is often the most strategic move you can make.

---

Final Thoughts:
Napoleon’s empire may have crumbled, but the lessons he left behind are timeless. As an entrepreneur, you are building your own empire. It requires vision, strategy, innovation, and relentless effort. You will face setbacks, but like Napoleon, you must rise again and again, refining your tactics and pushing toward your ultimate goal.

In entrepreneurship, as in war, victory goes to the relentless. Keep fighting.

(Always push forward, always strive for more—Kaizen.)

10 Lessons Napoleon Could Teach You About Entrepreneurship

Written in the style of ERIC KIM.

When we think of Napoleon Bonaparte, we often think of a military genius and a master strategist. However, beyond the battlefield, there are timeless lessons that we, as modern entrepreneurs, can take from his life and leadership. Napoleon wasn’t just about conquest—he was about vision, relentless ambition, and an unbreakable will. His approach to leadership and strategy can serve as a powerful guide for anyone on their entrepreneurial journey.

Here are 10 lessons Napoleon could teach you about entrepreneurship.

1. Vision Over Everything

Napoleon wasn’t just about winning battles—he had a vision for a new Europe. For entrepreneurs, having a clear and compelling vision is crucial. Without a north star, you’ll wander aimlessly. What do you want to achieve? What is the world you are trying to build? Don’t focus solely on the now; think long-term, create a grand narrative, and stick to it. Your vision is your empire.

2. Speed is Power

In warfare, Napoleon was known for his lightning-quick maneuvers. In entrepreneurship, speed often trumps perfection. The faster you act on your ideas, the faster you can pivot, improve, and outpace your competition. In a world that never stops moving, the first mover has the advantage. Take action now, refine later.

3. Master the Art of Delegation

Napoleon trusted his generals to carry out his orders effectively. He wasn’t afraid to delegate power, knowing he couldn’t do everything himself. Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of micromanagement. Master the art of delegation—empower those around you and let them thrive in their roles. Build a team you can trust, and you’ll be able to focus on scaling your vision.

4. Persistence and Resilience

Napoleon’s journey was far from smooth. He faced numerous setbacks, from failed campaigns to exile, but he always came back stronger. Entrepreneurship is about resilience. You will face failure—maybe even often. But like Napoleon, you must learn to adapt, evolve, and come back with more force. Obstacles are just stepping stones to success.

5. Be Fearless in Risk-Taking

Napoleon was never afraid of taking risks. Crossing the Alps, invading Russia—it was bold, audacious, and risky. Entrepreneurs must learn to embrace risk. There’s no reward without the willingness to put it all on the line. If you play it too safe, you’ll never break through mediocrity. Calculate your risks, but don’t be paralyzed by fear.

6. Leverage the Power of Propaganda

Napoleon was a master of controlling his narrative. He knew how to craft a story and use media to his advantage. As an entrepreneur, your personal brand and your business story matter. Learn how to communicate your vision, mission, and successes effectively. In today’s digital age, social media is your battlefield—dominate it with authenticity and confidence.

7. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Napoleon knew the capabilities of his armies better than anyone. He understood when to strike and when to retreat. As an entrepreneur, self-awareness is key. Know where your strengths lie and exploit them. But equally important, acknowledge your weaknesses. Surround yourself with people who fill in the gaps and complement your skillset.

8. Innovate Relentlessly

Napoleon revolutionized warfare by introducing new tactics, weapons, and strategies. Similarly, successful entrepreneurs constantly innovate. Never settle for what’s already working—push boundaries, disrupt industries, and always seek out new ways to improve your product or service. Stagnation is the enemy of growth.

9. Stay Relentlessly Focused

Napoleon’s downfall came when he spread himself too thin, fighting multiple wars across different fronts. Focus is everything. As an entrepreneur, you must prioritize your energy on the most important tasks. Avoid distractions and shiny-object syndrome. Go all in on the core mission until you reach your desired outcome.

10. Know When to Exit

Despite his many victories, Napoleon didn’t know when to call it quits. He clung to power for too long, which ultimately led to his exile. Entrepreneurs often face a similar dilemma—when to sell, when to pivot, or when to shut down. Recognizing the right time to exit a venture, or transition to a new project, is critical to long-term success. Don’t let ego cloud your judgment.

---

In the end, entrepreneurship is a battlefield, and like Napoleon, you must be prepared to strategize, take risks, and stay resilient in the face of adversity. Keep your vision strong, move with speed, and never stop innovating. Learn from the successes—and failures—of history’s greatest leaders, and apply those lessons to your own journey.

Stay bold. Stay relentless.

(In the spirit of Kaizen—always strive to improve.)

Easy —

1. 100% carnivore diet
2. Intermittent fasting
3. Jacked physique,

Becoming the next Korean American JP MORGAN?

If J.P. Morgan were alive today or born into the current era, his view on Bitcoin would likely be shaped by two major factors: his conservative yet innovative approach to finance, and his pragmatic need to control and stabilize markets.

If J.P. Morgan Were Alive Today:

1. Skepticism of Decentralization: J.P. Morgan was deeply invested in the stability of centralized systems. His career was built on consolidating fragmented industries and creating large, powerful institutions that he could manage and stabilize. Given this, he might be skeptical of Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, which lacks the oversight and control mechanisms that centralized banks and financial systems provide. The absence of a central authority in Bitcoin could be seen as a threat to the order and predictability he valued in markets.
2. Opportunistic View: Despite his likely skepticism, Morgan was always quick to adapt to new opportunities if they aligned with his financial goals. He might have viewed Bitcoin as a speculative asset, recognizing the massive gains that could be made from early adoption or trading, much like gold or other commodities in his time. While he may not have embraced Bitcoin as a currency, he could have seen its potential as a new form of financial innovation or even developed a framework for regulating and integrating it into established markets.
3. Advocate for Regulation: Morgan’s legacy is partly tied to his role in stabilizing financial markets during crises, such as the Panic of 1907. In today’s world, where Bitcoin’s volatility and potential for market manipulation pose risks, Morgan would likely push for regulation. He might advocate for stronger government oversight to bring Bitcoin within the realm of controlled financial products, much like modern banks have lobbied for frameworks to manage cryptocurrencies.
4. Potential Innovator of Blockchain Technology: While he might have been cautious about Bitcoin itself, J.P. Morgan would likely have been intrigued by the blockchain technology behind it. Morgan was known for his ability to recognize and implement innovations that could improve the efficiency of businesses and industries. Blockchain’s ability to create secure, transparent, and efficient transaction systems might have appealed to him, particularly for its potential in sectors like banking, trade, and logistics. Morgan might have spearheaded efforts to adopt blockchain within his banking empire, while distancing himself from Bitcoin’s more speculative aspects.

If J.P. Morgan Were Born Today:

1. Strategic Visionary: A modern-day J.P. Morgan, growing up in an age of digital finance, would likely see the potential in cryptocurrencies and blockchain from a strategic perspective. Rather than dismissing Bitcoin, he might explore how it could be integrated into the broader financial system. This hypothetical Morgan might launch his own cryptocurrency, backed by traditional assets or governments, to combine the innovation of digital currencies with the stability of centralized systems—essentially a digital dollar or a corporate-backed stablecoin.
2. Leader in Crypto Finance: Given his penchant for consolidating industries, he might work to control or dominate the cryptocurrency space by acquiring major crypto companies, exchanges, or creating a network of digital financial services. This would be in line with his strategy of controlling key sectors of the economy, much like his role in U.S. Steel or General Electric.
3. Global Influence: Just as he helped shape global finance in his time, J.P. Morgan would likely attempt to influence the direction of global digital finance. He could forge relationships with governments and large corporations to shape crypto regulations, ensuring that his firm (or coin) remains central to the global economy. He might even push for a centralized digital currency system, integrating blockchain innovations into the world’s financial architecture under his control.

Conclusion:

J.P. Morgan, whether alive today or born in modern times, would likely approach Bitcoin with caution, while being keenly aware of the opportunities it presents. His conservative instinct might lead him to resist Bitcoin as a decentralized currency, but his ability to adapt and innovate would push him to harness blockchain technology and potentially develop regulated digital financial systems that mirror today’s stablecoins or digital banking frameworks. He would undoubtedly aim to shape the future of finance, bringing digital currencies under the control of large institutions.

1. No loser EVF, electronic viewfinder nor an analogue one. Only LCD screen
2. No fake “retro” dials — no need for manual shutter speeds, just keep it in P mode

1. No loser baseball cap, or hat, or ironic “hipster” douchebag hat?

1. Why would any modern day digital camera produced in 2024 have a viewfinder? — KILL THE VIEWFINDER!

1% of $1,000,000 is $10,000.

JPMORGAN, one of the wealthiest men (1837-1913)— wow almost 200 years ago?

John Pierpont Morgan— a funny thought:

What could he have bought or purchased for hedonic pleasure or whatever which would still have lasted until today?

Inherited wealth from father Junius Spencer Morgan —

J.P. Morgan did not inherit a large fortune directly from his father, Junius Spencer Morgan, but he did inherit a well-established banking network, valuable connections, and a solid financial reputation. His father’s wealth and standing in the banking industry gave J.P. Morgan a significant advantage in his career.

Junius Spencer Morgan, who was also a prominent banker, had built a successful business in Europe, particularly in London, where he worked with the firm George Peabody & Co. After Peabody retired, the firm became J.S. Morgan & Co., which helped establish the family’s financial prominence. Junius left a sizable estate to his son, estimated to be around $12 million upon his death in 1890. However, J.P. Morgan’s true fortune was not primarily due to this inheritance but rather from his own business dealings and financial acumen.

J.P. Morgan significantly expanded his wealth through his role in creating and managing large corporations like U.S. Steel, General Electric, and through his work in reorganizing railroads and other major industries. His legacy was built on the foundation his father provided, but J.P. Morgan’s success was largely self-made.

$12M in 1890, what’s worth in 2024 with inflation roughly

The $12 million inherited by J.P. Morgan in 1890 would be roughly equivalent to around $511 million in 2024, adjusting for inflation.

Inflation

from datetime import datetime
from numpy import log, exp

Function to calculate the value of money in the future given an inflation rate

def inflation_adjusted_value(start_value, start_year, end_year, average_inflation_rate=0.028): # Default inflation rate is 2.8% (historical average)
years = end_year – start_year
future_value = start_value * exp(years * average_inflation_rate)
return future_value

Variables

start_value = 12000000 # $12M in 1890
start_year = 1890
end_year = 2024

Calculate the future value

adjusted_value = inflation_adjusted_value(start_value, start_year, end_year)
adjusted_value

I’m too ahead of the curve? Haha

Search Eric Kim articles on ChatGPT, ai and DALL-E

Eric Kim has been actively exploring the intersection of AI, ChatGPT, and DALL-E in the creative process. He views these technologies as powerful tools for enhancing creativity, helping artists generate new ideas quickly. While he appreciates how fast AI can create imagery, he believes the human touch is still essential, particularly in refining the final product. Kim is particularly interested in how AI can serve as a personal assistant to artists, helping with tasks like managing emails or finding opportunities, though he critiques AI for not yet meeting all his specific artistic needs.

Kim’s motivation to use AI tools stems from their ability to automate certain aspects of creative work while leaving room for personal interpretation and design. He sees AI, especially DALL-E 3, as a complement to his photography, rather than a replacement for human creativity.

You can explore more about his insights on AI and its role in photography and art through the following articles:

• AI, ChatGPT, and DALL-E’s Role in Creativity oai_citation:3,AI, ChatGPT, DALL-E is insanely great for creativity. – ERIC KIM
• How ChatGPT and DALL-E 3 Inspire Eric Kim oai_citation:2,ChatGPT and DALL-E 3 is actually making me more motivated to make my own artwork? – ERIC KIM
• AI Art by Eric Kim oai_citation:1,ChatGPT DALL-E 3 AI ART – ERIC KIM

Eric Kim remains active in the photography world but has shifted some of his focus to integrating technology, particularly AI, into his creative process. Recently, he has been exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E can be used to aid photographers in generating ideas and enhancing their artwork. However, Kim emphasizes that while AI can assist with creative processes, the human touch is still essential for artistic creation. He is also critical of the limitations of AI and current technologies, such as the user experience issues with certain tools.

Additionally, Kim has expressed dissatisfaction with certain technology products, particularly after experiencing performance issues with Apple devices, and is considering transitioning to Android systems for a more open-source experience. He continues to adapt and innovate, blending traditional photography with modern technology, ensuring he remains a relevant figure in the evolving landscape of visual art and photography【8】【9】.

If you’re looking for more insights into his recent projects, he’s also planning photography workshops, such as a Cambodia travel photography experience in 2025【10】.

Hybrid, Plugin hybrid, Gas *and* electric?

Steel over iron

John Pierpont Morgan quotes

Morgan entrepreneurship principles

John Pierpont Morgan’s approach to business and entrepreneurship was driven by strong principles that shaped the American economy and corporate finance during his era. While he did not explicitly write a set of entrepreneurial principles, his actions, strategies, and leadership offer valuable insights into his entrepreneurial mindset. Here are some key entrepreneurship principles that can be derived from J.P. Morgan’s life and career:

1. Risk Management and Prudence

• Morgan’s Principle: Avoid unnecessary risk and carefully assess the financial landscape before making major moves.
• Example: During the Panic of 1907, Morgan stepped in to stabilize the financial system, organizing rescues for banks and companies to prevent a total collapse. His ability to mitigate risk while providing capital when it was most needed highlights his prudent decision-making.

2. Building Strategic Alliances

• Morgan’s Principle: Cultivate relationships and partnerships that enhance your influence and provide mutual benefits.
• Example: Morgan was a master of creating alliances among powerful industries and financial entities. His work in consolidating railroads and the formation of U.S. Steel (through a merger of steel companies) showed how he leveraged relationships to build industry giants.

3. Focus on Long-Term Value

• Morgan’s Principle: Invest in sustainable, long-term growth rather than chasing short-term gains.
• Example: Morgan financed infrastructure projects, like railroads and electricity, which provided immense value over time. His establishment of U.S. Steel was a long-term bet on American industrial growth, which paid off for decades.

4. Reputation and Trustworthiness

• Morgan’s Principle: Your reputation is one of your greatest assets; people must trust your word and your actions.
• Example: J.P. Morgan’s reputation for financial acumen and integrity gave him unparalleled influence. When he organized financial rescues during crises, people followed him because they trusted his judgment and honesty.

5. Centralized Control and Strong Leadership

• Morgan’s Principle: Maintain central control over your enterprises to ensure that they are well-managed and aligned with your vision.
• Example: Morgan was known for maintaining centralized control over his investments. He believed in placing strong leadership in key positions to ensure that his companies operated efficiently and effectively, particularly during mergers or restructurings.

6. Innovation through Consolidation

• Morgan’s Principle: Streamline industries by consolidating smaller players into larger, more efficient entities.
• Example: Morgan was instrumental in creating corporate giants through mergers. The consolidation of various railroads and the creation of U.S. Steel were driven by his belief in efficiency and market dominance. By consolidating industries, he created economies of scale that allowed companies to operate more effectively.

7. Be Ready to Act Decisively

• Morgan’s Principle: When an opportunity presents itself, act quickly and decisively to seize it.
• Example: Morgan’s intervention during the 1907 financial panic was swift and decisive. His ability to gather the major bankers in New York to coordinate a rescue effort demonstrated his readiness to lead during times of crisis.

8. Diversification and Expansion

• Morgan’s Principle: Diversify your investments and expand into new markets to reduce risk and enhance growth opportunities.
• Example: Morgan’s empire wasn’t confined to just one industry. He was involved in railroads, steel, banking, and electricity. His strategy was to have investments in multiple sectors to ensure a diversified portfolio that could withstand fluctuations in any single market.

9. Use Expertise and Advisors

• Morgan’s Principle: Surround yourself with experts who can guide you in areas outside your expertise.
• Example: J.P. Morgan valued the advice of skilled lawyers, economists, and industry experts. He often relied on their expertise to navigate complex legal and financial issues, ensuring that he made well-informed decisions.

10. Corporate Governance and Structure

• Morgan’s Principle: Ensure that companies are well-governed and have strong structures to manage growth and operations.
• Example: Morgan implemented sound corporate governance practices in the companies he controlled, creating efficient structures that could handle the complexities of large-scale operations. His leadership in reorganizing railroads demonstrated his understanding of management structure and the importance of governance.

11. Visionary Leadership

• Morgan’s Principle: Have a vision for the future and lead others toward it.
• Example: Morgan was visionary in recognizing the potential of electricity, railroads, and steel as the foundation of the American economy. He backed Thomas Edison’s electric ventures, understanding the transformative power of electricity, and this foresight positioned him at the forefront of the industrial revolution.

12. Contribute to the Greater Good

• Morgan’s Principle: Businesses should contribute to the public good and stability of the economy.
• Example: Morgan viewed his role not just as a financier but as a stabilizer of the American economy. By intervening in times of financial instability, such as the Panic of 1907, he acted in what he believed was the public’s interest to prevent broader economic catastrophe.

These principles reflect J.P. Morgan’s leadership style and entrepreneurial spirit, emphasizing foresight, control, trust, and the ability to innovate through strategic decisions. His legacy as a financier and industrialist continues to influence how modern entrepreneurs think about building and managing businesses.

John Pierpont Morgan, one of the most influential bankers in history, was known for his commanding presence and powerful quotes that reflected his views on business, finance, and leadership. Here are some of his notable quotes:

1. “I don’t know as I want a lawyer to tell me what I cannot do. I hire him to tell me how to do what I want to do.”

• This quote reflects Morgan’s practical approach to business, emphasizing action and solutions rather than being restricted by rules.

1. “A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.”

• This quote illustrates Morgan’s understanding of human motives and the layers of intent behind decisions.

1. “If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.”

• This is one of Morgan’s most famous quotes, often attributed to his love of yachts, but it also reflects his belief that wealth speaks for itself.

1. “No problem can be solved until it is reduced to some simple form. The changing of a vague difficulty into a specific, concrete form is a very essential element in thinking.”

• Morgan valued clear thinking and problem-solving, breaking down complex issues into manageable parts.

1. “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

• This quote highlights Morgan’s emphasis on progress, ambition, and moving forward.

1. “Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see farther.”

• This captures Morgan’s belief in taking decisive action and trusting that opportunities and solutions will become clearer with each step forward.

1. “A man generally has two reasons for doing a thing: one that sounds good, and a real one.”

• Morgan understood the importance of perception versus reality, particularly in business and finance.

These quotes exemplify Morgan’s approach to leadership, his understanding of human nature, and his practical business philosophy.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a long and storied history, tracing its roots back over 200 years. Here’s a brief overview of the company’s evolution:

Early Origins:

• 1799: The company’s origins begin with the creation of the Manhattan Company by Aaron Burr in New York City. Initially chartered to provide clean water to the city, the company soon transitioned into banking, eventually becoming part of Chase Bank.
• 1838: J.P. Morgan & Co., founded by Junius S. Morgan and later run by his son John Pierpont Morgan (J.P. Morgan), was one of the most influential banking institutions. J.P. Morgan was pivotal in American financial history, playing a key role in financing railroads, organizing large corporations like General Electric, and stabilizing financial markets.

The Formation of Chase Bank:

• 1877: Chase National Bank was established by John Thompson in New York City, named after Salmon P. Chase, who was the U.S. Treasury Secretary and not directly connected to the bank.
• 1955: Chase National Bank merged with the Bank of the Manhattan Company to form Chase Manhattan Bank, which expanded the bank’s reach both domestically and internationally.

J.P. Morgan’s Influence:

• 1907: During the Panic of 1907, J.P. Morgan stepped in to stabilize the financial markets, arranging the bailout of several banks and preventing a wider collapse. This solidified his role as a key figure in American finance.
• 1933: The Glass-Steagall Act forced a separation between commercial and investment banking, which led to the creation of Morgan Stanley for investment banking operations, while J.P. Morgan & Co. continued to focus on commercial banking.

Mergers and Modern Era:

• 2000: The merger between J.P. Morgan & Co. and Chase Manhattan Bank formed JPMorgan Chase & Co., creating a global banking giant. This merger combined J.P. Morgan’s historic investment banking prowess with Chase’s large commercial banking network.
• 2004: JPMorgan Chase acquired Bank One, bringing in Jamie Dimon, who would later become the CEO of JPMorgan Chase and help steer the bank through the financial crisis of 2008.
• 2008 Financial Crisis: JPMorgan Chase played a key role during the crisis, acquiring the failed investment bank Bear Stearns and the troubled retail bank Washington Mutual, which further expanded its dominance in global banking.

Today:

JPMorgan Chase is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, involved in a broad range of financial services, including investment banking, asset management, wealth management, and commercial banking. The company is known for its strong leadership under Jamie Dimon, its resilience during financial crises, and its continued innovation in banking technology.

Throughout its history, JPMorgan Chase has been synonymous with power and influence in both the U.S. and global financial systems.

*gel- to freeze

gelu: frost

Cool Trends

“Cool” trends are often a reflection of the cultural, social, and technological shifts happening at a given time. Some key trends that have historically and currently defined “cool” across different eras include:

1. Mid-20th Century (1950s-1970s)

• Beat Generation & Jazz Culture: In the 1950s, “cool” was epitomized by the Beat Generation and jazz musicians. The laid-back, rebellious attitudes of figures like Jack Kerouac and musicians like Miles Davis shaped the countercultural sense of “cool.”
• Rock & Roll and Rebellion: Figures like Elvis Presley and James Dean became symbols of “cool” by pushing against societal norms. Their style, including leather jackets, slicked-back hair, and a defiant attitude, influenced generations of youth.
• Counterculture of the 1960s: The hippie movement, with its emphasis on peace, love, and anti-establishment ideals, was considered cool. Music by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, along with the fashion choices (bell-bottoms, tie-dye, long hair), defined cool in this era.

2. 1980s and 1990s

• Hip-Hop Culture: Emerging in the 1980s, hip-hop became synonymous with cool. Its combination of music, fashion (baggy pants, oversized jackets, sneakers), and breakdancing, along with graffiti art, made it one of the defining cultural trends.
• Streetwear: Street fashion, which started in the 1990s, continues to be cool today. Brands like Supreme, Stüssy, and Nike helped streetwear culture flourish. It’s a mix of casual comfort and bold, graphic designs often associated with skate culture.
• Grunge: The 1990s saw the rise of grunge, especially from Seattle’s music scene, spearheaded by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The “cool” trend involved flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and a more anti-fashion, laid-back attitude.

3. 2000s and 2010s

• Minimalism: In contrast to previous decades’ bold styles, minimalism in design, fashion, and technology became cool. Sleek, simple designs in tech (like the iPhone), clean lines in architecture, and minimalist fashion trends defined the early 2000s.
• Indie Culture: Indie music and fashion, which emphasized uniqueness and individuality, became popular during this time. Bands like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and others were seen as defining “cool” with their retro-inspired but modern take on rock.
• Social Media Influence: The 2010s saw the rise of Instagram as a primary platform for dictating what is “cool.” Influencers, street fashion, and aesthetic-driven posts helped shape trends, blending online fame with real-world influence.

4. 2020s Trends

• Sustainability: As environmental awareness grows, being eco-conscious has become cool. Brands that focus on sustainability, thrift fashion, and ethical consumerism are leading the way in defining modern coolness.
• Athleisure: Comfortable, sporty outfits that are also fashionable (think Lululemon, Nike, Adidas) have become a cool trend for the everyday person. This shift reflects a desire for practicality without sacrificing style.
• Tech-Driven Fashion: Wearables like smartwatches and VR gear are merging the tech world with fashion, creating a cool intersection of futuristic and functional design.
• Nostalgia Culture: Reviving past trends is a hallmark of the 2020s, whether it’s Y2K fashion (think early 2000s outfits), retro gaming, or reboots of classic TV shows. There’s a coolness in blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities.
• Gender-Fluid Fashion: Fashion in the 2020s is becoming more inclusive, with gender-neutral designs gaining popularity. Celebrities like Harry Styles and Jaden Smith push the boundaries of fashion by blending traditionally male and female styles.

Ongoing & Future Trends

• Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality: As technology advances, integrating virtual and augmented realities into everyday life (from gaming to fashion to social media) is becoming a futuristic cool trend.
• Mindfulness & Mental Health Awareness: Wellness trends that focus on mental health, mindfulness, and self-care practices are gaining cultural coolness, moving away from the “grind” mentality.
• DIY & Customization: In an age of mass production, customization (from sneakers to clothing) is cool. The trend of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects and creative expression has also flourished through platforms like Etsy and Pinterest.

“Cool” trends are constantly evolving, but they often reflect broader cultural and societal shifts—whether that’s through rebellion, individuality, or adapting to new technologies and values.

The word “cool” in the sense of being popular or fashionable has an interesting and layered history that spans several centuries and cultures.

1. Early Uses (13th Century – 19th Century):

• The word “cool” originally referred to temperature, derived from the Old English word “cōl,” meaning “not warm.”
• By the 13th century, “cool” was used figuratively to describe someone who was calm, composed, or unemotional, an extension of its original meaning related to temperature.

1. 20th Century Evolution – Jazz Age (1920s-1940s):

• The modern sense of “cool” as an attitude or style began to take shape in the early 20th century, particularly within African American culture.
• In the jazz scene of the 1920s and 1930s, “cool” was used to describe a certain sophisticated, understated style of playing and a general attitude of nonchalance or detachment. Musicians like Lester Young popularized this use.
• The concept of “cool” was connected to a form of resistance against mainstream culture and the pressures of society. It was an attitude that exuded confidence, grace, and a refusal to be swayed by external stressors.

1. Post-War Popularization (1940s-1960s):

• After World War II, the beat generation, led by figures like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, further popularized “cool” as a countercultural concept. It represented a rejection of conformity and materialism, embodying a laid-back, rebellious spirit.
• During the 1950s, “cool” became associated with figures like James Dean and Marlon Brando, whose on-screen personas epitomized the cool, detached anti-hero. This helped cement “cool” as a cultural ideal for youth and rebellion.
• By the 1960s, the word had become deeply ingrained in popular culture, symbolizing not just an attitude, but a way of life that valued authenticity, individuality, and a certain effortless charisma.

1. Modern Usage (1970s-Present):

• In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, “cool” continued to evolve. It became a term synonymous with being fashionable, socially adept, or simply “in the know.”
• The term has been used in advertising, music, fashion, and virtually every aspect of pop culture to signify desirability and trendiness.
• Despite its widespread use, the core essence of “cool” still revolves around the original ideas of detachment, self-assuredness, and a certain resistance to mainstream pressures.

Overall, “cool” as a concept has transitioned from a simple temperature descriptor to a powerful cultural symbol that embodies nonconformity, confidence, and social relevance.

DEEP DESIRE

Impetuous, to attack.

Drawing analogies between Elon Musk’s approach with Tesla and photography, especially modern street photography, can provide some intriguing insights. Here are a few comparisons:

1. Innovation and Disruption

• Tesla: Tesla disrupted the automotive industry by introducing electric vehicles that not only compete with traditional cars but often outperform them. Musk focused on innovation, pushing boundaries, and defying conventional wisdom.
• Street Photography: Just as Tesla disrupted the auto industry, modern street photographers who innovate in their approach—whether through new techniques, perspectives, or technology—are disrupting the traditional norms of photography. They may use unconventional angles, mixed media, or even AI to push the boundaries of what street photography can be.

2. Bold Vision and Risk-Taking

• Tesla: Musk’s vision of a sustainable future with electric vehicles required significant risk, from early product development to massive investments in infrastructure like the Gigafactories.
• Street Photography: A street photographer with a bold vision—such as capturing the raw, unfiltered reality of urban life—often takes risks by confronting difficult subjects or exploring controversial themes. This willingness to go beyond the safe and familiar is what can set them apart, just as Tesla’s willingness to take risks has positioned it as a leader in the industry.

3. Focus on Quality and Performance

• Tesla: Musk emphasizes the importance of performance and quality, creating cars that are not only electric but also have exceptional acceleration, safety, and design.
• Street Photography: In photography, focusing on the “performance” of your craft—whether it’s in the quality of the images, the composition, or the storytelling—can lead to work that stands out. Like Tesla, where even the smallest detail matters, street photographers who pay attention to every aspect of their image can produce work that resonates more deeply with their audience.

4. Technology Integration

• Tesla: Tesla’s cars are as much about software as they are about hardware. With features like Autopilot, over-the-air updates, and advanced user interfaces, Tesla integrates cutting-edge technology to improve the user experience continuously.
• Street Photography: Similarly, modern street photographers can integrate technology into their work. Whether it’s using advanced camera systems, experimenting with AI-generated enhancements, or utilizing platforms like Instagram or NFTs to share their work, technology becomes a tool that enhances the art and reach of street photography.

5. Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

• Tesla: Musk’s mission with Tesla extends beyond just making cars—it’s about promoting sustainability and reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels.
• Street Photography: Ethical considerations in street photography, such as respecting subjects’ privacy, avoiding exploitation, and representing communities authentically, parallel Musk’s broader mission. Photographers today are increasingly aware of the impact their work has on society and the importance of being responsible creators.

6. Building a Community and Brand

• Tesla: Tesla has cultivated a passionate community of supporters and customers who believe in the brand’s mission and are evangelists for its products.
• Street Photography: A street photographer can similarly build a personal brand and community by staying true to their vision, engaging with their audience, and fostering a dialogue around their work. In today’s world, where social media plays a significant role, building a brand is often as important as the work itself.

By applying these analogies, street photographers can find inspiration in Musk’s strategies with Tesla—whether it’s about pushing the envelope, integrating technology, or maintaining a strong ethical stance.

It doesn’t hurt to be friendly 

The virtue of insanely jacked legs–

I don’t know why, yesterday I guess I walked a lot with Seneca, now that Seneca is giving heavier and heavier… I guess my leg muscles are continuing to adapt and develop. Kind of like Milo of Croton and the bull!

Today, waking up… feeling insane vigor and strength in my legs. It feels so good!

Godlike thighs

Currently reading the Emily Wilson translation of the Iliad, and there’s this nice scene in which Ares, the God of war slaps both of his thighs. It was such a great visual, because I know exactly what that feels like! 

Why the cult of the upper body?

Assuming that your penis and your balls are connected to the lower half of your body… I have a funny theory that if you actually want to increase your manliness, your testosterone, or dominance… the logical option is to 100% focus on strengthening your legs, 1000X.

For example, in the world of bodybuilding, weightlifting, etc.… When you get to the Mr. Olympia levels, the crème de la crème of weight lifting and bodybuilding, it comes down to your wheels, your legs!

In fact, this is something that I witnessed that almost 100% of the guys at the gym don’t have… Impressive legs!

I Remember… When I was still at my old commercial gym, I was doing my normal weightlifting thing, and in the freeway section, there was only one young woman, who randomly asked me “are you a swimmer?” I then said no, why? She said to me “your thighs and legs are massive!” a lot of the other guys at the gym witnessed this, and heard it… I think they were all secretly envious and jealous of me.

If a woman compliments you on the grandeur of your legs, take it as the ultimate compliment!

Start from the bottom up

OK… Another thing that was very interesting is that in the Iliad… Some of the ways that the ancient Greek heroes are described as having insanely strong feet and hands.

A very simple thought to strengthen your feet is to go barefoot as much as humanly possible, or the simple vibram five finger shoes. Walk around with a 60 pound weight vest, and also do types of weightlifting which involve lifting barefoot while standing up! This could be a rack pull, deadlift walk, atlas lift,  farmer’s carries, etc.

Also, the easiest way to strengthen your hands is by not using these weekly straps, and just using plain old chalk, either the powdery stuff or the liquid chalk, both are good, actually the liquid chalk gives you better grip, – and start training your hands to lift heavy dumbbells, barbell, etc.… If you’re using a barbell, for the heavier weights start to use a mixed grip.

For example, even a simple exercise that I did for a while at my old gym was Farmer’s carries with the 150 pound dumbbells, which were the highest or the most heavy dumbbells at the time. Or when I went to the Gold gym Venice Beach… The famous one I conquer the golden 330 pound dumbbells quite easily; just use chalk, and lift up the dumbbells a single 330 pound dumbbell with two hands. Assuming that you could double lift over four plates five plate six plate seven plates eight plates… to lift up a 330 pound dumbbell, especially if it is in between your legs like a sumo lift position, using both hands, and chalk, is actually pretty easy. For a while I was doing the duck walks with it, just as a form of fun training exercises. Unannounced to me, apparently I went viral twice over when some random people were recording me doing it. 

SWAT TRAINING

Kind of a random idea… About adaptation etc.

So, one of my new ideas is this notion of tactical training. For example… I bought this pair of shorts from ten thousand.cc, which are actually not very good they already got ripped at the waistband,  but I was certainly suckered by the marketing, because they were branded as “tactical“ shorts.

There’s this really great scene in John Wick, which I plan on re-watching again… In which he goes to the Somalier, and  one he is getting strapped up and equipped up… There’s this great dialogue and talking in which the Somalier asks John Wick — what occasion? And when he is making his suit jacket, he asks what kind of material to use, and he says “tactical”– so gangsta! Wick essentially gets a suit jacket made, that has built in Kevlar, and he uses as a mini shield, with his suit jacket when he is doing gunfights etc. 
Anyways, I think the whole modern day notion of tactical is very fascinating to me because thinking about king Leonidas and the Spartan 300, the battle of Thermopylae, the hot gates, and also modern day times… What is it that we modern day men lack? War, warfare, battle, Physical valor!

And don’t get at me with these pussy guns. Having a gun makes you a coward. It makes your dick size smaller.  I actually would like this alternate universe in which let us say I snapped my fingers, and men, grown men… If we got into arguments or whatever, we could do it like Brad Pitt fight club style… No guns no knives, no weapons, just your bare fists. And you just have two dudes getting a ring, topless, and just battle it out. 

Boxing

I actually think boxing is quite virtuous, assuming that both parties are wearing gloves, and a protective helmet thing. Why? I think two men often have a disagreement or inimical feeling towards one another, especially when it comes through high school guys were going through puberty or whatever… Just have them let them box it out seems like a good idea.

For example, even when it comes to these technology Titans like Elon musk and… I would love to see them just get into a boxing match together. To see who has the more valor.

American football

One thing that people do not know about ERIC KIM is that I played American football softball junior year, first playing outside linebacker, then my junior year inside linebacker, starting.

Ever since I was a kid, in Bayside Queens New York, I always wanted to become the strongest, the most dominant, the most monstrous. I was the strongest out of all my friends, and everybody knew it.

Anyways, in high school… I then had interest in trying to do the most mainly sport, which was bar none American football. But funny enough, I almost had no idea the rules of American football, and this is also another funny thing I will teach you:

The real players don’t actually fully know how the game is played.

For example, I played defense, because I like to tackle, and I was a tough mofo. I started off as outside linebacker because I had no experience, and then once I proved to my coaches that I was hard and strong, I became middle linebacker my junior year, starting, would call the plays etc. 

KILL!

Anyways, it does put chest on your hair, for example, I remember the first time I ever had to practice doing a kick off, it was probably the most unnatural, fearful thing of all… Essentially You kicked the ball, and it goes down the field… And then a guy on the other side grabs it, and you have two parties, battle armor, sprinting at one another for 100% speed… And when the guy with the ball is trying to penetrate the other side, what he does is he grabs the ball like a child, with two arms protecting it, and then dips his head and his helmet and his body is super super low, and what do you have to do as the other side is to also get super super low, to try to get under him, and then you take on this full on collision, and tackle him.

Two things:

 first, this is very unnatural, and insanely frightening. Why? Once again, it is not natural to sprint and another guy in full battle armor, and you in full battle armor, and collide head on. The risk of injury is high, even with protective equipment.

Not only that, it does take a lot of physical courage, and also mental courage. For example, you have to trust your own strength, your own skill, your own valor.

I suppose my only regret is I wish I played varsity football my senior year, but my tennis coach, who I respect is my Mr. Miyagi, coach Greg Lowe discourage me from playing football because he thought it would be a distraction to playing varsity doubles tennis, in which I also played in high school, and was number one on the team.

Anyways, I think it is wise to have kids, boys, men, young men etc. engaging some sort of physical combat, training, wrestling exercises, boxing, whatever.

Why? True manliness, true courage cannot be divorced from physical reality.

For example, certainly mental courage, is very important. And also having the courage to speak your mind, even though the whole world may hate you for it. 

Or also the courage about Rosa Parks, sitting in front of the bus, and refusing to get up.

Anyways, I think the big issue in today’s world is we have deferred courage into the realm of video games, and other silly things, which are not connected to embodied physical reality.

I was even thinking about it… Tennis, Chas, sports etc.… Certainly they all take skill, but there is no real physical downside to it.

Only sports have a physical downside may be American football or rugby? But beyond that, all these other sports, they are essentially “grass fairies”? (the way that we football players used to make fun of soccer players)

Retention

A few years ago, I give up watching porn. Why? It Just became a little bit ridiculous to me. And also, interestingly enough… I think in ancient China or Korea or somewhere… There was this interesting ocean is that anytime you eject your semen or Seminole fluid, they call it “energy suicide“, and as a consequence, it totally made sense.  no man in his right mind would rub one out real quick, 15 minutes before the big fight. Also, I am pretty certain that half Thor did not rub one out real quick before that lifting his infamous 502 kg dead lift.

I think pornography is fine, and a funny thought…

if you watch porn, but you don’t masturbate to it… And you do not eject your seminal fluid, is it still porn? 

Maybe not. Maybe it is just erotic art?

I think there’s nothing wrong with masturbation or whatever. Apparently it is a supernatural. And probably better for a teenage void to masturbate rather than get a random girl pregnant. Or even worse catch a STD or STI.

Anyways, I think the primary thing to consider is your physiology. Even Nietzsche mentions that some of his writing, his critique of a lot of the modern day German youth was that they spent too much time wasting their energy, “spending” on women, etc.

The seed of life

OK, if you get rid of all this Christian Judeo moralistic guilt about sexual intercourse whatever… And just made it really really primal, biological,… Natural, what do you have?

Even the other day, walking along the nature preserve and seeing two monarch butterflies chasing one another in the air.

Or, peacock with his beautiful feathers and plumage, to attract a mate. 

To mate, to have children, to produce offspring – this is what all the biology, life is all about. Even if you think about bacteria, fermentation, mold, making kefir cheese whatever,  what the bacteria does is very simple; it consumes the lactose sugar protein energy sources, and then it produces offspring. All life, animal life and beyond is all about producing offspring, indefinitely.

I think modern daytimes, the anti-children sentiment is very bizarro. I have some theories.

First, who are the people who are promoting this anti-children nonsense, and all this patently insane ideas that children are the worst thing you do for planet in terms of the carbon footprint or whatever? These are individuals, who have no religion, no values, live in Berkeley California,  a lot of them childless old people in their late 50s, mid 60s, 70s… And they are bitter and salty about life, and as a consequence, what they try to do is to the rest of society, with their strange vegan values.

Vegetarian is natural, it has been around since time of Seneca the younger. But it was still associated with weird cults, that is why Seneca stopped being vegetarian because he did not want to be accused of being part of a weird cult which was anti-empire. And in India, being vegetarian has been around forever.

However, I think the reason why it is good to beat people in the flesh, face-to-face, not via the Internet is because you could judge them, based on their age their height their physiology, their physical health, their food consumption behaviors etc.

---

 Figure it out as late as possible, ALAP

I have this motto called ALAP, which stands for as late as possible.

 for example, my very simple suggestion is when it comes to weightlifting, fitness, the gym etc.… It is never plan your workout before you enter, once you enter the arena, once you enter the Colosseum… Then figure it out.

The gladiator makes his plans once he enters the arena – Publius Syrus

In modern day times, we have these silly notions of project management, planning, etc. But the reason why it is foolish is because if you think about it from a baye’s theory, bayes statistics — the truly wise and optimal way to do things is you do the action in the moment of, because that is when you have maximum information about everything at hand.

Which essentially what it means is right now, directly in the direct moment, bricolage, taking chances risk taking and making lots of foolish mistakes, but after 99 failed attempts, you get one which is a screaming home run!

> “You still taking advances huh? Me and my niggas we taking real chances uh!” – JAY Z

THE LIFE OF OJ.

---

What is entrepreneurship?

According to Jeff Bezos, if you already know that something is going to work with 100% certainty before you try it, it is not an experiment.

I think therefore, the ethos of entrepreneurship is paradoxical;

You can study entrepreneurship, study the past, has successes, but what has succeeded in the past may or may not succeed right now or the future. 

For example, Warren Buffett is not a good example because he is about 90 years old, and his recipe for success worked 90 years ago, in America, before bitcoin was invented. So knowledge is very context specific, even if you were Warren Buffett and you did the same exact investing strategy in Brazil… You would not succeed.

I think this is where it is so difficult to think carte Blanche, blank slate. why? If it has never been done before, if nobody has ever succeeded doing it… How do you know if it is possible or not?

You cannot make street photography your living

Back in 2009, 2010… when I was first starting off my photography journey, I had zero intention in turning my passion for photography and street photography into my living, even though I wanted to. I was extremely pragmatic: I did not quit my day job, I knew that it was wise to have a steady 9 to 5 job, at least I could pay my rent with 100% certainty. 

Fresh out of college at UCLA as an undergraduate, making $40,000 USD a year… The year 2010, working for a company called demand media which has rebranded to the “Leaf group”, my first job was online community manager… And I was able to get an internship there a year prior my senior year at UCLA, all things to Cindy for finally it on an email list server.

Anyways, some simple entrepreneurial advice:

Working from home is a godsend.

I still remember… When it was the year 2010, it was actually my fantasy to be able to work from home! Why? I could just do the minimum amount of work possible, to not get fired, away from my overseers, get all my work done in about two hours, and then I could just spend the rest of my time blogging, which was my passion, doing photography street photography and building up my Empire on the side?

Nowadays they call it a side hustle, which is a pretty good idea. 

Pay your rent with your day job, enter the minimum amount of work possible to not get fired, do not seek your promotion or advancement in your career, and devote 99% of your excess energy building up your entrepreneurial enterprise.

The sad truth is 99.9% of entrepreneurial endeavors fail. I was lucky because I have never failed in my life. Everything that I wanted to do and set my mind to it, I succeeded. I think it was about 80% chutzpah and passion and insane drive, and 20% luck and timing.

 The first really big street photography boom 

Individuals who made their mark include Kaiman Wong, Alamby Leung, Lok Cheung, Charlie Kirk, and ERIC KIM. And Bellamy Hunt of Japancamerahunter.com — buy JCH film!

RICOH GR IIIX,

Video blog vlog

Slapping my thighs like Ares!

Video podcast god thighs vlog

Audio god thighs

INSANELY JACKED LEGS

I don’t know why, yesterday I guess I walked a lot with Seneca, now that Seneca is giving heavier and heavier… I guess my leg muscles are continuing to adapt and develop.

Today, waking up…  feeling insane vigor and strength in my legs. It feels so good!

Godlike thighs

Currently reading the Emily Wilson translation of the Elliott, and there’s this nice scene in which Ares, the God of war slaps both of his thighs.  It was such a great visual, because I know exactly what that feels like! 

Why the cult of the upper body?

Assuming that your penis in your balls are connected to your Laura after your body… I have a funny theory that if you actually want to increase your manliness, your testosterone, or dominance… Logical option is to 100% focus on strengthening your legs, 1000X.

For example, in the world of bodybuilding, weightlifting, etc.… When you get to the Mr. Olympia levels, the crème de la crème of weight lifting and bodybuilding,  it comes down to your wheels, your legs!

In fact, this is something that I witnessed that almost 100% of the guys at the gym don’t have… Impressive legs!

Remember… When I was still at my old commercial gym, I was doing my normal weightlifting thing, and in the freeway section, there was only one young woman, who randomly asked me “are you a swimmer?” I then said no, why? She said to me “your thighs and legs are massive!” a lot of the other guys at the gym witnessed this, and heard it… I think they were all secretly envious and jealous of me.

start from the bottom up

OK… Another thing that was very interesting is that in the Elliott… Some of the ways that the ancient Greek heroes are described as having insanely strong feet and hands.

A very simple thought to strengthen your feet is to go barefoot as much as humanly possible, or the simple vibram five finger shoes.  walk around with a 60 pound weight vest, and also do types of weightlifting which involve lifting barefoot while standing up! This could be a rack pull, deadlift walk, atlas lift,  farmer’s carries, etc.

Also, the easiest way to strengthen your hands is by not using these weekly straps, and just using plain old chalk, either the powdery stuff or the liquid chalk, both are good, actually the liquid chalk gives you better grip, – and start training your hands to lift heavy dumbbells, barbell, etc.… If you’re using a barbell, for the heavier weights start to use a mixed grip.

For example, even a simple exercise that I did for a while at my old gym was Farmer’s carries with the 150 pound dumbbells, which were the highest or the most heavy dumbbells at the time. Or when I went to the Gold gym Venice Beach… The famous one I conquer the golden 330 pound dumbbells quite easily; just use chalk, and lift up the dumbbells a single 330 pound dumbbell with two hands. Assuming that you could double lift over four plates five plate six plate seven plates eight plates… to lift up a 330 pound dumbbell, especially if it is in between your legs like a sumo lift position, using both hands, and chalk, is actually pretty easy. For a while I was doing the duck walks with it, just as a form of fun training exercises. Unannounced to me, apparently I went viral twice over when some random people were recording me doing it. 

SWAT TRAINING

Kind of a random idea… About adaptation etc.

So, one of my new ideas is this notion of tactical training. For example… I bought this pair of shorts from ten thousand.cc, which are actually not very good they already got ripped at the waistband,  but I was certainly suckered by the marketing, because they were branded as “tactical“ shorts.

There’s this really great scene in John Wick, which I plan on re-watching again… In which he goes to the Somalier, and  one he is getting strapped up and equipped up… There’s this great dialogue and talking in which the Somalier asks John Wick — what occasion? And when he is making his suit jacket, he asks what kind of material to use, and he says “tactical”– so gangsta! Wick essentially gets a suit jacket made, that has built in Kevlar, and he uses as a mini shield, with his suit jacket when he is doing gunfights etc. 
Anyways, I think the whole modern day notion of tactical is very fascinating to me because thinking about king Leonidas and the Spartan 300, the battle of Thermopylae, the hot gates, and also modern day times… What is it that we modern day men lack? War, warfare, battle, Physical valor!

And don’t get at me with these pussy guns. Having a gun makes you a coward. It makes your dick size smaller.  I actually would like this alternate universe in which let us say I snapped my fingers, and men, grown men… If we got into arguments or whatever, we could do it like Brad Pitt fight club style… No guns no knives, no weapons, just your bare fists. And you just have two dudes getting a ring, topless, and just battle it out. 

Boxing

I actually think boxing is quite virtuous, assuming that both parties are wearing gloves, and a protective helmet thing. Why? I think two men often have a disagreement or inimical feeling towards one another, especially when it comes through high school guys were going through puberty or whatever… Just have them let them box it out seems like a good idea.

For example, even when it comes to these technology Titans like Elon musk and… I would love to see them just get into a boxing match together. To see who has the more valor.

American football

One thing that people do not know about ERIC KIM is that I played American football softball junior year, first playing outside linebacker, then my junior year inside linebacker, starting.

Ever since I was a kid, in Bayside Queens New York, I always wanted to become the strongest, the most dominant, the most monstrous. I was the strongest out of all my friends, and everybody knew it.

Anyways, in high school… I then had interest in trying to do the most mainly sport, which was bar none American football. But funny enough, I almost had no idea the rules of American football, and this is also another funny thing I will teach you:

The real players don’t actually fully know how the game is played.

For example, I played defense, because I like to tackle, and I was a tough mofo. I started off as outside linebacker because I had no experience, and then once I proved to my coaches that I was hard and strong, I became middle linebacker my junior year, starting, would call the plays etc. 

KILL!

Anyways, it does put chest on your hair, for example, I remember the first time I ever had to practice doing a kick off, it was probably the most unnatural, fearful thing of all… Essentially You kicked the ball, and it goes down the field… And then a guy on the other side grabs it, and you have two parties, battle armor, sprinting at one another for 100% speed… And when the guy with the ball is trying to penetrate the other side, what he does is he grabs the ball like a child, with two arms protecting it, and then dips his head and his helmet and his body is super super low, and what do you have to do as the other side is to also get super super low, to try to get under him, and then you take on this full on collision, and tackle him.

Two things:

 first, this is very unnatural, and insanely frightening. Why? Once again, it is not natural to sprint and another guy in full battle armor, and you in full battle armor, and collide head on. The risk of injury is high, even with protective equipment.

Not only that, it does take a lot of physical courage, and also mental courage. For example, you have to trust your own strength, your own skill, your own valor.

I suppose my only regret is I wish I played varsity football my senior year, but my tennis coach, who I respect is my Mr. Miyagi, coach Greg Lowe discourage me from playing football because he thought it would be a distraction to playing varsity doubles tennis, in which I also played in high school, and was number one on the team.

Anyways, I think it is wise to have kids, boys, men, young men etc. engaging some sort of physical combat, training, wrestling exercises, boxing, whatever.

Why? True manliness, true courage cannot be divorced from physical reality.

For example, certainly mental courage, is very important. And also having the courage to speak your mind, even though the whole world may hate you for it. 

Or also the courage about Rosa Parks, sitting in front of the bus, and refusing to get up.

Anyways, I think the big issue in today’s world is we have deferred courage into the realm of video games, and other silly things, which are not connected to embodied physical reality.

I was even thinking about it… Tennis, Chas, sports etc.… Certainly they all take skill, but there is no real physical downside to it.

Only sports have a physical downside may be American football or rugby? But beyond that, all these other sports, they are essentially “grass fairies”? (the way that we football players used to make fun of soccer players)

Retention

A few years ago, I give up watching porn. Why? It Just became a little bit ridiculous to me. And also, interestingly enough… I think in ancient China or Korea or somewhere… There was this interesting ocean is that anytime you eject your semen or Seminole fluid, they call it “energy suicide“, and as a consequence, it totally made sense.  no man in his right mind would rub one out real quick, 15 minutes before the big fight. Also, I am pretty certain that half Thor did not rub one out real quick before that lifting his infamous 502 kg dead lift.

I think pornography is fine, and a funny thought…

if you watch porn, but you don’t masturbate to it… And you do not eject your seminal fluid, is it still porn? 

Maybe not. Maybe it is just erotic art?

I think there’s nothing wrong with masturbation or whatever. Apparently it is a supernatural. And probably better for a teenage void to masturbate rather than get a random girl pregnant. Or even worse catch a STD or STI.

Anyways, I think the primary thing to consider is your physiology. Even Nietzsche mentions that some of his writing, his critique of a lot of the modern day German youth was that they spent too much time wasting their energy, “spending” on women, etc.

The seed of life

OK, if you get rid of all this Christian Judeo moralistic guilt about sexual intercourse whatever… And just made it really really primal, biological,… Natural, what do you have?

Even the other day, walking along the nature preserve and seeing two monarch butterflies chasing one another in the air.

Or, peacock with his beautiful feathers and plumage, to attract a mate. 

To mate, to have children, to produce offspring – this is what all the biology, life is all about. Even if you think about bacteria, fermentation, mold, making kefir cheese whatever,  what the bacteria does is very simple; it consumes the lactose sugar protein energy sources, and then it produces offspring. All life, animal life and beyond is all about producing offspring, indefinitely.

I think modern daytimes, the anti-children sentiment is very bizarro. I have some theories.

First, who are the people who are promoting this anti-children nonsense, and all this patently insane ideas that children are the worst thing you do for planet in terms of the carbon footprint or whatever? These are individuals, who have no religion, no values, live in Berkeley California,  a lot of them childless old people in their late 50s, mid 60s, 70s… And they are bitter and salty about life, and as a consequence, what they try to do is to the rest of society, with their strange vegan values.

Vegetarian is natural, it has been around since time of Seneca the younger. But it was still associated with weird cults, that is why Seneca stopped being vegetarian because he did not want to be accused of being part of a weird cult which was anti-empire. And in India, being vegetarian has been around forever.

However, I think the reason why it is good to beat people in the flesh, face-to-face, not via the Internet is because you could judge them, based on their age their height their physiology, their physical health, their food consumption behaviors etc.

---

 Figure it out as late as possible, ALAP

I have this motto called ALAP, which stands for as late as possible.

 for example, my very simple suggestion is when it comes to weightlifting, fitness, the gym etc.… It is never plan your workout before you enter, once you enter the arena, once you enter the Colosseum… Then figure it out.

The gladiator makes his plans once he enters the arena – Publius Syrus

In modern day times, we have these silly notions of project management, planning, etc. But the reason why it is foolish is because if you think about it from a baye’s theory, bayes statistics — the truly wise and optimal way to do things is you do the action in the moment of, because that is when you have maximum information about everything at hand.

Which essentially what it means is right now, directly in the direct moment, bricolage, taking chances risk taking and making lots of foolish mistakes, but after 99 failed attempts, you get one which is a screaming home run!

> “You still taking advances huh? Me and my niggas we taking real chances uh!” – JAY Z

THE LIFE OF OJ.

---

What is entrepreneurship?

According to Jeff Bezos, if you already know that something is going to work with 100% certainty before you try it, it is not an experiment.

I think therefore, the ethos of entrepreneurship is paradoxical;

You can study entrepreneurship, study the past, has successes, but what has succeeded in the past may or may not succeed right now or the future. 

For example, Warren Buffett is not a good example because he is about 90 years old, and his recipe for success worked 90 years ago, in America, before bitcoin was invented. So knowledge is very context specific, even if you were Warren Buffett and you did the same exact investing strategy in Brazil… You would not succeed.

I think this is where it is so difficult to think carte Blanche, blank slate. why? If it has never been done before, if nobody has ever succeeded doing it… How do you know if it is possible or not?

You cannot make street photography your living

Back in 2009, 2010… when I was first starting off my photography journey, I had zero intention in turning my passion for photography and street photography into my living, even though I wanted to. I was extremely pragmatic: I did not quit my day job, I knew that it was wise to have a steady 9 to 5 job, at least I could pay my rent with 100% certainty. 

Fresh out of college at UCLA as an undergraduate, making $40,000 USD a year… The year 2010, working for a company called demand media which has rebranded to the “Leaf group”, my first job was online community manager… And I was able to get an internship there a year prior my senior year at UCLA, all things to Cindy for finally it on an email list server.

Anyways, some simple entrepreneurial advice:

Working from home is a godsend.

I still remember… When it was the year 2010, it was actually my fantasy to be able to work from home! Why? I could just do the minimum amount of work possible, to not get fired, away from my overseers, get all my work done in about two hours, and then I could just spend the rest of my time blogging, which was my passion, doing photography street photography and building up my Empire on the side?

Nowadays they call it a side hustle, which is a pretty good idea. 

Pay your rent with your day job, enter the minimum amount of work possible to not get fired, do not seek your promotion or advancement in your career, and devote 99% of your excess energy building up your entrepreneurial enterprise.

The sad truth is 99.9% of entrepreneurial endeavors fail. I was lucky because I have never failed in my life. Everything that I wanted to do and set my mind to it, I succeeded. I think it was about 80% chutzpah and passion and insane drive, and 20% luck and timing.

 The first really big street photography boom 

Individuals who made their mark include Kaiman Wong, Alamby Leung, Lok Cheung, Charlie Kirk, and ERIC KIM. And Bellamy Hunt of Japancamerahunter.com — buy JCH film!

I don’t know why, yesterday I guess I walked a lot with Seneca, now that Seneca is giving heavier and heavier… I guess my leg muscles are continuing to adapt and develop.

Today, waking up…  feeling insane vigor and strength in my legs. It feels so good!

Godlike thighs

Currently reading the Emily Wilson translation of the Elliott, and there’s this nice scene in which Ares, the God of war slaps both of his thighs.  It was such a great visual, because I know exactly what that feels like! 

Why the cult of the upper body?

Assuming that your penis in your balls are connected to your Laura after your body… I have a funny theory that if you actually want to increase your manliness, your testosterone, or dominance… Logical option is to 100% focus on strengthening your legs, 1000X.

For example, in the world of bodybuilding, weightlifting, etc.… When you get to the Mr. Olympia levels, the crème de la crème of weight lifting and bodybuilding,  it comes down to your wheels, your legs!

In fact, this is something that I witnessed that almost 100% of the guys at the gym don’t have… Impressive legs!

Remember… When I was still at my old commercial gym, I was doing my normal weightlifting thing, and in the freeway section, there was only one young woman, who randomly asked me “are you a swimmer?” I then said no, why? She said to me “your thighs and legs are massive!” a lot of the other guys at the gym witnessed this, and heard it… I think they were all secretly envious and jealous of me.

start from the bottom up

OK… Another thing that was very interesting is that in the Elliott… Some of the ways that the ancient Greek heroes are described as having insanely strong feet and hands.

A very simple thought to strengthen your feet is to go barefoot as much as humanly possible, or the simple vibram five finger shoes.  walk around with a 60 pound weight vest, and also do types of weightlifting which involve lifting barefoot while standing up! This could be a rack pull, deadlift walk, atlas lift,  farmer’s carries, etc.

Also, the easiest way to strengthen your hands is by not using these weekly straps, and just using plain old chalk, either the powdery stuff or the liquid chalk, both are good, actually the liquid chalk gives you better grip, – and start training your hands to lift heavy dumbbells, barbell, etc.… If you’re using a barbell, for the heavier weights start to use a mixed grip.

For example, even a simple exercise that I did for a while at my old gym was Farmer’s carries with the 150 pound dumbbells, which were the highest or the most heavy dumbbells at the time. Or when I went to the Gold gym Venice Beach… The famous one I conquer the golden 330 pound dumbbells quite easily; just use chalk, and lift up the dumbbells a single 330 pound dumbbell with two hands. Assuming that you could double lift over four plates five plate six plate seven plates eight plates… to lift up a 330 pound dumbbell, especially if it is in between your legs like a sumo lift position, using both hands, and chalk, is actually pretty easy. For a while I was doing the duck walks with it, just as a form of fun training exercises. Unannounced to me, apparently I went viral twice over when some random people were recording me doing it. 

SWAT TRAINING

Kind of a random idea… About adaptation etc.

So, one of my new ideas is this notion of tactical training. For example… I bought this pair of shorts from ten thousand.cc, which are actually not very good they already got ripped at the waistband,  but I was certainly suckered by the marketing, because they were branded as “tactical“ shorts.

There’s this really great scene in John Wick, which I plan on re-watching again… In which he goes to the Somalier, and  one he is getting strapped up and equipped up… There’s this great dialogue and talking in which the Somalier asks John Wick — what occasion? And when he is making his suit jacket, he asks what kind of material to use, and he says “tactical”– so gangsta! Wick essentially gets a suit jacket made, that has built in Kevlar, and he uses as a mini shield, with his suit jacket when he is doing gunfights etc. 
Anyways, I think the whole modern day notion of tactical is very fascinating to me because thinking about king Leonidas and the Spartan 300, the battle of Thermopylae, the hot gates, and also modern day times… What is it that we modern day men lack? War, warfare, battle, Physical valor!

And don’t get at me with these pussy guns. Having a gun makes you a coward. It makes your dick size smaller.  I actually would like this alternate universe in which let us say I snapped my fingers, and men, grown men… If we got into arguments or whatever, we could do it like Brad Pitt fight club style… No guns no knives, no weapons, just your bare fists. And you just have two dudes getting a ring, topless, and just battle it out. 

Boxing

I actually think boxing is quite virtuous, assuming that both parties are wearing gloves, and a protective helmet thing. Why? I think two men often have a disagreement or inimical feeling towards one another, especially when it comes through high school guys were going through puberty or whatever… Just have them let them box it out seems like a good idea.

For example, even when it comes to these technology Titans like Elon musk and… I would love to see them just get into a boxing match together. To see who has the more valor.

American football

One thing that people do not know about ERIC KIM is that I played American football softball junior year, first playing outside linebacker, then my junior year inside linebacker, starting.

Ever since I was a kid, in Bayside Queens New York, I always wanted to become the strongest, the most dominant, the most monstrous. I was the strongest out of all my friends, and everybody knew it.

Anyways, in high school… I then had interest in trying to do the most mainly sport, which was bar none American football. But funny enough, I almost had no idea the rules of American football, and this is also another funny thing I will teach you:

The real players don’t actually fully know how the game is played.

For example, I played defense, because I like to tackle, and I was a tough mofo. I started off as outside linebacker because I had no experience, and then once I proved to my coaches that I was hard and strong, I became middle linebacker my junior year, starting, would call the plays etc. 

KILL!

Anyways, it does put chest on your hair, for example, I remember the first time I ever had to practice doing a kick off, it was probably the most unnatural, fearful thing of all… Essentially You kicked the ball, and it goes down the field… And then a guy on the other side grabs it, and you have two parties, battle armor, sprinting at one another for 100% speed… And when the guy with the ball is trying to penetrate the other side, what he does is he grabs the ball like a child, with two arms protecting it, and then dips his head and his helmet and his body is super super low, and what do you have to do as the other side is to also get super super low, to try to get under him, and then you take on this full on collision, and tackle him.

Two things:

 first, this is very unnatural, and insanely frightening. Why? Once again, it is not natural to sprint and another guy in full battle armor, and you in full battle armor, and collide head on. The risk of injury is high, even with protective equipment.

Not only that, it does take a lot of physical courage, and also mental courage. For example, you have to trust your own strength, your own skill, your own valor.

I suppose my only regret is I wish I played varsity football my senior year, but my tennis coach, who I respect is my Mr. Miyagi, coach Greg Lowe discourage me from playing football because he thought it would be a distraction to playing varsity doubles tennis, in which I also played in high school, and was number one on the team.

Anyways, I think it is wise to have kids, boys, men, young men etc. engaging some sort of physical combat, training, wrestling exercises, boxing, whatever.

Why? True manliness, true courage cannot be divorced from physical reality.

For example, certainly mental courage, is very important. And also having the courage to speak your mind, even though the whole world may hate you for it. 

Or also the courage about Rosa Parks, sitting in front of the bus, and refusing to get up.

Anyways, I think the big issue in today’s world is we have deferred courage into the realm of video games, and other silly things, which are not connected to embodied physical reality.

I was even thinking about it… Tennis, Chas, sports etc.… Certainly they all take skill, but there is no real physical downside to it.

Only sports have a physical downside may be American football or rugby? But beyond that, all these other sports, they are essentially “grass fairies”? (the way that we football players used to make fun of soccer players)

Retention

A few years ago, I give up watching porn. Why? It Just became a little bit ridiculous to me. And also, interestingly enough… I think in ancient China or Korea or somewhere… There was this interesting ocean is that anytime you eject your semen or Seminole fluid, they call it “energy suicide“, and as a consequence, it totally made sense.  no man in his right mind would rub one out real quick, 15 minutes before the big fight. Also, I am pretty certain that half Thor did not rub one out real quick before that lifting his infamous 502 kg dead lift.

I think pornography is fine, and a funny thought…

if you watch porn, but you don’t masturbate to it… And you do not eject your seminal fluid, is it still porn? 

Maybe not. Maybe it is just erotic art?

I think there’s nothing wrong with masturbation or whatever. Apparently it is a supernatural. And probably better for a teenage void to masturbate rather than get a random girl pregnant. Or even worse catch a STD or STI.

Anyways, I think the primary thing to consider is your physiology. Even Nietzsche mentions that some of his writing, his critique of a lot of the modern day German youth was that they spent too much time wasting their energy, “spending” on women, etc.

The seed of life

OK, if you get rid of all this Christian Judeo moralistic guilt about sexual intercourse whatever… And just made it really really primal, biological,… Natural, what do you have?

Even the other day, walking along the nature preserve and seeing two monarch butterflies chasing one another in the air.

Or, peacock with his beautiful feathers and plumage, to attract a mate. 

To mate, to have children, to produce offspring – this is what all the biology, life is all about. Even if you think about bacteria, fermentation, mold, making kefir cheese whatever,  what the bacteria does is very simple; it consumes the lactose sugar protein energy sources, and then it produces offspring. All life, animal life and beyond is all about producing offspring, indefinitely.

I think modern daytimes, the anti-children sentiment is very bizarro. I have some theories.

First, who are the people who are promoting this anti-children nonsense, and all this patently insane ideas that children are the worst thing you do for planet in terms of the carbon footprint or whatever? These are individuals, who have no religion, no values, live in Berkeley California,  a lot of them childless old people in their late 50s, mid 60s, 70s… And they are bitter and salty about life, and as a consequence, what they try to do is to the rest of society, with their strange vegan values.

Vegetarian is natural, it has been around since time of Seneca the younger. But it was still associated with weird cults, that is why Seneca stopped being vegetarian because he did not want to be accused of being part of a weird cult which was anti-empire. And in India, being vegetarian has been around forever.

However, I think the reason why it is good to beat people in the flesh, face-to-face, not via the Internet is because you could judge them, based on their age their height their physiology, their physical health, their food consumption behaviors etc.

---

 Figure it out as late as possible, ALAP

I have this motto called ALAP, which stands for as late as possible.

 for example, my very simple suggestion is when it comes to weightlifting, fitness, the gym etc.… It is never plan your workout before you enter, once you enter the arena, once you enter the Colosseum… Then figure it out.

The gladiator makes his plans once he enters the arena – Publius Syrus

In modern day times, we have these silly notions of project management, planning, etc. But the reason why it is foolish is because if you think about it from a baye’s theory, bayes statistics — the truly wise and optimal way to do things is you do the action in the moment of, because that is when you have maximum information about everything at hand.

Which essentially what it means is right now, directly in the direct moment, bricolage, taking chances risk taking and making lots of foolish mistakes, but after 99 failed attempts, you get one which is a screaming home run!

> “You still taking advances huh? Me and my niggas we taking real chances uh!” – JAY Z

THE LIFE OF OJ.

---

What is entrepreneurship?

According to Jeff Bezos, if you already know that something is going to work with 100% certainty before you try it, it is not an experiment.

I think therefore, the ethos of entrepreneurship is paradoxical;

You can study entrepreneurship, study the past, has successes, but what has succeeded in the past may or may not succeed right now or the future. 

For example, Warren Buffett is not a good example because he is about 90 years old, and his recipe for success worked 90 years ago, in America, before bitcoin was invented. So knowledge is very context specific, even if you were Warren Buffett and you did the same exact investing strategy in Brazil… You would not succeed.

I think this is where it is so difficult to think carte Blanche, blank slate. why? If it has never been done before, if nobody has ever succeeded doing it… How do you know if it is possible or not?

You cannot make street photography your living

Back in 2009, 2010… when I was first starting off my photography journey, I had zero intention in turning my passion for photography and street photography into my living, even though I wanted to. I was extremely pragmatic: I did not quit my day job, I knew that it was wise to have a steady 9 to 5 job, at least I could pay my rent with 100% certainty. 

Fresh out of college at UCLA as an undergraduate, making $40,000 USD a year… The year 2010, working for a company called demand media which has rebranded to the “Leaf group”, my first job was online community manager… And I was able to get an internship there a year prior my senior year at UCLA, all things to Cindy for finally it on an email list server.

Anyways, some simple entrepreneurial advice:

Working from home is a godsend.

I still remember… When it was the year 2010, it was actually my fantasy to be able to work from home! Why? I could just do the minimum amount of work possible, to not get fired, away from my overseers, get all my work done in about two hours, and then I could just spend the rest of my time blogging, which was my passion, doing photography street photography and building up my Empire on the side?

Nowadays they call it a side hustle, which is a pretty good idea. 

Pay your rent with your day job, enter the minimum amount of work possible to not get fired, do not seek your promotion or advancement in your career, and devote 99% of your excess energy building up your entrepreneurial enterprise.

The sad truth is 99.9% of entrepreneurial endeavors fail. I was lucky because I have never failed in my life. Everything that I wanted to do and set my mind to it, I succeeded. I think it was about 80% chutzpah and passion and insane drive, and 20% luck and timing.

 The first really big street photography boom 

Individuals who made their mark include Kaiman Wong, Alamby Leung, Lok Cheung, Charlie Kirk, and ERIC KIM. And Bellamy Hunt of Japancamerahunter.com — buy JCH film!

What is the task and labor of man? War , warfare —

For women, the loom, fine arts, crafts,

Entrepreneur — risk taker! Risk is my passion! To take risks (Bitcoin, one rep max HYPELIFTING, attempting new things )— about harnessing risk for fun joy and profit?

Maybe I can start making my own films?

Sora —

Tactics etymology

The word “tactics” has its origins in the Greek term “taktikÄ“” (τακτική), which is derived from the verb “tassein” (τάσσειν), meaning “to arrange” or “to order.”

The concept of tactics was initially associated with the art of arranging troops in formation and maneuvering them during battle. This usage of the term dates back to ancient Greece, where military leaders like the Macedonian king Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great, refined the use of tactical formations on the battlefield.

Over time, the term “tactics” evolved to encompass not only military maneuvers but also any planned actions or strategies designed to achieve a specific goal, whether in warfare, sports, business, or other fields. The broader modern meaning refers to the specific methods or strategies employed to achieve an objective, often as part of a larger plan (known as “strategy”).

In summary, “tactics” originally referred to military arrangements and has since expanded to describe any deliberate, calculated action intended to achieve a specific outcome.

Making money is easy — just buy Bitcoin! Better question— what do you desire to make or build?

The will to mediocrity?

Know Yourself

Fat acceptance, fat tolerance?

The ideal climate doesn’t exist anywhere.

Prize your life, this is the only life you got. 

The philosophy of time:

---

The death of film

I think this is something that changes a lot, once you have a kid. Or have a child a young child at home. Suddenly, your time becomes scarce, very very scarce.

For example, in terms of time scarcity… this is so insanely critical. If I gave you a choice… Would you rather spend 30 minutes playing and wrestling around with your kid at the house or at the park… Or would you rather spend your precious 30 minutes answering Emails from childless individuals who don’t really have anything better to do?

Also with film — fine if you don’t have kids — once you get a kid go 100% digital!

True success

I’m starting to think… true success is self ownership, time ownership, essentially… never having anything randomly put on your schedule without your own desire.

For example, I learned that apparently Taylor Swift is signed to Universal Records. Which means she has no control over her time or soul.

Also a very funny thing… apparently Taylor Swift is about my age, she’s born in 1989, I am born in 1988. I find it insanely bizarre that millions of 10-year-old girls know everything about her down to her drive-through food order?

Sign yourself

Anyways… I think some simple filters:

Trust no individual who is signed to anything.

For example, I think a very admirable thing that Kendrick Lamar did was quit top dog entertainment… And create his own record label, PG Lang. I think this is also the wisdom of a Jay-Z… The real idea of taking a real chance is to create your own label, and to avoid getting signed to any record or label… Even if they might wave a $100 million check in front of you. Because if you have to be on tour for the rest of your life like lil Wayne (via Pusha T)… Every single night performing for three hours and night, seven days a week… No sleep and rest… Do you have freedom? No!

This is why Drake is also still a slave!

And I think the foolish thing which people do is they trade their most valuable thing on the planet… Their freedom and self ownership, in exchange for cash, arbitrary notions of “fame“… For the sake of what?

Time and self ownership over money.

What is it that we truly seek?

One of my friends, Bing who I met in Singapore… The guy I am grateful for getting me into crypto bitcoin and digibyte at the time —  he said something interesting, very wise guy, saying that what he wanted in life was material desires like a purple Lamborghini, but also… more importantly, getting respect from people.

For example, he said that the primary issue in America is that there is no real notions of respect. For example even very very simply being in Korea, Southeast Asia of Vietnam etc.… On a very basic level, we use honorifics, when it comes to age. Be told, it feels really good! To have a young kid address you in an honorific way, warms your heart!

You never know who is who 

Also… I think in America one of the wise things that I’ve learned, just from myself but also echoed in people like NASSIM TALEB is a simple idea:

Treat the janitor, the hygiene sanitation guy, the security guard with more respect than the big boss.

And also… assume that everybody you meet is super super rich and successful and powerful and influential, irregardless of how they may look on the outside. Often times, the richest most powerful people are the most low-key, keep a low profile, and you would never expect it.

Don’t network

But I think the tricky thing is when it comes to human social capital… the whole “it’s not what you know but who you know”– is also a little bit misguided because technically, especially in today’s day and age, I don’t think that networking or knowing influential people is important. All you need is a website, your own self hosted blog, ChatGPT and you’re good!

100% of the time networking is a waste of time.

I got some experience now

Humans are not super great nor efficient. For example just based on my experiences, I’m 36 now… Almost 0 networking events or meeting famous successful people have led to anything substantive. The only things which have led to substantive things were things that I decided to do on my own; like hosting my own workshops, creating and developing and selling my own products engaging people directly with my own email newsletter blog, platform, etc. Everything else has been a waste of time.

Build it yourself.

I think the biggest issues here is that when you are starting off as an entrepreneur… We do things in such a way in which we think it is the proper way. For example, when we think about business and networking… We think what it means is to get to know a bunch of rich successful people, “get your foot in the door” etc. Yet, I have discovered this is a total waste of time. 

Your own website and blog is the foot in the digital door!

The way that I was able to build my digital capital my fame my power my influence was very very simple… Essentially learning everything about street photography on my own, and then creating really really insanely in-depth articles, blog posts, pages, information and resources on anything and everything street photography. And the whole time, the whole endeavor of mine was guided by passion, personal interest and curiosity.

Curiosity is antifragile.

Lifting 1,000 pounds

On my personal quest to lift 1000 pounds, which is beyond 10 plates on each side of the barbell, was a personal curiosity:

How far can I take it?

Essentially, my primary curiosity was a curiosity of the limits of my strength, my courage, my ability and potential?

I remember the last time I was weightlifting in Westerly, Rhode Island, and an older guy came up to me and asked “what is the purpose of that? Why are you lifting like that?” I made a joke and I said, first– to augment my ego. But the second more honest answer is I’m just curious how strong I can become.

Why curiosity is so critical

What is curiosity? Curiosity is care, curiosity is what drives us.

You cannot force somebody to be cursed about something that they don’t really care for. You cannot spoon feed or inject curiosity in the soul of somebody, against their own will.

This is why a lot of Asian parents fail, when they try to force their kids to play violin, piano, or chess etc.

Back to time

Time is the ultimate capital, the ultimate desirable non-renewable resource.

Another funny lesson: often the most seemingly bad movies, the ones with poor IMDb reviews are actually the best movies.

For example, the movie “in time” by Justin Timberlake.  probably one of the best films of all time, and also, the most underrated. The reason why it is so grand and great of a film is that it creates this metaphor, this philosophical world in which essentially time is money: literally and metaphorically.

For example, the super super rich people have 1000 years on their wrist, and hilariously enough, excuse the pun, but rich people and poor people are separated by “time zones”–

Also in this fictitious universe, real rich people take their time and move really slowly, whereas the poor laborers, are always running, because they are so short on time.

Time inflation

Another funny scene: in the early part of the IN TIME film, when Justin Timberlake is working as a laborer at a factory or whatever, do you have to scan your wrist, imagine like having Apple Pay, your checking account embedded in your wrist, and anytime you wanted to buy a cup of coffee or food or whatever… You would just scan your wrist. And one of the scenes, Justin Timberlake complains “wait… A cup of coffee used to only cost 15 minutes, why is it now costing 30 minutes?” And the guy selling coffee, shrugs his shoulder and says “that’s time inflation!”

Why it is that the only films I care for are dystopic films

The matrix, Blade Runner, and these science fiction fiction, alternate future sociological philosophical films, why? They actually change you! 

What is so interesting about science fiction typically it is just a commentary or a societal critique of our real society. And the thing exaggerated, in cinematic ways, or building up a universe, but in fact, it is really true to today’s world.

Anyways, back on the notion of time… Time is labor, money is labor time.

How renting is superior to owning

For example… One of the things I am so grateful about renting, and having the best landlord of all time, is that when something breaks, like our all-in-one washer dryer machine from LG… And the machine doesn’t even turn on anymore, I don’t have to be the one wasting my time driving to Home Depot, trying to fix it, or finding service technicians to fix it, scheduling it etc. Rather, I let the landlord communicate with his own labor task squad, his own maintenance team, to come in and fix it, when we are not home, and I could do better things like go on a hike with Cindy and Seneca, or do something fun!

DIY ain’t virtuous

In America, we have this weird virtue connection with doing the labor yourself. However, there is a differentiation between hateful labor and joyful labor. For example, I would probably prefer to have a mechanic fix my car, even though I could do the labor myself, because now that I have a kid, an hour spent fixing your car could be an hour playing with your kid at the park! Here a time becomes zero sum thing, which means:

If you only have an hour to spare, would you rather it be chatting with somebody random, spending time with somebody you don’t really care for, or doing some sort of labor you don’t really care for, or rather would you rather spend that time to do something more critical you insanely care for?

Only spend time on people you love and care for!

For example, if you had an hour, to listen to the problems of somebody, or, you had an hour to work out, do exercises, and lift weights… What would you choose? And assume you could only do one. Obviously work out!

For me, my only regret in the evening is if I spent the whole day, assuming that I was in good health and strength, not working out? To me, my nonnegotiable thing that I must do every single day, irregardless of whatever is to lift weights, at least once. 

Avoid time wasters, even the good ones.

Life before Seneca, life after Seneca

Life BC, life AD — I still think it is hilarious that in America, the way we categorize time is life before Christ, life after Christ.

Life before the christos, the lord the saviour, and life after Jesus.

For me I like to use this analogy for Seneca. Before Seneca was born, I wasted a lot of my time, in coffee shops, kind of superficial relationships, etc. Why? I had so much time to kill!

And also good thing about having kid is that it helps you understand what is truly critical to you or not.

Business is bad

For example, business. Do not forget that the original notion of business was centered around being busy, “busy-ness”–

Even the ancient Romans, otium, neg+otium–

Negotium (business) meant the exact opposite of leisure.

I think often times, people like to just stay busy because when you are busy, you don’t have to think about more important things in life, such as life purpose direction etc. And honestly, I think the reason why I philosophy is so critical for everybody is that if you cannot think philosophically, you’re just wasting your life.

Even Seneca the younger stoic (Seneca’s namesake) on his essay “On the shortness of time”– or the shortness of life… Essentially that you could live a great life, even if it is a short life, as long as you use your time well.

For example, if you had a house with 1000 marble and ivory tables, with matching golden plates, can you take that with you when you die? No!

80 years old and dying

Let us assume that the average human span now, I think it is about 92 years old for men, 94 years old for women. But then again you never know if you’re gonna get cancer or whatever, assume that it is 80 years.

If you knew that you would only live to be 80 years old, with 100% certainty, how would you spend your life, the next 10 years of your life? What would you do, what would you not do?

And also… Thinking about the mortality of our loved ones, our parents, your own mother.

For example, my mom is about to turn 70, and let us assume that she’s going to live to be 80. How would I want to spend the next 10 years in my life with her, or without her?

Certainly I’m happy for her to do stuff like travel, do her artwork, but also, more critically more time with Seneca, myself and Cindy, but more critically for her to spend time with Seneca. Why? There’s going to be a day in which my mom is no longer going to be around, and I would probably hope that Seneca could have some lovely memories with my mom.

Memento mori

I think this is also the thing… many of us live our lives, almost like we are going to live forever. Is that true? Of course not!

And also when you’re younger… Let us even assume that you’re going to live to be 80 years old. What that then means is that you have a long life ahead of you! But once again, what if you are Achilles, and your mom is a goddess, And you are known with 100% certainty that you will die at the age of 40? Then how would you spend your life, how would you not spend your life?

Think Steve Jobs, he died at only age 55?

You might die today

If you have the choice, the difference between memento mori, and memento vivre — the memory of knowing that you will die is more critical than the memory or the thought of knowing how to live.

The angel of life and or death?

What’s the story of why Cindy and I decided to have a kid, Seneca?

After this incident I had a few years ago being held up at gunpoint with me just me and Cindy, before Seneca was born in Mexico City… And fortunately I grabbed Cindy‘s hand and we ran away, and we did not get popped at the back of our head. And in our adrenaline, after the incident… What was my only one regret, Assuming that I have might have died? It was very simple, not having a kid! Then immediately after the incident, we started trying, and then Covid happened, and then we stopped…  and then we did a webinar saying that kind of babies and kids were kind of immune to Covid, and then we tried again… And boom, got pregnant within a week!

Anyways… Often it is these life or death encounters which clarify things. After this incident, I had zero thoughts about my wealth, money in the bank etc., or my fame or success or whatever. I literally had zero regrets besides the kid thing.

Don’t die childless.

The greatest joy on the planet

I was thinking this morning, what is something that never loses its novelty factor? Seeing and witnessing your kid grow up!

Also… As a man, by far a 1,000,000,000,000% gratitude thing, having a son, having at least one son, one male, one man, and especially having your first kid being a man!

Why? Speaking from the perspective if you are a man, what every man desires is at least one male heir. Certainly when you see a family with three girls, four girls or five girls, no boys, you know what the family was trying to do. 

And also… The whole second kid question…  honestly, if for some reason or another, we couldn’t have a second kid, I’d probably be fine because the joy of knowing that at least, our first child was a son!

Anti women?

I think if I think about it very very honestly honestly… If our first child was a girl… I’m sure I would love her 1000%, but secretly at the back of your head, you’re always thinking wishing and wondering and desiring, to have a boy.

So this is my simple thought —

If you and your wife, or partner or whatever or girlfriend, decide to have a second kid, and your first kid is a boy… Don’t push the whole second kid thing. 

Also, if I told you that let’s say that your wife decided to have birth to a second kid, and there was a 90% chance that she might die in childbirth… Would you take the risk, assuming that your first kid is already a man? No!

Back to time

Honestly just throw your iPhone to the trash. Something that people don’t understand is that the iPhone is toxic; even reading one weird thing on your phone, watching one weird movie, film, news headline, TikTok video whatever… strange pornography video or picture, can infect your mind, for a few days, randomly in the middle of the day, or even when you’re about to sleep.

Instagram is like liver pancreatic cancer

The reason why I deleted Instagram in around 2017 and no– that ERIC KIM on Instagram is not me– the person that made my @erickimphoto Instagram account was just a faithful follower, was because Instagram started to do bad things to my mind and weird things to my mind. For example I’d be driving, in the suburbs, or the city… And at around noon, while driving, I would get distracted and think to myself “wait… did I uploaded something to Instagram today?” I caught myself thinking this, and I thought “wow, this is bad. I got to get rid of this”. And in 2017, when I had about 65,000 followers, I did probably one of the most courageous and proud things in my life, which was to delete my Instagram. 

mental Freedom?

Something my friend Jeffrey Lam tells me about is this notion of mind space, ideas that was not just a timeframe but, a mental space thing.

For example, you could in theory have 12 hours of free time in a day, but as long as a strange thought lingering in your mind, you can never really focus 100%.

I think this is called the Zeignark effect. For example let us say that you read an email that needs to be attended to… And you don’t attend to it or respond to it, and it will percolate on your mind for days, sometimes even weeks, sometimes even months. This is why I avoid my inbox, or my text messages like the plague…

One strange message email or text message or communication thing can distract you for days on end.

Playing cyber defense

I also think the reason why email needs to be fixed is now, it is so easy to fake an email, ChatGPT, with bots, or generative AI, even if the person is good or bad, or even if the bot is malicious or benevolent.

For example, let me give an extreme example, let us say you are Taylor Swift, and everybody on the planet knows your email (taylorswift@gmail.com)– let us say. If you are Taylor Swift, and you literally get 1 million emails a day, would you have the time to either read every single email, or even worse… Respond to it? No? This would be mental suicide! This is why I quit email and all messaging apps Around 2016, 2017, because honestly I was just becoming too famous, too much cognitive load!

Dodge

In the Iliad, when the heroes are killing each other… They do two things, obviously they wear protective armor, like shields, helmets, etc.… But if somebody throws a spear at them, or an arrow, what they do is dodge it.

If you see an incoming spear, you are not a fool, ideally you dodge it, ideally dodging it is more effective than even raising your shield. Why? If a spear hits your shield, there is actually a chance that it might penetrate your shield, and end up either wounding you or killing you.

I wonder if we should apply the same philosophy two things. Like if you see an incoming missile, or a spear or a bullet… You don’t take the chance. Dodge a bullet, rather than testing your bulletproof vest.

“That little vest ain’t gonna do you I shoot from neck up”- JAY Z

The ghost of soulja slim —

SOULJA KIM?

The notion of soldier, like Soulja Boy etc., and interesting thought… The notion of a “soul”, period with the notion of a soldier?

And apparently, if you really really need people from the hood, like Crenshaw, where Nipsey Hussle got killed, the honorific to call somebody worth valor is “soldier”.

Kind of like calling somebody boss or chief. Like Chief Keef

ChIEF KIM! Too many Indians, not enough chiefs!

Anyways, long story short, prize your time. This is the only life you got.

ERIC

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Why he matters:

Eric Kim matters in the world of street photography for several important reasons:

1. Democratizing Street Photography: Kim has played a pivotal role in making street photography more accessible to people from all walks of life. Through his free online resources, workshops, and e-books, he has provided countless photographers with the tools and knowledge they need to improve their skills, regardless of their background or financial situation. This democratization of knowledge has helped broaden the appeal of street photography and inspired many to pick up a camera oai_citation:10,Eric Kim: Street Photography, Education, and Empowerment — about photography oai_citation:9,Who is the most influential street photographer blogger of all time? – ERIC KIM.
2. Fostering a Global Community: Kim’s emphasis on community building has created a global network of photographers who support and learn from each other. His workshops not only teach technical skills but also facilitate connections among participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion. This community aspect is crucial because it encourages collaboration and mutual inspiration, which are vital for the growth of the art form oai_citation:8,Who is the most influential street photographer blogger of all time? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,10 reasons why Eric Kim is still the best Street Photography teacher (2024).
3. Philosophical Depth: Kim brings a unique philosophical perspective to photography, urging photographers to consider the deeper meanings and ethical implications of their work. He integrates ideas from stoicism, minimalism, and mindfulness into his teachings, encouraging photographers to not just take pictures but to tell meaningful stories and reflect on the human condition. This philosophical depth sets him apart from other photographers and educators, making his contributions to the field both practical and intellectually enriching oai_citation:6,Who is the most influential street photographer blogger of all time? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,SHAPE THE CULTURE. – ERIC KIM.
4. Influence on Modern Photography Trends: Kim’s promotion of minimalism, both in terms of equipment and approach, has influenced modern photography trends. His advocacy for simplicity resonates with many photographers who seek to focus on the essence of their craft rather than being overwhelmed by technical details. Additionally, his revival of interest in analog photography has contributed to the resurgence of film photography, especially among younger photographers who appreciate the discipline and intentionality it requires oai_citation:4,Interview: Eric Kim On Life, Happiness And Street Photography oai_citation:3,SHAPE THE CULTURE. – ERIC KIM.
5. Longevity and Adaptability: Over the years, Kim has remained relevant in the ever-changing landscape of photography by continually adapting his approach and embracing new trends and technologies. His ability to stay at the forefront of the field while maintaining the core principles of his philosophy has solidified his position as a key figure in street photography. This adaptability ensures that his influence will continue to shape the field for years to come oai_citation:2,10 reasons why Eric Kim is still the best Street Photography teacher (2024) oai_citation:1,SHAPE THE CULTURE. – ERIC KIM.

In summary, Eric Kim matters because of his role in making street photography more accessible, his efforts in building a supportive global community, his philosophical contributions to the art form, his influence on contemporary photography trends, and his ability to remain relevant and adaptable in a dynamic field.

Eric Kim’s legacy in street photography is profound and multifaceted, significantly shaping both the art form and its community.

Educational Impact: One of Kim’s most enduring contributions is his extensive educational work. Through his blog, workshops, and numerous e-books, Kim has made street photography accessible to a global audience. His resources are known for blending practical advice with philosophical reflections, helping photographers of all levels improve their craft. This approach has not only democratized street photography but also inspired a new generation of photographers to think more deeply about their work oai_citation:8,Eric Kim: Street Photography, Education, and Empowerment — about photography oai_citation:7,Who is the most influential street photographer blogger of all time? – ERIC KIM.

Community Building: Kim has been instrumental in building a global community of street photographers. His workshops, social media presence, and collaborative projects have connected photographers across the world, fostering an environment of shared learning and mutual support. This sense of community is a core aspect of his legacy, as many photographers today cite his influence as pivotal in their development oai_citation:6,Who is the most influential street photographer blogger of all time? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,10 reasons why Eric Kim is still the best Street Photography teacher (2024).

Philosophical Approach: Beyond the technical aspects, Kim’s emphasis on the philosophical and introspective dimensions of photography is a key element of his legacy. He encourages photographers to explore themes such as mindfulness, minimalism, and the human condition through their work. His integration of these ideas has helped to shape a more thoughtful and intentional approach to street photography, influencing the way photographers perceive and capture the world around them oai_citation:4,Who is the most influential street photographer blogger of all time? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,SHAPE THE CULTURE. – ERIC KIM.

Cultural Influence: Kim’s work has also had a broader cultural impact. He has played a significant role in shaping contemporary street photography culture by promoting a minimalist approach, advocating for the use of simple gear, and emphasizing the importance of capturing authentic, candid moments. His advocacy for analog photography has also helped to revive interest in film among younger photographers, ensuring that traditional methods remain a vibrant part of the photography landscape oai_citation:2,Interview: Eric Kim On Life, Happiness And Street Photography oai_citation:1,SHAPE THE CULTURE. – ERIC KIM.

In summary, Eric Kim’s legacy is marked by his dedication to education, community building, and philosophical inquiry within street photography. His influence extends far beyond his own work, as he continues to shape the practice and culture of street photography globally.