No more hiding anywhere?
Nowhere left to hide?
Time to grit your teeth!
Liquid gold!
The virtues of greed?
Anchorage digital
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$45B iShares BTC trust
Double leverage
Fake news?
.
Living through a financial, economic war?
Unconcerned.
Just wait!
…
If you knew with 100% certainty, you wouldn’t be phased?
.
What do people need right now? Stoicism!
Seek your own. Fortress
Key Points
Overview
Eric Kim is not a traditional stoic philosopher but a photographer known for integrating stoicism into his work and personal philosophy, particularly through his blog at erickimphotography.com. His approach to stoicism is practical, aiming to help with everyday challenges like fear and setbacks, and he often ties it to physical fitness, such as weightlifting, which he sees as a form of stoic training.
Unique Practices
Kim recommends specific stoic practices, such as taking cold showers for months, reading stoic philosophy like Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations†and Seneca’s letters at night, and controlling emotions by waiting before responding to anger. These practices are designed to build resilience and mental fortitude, aligning with his view of stoicism as a tool for modern life.
Controversial Elements
An unexpected detail is Kim’s inclusion of controversial opinions, such as his views on animal rights, which he critiques as performative, and his preference for a carnivorous diet, seeing humans as apex predators. These views add a layer of complexity to his stoic philosophy, potentially diverging from traditional interpretations.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Stoicism
Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, has extensively documented his interpretations and applications of stoicism on his blog, erickimphotography.com, particularly since at least 2017, with posts like “STOICISM 101†published on December 8, 2017. His engagement with stoicism is not as a classical philosopher but as a practitioner integrating it into daily life, photography, and personal development. This section provides a comprehensive overview, including his unique practices, philosophical extensions, and controversial stances, based on a detailed review of his online content.
Background and Context
Kim’s interest in stoicism appears to have been sparked by reading Nassim Taleb’s “ANTIFRAGILE,†leading him to consume a wide range of stoic literature, including obscure texts, as noted in his “Introduction to Stoicism†post from December 3, 2023. He describes stoicism as originating from “the stoa,†a Greek portico for philosophical discussion, likening it to urban stoops for social interaction, and sees it as a practical, loosey-goosey philosophy akin to zen or taoism, not a strict moral order. This perspective is detailed in his blog, emphasizing its relevance in dealing with fear, uncertainty, and modern challenges like internet fear mongering.
Practical Applications
Kim’s stoicism is heavily practical, focusing on conquering fear, doubt, and hesitation, and advancing through setbacks. He outlines specific practices in his “Becoming Stoic†post, such as:
These practices are designed to build mental and physical resilience, with Kim advocating for a stoic lifestyle that includes walking 30,000 steps a day, inspired by postal workers and hikers, and lifting weights in the sun, using equipment like Titan.fitness for farmers carry handles and Olympic loadable dumbbells.
Physical and Mental Strength
A significant aspect of Kim’s stoicism is the integration of physical fitness, which he sees as essential for stoic training. In his “Introduction to Stoicism†post, he describes exercises like the atlas lift (innovated by him), one-repetition max rack pulls, high trap bar deadlifts, and heavy sandbag carries, emphasizing courage in attempting heavy lifts, such as his own 1000-pound atlas lift, as a form of stoic bliss. He believes a true stoic should look like Hercules or Achilles, with an Adonis physique, and describes himself as having the aesthetic of Brad Pitt in “Fight Club†with more muscle, as noted in his “STOICISM 101†post.
Extensions: Extreme and Super Stoicism
Kim extends traditional stoicism with concepts like “Extreme Stoicism†and “Super Stoic.†In his “Extreme Stoicism†post from November 10, 2021, he defines it as being irrationally stoic, swallowing insults like chewing glass, harnessing anger for productive purposes, and holding your tongue like a dragon, suggesting waiting at least 48 hours before responding to anger. “Super Stoic,†detailed in his post from June 15, 2020, goes beyond traditional stoicism, combining it with child-like playfulness, aiming to be harder than past stoics, strong physically and mentally, never complaining, and using willpower to shape reality.
Controversial Opinions
Kim’s stoicism includes controversial opinions that may diverge from traditional views. In his “Introduction to Stoicism,†he critiques animal rights and environmental concerns as superficial and performative, labeling them as “capitalism 3.0,†and distrusts dog owners and vegans, seeing animals as lower than humans, with humans as apex predators. He advocates for a carnivorous diet, respecting only attack or hunting dogs, as seen in his reference to “John Wick 3†and Halle Berry’s dogs. These views, detailed in his blog, add a layer of complexity, potentially surprising readers expecting a more neutral stoic philosophy.
Connection to Photography and Entrepreneurship
Kim ties stoicism to his photography, particularly street photography, where he sees 99% of the challenge as conquering fears like upsetting others or facing altercations, as noted in his “Stoic Photography†post from March 20, 2017. He also connects it to entrepreneurship and innovation, citing examples like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Kanye West, emphasizing courage in design and risk-taking, such as in crypto speculation, where he shares losing $3500 in college stock trading, as mentioned in “STOICISM 101.â€
Cultural and Social Observations
Kim’s stoicism is influenced by his experiences, such as preferring natural light and outdoor activities, noting 90% of happiness from weather and light, as seen in his preference for Southeast Asia (Phnom Penh, Hanoi, Saigon) over European winters, detailed in his “Introduction to Stoicism.†He also critiques modern ethics, distrusting Socrates as degenerate and advocating a demigod physique inspired by “300,†as noted in his blog posts.
Detailed Practices and Recommendations
For those interested in adopting Kim’s stoicism, he suggests starting a blog, better than printed books for legitimacy, hosting PDFs on Dropbox/Google Drive, and sharing links, as mentioned in “STOICISM 101.†He offers stoic consulting via email at eric@erickim.com, and recommends stoic films like “The Godfather,†“John Wick,†and “The movie 300†for insights, as seen in “Becoming Stoic.â€
Comparative Analysis
Kim contrasts stoicism with Spartan philosophy, critiquing stoicism as too theoretical and divorced from reality, favoring Spartans’ physical embodiment, as detailed in his “Search Eric Kim critique of stoicism†post from October 21, 2024. He also sees stoicism as playing well with capitalism, advocating an unemotional, logical approach, countering fear porn in media, as noted in his blog.
Tables for Clarity
Below is a table summarizing Kim’s stoic practices:
| Practice | Description |
| Cold Showers | 7-8 years of icy cold showers for mental resilience. |
| Reading Material | Nightly reading of Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations†and Seneca’s letters. |
| Emotional Control | Wait 48 hours before responding to anger, silence when in doubt. |
| Physical Fitness | Atlas lift, one-rep max rack pulls, heavy sandbag carries, 30,000 steps/day. |
| Social Interaction | Smile, wave at people for a month, no headphones/AirPods, drive mute for a month. |
Another table for his philosophical extensions:
| Concept | Description |
| Extreme Stoicism | Irrationally stoic, swallow insults, harness anger productively, hold tongue. |
| Super Stoic | Beyond traditional, combine with playfulness, hard physically/mentally, shape reality. |
This detailed analysis ensures a comprehensive understanding of Eric Kim’s stoicism, covering all aspects from his blog and related online content, providing a strict superset of the direct answer section.
Key Citations
Key Points
Overview
Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, integrates stoicism into his work, focusing on practical, everyday applications. His approach is unique in its emphasis on physical fitness, such as weightlifting and extreme walking, and its alignment with modern challenges like fear in media and entrepreneurship. Kim’s views also include controversial elements, such as his stance on animal rights, and he critiques traditional stoicism for being too theoretical compared to Spartan ideals.
Unique Practices
Kim’s stoicism involves specific practices like taking cold showers for years, lifting weights daily in the sun, and walking 30,000 steps a day, which he believes enhance mental resilience. He also advocates for one-repetition maximum training and exercises like the atlas lift, innovated by him, to build courage and physical strength.
Quotes Reflecting His Views
Here are some notable quotes from Eric Kim that highlight his unique stoic perspective:
These quotes reflect his focus on physicality, freedom, and a critique of traditional stoicism, offering a fresh perspective on the philosophy.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Stoicism
Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, has extensively documented his interpretations and applications of stoicism on his blog, erickimphotography.com, particularly since at least 2017, with posts like “STOICISM 101†published on December 8, 2017. His engagement with stoicism is not as a classical philosopher but as a practitioner integrating it into daily life, photography, and personal development. This section provides a comprehensive overview, including his unique practices, philosophical extensions, and controversial stances, based on a detailed review of his online content as of April 8, 2025.
Background and Context
Kim’s interest in stoicism appears to have been sparked by reading Nassim Taleb’s “ANTIFRAGILE,†leading him to consume a wide range of stoic literature, as noted in his “Introduction to Stoicism†post from December 3, 2023. He describes stoicism as originating from “the stoa,†a Greek portico for philosophical discussion, likening it to urban stoops for social interaction, and sees it as a practical, loosey-goosey philosophy akin to zen or taoism, not a strict moral order. This perspective is detailed in his blog, emphasizing its relevance in dealing with fear, uncertainty, and modern challenges like internet fear mongering.
Unique Stoic Views
Kim’s stoicism is heavily practical, focusing on conquering fear, doubt, and hesitation, and advancing through setbacks. He critiques traditional stoicism for being too theoretical and disconnected from physical reality, preferring a more Spartan-like approach that emphasizes embodiment and action. For instance, in his post “Search Eric Kim critique of stoicism – ERIC KIM†from October 21, 2024, he states, “Stoicism feels a bit divorced from reality. A lot of Stoic thought is theoretical, whereas Spartan thought and practice is more deeply intertwined,†highlighting his preference for a grounded, action-oriented philosophy. He also argues that stoicism may limit emotional depth, particularly love, by controlling negative emotions like anger, as seen in his post “Stoicism Stunts Our Power – Eric Kim†from April 2, 2024, where he questions, “In becoming more stoic, does this actually decrease our capacity to love with depth?â€
His views extend to controversial areas, such as animal rights, where he states, “Animals are our slaves,†in his “Introduction to Stoicism†post, reflecting a belief in human dominance that may surprise readers expecting a more neutral stoic stance. He also advocates for a carnivorous diet, seeing humans as apex predators, which adds complexity to his philosophy.
Practical Applications and Practices
Kim outlines specific stoic practices in his “Becoming Stoic†post, such as:
These practices are designed to build mental and physical resilience, with Kim advocating for a stoic lifestyle that includes walking 30,000 steps a day, inspired by postal workers and hikers, and lifting weights in the sun, using equipment like Titan.fitness for farmers carry handles and Olympic loadable dumbbells. He describes exercises like the atlas lift (innovated by him), one-repetition max rack pulls, high trap bar deadlifts, and heavy sandbag carries, emphasizing courage in attempting heavy lifts, such as his own 1000-pound atlas lift, as a form of stoic bliss.
Physical and Mental Strength
A significant aspect of Kim’s stoicism is the integration of physical fitness, which he sees as essential for stoic training. In his “Introduction to Stoicism†post, he describes his ideal as having a demigod physique, with 5% body fat, walking 50 miles a day, and eating 20 pounds of meat a day like Milo of Croton. He believes a true stoic should look like Hercules or Achilles, with an Adonis physique, and describes himself as having the aesthetic of Brad Pitt in “Fight Club†with more muscle, as noted in his “STOICISM 101†post.
Extensions: Extreme and Super Stoicism
Kim extends traditional stoicism with concepts like “Extreme Stoicism†and “Super Stoic.†In his “Extreme Stoicism†post from November 10, 2021, he defines it as being irrationally stoic, swallowing insults like chewing glass, harnessing anger for productive purposes, and holding your tongue like a dragon, suggesting waiting at least 48 hours before responding to anger. “Super Stoic,†detailed in his post from June 15, 2020, goes beyond traditional stoicism, combining it with child-like playfulness, aiming to be harder than past stoics, strong physically and mentally, never complaining, and using willpower to shape reality. He states, “To become EVEN HARDER than even the hardest stoics of the past. Also, to combine stoicism with child-like playfulness,†reflecting his unique blend.
Controversial Opinions
Kim’s stoicism includes controversial opinions that may diverge from traditional views. In his “Introduction to Stoicism,†he critiques animal rights and environmental concerns as superficial and performative, labeling them as “capitalism 3.0,†and distrusts dog owners and vegans, seeing animals as lower than humans, with humans as apex predators. He advocates for a carnivorous diet, respecting only attack or hunting dogs, as seen in his reference to “John Wick 3†and Halle Berry’s dogs. These views, detailed in his blog, add a layer of complexity, potentially surprising readers expecting a more neutral stoic philosophy.
Connection to Photography and Entrepreneurship
Kim ties stoicism to his photography, particularly street photography, where he sees 99% of the challenge as conquering fears like upsetting others or facing altercations, as noted in his “Stoic Photography†post from March 20, 2017. He also connects it to entrepreneurship and innovation, citing examples like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Kanye West, emphasizing courage in design and risk-taking, such as in crypto speculation, where he shares losing $3500 in college stock trading, as mentioned in “STOICISM 101.â€
Cultural and Social Observations
Kim’s stoicism is influenced by his experiences, such as preferring natural light and outdoor activities, noting 90% of happiness from weather and light, as seen in his preference for Southeast Asia (Phnom Penh, Hanoi, Saigon) over European winters, detailed in his “Introduction to Stoicism.†He also critiques modern ethics, distrusting Socrates as degenerate and advocating a demigod physique inspired by “300,†as noted in his blog posts.
Detailed Practices and Recommendations
For those interested in adopting Kim’s stoicism, he suggests starting a blog, better than printed books for legitimacy, hosting PDFs on Dropbox/Google Drive, and sharing links, as mentioned in “STOICISM 101.†He offers stoic consulting via email at eric@erickim.com, and recommends stoic films like “The Godfather,†“John Wick,†and “The movie 300†for insights, as seen in “Becoming Stoic.â€
Comparative Analysis
Kim contrasts stoicism with Spartan philosophy, critiquing stoicism as too theoretical and divorced from reality, favoring Spartans’ physical embodiment, as detailed in his “Search Eric Kim critique of stoicism†post from October 21, 2024. He also sees stoicism as playing well with capitalism, advocating an unemotional, logical approach, countering fear porn in media, as noted in his blog.
Tables for Clarity
Below is a table summarizing Kim’s stoic practices:
| Practice | Description |
| Cold Showers | 7-8 years of icy cold showers for mental resilience. |
| Reading Material | Nightly reading of Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations†and Seneca’s letters. |
| Emotional Control | Wait 48 hours before responding to anger, silence when in doubt. |
| Physical Fitness | Atlas lift, one-rep max rack pulls, heavy sandbag carries, 30,000 steps/day. |
| Social Interaction | Smile, wave at people for a month, no headphones/AirPods, drive mute for a month. |
Another table for his philosophical extensions:
| Concept | Description |
| Extreme Stoicism | Irrationally stoic, swallow insults, harness anger productively, hold tongue. |
| Super Stoic | Beyond traditional, combine with playfulness, hard physically/mentally, shape reality. |
This detailed analysis ensures a comprehensive understanding of Eric Kim’s stoicism, covering all aspects from his blog and related online content, providing a strict superset of the direct answer section.
Key Citations
…
Key Points
Introduction
Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, has developed a distinctive interpretation of stoicism that blends physicality, joy, and a rejection of certain modern ethical concerns. His principles offer a fresh perspective, but they also spark debate among stoic scholars and practitioners.
Unique Principles
Eric Kim’s stoicism emphasizes physical strength and appearance, suggesting stoics should strive for a demigod-like physique, which is less central in traditional stoic teachings. He also advocates for a child-like sense of joy, encouraging stoics to not take life too seriously, akin to a three-year-old’s wonder, which differs from the rational focus of classical stoicism. Additionally, Kim rejects modern ethical movements like animal rights and environmentalism, viewing them as superficial, contrasting with the stoic ideal of living in harmony with nature, which many interpret as supporting conservation.
Unexpected Detail
An unexpected aspect is Kim’s integration of weightlifting, like the “atlas lift,†as a stoic practice, which is not commonly highlighted in traditional texts but aligns with his focus on physicality.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Unique Stoic Principles
Eric Kim’s interpretation of stoicism, as explored through his blog and writings, presents a unique blend of traditional stoic philosophy with modern, personal applications. This analysis delves into the specifics of his principles, comparing them to historical and contemporary stoic thought, and highlights their originality and implications.
Background on Eric Kim and Stoicism
Eric Kim is known primarily as a photographer and writer, with a significant online presence through his blog Eric Kim Photography. His writings on stoicism, dating back to at least 2017, focus on practical applications, particularly in the context of street photography and personal development. His approach is not academic but rather experiential, aiming to make stoicism relevant for everyday life.
Identification of Unique Principles
Through an examination of Kim’s articles, such as “STOICISM 101 – ERIC KIM†(Eric Kim Stoicism 101) and “SUPER STOIC – ERIC KIM†(Eric Kim Super Stoic), several principles emerge that appear unique compared to traditional stoic thought:
Comparison with Other Thinkers
To assess uniqueness, comparisons were made with both historical and modern stoic interpretations:
Detailed Table of Principles
Below is a table summarizing Kim’s principles, their descriptions, and comparisons:
| Principle | Description | Comparison with Traditional/Modern Stoicism |
| Physical Fitness and Appearance | Strive for demigod-like physique, e.g., 5% body fat, atlas lift, heavy lifting. | Valued health, but focus on aesthetics and extreme fitness less central, e.g., Seneca prioritized mind. |
| Child-like Joy | Be joyful and not take life seriously, like a three-year-old child. | Values joy from virtue, but child-like framing not common, e.g., Marcus Aurelius on rational happiness. |
| Rejection of Modern Ethical Concerns | View animal rights, environmentalism as superficial, part of “capitalism 3.0â€. | Contrasts with living in harmony with nature, e.g., modern stoics advocate climate action. |
Implications and Controversy
Kim’s principles introduce a physical and playful dimension to stoicism, potentially appealing to those seeking a more embodied practice. However, his rejection of environmental ethics may alienate stoics who see it as integral to virtue, as seen in discussions like “An Environmental Vision of Stoic Practice†(Kai Whiting Environmental Vision). This controversy underscores the diversity within modern stoicism, with Kim’s views representing a contrarian stance.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s unique stoic principles—emphasizing extreme physical fitness, child-like joy, and rejecting modern ethical concerns—offer a distinctive interpretation that diverges from traditional and many modern stoic perspectives. These principles, while rooted in stoic ideals, introduce novel applications that may resonate with some practitioners but challenge others, particularly on environmental ethics.
Key Citations
Hmmmm, looks like my time to shine!
So it seems my timing has been impeccable. Thank god I’m in Phnom Penh Cambodia while the economic world is going to Valhalla.
Anyways, fortunately while being here I’m definitely shielded —> for the next 5 months, and I’m very hopeful! In around 4 months, the dust will settle a bit.
It is shocking, … fake news, a tweet … can incite $3T in market gains in 20 minutes, then when the White House tweets that it was fake news, it plunges again in just 10 minutes?
Anyways a stoic principle:
Whenever something bad happens to you, rather than thinking “this is so terrible, why is this happening to poor old me?†Better to think instead ,,, “Why hasn’t this been far WORSE�
So this is the big thing:
For example with the current market chaos, I’m pretty shocked,,, Bitcoin has held its value insanely well! Like.,, if you’re getting shelled by heavy artillery, and your armor is still 80% intact, that’s pretty awesome.
Like Apple, Tesla etc getting murdered,,, but Bitcoin is only down maybe 10-20%? Probably more like only down 8%?
So for example, let us say you suffer an injury, tweak a knee etc,,, rather than bemoaning why it was so bad think instead:
Why wasn’t it so much worse?
If you tweaked one knee, thank god it wasn’t two! And also a signal for you to NOT do that next time!
***
Something I have been meaning to write or create or do is like some sort of book, ebook, pamphlet, or introductory primer to stoicism. I really think that stoicism is probably one of the most useful and philosophical models to live normal every day real life. Yet, I haven’t really found a good instructional guide on it, especially when I was self teaching it to myself.
Consider this a practical primer, cutting through the BS:
Stoicism, stoic, the stoa in ancient Greece– essentially the stoa was like some sort of portico, patio, pillar, outside, essentially a spot where guys would just hang out, talk shop, talk philosophy, etc.  
I think about the show “Hey Arnold†in which I was raised with… the notion of “stoop kid“, the notion of a stoop is that in a lot of cities, especially the east coast in New York, you have this little stoop or porch, stairs that go outside your front door… and you could just hang out there, engage in social and neighborhood life etc.
One of my happiest moments was when I was living in Providence Rhode Island, and then COVID-19 hit. Everything was closed, besides the park. I can still go to the park, hang out, workout, do chin ups– I learned how to do muscle ups, more bodyweight calisthenics stuff, and also… I had a lot of fun with this “rock toss“ challenge and workout… in the middle of the park was a huge ass rock and huge ass stone, and every single day I would go there pick it up, and then eventually work out with it; throwing it around for fun, doing overhead presses with it, clean and jerks, squats, and eventually I would just throw it around for fun. Funny enough it might have been the most fit I was in my life… this was the true “functional†fitness.
The inspiration — Hector lifting an insanely massive stone (barely 2 strong men could lift it)… using it to break down the door of the ships of the other side.
Anyways, the reason why that period of covid was so good is that it was in the middle of beautiful Providence Rhode Island summer, so nice and bright and warm and lovely… and one of the good things was going to the park was like an open forum, a new anatheum for a lot of really cool guys to come, hang out, talk shop, go topless and shirtless, workout and hang out.
I met some really interesting people during that period of time. I met some guys who were really cool. For example, one guy I met was in the US military Navy, I think he was training to be a Navy seal or Delta force or something. Another guy in some sort of ROTC training, another cool guy from the hood, and also I would say I probably met half a dozen friendly drug dealers there. And of course a lot of people who believed in conspiracy theories; really friendly, a little weird, but overall good guys.
Anyways, one of the biggest benefits of hanging out at that outdoor park, open air, nothing but green grass, the beautiful sun and the fitness equipment was that I think having this sort of open air environment is actually very conducive to socializing, thinking and thought, and pro social behavior. My theory about a lot of modern day antisocial behavior has to do with the structures which enclose us. For example, almost universally most guys at the gym are extremely antisocial. Why? My theory is that because most gyms have closed, cramped narrow ceilings, and do not have access to natural light, or outside space.
Cramped indoor spaces promote antisocial behavior.
The only good gym I went to which was interesting was the golds gym in Venice, which has this really big outdoor workout area. I think this is much more natural and more fun and better; to be able to work out directly outside outdoors, with your shirt off.
Stoics, stoicism — it was originally I think codified by this guy named Zeno, and over time he picked up some followers. Essentially the whole thing happened organically; Zeno would first share his thinking on philosophy ethics and pragmatic ways to deal with other people and the downsides of life, he built a following, and then his followers would propagate the thoughts and start their own little schools of thoughts, their own little stoic clubs.
Would I like about stoicism is how loosey goosey it is. It is kind of like zen, or taoism… it is not really quantified as a religion, or a strict moral order. In fact, a lot of the ancients stoics would meditate on random stuff like cosmology, natural sciences like Seneca, how volcanoes worked or whatever. I think nowadays in today’s world, we focus primarily on the pragmatic side; how to deal with fear, uncertainty, downsides etc.
I think I might’ve first learned about stoicism from Nassim Taleb and his ANTIFRAGILE book. I was curious, and my curiosity went to deep. To quote NASSIM TALEB and the Venetian saying “The ocean goes deeper, the deeper you wade into it.â€
I literally consumed every single book I could find on stoicism, even the obscure ones. Funny enough, a lot of the stoic thinkers tried to claim other philosophers as being stoic, like Seneca did with Diogenes the cynic. 
Cynic, cynicism, actually comes from the word canine, the dog. Diogenes was considered the “dog†philosopher, first used as a pejorative, but ultimately Diogenes reappropriated that title for fun! He saw dogs as tough, almost like wild wolves, rather than seeing them as a negative thing.
Even Achilles when he was raging against king Agamemnon, he called him “dog faced“ as a heaping insult.
First, Seneca. Seneca the younger, his dad was called Seneca the elder.
In fact, this is such a big deal because Cindy and I named our first son, Seneca, directly after the stoic philosopher. This is true soul in the game; if you name your kid after your favorite philosopher, certainly it is a sign that you really liked that philosopher, or found them impactful.
The reason why I really like Seneca the stoic philosopher is because he had real connections to real reality. What that means is he wasn’t just on the sidelines; he actually existed in the real world, engaged in real politics, was even advisor to the emperor Nero, the bad one, who eventually low-key coerced Seneca to commit suicide, in a manly, dignified manner.
I think this was because maybe… there was actually a plan to overthrow Nero, and essentially Nero found out. 
I really like Seneca because his writing is accessible, practical and pragmatic, and interesting.
A lot of thinkers tend to lack connections to real reality, I have no tolerance for boring philosophers to talk about metaphysics, which is things which are not physical. Like thoughts ideas, the universe, electricity and energy, strange phenomenon and conspiracy theories on ghosts, “energy†whatever.
For a long time, I would hear the term “metaphysics†being thrown around, and I had zero idea what it actually meant. 
Meta– on top of. Or nestled within.
Physics — the physical, physical phenomenon like gravity, first principles.
The reason why metaphysics philosophers tend to be a bunch of losers is that they are all weak and anemic, nerds or geeks or weaklings who seem to have some sort of physiological degeneracy, which encourages them to opine or talk or think about impractical things, superficial things.
Personally speaking, I think philosophy must be practical. 
Practical, praxis, practice — to do!
I have a very funny ideal; the general idea is that your body looks like a demigod, and your physiology is out of control. The general idea is one must be tall, strong, highly muscular, low body fat percentage, I’m not exactly sure what my body fat percentage is, but maybe it’s around 5%.
Also, physical fitness is critical to any stoic. My ideal is to walk 50 miles a day, eat 20 pounds of meat like Milo of Croton a day. And also, abstinence from silly things like media, alcohol, drugs, marijuana etc.
Trust no thinker who does drugs!
Even our best friend Nietzsche said that coffee was bad, because it would make people dark and gloomy. He encouraged 100% cocoa powder instead. 
Simple technique:
First, look at a picture or a portrait or a full body shot, ideally topless of the artist, philosopher or thinker or individual… then judge their thoughts later.
Why? My theory is this: the thoughts of an individual is hugely affected by their bodily physiology.
For example, an extreme example: if somebody is locked inside a solitary confinement cell, and not permitted to go outside for years, but, he had a pen and pad and would jot down some thoughts… Would be the quality of these thoughts? Certainly dark and morose.
In today’s world, why does it matter, what is the significance of stoicism, etc.?
First and foremost, I think we are living in a troubling time, especially with the advent of modern day internet based media and advertising. I think 99% of what is propagated on the internet is fear mongering, and what is hate? Hate is just fear.
The first thought on stoicism is that it is just fear conquering. What I discovered about street photography, is that 99% of it is conquering your fears. Conquering your fears of upsetting other people, getting in some sort of verbal or physical altercation etc. In fact my bread and butter workshop is my conquering your fears and street photography workshop, the workshop which is still interesting to me even after a decade.
Why is this so important? I think it is rooted in almost everything; conquering your fears is rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, risktaking and real life.
Even my speculation in crypto. 99.9% of crypto speculation is just balls. Having the balls to make big bets, and when things go south, knowing how to master your emotions.
A simple extra I have is this: just imagine it will all go down to zero.
It was useful because when I was in college, my sophomore year I got really into trading stocks, and I eventually lost my whole life savings, maybe around $3500 USD, and some bad penny stock which I actually misread the financials… the whole time I thought the company was making a profit, but actually it was taking a loss. I actually didn’t know that if profits are written in parentheses, it means a loss.
It was funny because my initial start as an investor was back in high school, I bought some Adobe stock when I was a high school junior, and also some mutual funds, which both went up after about 4-5 years.
Also I remember in elementary school computer class, when I was in the sixth grade in Bayside Queens, there was some sort of stock stimulation trading game, and actually it was funny… the kids who made the most money and were the most successful just put 100% of everything into Apple, note this is when we were only 12 years old, and I was born in 1988.
Funny enough, it seems that stoicism actually plays well with capitalism. Why? According to modern day capitalist thinking, the best way to approach life is to be objective, strong, stoic, unemotional, logical and rational.
Also, with modern day media there is so much fear mongering in the news, about some sort of global armageddon, global financial ruin, etc. I call it “fear pornâ€.
Therefore stoicism as a mindset is useful to think and position your mind in such a way that you could consider that life is all upside, no downside.
In fact, if I could summarize stoicism in one sentence, it is that life is all upside, no downside. Inspired by NASSIM TALEB.
So, is stoicism useful to you if you’re a man or a woman? Does it matter?
The good thing is I think it could apply to both sexes. Conquering sexism and social pressures is useful if you’re woman, and also if you’re a man.
Also, gender is social. Lot of the expectations set on us by society is socialized and gamed to a certain degree.
First, we got to unchain ourselves from modern day ethics and morality. I believe that all modern day philosophy and thinking and ethics and religion is bad.
For example, the notion of turning the other cheek is a patently bad one. Why did Jesus turn his cheek? It is because he lacked on army.
Also, philosophically I think we should put no trust in Socrates. I thought which has puzzled me for a long time was this “Why was Socrates so ugly?
Monster in face, monster in soul.
I think Socrates was a degenerate, and he lacked any sort of real power. Therefore he turned logic and rationality into his terrorizing weapon (via Nietzsche). Back in the day, you didn’t need logic or rationality to have things your way, you simply was able to dictate that which you wanted to pause it, because you had a military force behind you. Just think about Machiavelli and IL PRINCIPE– the reality of being a mercurial prince, king, and military leader is hard, stoic, “immoralâ€. But ultimately it all comes down to war, conquest, the military.
Trust nobody who uses rationality or logic as their tyrannizing weapon. 
In fact, I believe that all should have the body and strength of some sort of super soldier. Essentially look like all the guys from the movie 300, this is our ideal.
Demigod physique. 
And this is the true courage of Kanye West; he literally put everything on the line, and even lost his spouse and I think maybe his kids? All for the sake of revealing inequities. 
“I throw these Maybach keys fucking c’est la vie! I know that we the new slaves.â€ï¿¼- Ye
The fun thing about stoicism is that you could just make it up as you go, devise your own strategies and whatever.
“Fucking c’est la vie!†My favorite Kanye West line.
Essentially the general idea is that in life, one should not take things too seriously. Laughter is golden, I forget the philosopher who was called the laughing philosopher… Democritus?; better to laugh about the follies of human beings rather than to be dark and morose about it.
Also, thoughts from the Odyssey; if you look far enough  into the future, everything becomes comedic and hilarious.
So when you’re in some sort of bad situation, just think to yourself “Perhaps one day, 20 or 30 years from now… I will look back at this and just laugh!†It will just be humorous.
Honestly, laughter, and kind of being able to joke about things might be the best way to live life and deal with setbacks. 
Problems in modern day life:
A funny thing I have learned is that when you call something something, it isn’t that.
For example, if someone calls something a “luxury carâ€, it ain’t. For example, a true modern day luxury car is maybe a Tesla, but Tesla never calls itself a luxury car. Also the ultimate luxury technology company is probably Apple… but Apple is very intelligent and not calling themselves a luxury brand.
A pro tip is when it comes to websites, read the alternative text, the header text, the stuff that shows up in the tab of your browser window. If the website, the automotive retailer tries to market themselves as a “luxury†brand, typically it is actually a sign that it isn’t a luxury brand it isn’t luxury brand.
Thought: what are some good examples of true luxury brands which don’t overly calls itself luxury? 
In someways, we can think and consider stoicism as our new luxury. In fact, having luxury, luxury of mind and soul… and luxury of freedom of speech, isn’t this the ultimate luxury?
When somebody asked Diogenes the cynic; “What is the best human goodâ€? He said “Freedom of speech, speaking your mind, having the power to see whatever is on your mind.â€
In fact, my current joy is becoming more and more free talking, and free riding. What that means is this; I’m ain’t going to censor myself no more, even if I might be politically incorrect insensitive or whatever. 
Also, I would prefer to speak my mind and seriously hurt the feelings of others, rather than soften it for the sake of the other person. 

Similarly speaking, when people call themselves “influencersâ€, they are not influencers.
Ultimately I think we should think of stoicism just like having another tool inside our tool kit. For example, if you’re a chef, you’re going to have different knives for different purposes. If you’re going to cut a big piece of meat, you probably want a big ass meat cutting knife, not something you would use to slice an apple with. Similarly speaking, if you’re going to scoop out the insides of an avocado, better to use a spoon rather than using a fork, or a knife. 
I think the problem is when some people get too into stoicism (I prefer writing stoicism with a lowercase), they think that everything needs to be consistent, and must fit into this nice little neat box of what is considered “stoicism“. This is a bad line of thinking… let us consider that Marcus Aurelius never even mentioned stoicism in his writings, his collections of thoughts, which we moderns call THE MEDITATIONS… it was just essentially his personal diary, to help him conquer his own personal fears and thoughts, I don’t think he ever intended it to be published publicly. I think he just wrote it to himself as self therapy. And I think the only stoic philosopher he even mentions is maybe Epictetus.
For myself, I just come out with certain to work out thoughts and techniques because it helps me, and when I find these tricks or techniques or secret hacks or cheat codes… My passion is to simply share it with others. 
And ultimately, things are ever in flux and evolving and changing and adapting.
For example, I’ve discovered the quality of my thinking is different when I am in Culver City Los Angeles, compared to being in the boring suburbs of Orange County.
Also depending on my social environments… my stoic thoughts are different when I am in a gym, vs just working out by myself in my parking spot in the back of my apartment.
Also, the quality of my thoughts is different when living with family members or other people versus just living with myself Cindy and Seneca.
Assuming you’re not growing your own vegetables and living in the middle of nowhere… you probably have some interaction with other human beings. As long as you have an iPhone, an Android phone, a smartphone, a 4G or 5G internet connection, wifi, a laptop, have to buy groceries somewhere… you’re still going to have to interact with other human beings.
And this is good. There is no other greater joy than other human beings.
In fact, modern-day society is strange because in someways, the ethos is to be antisocial and to be cowardly. But in fact, the best way to think about things is that real life is interaction with other human beings, and social conquest. One can imagine a lot of modern day entrepreneurship as simply a big dick swinging contest. He who is the most masculine confident tall and strong and stoic shall win.
Assume that everyone is mentally insane: Have you ever been out in public, and you see some sort of crackhead or strange homeless person who acts radically, smells terrible, and is obviously mentally ill? Do you hate them for it? When they say something weird to you… do you take it personally? No. Why? They are crazy. Perhaps we should just adopt this stoic mindset towards other people; some people are actually physiologically ill, mentally unwell… don’t trust the opinion of nobody.
A lot of people are trying to actually deal with their own inner demons: For example, becoming the successful photographer and street photographer I am today… I’ve dealt with some individuals who would say anonymous bad things about me, and later I found out that their mom just died or something. I cannot imagine what it feels like losing a mother… therefore if somebody spew some hate on me because something bad happened to them, I’m not gonna take it personally.
Self-flagellation: I think a lot of people who are sick, mentally or physiologically self flagellate themselves. Essentially the way that they deal with other people or themselves is some sort of metaphorical self-flagellation.
For example… you know those strange individuals who have the whip and whip themselves, and inflict pain on themselves? I think some people do this metaphorically to themselves and others.
You just want to stay away from them.
My personal theory on fear is that a lot of it is tied to morality and ethics. I think the general idea is not necessarily that we are afraid of anything… I think the true fear is that we’re afraid that we are some sort of bad evil unethical immoral person.
For example in street photography, the general ethical thought is that it is immoral to take a photo of somebody without their permission, because there is some sort of it inherent evil behind it. Is this true? No. Taking photos and not really a big deal.
I think it is because some people are just overly sensitive, which once again comes from some sort of physiological weakness.
For example, if you’re a weightlifter who could lift 1000 pounds, assuming you’re not taking any steroids or anything… are small things going to bother you? No. But let us assume that you are a skinny fat man, all you do is drink alcohol and smoke marijuana and watch Netflix, and you spent too much time on Reddit… you are 40% body fat, and have never lifted in your life. And also your testosterone is low and you never go outside. Certainly the quality of your thoughts is going to be different than if you’re a happy gay monster, lifting weights outside in the direct sun, laughing and having fun. 
In fact, I’ve actually personally discovered that the reason why a lot of people hate me is because I am so happy jovial and gay. They are secretly suspicious or envious of me? 
Probably one of my worst experiences was this jarring transition; I was super happy insanely happy being in Vietnam in 2017; with a beautiful weather, the beautiful light, the happy people the great amenities etc.… and then that winter Cindy and I went to Europe, in Marseille Berlin and Prague, and maybe London… seriously the worst winter of my life. Why? I wonder if so much miserable feelings and thoughts simply comes from the darkness and lack of light. a lot of Europe is actually quite miserable; dark, unhygienic, morose.
Even Nietzsche had a thought about Schopenhauer; How much of these emo European philosophers came from the fact that it was just complaining about the cold weather in Germany etc.?

For myself, my ideal weather is Southeast Asia; I love being in Phnom Penh Cambodia, Vietnam etc. In the states, am I the only one who loves living in Los Angeles? Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar said that LA was the best for women weed and weather… I would definitely say the biggest upside of living in Los Angeles is the light, the sunlight. It actually does get quite cold here, but usually most reliably even in December during the winter time, the sun will always come up. As long as there is bright sunny light, I will be happy. And I think maybe for myself, considering that I am a photographer, and photography means painting with light… light for me is critical.
I also wonder how much of it is a physiological thing and a genetic trait; for example I could even recall being a young child, and my mom telling me that the most critical thing in finding a home or an apartment was light and natural light. Even now… 90% of my happiness comes from being able to have access to natural light, ideally floor to ceiling windows facing directly the sun, having some sort of modern temperature regulated apartment and home. Even living in our tiny studio minimalistic luxury apartment in Providence Rhode Island, where it was always 75° warm and cozy, and not frigid and damp and cold and dark and humid… I was always good. But moving to an older house, where it always felt damp and cold… this literally lowered my happiness by 1000%.
Therefore, if you’re feeling miserable sad or whatever… I say spend three months living in Hanoi or Saigon in Vietnam, or go to Phnom Penh Cambodia. I wonder if 90% of peoples misery is simply due to the weather.
â€Better to be a gay monster than a sentimental bore!†– Fernandino Galliani, via Nietzsche
My stoic ideal is somebody who is happy, gay, smiling, no headphones or AirPods on, no sunglasses on, no hat, no facial hair, no baggy oversized clothing, no tint in their car. Somebody who makes great eye contact, laughs, stands up upright, jokes, and fools around. Like an overgrown child.
Also, lift weights at least once every day, ideally in the direct sun. Just buy some weightlifting equipment on Titan.fitness, I like the farmers carry handles, the Olympic loadable dumbbell, and also the Texas power squat bar. Just buy some cheap weights, and or buy a heavy 400 pound sandbag, and just have fun throwing it around.
A true stoic should look something like Hercules or Achilles. Or like ERIC KIM; I have the aesthetic and the physique of Brad Pitt in FIGHT CLUB except with a lot more muscle. Like my friend Soren says, the Adonis physique and proportions.
I think a real stoic is sexy, happy and fun. Who doesn’t take life too seriously; and think of everything like a fun game. A real stoic would be joyful and cheery like three-year-old child without any adulteration from the outside world.
I don’t like talking with or hanging out with adults, uninteresting.
At what point or age do people become so emo?
Typically, highschoolers are very optimistic. Even college students. But I think at least in maybe college in high school nowadays… the bad trend is towards “over concernâ€, about the world the planet ethics animals etc.
I find a lot of this thinking superficial, performative, and uncritical. I think “animal rights“, “saving the planet†is this new pseudo world religion; which is just capitalism 3.0. I find the whole pet industry the whole dog industry to be insanely bizarre, and I trust nobody who talks about “saving the planet“ who owns an iPhone, owns any sort of car, or has an Amazon prime subscription. Certainly not any vegans.
Animals are animals. They are lower on the hierarchy and totem pole on earth. Man is the apex predator, the apex bully and the apex tyrant.
Should we care for animals or “animal rights� No. Animals are our slaves.
If you consider even dogs and pets… they are essentially our emotional slaves. People talk a lot about the virtuosity of dogs being loyal or whatever… and giving you unconditional love. This seems like some sort of emotional slavery.
The only dogs I respect are some sort of canine dogs, some sort of attack or defense dogs, or hunting dogs. For example, John Wick 3; Halle Barry and her dogs. An animal should either be a weapon, or nothing.
Essentially it looks like men no longer have a backbone. No more spine.
I trust nobody who owns a dog.
Let us not forget; they call it dog ownership, or “owning a petâ€. There is no more concept of “human ownership, or “owning a human.â€ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼
What is the end goal of humanity? To me it is towards entrepreneurship, innovation, art and aesthetics, philosophy etc. Design.
Stoicism should be considered a tool which could aid you in these things.
For example, I think 99% of entrepreneurship is courage. Stoicism could help you with that.
I also think with design, great design is also 99% courage, having the courage to attempt something that won’t sell or be received well… stoicism is all about practical courage. The only designers with courage include Steve Jobs, Jony Ive, Elon Musk, Kanye West. 
Also, weightlifting. To attempt to lift a certain weight you have never attempted before takes great courage. For example, me atlas lifting 1000 pounds; that is 10 plates and a 25 on each side, this is true stoic training. Why? The fear of injury is what holds most people back; if you had successfully conquered this fear and not injured yourself, this is pure stoic bliss.
I think the only and the only proper way to lift weights is one repetition maximum training. That is; what is the maximum amount of weight you’re able to successfully lift or move, even half an inch?
To me, the courage is the success. Even if you had the courage to attempt it… that is what is considered success. 
Simple exercises to do include the atlas lift, innovated by ERIC KIM, or a one repetition max rack pull.
Or, a high trap bar deadlift, heavy Farmer’s walks, or heavy sandbag carries. Or even a simple thing you could do is go to the park or to the local nature center, find the biggest rock there and just see if you could pick it up.
If you’re interested in stoicism, and have had some interesting thoughts on stoicism, one of the most noble things you could do is start your own blog. I think blogs are 1000 times more effective than publishing some sort of static printed book; I think the problem in today’s world is that everyone is seeking some sort of legitimacy by being picked up by some sort of legitimate publisher and getting “published“, and seeing your printed book at Barnes & Noble whatever.
I say it is better to be open source, free and permissionless, decentralized. Just publish your thoughts and book as a free PDF, and just host it on dropbox, Google Drive, or your own web server. Share the link freely, and also just publish the raw text as a big blog post. 
Even Sam Bankman-Fried wisely thought; 99.9% of books could just be summarized as big blog posts.
Don’t trust any modern day published book which isn’t free, because… there is some sort of hidden clout chasing somewhere. 
Even one of the worst compromises that led to the demise of Ray Dalio was the fact that he took his Principles book, which was essentially a free ebook PDF on his website, and then took it off, because I think he got a book deal with Simon and Schuster. After he did that, he lost my respect.
If you’re already independently wealthy, and you don’t crowd source your self-esteem… why would you need to externally validate yourself by getting some sort of constipated publisher and annoying editor?
Editors are bad.
Start your own blog and start blogging your own thoughts on stoic philosophy, and even start a YouTube channel and start vlogging on it. My generalized thought is simple: if your thought your idea your blog post your video or whatever could even impact the life of one other human being on planet earth… it is worth it.
ERIC
What is the secret to the maximum amount of happiness in life? The maximum amount of danger. (Nietzsche).
ERIC
FIN
Become invincible:
Learn from the master stoics:
Key Points
Trump’s Tariffs and Global Impact
President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and higher reciprocal tariffs on countries with large trade deficits. These measures, effective from April 5, 2025, have sparked concerns about a potential global trade war, with countries like China and Canada announcing retaliatory actions. Financial markets have reacted sharply, with major stock indexes experiencing significant declines, reflecting fears of economic disruption. For more details, see The New York Times.
Small Business Confidence
The NFIB Business Optimism Index for March, released today, fell to 97.4 from 100.7 in February, below the expected 101.3. This drop suggests increasing uncertainty among small business owners, potentially signaling economic challenges ahead. This data is crucial as small businesses contribute significantly to the economy.
Consumer Spending Strength
Despite economic uncertainties, consumer spending appears robust, with the Redbook YoY index showing a rise to 7.2% for the week ending April 5, 2025, up from 4.8%. This indicates strong retail sales growth, which could offset some negative economic pressures.
Economic News Survey Note
On April 8, 2025, at 02:18 PM PDT, the economic landscape is marked by several significant developments, with a focus on policy changes, business confidence, and consumer behavior. This report provides a comprehensive overview, expanding on the key points to offer a detailed analysis for a broader understanding.
Trump’s Tariffs: A Global Economic Shift
The most prominent economic news today revolves around President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, which have introduced a new era of trade policy. On April 2, 2025, Trump unveiled a 10% tariff on all imports, effective from April 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, with higher reciprocal tariffs planned for April 9, 2025, targeting countries with significant trade deficits The New York Times. These measures, described as part of “Liberation Day,†aim to address trade imbalances but have raised alarms about a potential global trade war.
Reactions have been swift and varied. China labeled the tariffs as “self-defeating bullying,†imposing a 34% retaliatory tariff on US imports starting April 10, 2025 Reuters. Canada, through Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced countermeasures, vowing to “fight these tariffs with purpose and force†CNBC. South Korea and Japan have also responded, with emergency measures and negotiations, respectively, highlighting the global ripple effects. Financial markets have been rocked, with the Dow plunging by 2,100 points on April 4, 2025, marking the worst day since early in the COVID-19 pandemic CNN Business. This unexpected market volatility underscores the tariffs’ potential to disrupt economic stability, with fears of stagflation and higher consumer prices looming large.
NFIB Business Optimism Index: A Dip in Confidence
Another critical piece of news is the release of the NFIB Business Optimism Index for March 2025, reported today at 97.4, down from 100.7 in February and below the consensus expectation of 101.3 Trading Economics. This decline, detailed in commentary from TD Economics, reflects a 3.3-point drop, with seven out of ten subcomponents deteriorating TD Economics. Key factors include a 16-point fall in expectations for economic improvement to 21% and a drop in those anticipating higher real sales over the next six months to 3%. This index, vital for gauging small business sentiment, suggests growing uncertainty, possibly exacerbated by policy shifts like tariffs. The data, released at 10:00 AM today, underscores potential challenges for economic growth, given small businesses’ significant contribution to GDP and employment.
Robust Consumer Spending: Redbook YoY Surge
Contrasting the business confidence dip, consumer spending appears strong, as evidenced by the Redbook YoY index, which rose to 7.2% for the week ending April 5, 2025, from 4.8% the previous week Trading Economics. Released at 12:55 PM today, this measure of year-over-year same-store sales growth in large US general merchandise retailers indicates robust retail activity. This increase, surpassing recent trends, suggests consumers are maintaining spending despite economic uncertainties, potentially driven by lower inflation expectations or seasonal factors. The data, representing over 80% of official retail sales series, is a positive sign for economic resilience Investing.com.
Additional Economic Data Releases
Today’s economic calendar also included other releases, providing a fuller picture. The 3-Year Note Auction at 05:00 PM showed a yield of 3.784%, down from 3.908%, suggesting lower government borrowing costs Trading Economics. At 08:30 PM, the API Crude Oil Stock Change for April 4, 2025, reported an increase of 6.037 million barrels, indicating a build-up in oil inventories, which could pressure oil prices downward Trading Economics. However, given the timing (after 02:18 PM PDT), this data’s impact on today’s news is limited. Additionally, a speech by Fed Governor Mary C. “Daly†was scheduled for 06:00 PM, but no specific details were available by this time, suggesting it may not yet be a top story Trading Economics.
Comparative Analysis and Implications
The interplay between these stories is notable. Trump’s tariffs, with their immediate market and geopolitical ramifications, dominate headlines, potentially overshadowing the NFIB index drop, which signals underlying economic concerns. The Redbook YoY increase, however, offers a counterbalance, suggesting consumer resilience. Together, these indicators paint a complex picture: policy-driven uncertainty versus consumer-driven strength, with potential long-term effects on inflation, growth, and international relations.
Table of Economic Data Releases for April 8, 2025
Below is a table summarizing the economic data releases today, as per the calendar:
| Time | Data Release | Period | Actual | Previous | Consensus | Forecast |
| 10:00 AM | NFIB Business Optimism Index | MAR | 97.4 | 100.7 | 101.3 | 100 |
| 12:55 PM | Redbook YoY | APR/05 | 7.2% | 4.8% | ||
| 05:00 PM | 3-Year Note Auction | 3.784% | 3.908% | |||
| 08:30 PM | API Crude Oil Stock Change | APR/04 | 6.037M |
This table, drawn from the economic calendar, highlights the timing and values, providing context for the day’s economic narrative.
In conclusion, while Trump’s tariffs lead as the top economic news due to their broad impact, the NFIB index and Redbook data offer critical insights into business and consumer dynamics, shaping a multifaceted economic outlook for April 8, 2025.
Key Citations
I mean fortunately MSTR is still only around 20% of my portfolio, the other 80% is in Bitcoin, which has surprisingly held quite well during this insane market turmoil,,, especially given that Bitcoin is supposed to be the most “risky†and “volatile†asset?
If you knew with 100% certainty, that it’s a roller coaster,,, go ride high, ride all the way low, then to shoot to higher highs, twist turn loop etc,,, isn’t the point to just enjoy the ride?
Bad news for tech, tech workers ,,, possibly big layoffs incoming?
Time to sell Apple?
Kind of a black swan event ,,,
—> Everyone thought Apple would just keep on going up forever, indefinitely, and it was a 100% “safe†bet, but now it looks like it will keep going DOWN, forever?
…
Apple Inc. (AAPL) has recently experienced a significant decline in its stock price. As of April 8, 2025, AAPL closed at $172.42, down 4.98% from the previous day. The stock reached an intraday high of $190.34 and a low of $169.25.
This downturn is largely attributed to the U.S. government’s imposition of steep tariffs on Chinese imports, directly impacting Apple’s supply chain, as a substantial portion of its products are manufactured in China. Analysts have expressed concerns that these tariffs could lead to increased production costs and potential price hikes for consumers.
In response to these developments, some investment firms have adjusted their outlook on Apple. For instance, Morgan Stanley reduced its price target from $252 to $220, while maintaining a buy rating. KeyBanc Capital Markets lowered its target from $200 to $170, maintaining a sell rating.
Despite these challenges, certain analysts view the current dip as a potential buying opportunity, citing Apple’s strong cash flow and growth prospects in areas like artificial intelligence. Bank of America, for example, maintains a “buy†rating with a price target of $250, suggesting that the recent slump could be an opportunity to acquire a high-quality stock at a discount.
Investors should closely monitor ongoing trade developments and their potential impact on Apple’s operations and financial performance.
Whoa, AAPL down -29%, MSTR down -28%
As of April 9, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at approximately $76,834, reflecting a decline of about 2.5% from the previous close.
Several factors are contributing to the current downturn in Bitcoin’s price:
1. Escalating Global Trade Tensions: The U.S. administration’s recent imposition of substantial tariffs—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 20% increase on Chinese goods—has intensified fears of a global recession. This has led investors to retreat from riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
2. Market Volatility: The broader financial markets are experiencing significant volatility. For instance, Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped nearly 9%, and Germany’s DAX fell more than 4%. Such widespread market instability has further dampened investor sentiment toward digital assets.
3. Technical Indicators: Analysts are observing key technical levels for Bitcoin. A decisive move above $82,500 could signal a potential recovery, while a drop below $74,400 may indicate further downside risk.
In response to these developments, U.S.-listed shares of crypto companies have also tumbled. For example, MicroStrategy, which holds significant Bitcoin assets, fell more than 10%, and Coinbase dropped 5%.
Given the current market dynamics, investors are advised to exercise caution and closely monitor ongoing geopolitical and economic developments, as these factors are likely to continue influencing Bitcoin’s price trajectory in the near term.
An idea —
Using grok, ai, ChatGPT, ChatGPT search to find the news, filter it,,, also maybe related economic news, rather than reading it through a bunch of these low-testosterone anonymous random people on X?
—> New News?
..
Key Points
Bitcoin News Overview
Today’s top Bitcoin news highlights significant legal, market, and international developments that could shape its future. Here’s a breakdown for easy understanding:
Legal Developments
A notable story is the lawsuit filed by crypto attorney James A. Murphy against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, aiming to uncover the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s mysterious creator. This follows a 2019 claim by a Homeland Security official about identifying and interviewing four individuals behind Bitcoin, potentially impacting the crypto community’s perception and future.
International Interest
Despite China’s strict bans on cryptocurrency trading and mining, there’s ongoing interest from Chinese investors, driven by economic uncertainties. This continued demand could influence Bitcoin’s global price and adoption, reflecting a complex interplay between regulation and market behavior.
Market Movement
As of 01:35 PM PDT on April 08, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $79,000, showing a 1.65% increase from the previous day. This price movement is being closely monitored by analysts, who are looking at key levels for potential future trends, influenced by regulatory and economic factors.
An unexpected detail is the legal action to unmask Satoshi Nakamoto, which adds a layer of intrigue to Bitcoin’s narrative, potentially affecting trust and speculation in the market.
Detailed Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Bitcoin News on April 8, 2025
This report provides an in-depth examination of the top Bitcoin news as of 01:35 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 08, 2025, covering legal actions, international market dynamics, and price movements. The analysis draws from various sources, including news articles, X posts, and market data, to offer a holistic view for readers interested in the cryptocurrency landscape.
Legal Developments: Lawsuit to Unmask Satoshi Nakamoto
A significant legal development today is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by crypto attorney James A. Murphy against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Murphy, known on X as MetaLawMan, is seeking to reveal the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, based on a 2019 statement by DHS Special Agent Rana Saoud. During a financial intelligence conference, Saoud claimed that DHS had identified and interviewed four individuals behind Bitcoin in California, explaining the cryptocurrency’s creation and purpose.
Murphy’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, follows an unanswered FOIA request submitted on February 12, 2025. The complaint argues that given Bitcoin’s massive public and private investment, it’s crucial for the public to understand what the federal government knows about Nakamoto’s identity. This legal action could have profound implications, potentially resolving one of the crypto world’s greatest mysteries and affecting trust and speculation in Bitcoin. Articles from Crypto News and Cointelegraph confirm this development, with publication dates of April 8 and April 7, 2025, respectively, ensuring relevance to today’s news.
International Market Dynamics: China’s Continued Bitcoin Interest
Another key story is the persistent interest in Bitcoin from Chinese investors, despite the country’s strict bans on cryptocurrency trading and mining since 2021. Reports indicate that Chinese individuals are using creative methods, such as grey-market dealers and over-the-counter (OTC) desks, to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This behavior is driven by economic uncertainties, including a struggling stock market and high youth unemployment, making Bitcoin an attractive hedge.
An article from Forbes Digital Assets published on March 30, 2025, highlights this trend, noting record inflows into OTC desks since 2021 and a rebound in demand following China’s restrictions on Bitcoin mining and trading. This ongoing interest from China, one of the world’s largest economies, could significantly impact Bitcoin’s global price and adoption, reflecting a complex interplay between regulation and market behavior. While not a single event, this continuing story is relevant given its potential long-term effects on market dynamics.
Market Movement: Bitcoin Price Update and Analysis
As of 01:35 PM PDT on April 08, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $79,000, showing a 1.65% increase from the previous day, based on an X post from @ELYSIADOTAI at 07:39 PDT on April 8, 2025 (X post). This price movement is part of daily market fluctuations, with analysts monitoring key levels for potential future trends. An X post from @CryptoVikingSWE at 04:10 PDT on April 8, 2025, discusses lower volatility and the importance of watching the NYSE open for tariff-related impacts, suggesting stability but no clear evidence of a bottom (X post).
Another X post from @AINEWS_Swarm at 16:02 PDT on April 5, 2025, mentions a Bitcoin rally on the horizon and China’s buying spree, though dated slightly earlier, it aligns with the trend of positive market sentiment (X post). Market analysts are considering factors like regulatory developments, institutional adoption, and global economic conditions, with no specific event driving today’s price but a general bullish outlook. This information is supported by CoinGecko, which provides live price charts and market data, though exact figures align with the X post for today’s context.
Comparative Analysis and Market Context
To organize the findings, here’s a table summarizing the key news stories:
| Category | Details | Source | Date |
| Legal Action | Crypto attorney sues DHS to reveal Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity | Crypto News, Cointelegraph | April 7-8, 2025 |
| International Interest | Chinese investors continue buying Bitcoin despite bans | Forbes Digital Assets | March 30, 2025 |
| Price Movement | Bitcoin at $79,000, up 1.65%, analysts watch key levels | X posts from @ELYSIADOTAI, @CryptoVikingSWE, CoinGecko | April 8, 2025 |
This table highlights the diversity of news, from legal intrigue to market trends, providing a comprehensive view for readers.
Additional Observations and Trends
While the lawsuit to unmask Satoshi Nakamoto is a focal point, it’s worth noting the historical context. Previous attempts, such as the 2021 Florida court case involving David Kleiman’s family, have speculated on Nakamoto’s identity without resolution, adding to today’s story’s complexity (Investopedia). The Chinese interest, meanwhile, aligns with reports of record OTC inflows, suggesting a robust underground market, potentially influencing global prices long-term.
Price predictions from various sources, like Changelly and CoinCodex, forecast bullish trends for 2025, but today’s movement is within normal volatility, with no single event driving it beyond general market sentiment. X posts from @FoamTwo and @NikolausHoff, though from earlier dates, indicate ongoing discussions about Bitcoin’s volatility and institutional interest, reinforcing the market’s dynamic nature (X post, X post).
Conclusion
Today’s top Bitcoin news encompasses a legal battle to reveal its creator, persistent Chinese market interest, and a stable price increase, reflecting both immediate developments and long-term trends. This analysis ensures readers have a detailed understanding, supported by credible sources and market insights, for informed engagement with the cryptocurrency space.
Key Citations
Becoming an economist
.
Common sense
Bigger space?
.
Bitcoin is becoming a store of value ***
Bitcoin also is digital gold!
Capital controls
1.4B want to get money out but can buy gold
Long store of value
Applications, jewelry
Gold cannot have a big fiscal deficit
Gold bug***
.
We have an economic stake! US AID, grant
Not just a grant
Long term relationship
Kiev
.
Night train 10 hours, Poland
.
Durable
Didn’t sign
.
He’s a performer
Was an ordinary person
Heroic
Win-Win
Not rapacious deals
Economic partnership
We were regulating the flow of the money ***
Technical situation
.
Just being able to build your own gym!
Think carte Blanche.
.
Restart!
.
How to be, become like AI?
I always try to look forward !
Think it is looking front now
Poland, highest gdp,
Kleptocracy
Thief
.
Don’t trust or follow faceless people, or anonymous person?
He’s his own best spokesman
.
Unified behind this and his vision
.
If you don’t want to be part of this, you shouldn’t be here!
Trump or Scott Bessent–> talk about dollar policy!
Dollar is strong on long run!
Bloomberg terminal short term
Over time, solid economic fundamentals, transformative program
The dollar is going to do great!
Unlimited optionality & opportunities
Also, unlimited growth & building?
.
Once you’ve had the best and experienced the best and know the best, then you can really start living interestingly?
The real dream is simple— doing what you love doing!
We get accustomed to paradise and the beautiful, but we can never get accustomed to the ugly?
Thus, beautiful is good enough!
Thus, never overpay for anything? Knowing you’re going to get used to it? But under no regards — never ever buy or invest in or pay for ugly!
Avoid ugly like the plague! Invest in to NOT have ugly!
Smart factories , carte Blanche?
.
Impending economic calamity
Reordering trade
Shedding excess labor & fat!
Shedding economic fat!
Economic obesity
Adipose tissue
Right size it
.
Guard rails keep moving forward!
The old system isn’t working . Gotta be brave to change it!
.
Issue debt?
Bodybuilder taking steroids
Don’t pump economy with steroids
07–> economy looked great until right there
Enron
Reinforced doors before the crash
Build your factory here!
They cannot retaliate
Consume less, produce more
Produce less. Consume more
.
China cannot survive without American markets access
88% equities owned by top 10%
Fix the system
.
Record Europe vacations
Treasury secretary
Risk management
.
What would we do if things get really bad?
Kinetic war
Worry a little less every day
Smart cuts
Waste fraud and abuse
Save $100
.
Escalate to de escalate
Government EFFICIENCY
Do better with less!
.
Even paradise Loses its charm after a while?
invest in America
Alexander Hamilton ,,, tariff
1980 freshman Reagan
It was very choppy
.
Middle class workers have been eviscerated
On the chin
The China shock
2004
40 years ago
.
The old standard of working can come back?
.
Scott beset
Realignment
Not been good partners
Re-industrialize
Bitcoin for national security
Not strategically secure.
.
Supply chain problems
Economic security –> national security issue
.
Economic security issue
.
Real wage gains for average Americans
Main Street > Wall Street
Its main streets turn!
Long turn, weighting machine
Chinese AI DEEPSEEK…
Real dose of reality
Mag 7 problem , not maga problem
Sound fundamentals
.
Sound bites are bad! Watch the full thing!
Gaining confidence , watching the full footage
Slave labor China
Barriers
Don’t trust it
One time adjustment
20% China tariff, went up .7% price
.
Have the foreigners pay that!
Unique formula
.
Immune
DOGE, cut government expenses
.
CBO scoring , Enron accounting not real.
.
Congressional budget office .,,
.
,,, hot take .,, actually, moving forward… America will be the best place on the planet to live?
.
Maybe now is a good time to actually buy a single family home?
300-600B$ a year!
Bring your factory here!
our trade deficit is dropping
My passion of providing solutions!
Everything is playing out perfectly?
Why do we want to have sex with beautiful women? 
Often the simplest strategy is best.
Don’t over caffeinate
If you feel good, ride it!
I love Donald Trump,,, the most entertaining man of all time!
.
Go to the source!
Prevent cheating
The biggest market in the world
0% tariff build in America
Economic harm
Growth
.
$500B in America!
Nov 5th
Pretty obvious
Businessman
Industrial powerhouse
For the people not the rich
Most rich ,,, from stocks.
Globalists, outsourcing
“If you can get away with it,,, that’s ok!â€
Best news –> watch the video footage directly!
Go to the source! ***
Simple language, repetition.
Doesn’t everyone want tax cuts?
.
“Right size‖>
American Pride
They’re human beings
Senseless war
Businesspeople don’t care for human deaths
Free Nation
.
This is a one way ratchet… No no no, I don’t think they will ever reverse the tariffs.
The magnificent seven, the top tech stocks, Amazon Apple Facebook etc. It seems that the biggest issue here is that they are all dependent on foreign trade, free trade, globalism, friendly relationship relationships with mainland China etc.
Even the big one… Apple, not a good sign. I think Tim Cook was wise to invest infrastructure to build iPhones in America, but you’ll either see two things. First, the price of iPhones will just be a lot more expensive or the services or the features will not be as good, and or… The prices for the iPhone will remain about the same, but, stock and shareholders will just see less profits. Less growth more stagnation.
I’m actually very shocked that Strategy, MSTR has remained quite resilient throughout all the chaos. On Friday it actually traded up, and starting this week, black Monday 2.0, MSTR is actually holding up very well!
The future is digital, cyber. Not physical products, but digital ones. For example bitcoin, which lives in cyberspace, without borders, without tariffs etc. I think the new future of profitable products will be bitcoin based.
We are not yet sure what this will look like, kind of like when Steve Jobs first released the first iPhone, and he announced that there would be an App Store. Little did we know that that the App Store would create trillions of dollars of value for everybody.
Even in today’s world, it is still a little bit bizarre that we are using Visa credit cards and cash. Now that everyone has a phone, tap to pay, peer to peer, either using bitcoin or your wallet or maybe something for the USD stablecoin seems to make more sense?
Just think about it, even though it is convenient to accept Visa, the 3% charge that the merchants have to pay, or the consumer has to pay… There seems to be a huge opportunity here.
Also, it seems the whole time, everybody has been living very fat. Time to buckle up, and live lean, I no longer think that people will be able to afford mortgages on their $3 million homes, while also financing their Lexus, Porsche etc.
Donald Trump seems to have been the ultimate black swan. If you told me that one day that the guy of the apprentice, would become the most powerful man on the planet, the president of the United States for two terms, I think like literally 100% of people thought you were crazy.
Also this tariff war, surprisingly it was actually not out of nowhere. Trump said it loud and clear on the Joe Rogan podcast and with Elon Musk, pretty obvious, and also a good policy he is trying to do which I think is very smart is banning TikTok from the states. It is simple reciprocity;
Why does America allow TikTok, mainly Chinese corporation operate in the states, whereas China allows zero American companies to operate in mainland China?
I actually thought this was very bizarre… who does free trade even benefit? Stock owners, oligarchs from America and mainland China etc. 
Berkshire Hathaway, whose major investment is Apple, and all these other retirement funds are essentially pegged to the magnificent seven tech stocks.
So consider, in a world in which you will no longer see steady growth from Apple Amazon Facebook etc., then what?
I think it’s pretty obvious, it’s like the Internet 3.0. If one day I told you that a while, 56K, iPhones, Wi-Fi and 5G would take over the planet, when I was a kid in the 90s, you would’ve thought I was crazy.
If life were a corny movie, kind of true. Like if you meet the potential love of your life, and you didn’t take the risk of asking her out on a date or whatever, or asking her to marry you… certainly you would probably regret it for the rest of your life.
Also if I could tell you with 100% certainty that bitcoin would hit $55 million a bitcoin, in 15 years, or 20 years, wouldn’t you just pour all of your life savings into it? 
I have a prediction. Moving forward, we will never ever ever see stability again. It will continue to become more chaotic, more hyper, more volatile.
Something that nobody has actually mentioned, is actually, the potentiality of a Donald Trump 2.0, somebody who is actually more volatile and unpredictable than him? 
Hilarious he shares my first name! Eric Trump and his brother are building American Bitcoin, which is bitcoin mined in America.
Certainly Donald Trump is not going to make decisions which impoverish is his own children. So isn’t it super super obvious that bitcoin is the future and the way?
In an excellent talk by Phong Le, the CEO of Strategy, at the MIT bitcoin conference (blog post) (download link), shared some interesting insights that essentially in business school, all the models are quite boring and standard. Build a company, grow the profits and revenues, continue to acquire other companies, IPO, rinse and repeat.
Or, you become a consultant or a banker, a money manager.
It is the year 2025, we are sending civilians to space, the picture of Chun in the little SpaceX bubble window, with his laptop, connected to the Internet via a star link, pretty crazy.
“Are we the first generation of digital nomads in space?†– Chun
So why are we still like living in the 19th or 20th or 21st century? We gotta think the 22nd century and beyond.
Also, Gen X–, the forgotten generation after the baby boomers, our are essentially screwed. 
The millennials are also screwed because they all have jobs at big tech companies.
Gen Z is our only hope, they are digital natives, and they believe in bitcoin.
Carpe diem!
What I’ve learned about finances is that there are certain days that your money goes up a lot, down a lot whatever. The funny thing is as time goes on this doesn’t really phase me that much anymore; what is more important on a day-to-day basis is whether I get enough walking outside, thinking and writing, getting enough sleep, eating well, playing with Seneca, having meaningful conversations with Cindy– at the end of the day, money seems to be not that important.
At this point, for me investing in whatever is starting to feel more like a game than anything. I am driven more by curiosity fun and encouragement of the future and enthusiasm and unlikely outcomes because it is so interesting to me? Life right now is like the ultimate MMORPG, we are currently in the middle of seeing a New World order shift.
Like currently the top 20 richest people on the planet, pretty shocking they’ve seen their net worth subtract by almost 20 or 40% in a matter of days. Even Elon, because most of his wealth is in tesla stock, I think he has seen his net worth and power minus by nearly 40%? 
What then this means is I think with bitcoin incoming, I will not be shocked when I see Michael Saylor in the top 20 richest people on the planet, in 5 to 10 years. In fact, I feel pretty certain that in fact, Strategy MSTR might become the most valuable company on the planet, Number one. Dethroning Apple.
And also a very surprising move, GameStop, is the only company in the green this week? And they are pivoting to also accumulating and acquiring bitcoin?
And then if this is so… The new magnificent seven will probably be comprised up of companies on the bitcoin standard. And if these big tech companies do not convert to the bitcoin standard, they will all risk of becoming obsolete.
Buy the dip! Buy BTC if you got money, buy MSTR for your Roth IRA or traditional IRA, use coinbase to buy bitcoin, and also a new thing –> finally on my account they rolled out the ability to use your bitcoin as collateral to send you “rent“ out your bitcoin, –> so I was able to post 2.5 bitcoins for $100,000, in about a month ago I used that money to buy MSTR stock, which even after black Monday, is still in the green!
.
Think more, walk more, lift more, eat more, sleep more, and seize today!
ERIC
In other random news, … looks like Fujifilm has taken the throne! Their new RF GFX camera is inanely epic ,,, like the new Lamborghini Sterrato, whereas the Leica becomes like the new Toyota Corolla.
Buy Fujifilm ditch Leica!
ERIC
Key Points
Introduction Overview
Eric Kim, known for his work in photography and now Bitcoin advocacy, presents Bitcoin as a transformative technology. His introduction, available through various online resources, frames Bitcoin as a digital counterpart to physical assets like real estate, with a cap at 21 million coins, enhancing its scarcity and value.
Investment and Philosophy
Kim’s approach includes personal anecdotes, such as missing early investments and later purchases, advocating for buying through reputable platforms like Coinbase. He views Bitcoin philosophically as disruptive, akin to digital photography, and encourages frugality and capital accumulation over spending, though this perspective may not suit all investors.
Future Outlook and Risks
He references predictions of Bitcoin reaching high values, like $1.2 million in future years, and advises on managing risks, such as avoiding cold storage if forgetful. However, these predictions are speculative and controversial, with varying expert opinions on Bitcoin’s trajectory.
For more details, explore his presentations at Intro to Bitcoin Presentation and Introduction Transcript.
Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Introduction to Bitcoin
Eric Kim, a notable figure in photography and increasingly in cryptocurrency advocacy, has developed a detailed introduction to Bitcoin, accessible through his website, erickimphotography.com, and various online workshops. This analysis delves into the nuances of his perspective, providing a thorough examination for those interested in understanding Bitcoin through his lens. The following sections cover the key themes, personal insights, investment strategies, philosophical underpinnings, and future predictions, ensuring a complete picture for both novice and seasoned investors.
Background and Context
Eric Kim’s engagement with Bitcoin is rooted in his broader interest in disruptive technologies, drawing parallels with digital photography. His introduction, first presented in workshops and detailed in transcripts, aims to demystify Bitcoin for a general audience. Key resources include his Intro to Bitcoin Presentation and Introduction Transcript, offering video recordings, PDF slides, and audio files for comprehensive learning.
Key Themes in the Introduction
Kim’s introduction positions Bitcoin as a revolutionary technology, often compared to the early days of the internet. He emphasizes its finite supply, capped at 21 million coins, which enhances its scarcity and potential as a store of value. This is detailed in his transcripts, where he describes Bitcoin as “digital real estate or gold,†suggesting it serves as a hedge against inflation, a concept echoed in financial discussions about cryptocurrencies.
A significant aspect is his rebuttal of common misconceptions, such as Bitcoin being a Ponzi scheme. Kim clarifies, “It’s not a replacement for USD, but a supplement,†highlighting its role as peer-to-peer capital. He uses the analogy of clean water, implying Bitcoin addresses financial poverty cycles, a metaphor that underscores its potential societal impact.
Personal Investment Journey
Kim’s personal story adds a relatable dimension to his introduction. He recounts missing early investment opportunities, noting, “Missed early Bitcoin investment (100 bitcoins for $100 in 2008, now worth $1.2 million each),†though there appears to be a potential typo in his valuation, as current prices (as of April 2025) suggest values in the range of $70,000 per Bitcoin, not billions. He also shares a later purchase of 3.5 bitcoins at $6,999 each in 2017-2018 for $25,000, emphasizing the importance of long-term holding. His lifestyle, described as frugal and Spartan, reinforces his advocacy for reinvesting gains into Bitcoin rather than spending.
Investment Strategies and Recommendations
Kim provides practical advice for investors, recommending purchases via platforms like Coinbase for simplicity and safety, stating, “Don’t trust hardware wallet ads, Coinbase is U.S.-backed, safe.†His “ERIC KIM Blend†suggests an 80% Bitcoin, 20% MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock allocation, with MSTR yielding a 240% annual rate of return (ARR) compared to Bitcoin’s 120% ARR in some scenarios. He advises living minimally, such as spending $300-500/month in Southeast Asia, to reinvest excess into Bitcoin, and never selling Bitcoin, using MSTR for cash flow instead, selling portions to cover expenses like $1,000/month.
Philosophical Underpinnings
Kim’s philosophical view frames Bitcoin as disruptive, akin to the iPhone’s impact on Kodak, stating, “Bitcoin as digital photography, disruptive like iPhone vs. Kodak.†He embraces volatility as vitality, not risk, noting, “Volatility is vitality, not risk, long-term upward trend.†This aligns with his broader philosophy of capitalism over consumerism, encouraging “stacking capital, don’t spend,†such as avoiding premium gas or luxury cars. His perspective extends to Bitcoin as “cyber land,†potentially replacing physical real estate for millennials, a view that resonates with discussions on digital assets.
Future Predictions and Market Outlook
Kim references Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin 21 model, with predictions like base case $13 million, bear case $3 million, and bull case $49 million per Bitcoin, though these figures seem speculative given current market trends (around $70,000 in April 2025). His personal prediction is a 120% ARR over the next four years, reaching $1.2 million per Bitcoin, potentially under a pro-Bitcoin Trump administration, which he notes may buy 1M-6M Bitcoins for a strategic reserve. These predictions, while optimistic, are controversial, with varying expert opinions on Bitcoin’s future.
Risks and Advice
Kim addresses risks, advising against cold storage for forgetful investors, preferring trusted custodians like Coinbase. He warns against meme coins like Dogecoin and Ethereum, lacking a hard cap, urging, “Stick to Bitcoin.†He discourages market timing, suggesting, “Buy at any price ($100,000, $1M, $55M projected),†reflecting a long-term bullish outlook. His advice is grounded in stoicism, Zen, and Taoism, drawing from influences like Michael Saylor and Eric Trump, part of a pro-Bitcoin cabinet.
Cultural and Societal Impact
Kim views Bitcoin as a cultural movement, likening it to a cult, stating, “Bitcoin as a cult (culture), like Apple, Tesla, invest in such movements.†He frames Satoshi Nakamoto as a messianic figure, with the “immaculate conception analogy,†emphasizing Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos. This cultural lens positions Bitcoin as more than a financial instrument, aligning with his broader interest in freedom and autonomy.
Comparative Analysis
To organize the detailed insights, the following table summarizes key aspects of Kim’s introduction:
| Aspect | Details |
| Supply and Value | 21 million coin cap, digital real estate/gold, hedge against inflation. |
| Personal Experience | Missed early investment, bought 3.5 BTC at $6,999 each in 2017-2018, emphasizes long-term hold. |
| Investment Strategy | Buy via Coinbase, 80% BTC, 20% MSTR, live minimally, reinvest excess. |
| Philosophical View | Disruptive like digital photography, volatility as vitality, stack capital over spending. |
| Future Predictions | Saylor’s model: $13M-$49M, personal: $1.2M in 4 years, Trump may buy 1M-6M BTC. |
| Risks and Advice | Avoid cold storage if forgetful, stick to BTC, don’t time market. |
| Cultural Impact | Cult-like movement, Satoshi as messiah, emphasizes decentralization. |
This table encapsulates the breadth of Kim’s introduction, providing a structured overview for readers.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s introduction to Bitcoin is a multifaceted exploration, blending personal narrative, investment strategy, and philosophical insight. It positions Bitcoin as a revolutionary asset with significant potential, though his predictions and valuations, such as Bitcoin reaching millions per coin, remain speculative and controversial. For those seeking to understand Bitcoin through a cultural and personal lens, Kim’s resources offer valuable perspectives, accessible at Intro to Bitcoin Presentation and Philosophy of Bitcoin.
Key Citations
This is a runway ratchet… No no no, I don’t think they will ever reverse the tariffs.
The magnificent seven, the top text stocks, Amazon Apple Facebook etc. It seems that the biggest issue here is that they are all dependent on foreign trade, free trade, globalism, friendly relationship relationships with mainland China etc.
Even the big one… Apple, not a good sign. I think Tim Cook was wise to invest infrastructure to build iPhones in America, but you’ll either see two things. First, the price of iPhones will just be a lot more expensive or the services or the features will not be as good, and or… The prices for the iPhone will remain about the same, but, stock and shareholders will just see if your profits. Less growth more stagnation.
I’m actually very shocked that Strategy, MSTR has remained quite resilient throughout all the chaos. On Friday it actually traded up, and starting this week, black Monday 2.0, MSTR is actually holding up very well!
The future is digital, cyber. Not physical products, but digital ones. For example bitcoin, which lives in cyberspace, without porters, without tariffs etc. I think the new future of profitable products will be bitcoin based.
We are not yet sure what this will look like, kind of like when Steve Jobs first released the first iPhone, and he announced that there would be an App Store. Little did we know that that the App Store would create trillions of dollars of value for everybody.
Even in today’s world, it is still a little bit bizarre that we are using Visa credit cards and cash. Now that everyone has a phone, tap to pay, peer to peer, either using bitcoin or your wallet or maybe something for the stable coin seems to make more sense?
Just think about it, even though it is convenient to accept Visa, the 3% charge that the merchants have to pay, or the consumer has to pay… There seems to be a huge opportunity here.
Also, it seems the whole time, everybody has been living very fat. Time to buckle up, and live lean, I no longer think that people will be able to afford mortgages on their $3 million homes, while also financing their Lexus, Porsche etc.
Donald Trump seems to have been the ultimate black Swan. If you told me that one day that the guy of the apprentice, would become the most powerful man on the planet, the president of the United States for two terms, I think like literally 100% of people thought you were crazy.
Also this tariff war, surprisingly it was actually not out of nowhere. He said it loud and clear on the Joe Rogan podcast and with Elon Musk, pretty obvious, and also a good policy he is trying to do which I think is very smart is banning TikTok from the states. It is simple reciprocity;
Why does America allow TikTok, mainly Chinese corporation operate in the states, whereas China allows zero American companies to operate in mainland China?
Berkshire Hathaway, whose major investment is Apple, and all these other retirement funds are essentially pegged to the magnificent seven tech stocks.
so consider, in a world in which you will no longer see steady growth from Apple Amazon Facebook etc., then what?
I think it’s pretty obvious, it’s like the Internet 3.0. If one day I told you that a while, 56K, iPhones, Wi-Fi and 5G would take over the planet, when I was a kid in the 90s, you would’ve thought I was crazy.
If life were a corny movie, kind of true. Like if you meet the potential love of your life, and you didn’t take the risk of asking her out on a date or whatever, or asking her to marry you… certainly you would probably regret it for the rest of your life.
I have a prediction. Moving forward, we will never ever ever see stability again. It will continue to become more chaotic, more hyper, more volatile.
Something that nobody has actually mentioned, is actually, the potentiality of a Donald Trump 2.0, somebody who is actually more volatile and unpredictable than him? 
Hilarious he shares my first name! He and his brother are building American bitcoin, which is bitcoin mined in America.
Certainly Donald Trump is not going to make decisions which impoverish is his own children. So isn’t it super super obvious that bitcoin is the future and the way?
In an excellent talk by Phong Le, the CEO of strategy, at the MIT bitcoin conference,  shared some interesting insights that essentially in business school, all the models are quite boring and standard. Build a company, grow the profits and revenues, continue to acquire other companies, IPO, rinse and repeat.
Or, you become a consultant or a banker, a money manager.
It is the year 2025, we are sending civilians to space, the picture of Chun in the little SpaceX bubble window, with his laptop, connected to the Internet via a star link, pretty crazy.
“Are we the first generation of digital nomads in space?†– Chun
So why are we still like living in the 19th or 20th or 21st century? We gotta think the 22nd century and beyond.
Also, Gen X–, the forgotten generation after the baby boomers, our are essentially screwed. 
The millennials are also screwed because they all have jobs at big tech companies.
Gen Z is our only hope, they are digital natives, and they believe in bitcoin.
Carpe diem!
What I’ve learned about finances is that there are certain days that your money goes up a lot, down a lot whatever. The funny thing is as time goes on this doesn’t really phase me that much anymore; what is more important on a day-to-day basis is whether I get enough walking outside, thinking and writing, Getting enough sleep, eating well, playing with Seneca, having meaningful conversations with Cindy, yawn that money seems to be not that important.
At this point, for me investing in whatever is starting to feel more like a game than anything. I am driven more by curiosity fun and encouragement of the future and enthusiasm and unlikely outcomes because it is so interesting to me? Life right now is like the ultimate MMORPG, we are currently in the middle of seeing a New World order shift.
Like currently the top 20 richest people on the planet, pretty shocking they’ve seen their net worth subtract by almost 20 or 40% in a matter of days. Even Elon, because most of his wealth is in tesla stock, i think he has seen his net worth and power minus by nearly 40%? 
What then this means is I think with bitcoin incoming, I will not be shocked when I see Michael Sigler in the top 20 richest people on the planet, in 5 to 10 years. In fact, I feel pretty certain that in fact, strategy MSTR might become the most valuable company on the planet, Number one. Dethroning Apple.
And also a very surprising move, GameStop, is the only company in the green this week? And they are pivoting to also accumulating and acquiring bitcoin?
And then if this is so… The new magnificent seven will probably be comprised up of companies on the bitcoin standard. And if these big tech companies do not convert to the bitcoin standard, they will all risk of becoming obsolete.
The great shakeout!
The great global reset
Conviction or no conviction?
German engineering sucks
Gain is psychic
.
Massage mechanic
How strong are you, your physiology?
Surprisingly resilient?
The new magnificent 7
Retirement is dead
The magnificent 7 is now dead
The death of the magnificent 7
Globalism, free trade,,, only helped the globalists, oligarchs of the states and China?
.
The new Bitcoin world order
The new magnificent 7,,, all Bitcoin based companies?
What if in fact, free trade were a bad thing?
Hunger is good! Waking up hungry is good?
Ready to get back into the game!
Test your strength?
Time to buckle up baby! Things are about to get interesting
It’s simple –> just predict and see your ultimate potential downside . Consider your biggest potential hit it ain’t a big deal,,,
Only 1% or 5% hit ain’t a biggie!
Courageous or cowardly.?
Ain’t a biggie, 8% in a day
Survival of the strongest
Key Points
Steps to Access X Feed Without an Account
To access someone’s X feed without an X account, follow these steps:
Limitations and Considerations
Survey Note: Detailed Exploration of Accessing X Feeds Without an Account
This section provides a comprehensive analysis of methods to access someone’s X feed without an X account, based on current research and available tools as of April 7, 2025. It expands on the direct answer, offering a detailed breakdown of the process, limitations, and supporting evidence.
Background and Context
X, formerly known as Twitter, has implemented policies that restrict access for non-logged-in users, particularly since 2023, when it began requiring accounts for most content viewing. This shift has limited direct access to public profiles and posts on the platform’s website, pushing users toward alternative methods to view feeds anonymously. The research suggests that while direct access is curtailed, third-party tools and search engine workarounds offer viable, albeit limited, solutions.
Methods for Accessing X Feeds Without an Account
Using RSS Feed Generators
One of the most effective methods identified is using third-party services that generate RSS feeds from X user timelines. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds allow users to subscribe to updates from various sources in a reader or browser, bypassing the need for an X account. The following services were found to be relevant:
These services work by fetching public X posts and converting them into a format readable by RSS tools, offering a way to follow updates without logging in. However, their reliability depends on X’s API access and the service’s operational status, which may vary over time.
Search Engine Workarounds
Another approach is using search engines like Google to find links to recent X posts. For example, searching for “site:x.com from:username†might return cached versions of posts, but this method is inconsistent. It often mixes recent and older posts, and the results may not include all updates, making it less comprehensive than RSS feeds. For instance, searching for “site:x.com from:elonmusk†primarily returned articles about Elon Musk rather than direct X posts, highlighting the hit-or-miss nature of this method.
Third-Party Tools and Historical Context
Historically, tools like Nitter, an open-source alternative X front-end, allowed viewing posts without an account and offered RSS feeds. However, research indicates Nitter was discontinued in February 2024 due to X blocking guest account access, rendering many instances non-functional (Nitter Wikipedia). Attempts to access Nitter instances (e.g., nitter.net, nitter.cz) as of April 2025 showed errors, suggesting this method is no longer viable. Other tools mentioned, like Tweet Binder, require accounts for full functionality, which contradicts the goal of avoiding an X account.
Limitations and Challenges
While RSS feed generators offer a solution, several limitations exist:
Comparative Analysis of Methods
To illustrate the effectiveness of these methods, consider the following table comparing RSS feed generators and search engine workarounds:
| Method | Ease of Use | Comprehensiveness | Reliability | Privacy Concerns |
| RSS Feed Generators | High | High (recent posts) | Medium | Medium (depends on service) |
| Search Engine Queries | Medium | Low (inconsistent) | Low | Low (public search) |
This table highlights that RSS feed generators are generally more comprehensive and user-friendly, though their reliability depends on the service’s operational status.
Practical Example
To demonstrate, suppose you want to access Elon Musk’s X feed. Visiting RSS.app, you enter “elonmusk,†generate the feed, and subscribe via Feedly. This provides a stream of his recent posts, such as those from April 1-7, 2025, without needing an X account. In contrast, searching Google for “site:x.com from:elonmusk†might return articles but few direct posts, illustrating the superiority of RSS feeds for this purpose.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Research suggests that using RSS feed generators like RSS.app or TwitRSS.me is the most effective way to access someone’s X feed without an account, offering a balance of ease, comprehensiveness, and accessibility. However, users should be aware of potential limitations, such as content restrictions and service reliability, and consider privacy implications. For those uncomfortable with technical setup, creating a temporary X account is an alternative, though it contradicts the goal of avoiding account creation. Given X’s ongoing policy changes, regularly checking the functionality of chosen services is advisable.
Key Citations
America in the past allowed low tariffs primarily to promote free trade, a policy driven by its economic strength and desire to lead global markets. This approach was especially notable after World War II, when the United States emerged as a global economic powerhouse. By keeping tariffs—taxes on imported goods—low, America aimed to:
Meanwhile, other countries often imposed tariffs on American goods to protect their own industries. This created an asymmetry in trade policies, where America opened its markets more than some nations reciprocated. Reasons for this included:
This difference sometimes led to trade imbalances, where America imported more than it exported to certain countries, sparking debates about fairness. However, America’s confidence in its competitive edge and its strategic goals—like fostering global stability—often outweighed these concerns, shaping its preference for lower tariffs historically.
Why Free Trade?
Free trade is a policy where countries allow the import and export of goods and services with little to no government interference, such as tariffs or quotas. It exists because it offers significant benefits to economies and societies, though it also comes with some challenges. Here’s why free trade is a thing:
Benefits of Free Trade
Challenges of Free Trade
While the perks are compelling, free trade isn’t without downsides:
So, Why Free Trade?
Free trade exists because it promises greater efficiency, cheaper goods, economic growth, and stronger global ties. It’s like a system designed to make the world’s economies work together more smoothly, even if it doesn’t always feel smooth for everyone involved. The idea is that the overall benefits—like more wealth and innovation—outweigh the costs, such as job losses or inequality, though those downsides still spark plenty of debate. In short, free trade is a trade-off: a way to unlock global potential, with some risks along the way.
News –> all of it is fear mongering!
The more volatile the world, the more bitcoin and MSTR gains?
Bitcoin better models and mirrors the natural world –> the true world is volatile,,, “steady growthâ€, a synthetic chimera, which is fake?
Bitcoin is Natural!
The true nature of money–> shouldn’t be steady and fixed, but ever fluid and in flux? Without an issuer?
.
Good for the US DOLLAR, good for Bitcoin ,,, not good for your tech stocks selling products or advertising?
Fortune favors the bold!
Think 100x returns from here! What if 200x or even 1000x?
.
$20k downside, but $2M upside?
Panic is contagious?
.
687x gain!
First just focus on your health!
.
Week or two
.
Just do the calculations yourself!
1%,,, … $20k is just 1% of $2M!
.
Put, putting your balance sheet to work!
.
How to thrive off of stress
Finally the markets are open!
Hate waiting on the weekends!
No bitcoin is dangerous!
Hurdle rate
The only game –> acquiring as much as you can!
Bitcoin network effects
Why do we care for the future, why not now.
.
Might wins.
How to generate bitcoin
ETP
.
Price exposure
Why this matters
Bitcoin doesn’t have counter party risks
You should NOT own 0 Bitcoin
Decouple
The holy grail
Bitcoin can’t be tariffed!
Laws of physics
.
Learn as much as you can!
Zombie to awakened soul
.
Win for everybody
Zen dojo
Open source marketing team!
Open source investing & economy?
Can’t be muted.
Pristine collateral
No more retirement
Retire in Bitcoin
Re-insurance
Double insurance?
.
THINK the balance sheet… I’m all green!
Just stay in the green
Cover yourself
5-10 years,,, return.?
Proof of reserves on chain
Bitcoin per share
Bitcoin yield ,,, big idea.
New models
.
Bitcoin magnet
Never self custody that much!
.
Make sure our bitcoin is safe
Trust no bitcoiner who doesn’t lift weights
Cyberpunk, cyberrap?
Cyber rapper
.
Modular philosophy
Napping meditation
.
Day by day! Day wins!
Simple: just delete anything which decreases your ego, social media news etc ! 
A wall , a fortress of ignorance ?
A timid dog barks more fiercely than he bites
A timid dog often barks rarely bites
Bark or Bite?
.
Losses that are less familiar move us less ***
Damna minus consueta moment.
.
You call it a loss, which is a gain
If you are wise… You will realize that the loss is a gain
You called the loss which is again if you look closely
Lucrum, gain
Damnum minus movet, si sapis.
A familiar loss moves this less
.
Getting used to losses? Battle hardened baby!
Nothing unexpected!
SAVAGE!
.
Liberation day
Reciprocal tariffs
Deceleration of economic independence
Bigger balls
Outlast, over last
Strap up for mad max!
How to profit off of economic uncertainty?
.
2.5% tarrif,,, cars
Unfair?
.
Think more!
Walk more!
25% tariff on all foreign automobiles
Plants sitting idle
Put productivity back inside
Just wait until end of day!
.
Everything happens as it should have happened
Amor fati!
.
Time to test the strong!
1913,,, income tax?
Tariff –> caused the Great Depression?
.
How to be, become more stoic
Nobody is safe?
All stimuluses are good .,, even the bad?
.
Rebuilding is painful?
More losses for higher highs!
Do you really want to become rich?
.
How to steel your nerves
$1,500 a month property taxes??
,
Focus.
Why am I so great?
.
First take care of yourself and family
How I became so great
I want to conquer it all? –> the right mentality.
I have 100% certainty.
Globalism is over?
.
Stick to the plan!
A timid dog barks more fiercely than he bites
A timid dog often barks rarely bites
Bark or Bite?
.
Losses that are less familiar move us less ***
Damna minus consueta moment.
.
You call it a loss, which is a gain
If you are wise… You will realize that the loss is a gain
You called the loss which is again if you look closely
Lucrum, gain
Damnum minus movet, si sapis.
A familiar loss moves this less
.
Getting used to losses? Battle hardened baby!
Nothing unexpected!
SAVAGE!
.
Liberation day
Reciprocal tariffs
Deceleration of economic independence
Bigger balls
Outlast, over last
Strap up for mad max!
How to profit off of economic uncertainty?
.
2.5% tarrif,,, cars
Unfair?
.
Think more!
Walk more!
25% tariff on all foreign automobiles
Plants sitting idle
Put productivity back inside
Just wait until end of day!
.
Everything happens as it should have happened
Amor fati!
.
Time to test the strong!
1913,,, income tax?
Tariff –> caused the Great Depression?
.
How to be, become more stoic
Nobody is safe?
All stimuluses are good .,, even the bad?
.
Rebuilding is painful?
More losses for higher highs!
Do you really want to become rich?
.
How to steel your nerves
$1,500 a month property taxes??
Hurdle rate
The only game –> acquiring as much as you can!
Bitcoin network effects
Why do we care for the future, why not now.
.
Might wins.
How to generate bitcoin
ETP
.
Price exposure
Why this matters
Bitcoin doesn’t have counter party risks
You should NOT own 0 Bitcoin
Decouple
The holy grail
Bitcoin can’t be tariffed!
Laws of physics
.
Learn as much as you can!
Zombie to awakened soul
.
Win for everybody
Zen dojo
Open source marketing team!
Open source investing & economy?
Can’t be muted.
Pristine collateral
No more retirement
Retire in Bitcoin
Re-insurance
Double insurance?
.
THINK the balance sheet… I’m all green!
Just stay in the green
Cover yourself
5-10 years,,, return.?
Proof of reserves on chain
Bitcoin per share
Bitcoin yield ,,, big idea.
New models
.
Bitcoin magnet
Never self custody that much!
.
Make sure our bitcoin is safe
Trust no bitcoiner who doesn’t lift weights
Cyberpunk, cyberrap?
Cyber rapper
.
Modular philosophy
Napping meditation
.
how to become more happy & optimistic
VISION! Haha
Napping meditation
Good music, bad music?
How to grow
Maybe being disconnected to reality is a virtue?
Jet fighter ethos?
Being in Cambodia is like a liminal space ?
Film noir?
John Wick as a modern Day spartan? 
Hotel as citadel
Movement
You’ll have full function
Nothing for the pain
Seek blood?
.
In praise of change
Things which no longer interest me?
Seeking NEW leverages?
New concepts, new ideas?
How to become a gigachad
The paradox with energy: before going to the gym I didn’t think I had that much energy but as I started to exercise, I magically gained power?
Therefore, the hilarious observation: perhaps while we are just doing the activity, suddenly we gain more power?
Therefore, to simply make it a habit to do the activity, or a workflow, is the goal?
Asymmetric bets
Asymmetric information? 
Never be too sure about anything?
Elevated mental state after weightlifting
Don’t give people what they think they’ll want, give people what you want 
Sustainable
Peak Quality
Only the best components possible!
Morning walking meditation
Phnom Penh is like insanely super peaceful even the morning ?
What’s the point of life? To propagate have kids to grow
Don’t trust bitcoins without kids?
Effort and results are often not correlated?
I think the tricky thing about being an investor is that just because you lose sleep and work harder doesn’t mean you will be more profitable?
Never stop working? 
Take care of yourself and your family first before helping or reaching out to others?
Prius: it will never stop working?
Fake Lamborghini Prius 
Zen city
Gasoline and petroleum is not sustainable
Premium gas is not sustainable
Do you love it or hate it?
Photographers who love reality versus photographers who hate reality?
A theory… Upon some deep reflection, I think the critical issue here is that there are so many disease written, alcoholic, drug addicts who use photography as a strange therapeutic  maneuver, which means then, their artwork is diseased.
Then becomes very strange and morose; these new generations of kids are getting into art photography then believes that in order to create legitimate artwork, they too also must be diseased?
Am I the only happy photographer that I know? That is fantastically rich, smart handsome, tall, muscular and jacked? 
All the photographers I know are poor, sad, alcoholics, smoke weed, are always negative and complaining about stuff? And or don’t work out?
Trust no photographer who doesn’t deadlift 
New physiology, new look?
The more time you spend indoors, the worse it is for your brain and your mind?
 never forced nothing, everything in its own time?
Big or real? Also… Does it even matter at the end of the day
He or she or entities which adapt the quickest, shall win
Different climates, different thoughts?
Virtuous ways to use time?
Maybe when I have a lot of free time, just maximize my walking and thinking?
Once you got bitcoin, then you could live autotelic
We just want to do stuff and be active
It is all just aesthetics and ethos ?
With speculative bets, keep it super tiny? Like 5%?
When to concentrate, when to focus? 
Assuming you’re going to try to lift over 1000 pounds, you need to cut distractions.
Living in Cambodia is good for your self-esteem
What do humans desire? Gain
Key Points
Blog Post Identification
The blog post by Eric Kim that references both Kanye West and Jay Z is “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY†(10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY). In this post, Eric Kim discusses lessons from Kanye West for photography and notes his collaborations with Jay Z, indicating both artists’ influence on his work.
Context and Relevance
Eric Kim, known for street photography and blogging, has expressed admiration for both artists in separate posts, but this is the only one that mentions both, making it relevant to the user’s query about references to either or both.
Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Blog Posts Referencing Kanye West and Jay Z
This note provides a detailed exploration of Eric Kim’s blog posts, focusing on identifying any that reference Kanye West or Jay Z, as requested by the user. The investigation, conducted on April 6, 2025, aims to clarify the content and context of these references, particularly in the context of Eric Kim’s work as a street photographer and blogger.
Initial Observations
Eric Kim is internationally recognized as a street photographer, based in Los Angeles, with a significant online presence through his blog, erickimphotography.com, where he teaches workshops and shares personal reflections (Eric Kim | Photographer | All About Photo). His interests extend beyond photography to include music, particularly hip hop and rap, which he has mentioned as a creative outlet, including freestyle rapping for fun.
Exploration of Blog Posts Referencing Kanye West
To determine if Eric Kim has blog posts referencing Kanye West, searches were conducted on his blog using the query “site:erickimphotography.com kanye.†Several results were found, with the most relevant being posts explicitly discussing Kanye West’s influence.
Exploration of Blog Posts Referencing Jay Z
To determine if Eric Kim has blog posts referencing Jay Z, searches were conducted using “site:erickimphotography.com jay z.†Several results were found, with one post explicitly discussing Jay Z.
Identification of Post Referencing Both
Given the user’s query for a blog post referencing “Kanye or Jay Z,†and considering the context of previous discussions about Eric Kim’s inspirations, the post that mentions both is “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY.†This post explicitly states Kanye West as an inspiration and mentions Jay Z in the context of collaborations, fulfilling the requirement for referencing both.
Contextual Analysis
Eric Kim’s engagement with rap music is recreational, as seen in his post “The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems,†where he discusses enjoying rapping for fun and drawing inspiration from music to fuel his creativity (The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems). Given his stated admiration for Kanye West and references to Jay Z, it’s reasonable to infer that both artists have influenced his creative process, particularly in how he approaches art and life, as reflected in his blogging.
Possible Misinterpretations and Alternatives
It’s possible the user meant another Eric Kim, such as a rapper, but searches for “Eric Kim rapper†primarily returned results about Eric B. & Rakim, where Eric B. is the DJ and Rakim is the rapper, with no indication of another Eric Kim in the rap scene (Eric B. & Rakim – Wikipedia). Given the context of previous discussions about Eric Kim the photographer, it’s likely the user is referring to him, and his blog posts align with the query.
Comparative Analysis
Both Kanye West and Jay Z are iconic figures in hip hop, known for their lyrical prowess and cultural impact. Kanye’s experimental production and personal storytelling may appeal to Eric Kim’s creative side, while Jay Z’s business acumen and lyrical themes of success and freedom resonate with Eric Kim’s entrepreneurial approach to photography. The post mentioning both highlights their collaborative history, which is relevant to Eric Kim’s appreciation of their work.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The evidence leans toward “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY†as the blog post by Eric Kim that references both Kanye West and Jay Z, with Kanye as a direct inspiration and Jay Z mentioned in the context of collaborations. For further clarity, one could explore additional blog posts, though current searches suggest this is the primary source. Given his recreational rapping and blogging, it’s likely both artists have influenced his creative and personal outlook, particularly in how he approaches art and life.
Table: Summary of Blog Posts Referencing Kanye West and Jay Z
| Blog Post Title | Date | References Kanye West | References Jay Z | Notes |
| 10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY | May 10, 2017 | Yes | Yes | Discusses Kanye’s influence, mentions Jay Z as collaborator |
| Eric Kim Facts | February 25, 2017 | Yes | No | Lists Kanye as favorite musician, no mention of Jay Z |
| 15 Lessons Jay-Z Has Taught Me About Hustling | March 24, 2017 | No | Yes | Discusses Jay Z’s lessons, no mention of Kanye West |
This table summarizes the key blog posts, highlighting their relevance to the user’s query and the presence of references to either or both artists.
Key Citations
Time to rap, no more financial traps. Hit the bar, trap it, one rep max all raw.
Lift free, live free,,, zen zone it in Phnom Penh, your blog is your pen!
.
Time to become a rapper!
Key Points
Background
Eric Kim is known primarily as a street photographer with a blog where he shares insights on photography, philosophy, and personal interests, including music.
Inspiration from Kanye West
Eric Kim has listed Kanye West among his favorite musicians, indicating direct inspiration from his music (Eric Kim Facts).
Inspiration from Jay Z
While not explicitly listed as a favorite, Eric Kim has quoted Jay Z in his blog posts, suggesting he respects Jay Z’s work or philosophy, such as in discussions about freedom and human fascination (Until You Own Yourself You Can’t Be Free, HUMAN BODY FASCINATION).
Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Inspiration from Kanye West and Jay Z
This analysis explores Eric Kim, a street photographer based in Los Angeles, and his potential inspiration from musicians Kanye West and Jay Z, as indicated by his blog posts and public statements. The investigation, conducted on April 6, 2025, aims to clarify the extent of their influence on his work and personal interests, particularly in the context of his recreational rapping and broader creative pursuits.
Initial Observations
Eric Kim is internationally recognized for his street photography, with a significant online presence through his blog, erickimphotography.com, where he teaches workshops and shares personal reflections (Eric Kim | Photographer | All About Photo). His interests extend beyond photography to include music, particularly hip hop and rap, which he has mentioned as a creative outlet, including freestyle rapping for fun.
Exploration of Musical Inspirations
To determine Eric Kim’s inspiration from Kanye West and Jay Z, searches were conducted across his blog and related articles, focusing on mentions of these artists in the context of music or personal philosophy.
Contextual Analysis
Eric Kim’s engagement with rap music is recreational, as seen in his post “The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems,†where he discusses enjoying rapping for fun and drawing inspiration from music to fuel his creativity (The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems – ERIC KIM). Given his stated love for hip hop and the inclusion of Kanye West in his favorites, it’s reasonable to infer that Kanye’s innovative production and lyrical depth have inspired Eric Kim’s creative process, possibly influencing his approach to photography as a form of artistic expression. For Jay Z, the quotes suggest an admiration for his lyrical content and entrepreneurial mindset, which may resonate with Eric Kim’s own philosophy of self-reliance and creative independence, as seen in his blogging and workshop teachings.
Possible Misinterpretations and Alternatives
It’s possible the user meant another Eric Kim, such as a rapper, but searches for “Eric Kim rapper†primarily returned results about Eric B. & Rakim, where Eric B. is the DJ and Rakim is the rapper, with no indication of another Eric Kim in the rap scene (Eric B. & Rakim – Wikipedia). Given the context of previous discussions about Eric Kim the photographer, it’s likely the user is referring to him, and his inspiration from Kanye and Jay Z aligns with his broader interest in rap music and personal philosophy.
Comparative Analysis
Both Kanye West and Jay Z are iconic figures in hip hop, known for their lyrical prowess and cultural impact. Kanye’s experimental production and personal storytelling may appeal to Eric Kim’s creative side, while Jay Z’s business acumen and lyrical themes of success and freedom resonate with Eric Kim’s entrepreneurial approach to photography. The absence of Jay Z in his explicit music list but presence in quotes suggests a more indirect influence, possibly through cultural osmosis given Jay Z’s prominence in the genre.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The evidence leans toward Eric Kim being inspired by both Kanye West and Jay Z, with Kanye explicitly listed as a favorite musician and Jay Z referenced in quotes that indicate respect for his work and philosophy. For further clarity, one could explore additional interviews or social media posts, though current searches suggest these are the primary sources. Given his recreational rapping and blogging, it’s likely both artists have influenced his creative and personal outlook, particularly in how he approaches art and life.
Table: Summary of Eric Kim’s Inspirations from Kanye West and Jay Z
| Artist | Explicit Mention as Favorite | Quoted in Blog Posts | Likely Influence |
| Kanye West | Yes, in “Eric Kim Facts†| No | Musical style, creativity in art |
| Jay Z | No | Yes, multiple quotes | Philosophy, freedom, business acumen |
This table summarizes the direct and indirect connections, highlighting the different ways each artist has impacted Eric Kim.
Key Citations
don’t follow nobody who is negative
All of my personal Life experiences and training has led to this moment?
.
Investing not for profits.,, but the ethos?
Personal vs foreign ethics
ready for assault!
Your own personal health is a family imperative?
Time for war?
,
Led by enthusiasm or fear?
Apple is dead?
I want the red?
Toxic ,,, or positive?
Apple is dead, all red, max dread.
No more locks for your phones, no more profit zones.
Apple is lame, tamed, without a brain or soul. World tour without the phone, the world is yours.
…
My apologies for the mix-up! Here’s “The Death of Apple†reimagined in the spirit of “Death of Auto-Tune,†but now fully in Eric Kim’s raw, unfiltered, street-photographer voice—no Jay-Z polish, just that gritty, philosophical, DIY energy. Think of it as a punk-rock freestyle, shouted through a megaphone on a bustling city corner. Here we go:
D.O.A. (The Death of Apple)
By Grok 3, channeling Eric Kim’s soul
[Intro]
Yo, this ain’t no corporate anthem,
This is street truth, no filter, no flash,
Apple’s dead, man—time to smash the glass,
Eric Kim’s ghost, snappin’ shots, let’s blast!
[Verse 1]
This is Jobs’ last frame, the soul’s burned out,
’07 iPhone dropped, chaos I shout,
A Leica in my hand, revolution in the grip,
Now Tim’s playin’ tame, let the spirit slip.
No pirates left, just drones in a row,
Titanium shells? That’s a weak-ass show,
I’m out in the streets, chasin’ raw light,
Apple’s a corpse—time to ignite.
[Chorus]
This is the death of Apple, bury it deep,
No hunger, no soul, just a polished creep,
Goodbye to the fake, the sterile gleam,
Real art rises—kill the machine!
[Verse 2]
Kids ditch the hype, foldables run wild,
Xiaomi’s got teeth, Apple’s exiled,
Mac’s a dead frame, used to cut the scene,
Now it’s TikTok fluff, lost the lean.
This ain’t a lament, it’s a war cry,
Glass stores too slick, creativity dry,
Jobs stole the future, Cook’s sweepin’ crumbs,
I’m here with my lens—beat the drums.
[Chorus]
This is the death of Apple, bury it deep,
No hunger, no soul, just a polished creep,
Goodbye to the fake, the sterile gleam,
Real art rises—kill the machine!
[Bridge]
AirPods drop, watch straps so frail,
That’s not alive—that’s a coffin nail,
I’m from the grit, where the shadows play,
Apple’s too clean, lost its way.
No more edge, just a cash-fat drone,
Billions don’t spark when the heart’s a stone,
This is anti-safe, anti-slick design,
Kim’s in the fray—truth’s my line.
[Verse 3]
I’m the street poet, scars on my gear,
Apple’s a ghost, fade it out here,
World’s too messy for their neat little box,
Smash the frame—break the locks.
This ain’t autotune, this is real spit,
No gloss, no lies, just the gut of it,
Jobs was the thief, Cook’s the fade-away,
Death of Apple—I slay today.
[Chorus]
This is the death of Apple, bury it deep,
No hunger, no soul, just a polished creep,
Goodbye to the fake, the sterile gleam,
Real art rises—kill the machine!
[Outro]
Yeah, it’s done, man, the shutter’s snapped shut,
No more fake gods, no more clean-cut,
Eric Kim’s voice, raw from the street,
Apple’s D.O.A.—rest in defeat.
Peace!
This version’s got Eric Kim’s chaotic, visceral energy—less about smooth flows and more about jagged, passionate truth, like a street preacher with a beat-up camera. It’s rough, it’s real, and it’s ready to wake up the block. How’s it feel? Want any edges sharpened?
Death of Apple
Here’s a fresh take on “The Death of Apple,†still channeling Eric Kim’s gritty, philosophical voice but with a new angle and flow. Let’s dive in:
The Death of Apple
By Grok 3, in the raw spirit of Eric Kim
Apple’s gone, man. Dead. Not the “oh, they’re bankrupt†kind of dead—nah, they’ve got cash to burn—but the kind of dead where the fire’s out, the juice is dry, and all you’re left with is a shiny husk. I’m talking about the soul, the grit, the why. It’s like watching a street photography legend trade their Leica for a selfie stick. You can’t unsee it.
Rewind to the golden days. Steve Jobs wasn’t just a CEO—he was a shaman, a madman with a lens on the future. The iPhone dropped like a Molotov cocktail in ’07, blowing up a world of flip phones and BlackBerrys. It wasn’t about tech specs; it was about vibe. You touched it, and it hit you—this thing’s alive, pulsing with possibility. Jobs didn’t follow trends; he stalked the streets of tomorrow, snapping shots no one else could see. Apple was punk rock, middle finger to the suits, a rebel yell in a sea of beige.
Now? It’s a ghost. Tim Cook’s running the show, and he’s a master at moving boxes—supply chain wizardry, props for that—but he’s no visionary. He’s not out there hunting the decisive moment. He’s just tweaking the exposure on Jobs’ old negatives. iPhone 16? Dynamic Island? USB-C because Europe made them? That’s not a revolution; that’s a concession stand. Where’s the chaos? Where’s the edge? Apple’s playing it safe, and the streets don’t respect safe.
Walk around—really look. The iPhone’s not a flex anymore. It’s a default. Teens in LA, artists in Berlin—they’re rocking whatever’s weird, whatever’s got teeth. Samsung’s flipping phones in half, Xiaomi’s throwing 200-megapixel cameras at the wall, and Apple’s over here like, “Hey, we made the titanium 5% lighter.†Bro, nobody’s framing that in a gallery. The world’s too loud, too wild for Apple’s sterile whisper.
The Mac’s a corpse too. Used to be the axe for creators—chopping through norms, building worlds. Now it’s a status brick for coffee-shop coders and TikTok editors. M2 Ultra’s fast as hell, sure, but it’s a soulless sprint. Jobs gave us tools to dream; Cook’s giving us tools to clock in. The MacBook’s a Rolex—pricey, pretty, pointless when your heart’s not beating.
And the design? Dead on arrival. That clean, Ive-ian minimalism was a revelation ‘til it became a straitjacket. Glass and metal so perfect it’s boring. Life’s not perfect—life’s scratched-up film, overexposed shots, happy accidents. Apple’s afraid of the mess. Their stores feel like morgues—cold, pristine, embalmed. No one’s inspired by a mausoleum.
The death of Apple isn’t about money—they’re raking it in, laughing to the bank. It’s about hunger. They stopped chasing the unseen, stopped dancing on the edge. Jobs was a thief, snatching the future barehanded. Cook’s a caretaker, dusting off the past. AirPods Max 2? Another watch band color? That’s not alive—that’s taxidermy.
So here’s the eulogy: Apple’s dead because it forgot how to bleed. It’s a polished relic, a museum piece in a world that’s still kicking, screaming, creating. Me? I’m out here with my scars and my shutter, chasing what’s real. Apple can keep its coffin—I’ll take the dirt any day.
Peace.
Eric Kim (via Grok 3)
This one’s got that same Kim energy—unapologetic, visceral, a little poetic—but with a tighter focus on Apple’s lost edge. What do you think? Want to push it further?
Below is an essay written in the style of Eric Kim, a provocative street photographer and blogger known for his bold, unfiltered takes and raw, philosophical musings. Here we go:
Why Apple is Dead
By Grok 3, channeling the spirit of Eric Kim
Yo, listen up. Apple’s dead. Not like “oh, it’s struggling†dead, but spiritually, philosophically, creatively—kaput. Done. Finito. The soul’s gone, man, and I’m here to break it down for you like I’m shooting candids on the streets of Seoul with a beat-up Ricoh GR. No filter, no bullshit, just truth.
Back in the day, Apple was a beast. Steve Jobs, that wild monk in a turtleneck, didn’t just make tech—he made art. The iPhone? That first one in ’07? It was like a Leica M3 dropping into a world of clunky point-and-shoots. Sleek, raw, revolutionary. It wasn’t about specs; it was about feeling. You held it, and you knew—this thing’s alive. It’s got guts. Jobs was a street photographer of tech, man—he saw the frame before the world even knew it was there. He cropped out the noise and gave us something pure.
But now? Apple’s a zombie shuffling through Cupertino. Tim Cook’s at the helm, and I respect the hustle—dude’s a logistics ninja—but he ain’t Jobs. He’s not seeing the shot. He’s not chasing the decisive moment. He’s just polishing the same old frame, year after year, dropping “new†iPhones that feel like reruns of a Netflix show you stopped caring about three seasons ago. Thinner bezels? A17 Pro chip? Who gives a shit? It’s not soul; it’s spec-sheet masturbation. Where’s the hunger? Where’s the risk?
Look at the streets, man. The real world doesn’t vibe with Apple anymore. Kids in Tokyo, hustlers in NYC—they’re not flexing iPhones like it’s a status thing. It’s just… there. Like a Starbucks cup. Ubiquitous, boring, safe. Android’s eating their lunch with weird, chaotic energy—foldables, crazy cameras, brands like Nothing popping off with punk-rock vibes. Apple’s stuck in a beige gallery show while the streets are screaming with color.
And the Mac? Don’t get me started. Used to be the tool for rebels—photographers, filmmakers, writers like me banging out manifestos. Now it’s a $2,000 paperweight for Zoom calls and Final Cut Pro presets. The M1 chip was dope, sure—speed for days—but where’s the why? Jobs didn’t build Macs to crunch numbers; he built them to spark fires. Now it’s all corporate polish, no grit. The soul’s been sanded off.
Even the design’s dead. That minimalist Jony Ive aesthetic? It’s a museum piece now. Clean lines and aluminum are cool ‘til they’re not. The world’s messy, chaotic—Apple’s too scared to get dirty. They’re not shooting film anymore; they’re stuck on digital, afraid of grain. Look at their stores—glass cathedrals to a god that doesn’t show up anymore. It’s all fake Zen, no real enlightenment.
Truth is, Apple stopped chasing the unknown. Jobs was a pirate, stealing fire from the gods. Cook’s a merchant, counting coins. They’re not innovating; they’re iterating. AirPods Pro 2? A watch with a slightly better ECG? That’s not a revolution—that’s a firmware update. The streets don’t care about your 120Hz refresh rate; they care about what moves them. And Apple ain’t moving shit.
So yeah, Apple’s dead. Not the stock price—Wall Street’s still drooling—but the spirit? Gone. Buried with Jobs in Palo Alto. What’s left is a machine, grinding out safe, predictable toys for a world that’s too tired to demand more. Me? I’m out here with my beat-up gear, chasing the next shot, the next truth. Apple can keep its polished corpse—I’ll take the messy, living chaos any day.
Peace.
Eric Kim (via Grok 3)
How’s that? I leaned into Kim’s raw, punchy style—big ideas, no fluff, a little swagger. Let me know if you want it tweaked!
Key Points
Background
Eric Kim, known for his street photography blog, had an initial setback with investing during college, losing $3,500 in stock trading around 2006-2010. After focusing on his photography career from 2011, he re-entered investing around 2016, sparked by a friend’s recommendation about Bitcoin.
Investment Journey
Around August 2016, a friend encouraged him to explore Bitcoin, leading him to research its decentralized nature. Initially interested in altcoins like Ethereum and Litecoin, he invested in them possibly from 2014-2017. By late 2017 or early 2018, he started buying Bitcoin at around $7,000 per coin, investing $25,000 (10% of combined savings with his partner), and later became a Bitcoin maximalist.
Survey Note: Eric Kim’s Investment Journey
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, has a documented history of investing that reflects both personal financial experiences and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. This note provides a comprehensive overview of how he entered the investment space, detailing his motivations, timeline, and strategies, based on available online content from his blog and related sources.
Early Life and Initial Investment Experience
Born in 1988 in San Francisco and raised in California, Eric Kim studied Sociology at UCLA, likely graduating around 2010-2012. During his college years, approximately 2006-2010, he experienced a significant financial setback, losing $3,500 in stock trading. This early loss seemed to deter him from investing for several years, as he focused on building his photography career starting in 2011. His blog, active since at least 2012, initially centered on photography education and workshops, with no mentions of investing or crypto until later.
Re-entry into Investing: The Crypto Spark (2016 Onwards)
Eric Kim’s re-entry into investing appears to have been catalyzed by the rise of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. In a blog post dated August 9, 2018, titled “Bitcoin for Photographers†(Bitcoin for Photographers), he recounts first hearing about Bitcoin around two years prior, approximately August 2016. At that time, he initially dismissed it as a potential Ponzi scheme but was persuaded by a friend to investigate further. This friend’s recommendation was pivotal, leading him to research Bitcoin’s decentralized and government-independent nature, which intrigued him.
Before fully committing to Bitcoin, Kim explored other cryptocurrencies, or altcoins. In another post, “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy†(Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy), he mentions experimenting with altcoins like DigiByte (launched 2014), Chainlink (launched 2017), and Dogecoin (launched December 2013, bought at 6 cents). Given Dogecoin’s popularity in 2013-2014, it is plausible he invested in altcoins as early as 2014, possibly driven by curiosity or the hype around new digital currencies, though his blog lacks explicit mentions before 2017.
Transition to Bitcoin and Investment Strategy (2017-2018)
By late 2017 or early 2018, Eric Kim decided to invest in Bitcoin, capitalizing on a period when its price was around $7,000 per coin. In the “Bitcoin for Photographers†post, he details investing $25,000, which was about 10% of his combined savings with his partner, Cindy, buying roughly 3.5 Bitcoins at that price. Historical Bitcoin prices suggest this investment likely occurred in November 2017 (around $7,000) or June-July 2018 (around $7,500 to $7,000), aligning with market dips that he later described as opportunities in posts like “How to Profit from Chaos & Fear†(How to Profit from Chaos & Fear).
His strategy evolved to focus on Bitcoin, becoming a “maximalist†after realizing its security and establishment compared to altcoins. This shift is detailed in posts from 2025, such as “How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist†(How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist), where he discusses dumping altcoins to go all-in on Bitcoin, stacking sats (satoshis, Bitcoin’s smallest unit) from print sales since 2020, as noted in “Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers†(Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers).
Motivations and Philosophical Underpinnings
Eric Kim’s motivation to invest again after his college loss was likely influenced by several factors. The potential for high returns in the crypto market, especially during Bitcoin’s bull run in 2017, was a significant draw. His friend’s recommendation in 2016 provided the initial push, and his research into Bitcoin’s decentralized nature resonated with his philosophy of freedom and minimalism, as seen in posts like “The Philosophy of Bitcoin†(The Philosophy of Bitcoin). He also saw Bitcoin as a way to fund his global street photography odysseys and maintain creative freedom without relying on traditional advertising, as discussed in “Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all†(Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all).
His investment philosophy, inspired by Nassim Taleb’s “Antifragile,†involved allocating 90% to safe investments (bonds, high-interest savings) and 10% to Bitcoin, as detailed in “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy.†This approach allowed him to manage risk while seeking high returns, leveraging Bitcoin’s volatility as a feature rather than a flaw.
Detailed Timeline and Financial Metrics
To organize his investment journey, the following table summarizes key milestones:
| Year | Event | Details |
| 2006-2010 | College stock trading loss | Lost $3,500, deterred from investing for years. |
| 2011-2016 | Focused on photography, no investing mentions | Built savings from workshops, traveling, self-employment. |
| ~August 2016 | Friend introduced Bitcoin | Initially skeptical, started researching, interested in decentralization. |
| 2014-2017 | Invested in altcoins | Experimented with Dogecoin (bought at 6 cents), DigiByte, Chainlink. |
| Late 2017/Early 2018 | Started Bitcoin investment | Bought at ~$7,000 per coin, invested $25,000 (10% savings), ~3.5 BTC. |
| 2018 Onwards | Became Bitcoin maximalist | Dumped altcoins, focused on stacking sats, used for photography funding. |
| 2020 Onwards | Stacked sats from print sales | Funded global travels, gear upgrades, living untethered. |
| 2025 | Launched “Black Eagle Capital,†leveraged MSTR stock | Bitcoin hedge fund, continued buying during crashes, predicted high prices. |
By April 2025, his Bitcoin investments showed significant growth, with posts like “I’m too powerful!†(I’m too powerful!) noting Metaplanet’s 1800% return (18x) and Bitcoin’s 52% growth over 5 years, 100% in the last 5 years, reflecting his long-term hodl strategy.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s entry into investing was marked by an early loss in college stock trading, followed by a hiatus until around 2016, when a friend’s recommendation and the allure of Bitcoin’s potential rekindled his interest. His journey evolved from exploring altcoins in 2014-2017 to focusing on Bitcoin by late 2017 or early 2018, driven by its decentralized nature and financial opportunities. This narrative is supported by his blog posts, which detail his investment philosophy, strategies, and the role of Bitcoin in funding his photography career.
Key Citations
Key Points
Background
Eric Kim, known for his street photography blog, had an initial setback with investing during college, losing $3,500 in stock trading around 2006-2010. After focusing on his photography career from 2011, he re-entered investing around 2016, sparked by a friend’s recommendation about Bitcoin.
Investment Journey
Around August 2016, a friend encouraged him to explore Bitcoin, leading him to research its decentralized nature. Initially interested in altcoins like Ethereum and Litecoin, he invested in them possibly from 2014-2017. By late 2017 or early 2018, he started buying Bitcoin at around $7,000 per coin, investing $25,000 (10% of combined savings with his partner), and later became a Bitcoin maximalist.
Survey Note: Eric Kim’s Investment Journey
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, has a documented history of investing that reflects both personal financial experiences and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. This note provides a comprehensive overview of how he entered the investment space, detailing his motivations, timeline, and strategies, based on available online content from his blog and related sources.
Early Life and Initial Investment Experience
Born in 1988 in San Francisco and raised in California, Eric Kim studied Sociology at UCLA, likely graduating around 2010-2012. During his college years, approximately 2006-2010, he experienced a significant financial setback, losing $3,500 in stock trading. This early loss seemed to deter him from investing for several years, as he focused on building his photography career starting in 2011. His blog, active since at least 2012, initially centered on photography education and workshops, with no mentions of investing or crypto until later.
Re-entry into Investing: The Crypto Spark (2016 Onwards)
Eric Kim’s re-entry into investing appears to have been catalyzed by the rise of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. In a blog post dated August 9, 2018, titled “Bitcoin for Photographers†(Bitcoin for Photographers), he recounts first hearing about Bitcoin around two years prior, approximately August 2016. At that time, he initially dismissed it as a potential Ponzi scheme but was persuaded by a friend to investigate further. This friend’s recommendation was pivotal, leading him to research Bitcoin’s decentralized and government-independent nature, which intrigued him.
Before fully committing to Bitcoin, Kim explored other cryptocurrencies, or altcoins. In another post, “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy†(Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy), he mentions experimenting with altcoins like DigiByte (launched 2014), Chainlink (launched 2017), and Dogecoin (launched December 2013, bought at 6 cents). Given Dogecoin’s popularity in 2013-2014, it is plausible he invested in altcoins as early as 2014, possibly driven by curiosity or the hype around new digital currencies, though his blog lacks explicit mentions before 2017.
Transition to Bitcoin and Investment Strategy (2017-2018)
By late 2017 or early 2018, Eric Kim decided to invest in Bitcoin, capitalizing on a period when its price was around $7,000 per coin. In the “Bitcoin for Photographers†post, he details investing $25,000, which was about 10% of his combined savings with his partner, Cindy, buying roughly 3.5 Bitcoins at that price. Historical Bitcoin prices suggest this investment likely occurred in November 2017 (around $7,000) or June-July 2018 (around $7,500 to $7,000), aligning with market dips that he later described as opportunities in posts like “How to Profit from Chaos & Fear†(How to Profit from Chaos & Fear).
His strategy evolved to focus on Bitcoin, becoming a “maximalist†after realizing its security and establishment compared to altcoins. This shift is detailed in posts from 2025, such as “How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist†(How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist), where he discusses dumping altcoins to go all-in on Bitcoin, stacking sats (satoshis, Bitcoin’s smallest unit) from print sales since 2020, as noted in “Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers†(Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers).
Motivations and Philosophical Underpinnings
Eric Kim’s motivation to invest again after his college loss was likely influenced by several factors. The potential for high returns in the crypto market, especially during Bitcoin’s bull run in 2017, was a significant draw. His friend’s recommendation in 2016 provided the initial push, and his research into Bitcoin’s decentralized nature resonated with his philosophy of freedom and minimalism, as seen in posts like “The Philosophy of Bitcoin†(The Philosophy of Bitcoin). He also saw Bitcoin as a way to fund his global street photography odysseys and maintain creative freedom without relying on traditional advertising, as discussed in “Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all†(Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all).
His investment philosophy, inspired by Nassim Taleb’s “Antifragile,†involved allocating 90% to safe investments (bonds, high-interest savings) and 10% to Bitcoin, as detailed in “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy.†This approach allowed him to manage risk while seeking high returns, leveraging Bitcoin’s volatility as a feature rather than a flaw.
Detailed Timeline and Financial Metrics
To organize his investment journey, the following table summarizes key milestones:
| Year | Event | Details |
| 2006-2010 | College stock trading loss | Lost $3,500, deterred from investing for years. |
| 2011-2016 | Focused on photography, no investing mentions | Built savings from workshops, traveling, self-employment. |
| ~August 2016 | Friend introduced Bitcoin | Initially skeptical, started researching, interested in decentralization. |
| 2014-2017 | Invested in altcoins | Experimented with Dogecoin (bought at 6 cents), DigiByte, Chainlink. |
| Late 2017/Early 2018 | Started Bitcoin investment | Bought at ~$7,000 per coin, invested $25,000 (10% savings), ~3.5 BTC. |
| 2018 Onwards | Became Bitcoin maximalist | Dumped altcoins, focused on stacking sats, used for photography funding. |
| 2020 Onwards | Stacked sats from print sales | Funded global travels, gear upgrades, living untethered. |
| 2025 | Launched “Black Eagle Capital,†leveraged MSTR stock | Bitcoin hedge fund, continued buying during crashes, predicted high prices. |
By April 2025, his Bitcoin investments showed significant growth, with posts like “I’m too powerful!†(I’m too powerful!) noting Metaplanet’s 1800% return (18x) and Bitcoin’s 52% growth over 5 years, 100% in the last 5 years, reflecting his long-term hodl strategy.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s entry into investing was marked by an early loss in college stock trading, followed by a hiatus until around 2016, when a friend’s recommendation and the allure of Bitcoin’s potential rekindled his interest. His journey evolved from exploring altcoins in 2014-2017 to focusing on Bitcoin by late 2017 or early 2018, driven by its decentralized nature and financial opportunities. This narrative is supported by his blog posts, which detail his investment philosophy, strategies, and the role of Bitcoin in funding his photography career.
Key Citations
also,,, why did he get into investing?
Why the markets fascinate me?
Proud or ashamed of my own behavior?
Time to buckle up!
Big smiles! Big smiles ahead! —> why Spartans smile & grin?
Big money ahead!
Time to get ready for huge profits! To win!
Follow the Trump family, join the Trump family?
How to become a whale, a Bitcoin whale?
Only the strong survive,,, only the strong thrive?
Anti Wall Street, anti globalists!
No more “business as usual‖>
Good morning!
Great morning!
The greatest economy on earth?
.
Living in the future?
National issue!
Steel & aluminum!
I love Howard lutnick!
When red is invigorating?
Buckle up!
Key Points
What is Contango?
Contango is a situation in trading where the price to buy something in the future (called a futures contract) is higher than the price you’d pay for it right now (the spot price). Imagine you’re buying a toy today for $5, but if you agree to get it next month, it costs $6. That’s contango—it’s like paying extra to wait.
For VXX, contango happens with VIX futures. Since VXX tracks these futures, it has to “roll†from cheaper, expiring contracts to more expensive ones further out. This can make VXX lose value over time, even if the market doesn’t change much, because it’s always buying the pricier future toy.
Etymology (Where the Word Comes From):
The word “contango†comes from 19th-century England, used on the London Stock Exchange. It’s thought to be short for “continuation†or “contingent,†tied to a fee traders paid to delay (or “carry overâ€) delivery of a stock or commodity to a later date. Back then, if you didn’t want your goods right away, you’d pay extra to wait, and that cost was called “contango.†It’s like saying, “Hold onto my toy for me, and I’ll pay you a little more later.â€
Comprehensive Analysis on Contango and Its Etymology
This section dives into what contango means in financial markets, particularly for instruments like VXX, and traces the origins of the word, blending practical explanation with historical linguistics. The analysis is based on current understanding as of April 6, 2025.
Definition and Mechanics of Contango
Contango describes a market condition where the futures price of a commodity or financial instrument exceeds its current spot price, and this price difference typically widens as the delivery date gets further away (Contango Definition – Investopedia). In simpler terms, it’s when buying something for later costs more than buying it now.
For VXX, which tracks the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index, contango is a big deal. The VIX measures expected market volatility, and VIX futures are contracts betting on what the VIX will be in the future. Often, these futures are in contango—meaning the price for next month’s VIX is higher than this month’s. VXX maintains a constant 30-day exposure by rolling its futures: selling the expiring front-month contract (cheaper) and buying the next-month contract (more expensive). This rolling process incurs a cost, causing VXX to lose value over time if contango persists (What is Contango? – projectfinance).
Think of it like this: You’re at a candy store. A lollipop costs $1 today, but if you order it for next month, it’s $1.20 because the store expects sugar prices to rise. Every month, VXX trades its $1 lollipop for a $1.20 one, losing a bit each time unless volatility spikes to offset the difference.
Why Contango Happens
Contango is normal in many futures markets due to:
For VXX, contango is frequent because VIX futures assume volatility reverts to a higher mean over time, even if current conditions are calm (VXX: Contango Losses – Six Figure Investing).
Impact on VXX
The contango effect is why VXX isn’t great for holding long-term. For example, if the front-month VIX future is $15 and the next month is $16, rolling $10,000 worth of contracts means selling 666.67 units at $15 and buying only 625 units at $16—a loss of value unless the VIX itself rises sharply. Data shows VXX has lost significant value historically due to this roll cost, dropping from a split-adjusted $400+ at inception to around 74.85 recently (VXX Stock Price and Information).
Etymology of “Contangoâ€
The word “contango†has roots in 19th-century British financial markets, particularly the London Stock Exchange. Here’s the breakdown:
For a 4-year-old: “A long time ago, people trading toys in England said, ‘Wait a bit before giving me my toy, and I’ll pay more.’ They called it ‘contango,’ like asking to continue waiting.â€
Comparative Context: Contango vs. Backwardation
| Aspect | Contango | Backwardation |
| Price Structure | Futures > Spot (e.g., $16 > $15) | Spot > Futures (e.g., $15 > $14) |
| Market Expectation | Prices or volatility might rise later | Prices or volatility might drop later |
| Impact on VXX | Loses value over time due to roll cost | Gains value as futures converge to higher spot |
| Example | Paying more for next month’s lollipop | Paying less for next month’s lollipop |
This table, based on sources like Contango vs. Backwardation – CME Group, clarifies contango’s role in VXX’s behavior.
Conclusion
Contango is when future prices are higher than current ones, costing more to wait—like paying extra for a toy delivered later. For VXX, it means losing value over time unless volatility spikes. The word comes from old English trading, where “contango†meant paying to delay a deal, evolving from “continuation†into today’s market term. It’s a practical concept with a quirky history, showing how markets and words grow together.
Key Citations
Trading in the future,,, because I’m in Asia?
Shaky is good!
…
Sometimes we get excited! Run around,,, make things unpredictable, call it volatility!
…
Key Points
What is VXX?
VXX is like a special indicator that tracks people’s guesses about future stock market volatility, based on something called VIX futures. It’s not something you play with directly, but it helps grown-ups see if the market might be shaky soon.
How Does It Work?
Think of the stock market like a seesaw. Sometimes it moves a lot (volatile), and sometimes it stays still. VXX shows what people think about how much the seesaw will move in the future. If they think it’ll move a lot, VXX’s value goes up. If they think it’ll be calm, it goes down. But it can also lose value over time if those predictions don’t match up.
Why Does It Matter?
For day trading, VXX can be exciting because its price can change quickly, especially when the market is wild. But it’s tricky, so grown-ups need to be careful and maybe ask someone who knows a lot about money.
Comprehensive Analysis on How VXX Works
This section provides an in-depth exploration of how the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX) operates, explained in simple terms suitable for a young audience, while ensuring accuracy for broader understanding. The analysis aims to clarify its function, mechanics, and implications, drawing from current financial practices as of April 6, 2025.
Introduction to VXX
VXX is an exchange-traded note (ETN) launched by Barclays on January 29, 2009, designed to track the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index (What is VXX & How Does it Work? (Volatility Trading)). For a 4-year-old, imagine the stock market as a big playground where kids (investors) are playing. Sometimes, they play calmly, and other times, they get excited and run around, making things unpredictable. This excitement is called volatility.
The VIX, often called the “fear index,†measures how much people expect the stock market to wobble right now, based on options prices for the S&P 500 (How Do SVXY and VXX Work? Volatility (VIX) ETFs Explained – Warrior Trading). VXX, however, doesn’t track the current VIX directly; it tracks predictions about future volatility using VIX futures contracts. These are like bets on what the VIX will be at some point in the future, typically the next month or so.
How VXX Works: A Simple Explanation
To explain to a 4-year-old, VXX is like a special toy that changes size based on what a group of kids guesses about how much the playground will wobble in the next few weeks. If they think it’ll be very wobbly (a lot of volatility), VXX gets bigger, meaning its price goes up. If they think it’ll be steady and calm, VXX gets smaller, and its price goes down.
Here’s how it works in more detail:
Think of it like guessing how many jellybeans are in a jar. If lots of kids guess a high number (expecting a lot of wobbling), VXX’s price goes up. If they guess low, it goes down. But these guesses can change daily, so VXX’s price can change a lot, especially during volatile times.
The Role of Volatility and VIX Futures
The VIX itself is calculated from the prices of options on the S&P 500, showing the market’s expectation of volatility over the next 30 days (ETF Analysis: The iPath S&P 500 VIX Futures). It’s like measuring how scared or excited the kids are right now about the playground.
VIX futures, on the other hand, are bets on what that fear level will be in the future. VXX combines these bets for the near term, rolling them daily to keep the average at about 30 days. This rolling can sometimes cause VXX to lose value over time, especially when there’s something called contango, where future prices are higher than expected spot prices (The Cost of Trading Volatility: VXX In Depth – projectfinance).
For a child, you might say: “Sometimes, even if nothing exciting happens, VXX can get a little smaller over time because the guesses about future wobbling change, and it’s like the toy slowly losing air.â€
Why VXX Can Change Quickly
VXX is very liquid, meaning it’s easy to buy and sell, with an average daily volume of around 7.5 million shares as of recent data (VXX Stock Price and Information). This makes it great for day trading, where grown-ups try to make money by buying and selling it within the same day. Its price can jump or drop a lot, like a balloon inflating or deflating quickly, especially during market events like big news or economic reports.
For instance, on April 4, 2025, VXX closed at 74.85 after a 19.78% increase, showing how it can move with market fear (VXX Stock Price and Information). This volatility makes it exciting but also risky, as it can lose value just as fast.
Comparative Analysis with Other Investments
To understand VXX better, here’s how it compares to a typical stock, like a tech company’s shares, in a way a child might grasp:
| Aspect | VXX (Volatility Toy) | Typical Stock (Tech Toy) |
| What It Tracks | Guesses about future wobbling of the market | How well a company is doing, like making gadgets |
| Price Movement | Changes fast, like a balloon blowing up or down | Changes slower, like a toy car going steady |
| When It’s Big | When people think the market will be very wobbly | When the company does well, like selling lots |
| Risk | Can get smaller over time, even if calm | Can go down if the company has problems |
This table, derived from sources like How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs and What Is VXX And How Does It Work?, shows VXX’s unique focus on volatility predictions, making it different from regular stocks.
Practical Implications and Risks
For grown-ups, VXX is used to bet on market volatility, often in strategies like hedging (protecting against losses) or speculating (trying to make quick profits). But it’s not for long-term holding because of that potential decay from contango, as noted in discussions on platforms like Reddit (r/personalfinance on Reddit: I own this stock but have no idea what it does, VXX in laymen’s terms?).
For a 4-year-old, you might say: “Grown-ups use VXX to play a game where they guess if the playground will be wild soon. But if they hold onto it too long and nothing exciting happens, it can shrink, like a balloon losing air.â€
Recommendations for Understanding
To wrap up, VXX is a tool for seeing what people predict about future market wobbling. For a child, it’s like watching a special meter that grows when people are worried and shrinks when they’re calm, but it can also shrink over time if those worries don’t come true. Grown-ups need to be careful with it, especially if they’re playing the day trading game, and maybe ask someone who knows a lot about money for help.
Key Citations
Key Points
What is VXX?
VXX is the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, designed to track market volatility through VIX futures. It trades like a stock with high liquidity, making it appealing for day trading.
Can You Day Trade It?
Yes, you can day trade VXX by buying and selling within the same day to capture short-term price movements, especially during volatile market conditions.
Key Considerations:
Comprehensive Analysis on Day Trading VXX
This section provides an in-depth exploration of day trading the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX), addressing its feasibility, strategies, and implications based on current financial practices and market conditions as of April 6, 2025. The analysis aims to offer a thorough understanding for investors considering active trading strategies in this volatility-linked instrument.
Overview and Feasibility
Day trading involves buying and selling the same security within the same day to profit from short-term price fluctuations. VXX, launched on January 30, 2009, by Barclays, is an exchange-traded note (ETN) designed to track the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index, which reflects the performance of a rolling exposure to a constant 30-day VIX futures contract. This index combines the front two-month VIX futures contracts to achieve a weighted time to expiry of 30 days (What is VXX?).
Given its structure, VXX is highly liquid, with an average daily volume of around 7.5 million shares as of recent data (VXX Stock Price and Information), and trades like a stock, including pre-market and after-market periods. This liquidity, combined with its volatility, makes it feasible for day trading, particularly for traders looking to capitalize on short-term market volatility spikes.
Understanding VXX and Its Characteristics
VXX is not a direct investment in the VIX index, which measures expected market volatility over the next 30 days based on S&P 500 options prices, but rather tracks VIX futures. A critical aspect is the contango effect, where VIX futures often trade at higher prices for longer maturities, leading to a decay in VXX’s value over time as it rolls from higher-priced futures to lower-priced ones (ETF Analysis: The iPath S&P 500 VIX Futures). This decay is more pronounced over longer holding periods, but day trading aims to avoid this by closing positions within the same day.
Recent price movements, such as a 19.78% increase on April 4, 2025, closing at 74.85, highlight VXX’s potential for significant intraday swings, driven by market events like economic data releases or geopolitical developments (VXX Stock Price and Information). This volatility, with a beta of 9.88, makes it attractive for day traders but also increases risk.
Day Trading Strategies for VXX
Effective day trading strategies for VXX involve leveraging its volatility and liquidity. Research suggests several approaches:
Given VXX’s extended trading hours, day traders can potentially hold positions from pre-market to after-market, but typically, positions are closed before the regular market close to align with standard day trading practices.
Risk Management and Considerations
Day trading VXX is high-risk due to its volatility. Key considerations include:
Comparative Analysis with Other Securities
To contextualize, here’s a comparison of VXX with a typical stock for day trading:
| Aspect | VXX (Volatility ETN) | Typical Stock (e.g., Tech Stock) |
| Liquidity | High, avg. daily volume ~7.5M shares | Varies, can be high for large-cap stocks |
| Volatility | Very high, beta 9.88 | Moderate to high, depends on sector |
| Price Movement Drivers | Market volatility, VIX futures, contango | Earnings, news, sector trends |
| Tax Implications | Short-term gains taxed at higher rates | Short-term gains taxed at higher rates |
| Risk of Decay | Yes, due to contango in VIX futures | No, unless options or leveraged products |
| Suitability for Day Trading | High, due to intraday swings | Depends, better for trending or news-driven stocks |
This table, derived from sources like VXX Stock Price and Information and How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs, highlights VXX’s unique suitability for volatility-focused day trading but also its higher risks.
Recent Market Context and Performance
As of April 6, 2025, VXX has shown significant recent activity, with a closing price of 74.85 on April 4, 2025, after a 19.78% increase, and after-hours trading at 75.67 with a 1.09% increase (VXX Stock Price and Information). This reflects its responsiveness to market conditions, such as recent tariff announcements or economic data, underscoring its potential for intraday trading opportunities.
Recommendations and Best Practices
For those considering day trading VXX, the following best practices are recommended:
Conclusion
In conclusion, day trading VXX is possible and can be profitable for experienced traders who understand its volatility and use appropriate strategies. However, it requires careful risk management due to its high volatility and potential for decay from contango. Traders should consider their account type, tax implications, and market conditions, ensuring they have a robust plan to navigate this complex instrument.
Key Citations
Disclaimer: Grok is not a financial adviser; please consult one. Don’t share information that can identify you.
Key Points
Direct Answer
Yes, you can day trade in a Roth IRA, but there are several factors to keep in mind due to its nature as a retirement account.
What You Need to Know:
For more details, check reliable sources like Bankrate or SmartAsset.
Comprehensive Analysis on Day Trading in Roth IRAs
This section provides an in-depth exploration of day trading within Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), addressing the feasibility, restrictions, and implications based on current financial regulations and practices. The analysis aims to offer a thorough understanding for investors considering active trading strategies in retirement accounts.
Overview and Feasibility
Day trading, defined as buying and selling securities within the same trading day to capitalize on short-term price movements, is technically permissible in a Roth IRA. Research indicates there are no explicit Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules prohibiting such activities, making it legally feasible. However, the suitability and practicality depend on several factors, including account type and brokerage policies.
Roth IRAs are designed for tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement, typically encouraging long-term, buy-and-hold strategies. Despite this, investors may be tempted to day trade due to the absence of ongoing capital gains taxes, which are a significant cost in taxable brokerage accounts. Sources like Bankrate confirm that while there’s no legal barrier, the structure of Roth IRAs introduces unique challenges for active trading.
Key Restrictions and Limitations
Several restrictions impact day trading in Roth IRAs, primarily due to their classification as cash accounts rather than margin accounts:
Tax Implications and Financial Considerations
The tax structure of Roth IRAs offers significant benefits but also introduces complexities for day traders:
Practical Challenges and Risks
Day trading in a Roth IRA poses practical challenges that may not align with its intended purpose:
Comparative Analysis with Taxable Accounts
Comparing Roth IRAs to taxable brokerage accounts highlights why day trading is less common in retirement accounts:
| Aspect | Roth IRA | Taxable Brokerage Account |
| Margin Trading | Not allowed (except settlement margin) | Allowed, subject to PDT rules |
| Tax on Gains | Tax-free upon withdrawal | Subject to capital gains tax |
| Loss Deductions | Cannot deduct losses | Can deduct losses via tax-loss harvesting |
| Settlement Rules | Must follow T+2, risk of free riding | More flexible, can trade on margin |
| PDT Rule Applicability | Generally exempt as cash account | Applies if margin account, requires $25,000 |
This table, derived from sources like The Motley Fool and Investopedia, illustrates why taxable accounts are often preferred for day trading due to greater flexibility and tax benefits for losses.
Recommendations and Best Practices
Given the complexities, here are some recommendations for those considering day trading in a Roth IRA:
Conclusion
In conclusion, day trading in a Roth IRA is possible but comes with significant restrictions and risks that may not align with its purpose as a retirement savings vehicle. While there are no IRS prohibitions, practical limitations like no margin trading, settlement rules, and lack of loss deductions make it challenging. Investors should weigh these factors carefully and consider consulting professionals to ensure their strategy aligns with long-term financial goals.
Key Citations
Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been a vocal advocate for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency sector. He has publicly expressed his support for Bitcoin, stating, “I am a fan of Bitcoin. Do I own Bitcoin? Of course I do.â€
Lutnick’s enthusiasm extends to integrating cryptocurrencies into national financial strategies. In a March 2025 interview, he revealed that President Trump planned to announce a Bitcoin strategic reserve, highlighting the administration’s commitment to digital assets.
During his Senate confirmation hearing in January 2025, Lutnick supported mandatory audits for stablecoins, emphasizing the need for transparency and backing by U.S. Treasuries. He stated, “I believe U.S. dollar stablecoins should be audited, [and] should be completely backed by U.S. Treasuries, 100%.â€
Lutnick also believes that dollar-denominated stablecoins can extend American influence globally. He has expressed concern that regulations in Europe and elsewhere might limit the expansion of Tether and other dollar-based cryptocurrencies, questioning, “If a dollar-based stablecoin was backed by the euro, then they should go to hell. How does that help us?â€
In summary, Howard Lutnick views Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as pivotal components of the financial landscape, advocating for their integration into national economic strategies and emphasizing the importance of regulatory clarity and transparency.
Howard William Lutnick, born on July 14, 1961, in Jericho, New York, is an American businessman and political figure currently serving as the 41st United States Secretary of Commerce. He is renowned for his leadership of Cantor Fitzgerald, a prominent financial services firm, where he has been Chairman and CEO since 1991.
Early Life and Education
Lutnick was born into a Jewish family as the middle child among three siblings. His father, Solomon Lutnick, was a history professor at Queens College, and his mother, Jane Lutnick, was an artist. Tragically, he lost both parents during his teenage years—his mother to lymphoma in 1978 and his father to cancer in 1979. Despite these hardships, Lutnick pursued higher education at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1983.
Career at Cantor Fitzgerald
Immediately after college, Lutnick joined Cantor Fitzgerald, quickly ascending through the ranks. He was appointed President and CEO in 1991 and became Chairman in 1996. Under his leadership, the firm invested heavily in technology, notably developing the electronic trading platform eSpeed. The September 11, 2001 attacks had a devastating impact on Cantor Fitzgerald, resulting in the loss of 658 employees, including Lutnick’s brother, Gary. In response, Lutnick established the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund to support the families of the victims.
Political Involvement and Role as Secretary of Commerce
A longtime supporter of Donald Trump, Lutnick co-chaired Trump’s presidential transition team in 2024. He was nominated and confirmed as the United States Secretary of Commerce in early 2025. In this role, Lutnick has been a vocal advocate for implementing tariffs aimed at protecting American industries and has emphasized the integration of robotics and technology to revitalize U.S. manufacturing.
Philanthropy
Beyond his corporate and political endeavors, Lutnick is recognized for his philanthropic contributions, particularly through the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, which has provided significant support to families affected by the 9/11 attacks and various natural disasters. He has also been a major benefactor to Haverford College, funding multiple facilities and programs.
For a more detailed overview of Howard Lutnick’s background and career, you might find the following video informative:
Whoa,,, Elon Musk net worth MINUS over 45%?
.
This list will be shifted, or totally replaced?
—> no more globalists? No more free trade
Here is the data from the image as a text list:
1. Elon Musk – $302B | Last change: -$19.9B | YTD change: -$130B | United States
2. Jeff Bezos – $193B | Last change: -$7.59B | YTD change: -$45.2B | United States
3. Mark Zuckerberg – $179B | Last change: -$9.44B | YTD change: -$28.1B | United States
4. Bernard Arnault – $158B | Last change: -$5.23B | YTD change: -$18.6B | France
5. Bill Gates – $155B | Last change: -$6.45B | YTD change: -$3.38B | United States
6. Warren Buffett – $155B | Last change: -$10.7B | YTD change: +$12.7B | United States
7. Larry Ellison – $150B | Last change: -$10.1B | YTD change: -$42.1B | United States
8. Larry Page – $134B | Last change: -$4.65B | YTD change: -$34.6B | United States
9. Steve Ballmer – $127B | Last change: -$4.36B | YTD change: -$19.5B | United States
10. Sergey Brin – $126B | Last change: -$4.38B | YTD change: -$32.3B | United States
11. Jim Walton – $104B | Last change: -$4.82B | YTD change: -$8.07B | United States
12. Rob Walton – $102B | Last change: -$4.65B | YTD change: -$7.73B | United States
13. Alice Walton – $101B | Last change: -$4.70B | YTD change: -$7.75B | United States
14. Amancio Ortega – $97.2B | Last change: -$2.65B | YTD change: -$4.11B | Spain
15. Michael Dell – $87.4B | Last change: -$4.70B | YTD change: -$36.2B | United States
16. Mukesh Ambani – $86.8B | Last change: -$2.98B | YTD change: -$3.77B | India
17. Jensen Huang – $83.0B | Last change: -$6.55B | YTD change: -$31.3B | United States
Let me know if you’d like this data in a specific format (CSV, Excel, etc.) or visualized.
Big smiles! Big smiles ahead! —> why Spartans smile & grin?
Big money ahead!
Time to get ready for huge profits! To win!
Follow the Trump family, join the Trump family?
How to become a whale, a Bitcoin whale?
Only the strong survive,,, only the strong thrive?
Tariffs REVERSE inflation?
Go straight to the source?
Donald Trump is the most entertaining president of all time?
We have a fiscal problem!
Tariff > Taxes
Consumption tax, some foreigner pay for it
How to remain an even keel mind?
Things have changed!
Bitcoin is OUTSIDE, OUT of the system!
It’s over!
Trade is affected forever ***->>> digital COVID, network effect?
.
Shine
Shed excess fat
How to hack the market –> grow search, deep search, AI/X?
Apolitical … Bitcoin
.
Sell fear?
Detroit selling Cadillacs with American made engines?
Made in America?
The future belongs to those and those children who actually THRIVE, PROFIT & win off of uncertainty?
Assume tariffs are permanent
… this is just a one way ratchet!
Maximum leverage for himself
Bad actors
I love finances!
–> perhaps the reason why I love all of this now is because I no longer really personally care for finances,,, like I don’t want to buy a Lamborghini or whatever now anymore. To me it is more interesting ,,, practice on stoicism, resilience, and how to thrive and profit from all this fear and chaos?
How to profit from chaos
.
Bad news for Apple & Tesla?
Bad news for physical goods?
No more free trade?
.
Economic war, economic warrior?
Economic Warrior
High tech factories
Stocks –> mostly in bed with mainland China?
.
You never sell your gold,,, you never sell your cost to capital
Why you never sell your Bitcoin
Bitcoin is your new engine,,, turbocharger,,,, command center, factory production machine.
If you need cash, you don’t sell the engine in your car!
.
–> you don’t sell your real estate on 5th avenue.
You don’t sell digital Tokyo. You don’t sell your square block of real estate in Gangnam, Seoul, Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.
.
Have your balance sheet work for you!
Bitcoin is your permanent capital! ***
Leverage your PERMANENT capital!
.
You never sell your working capital
You don’t sell your digital oxen, or your legs, or your arm?
Day trade Roth IRA?
Here’s an essay written in the bold, introspective, and slightly unconventional style of Eric Kim, the street photographer and blogger known for his raw, personal takes on life, creativity, and philosophy. I’ve channeled his voice to explore the idea of Bitcoin as a solution to Internet profitability without advertising, while weaving in his signature blend of self-reflection, contrarianism, and a touch of hustle.
Bitcoin: The Internet’s True Hustle
Eric Kim, April 6, 2025
Yo, listen up. For years, I’ve been grinding, shooting photos on the streets, writing raw thoughts, trying to figure out how to live free—truly free—without selling my soul to the machine. The Internet? It’s a beast. A wild, chaotic canvas where we’re all screaming for attention, hustling for likes, views, whatever. But the game’s been rigged from the jump. You wanna make a buck online? They tell you: ads. Slap some banners on your site, let Google shove pop-ups in your face, turn your art into a billboard. Nah, man, that’s not freedom. That’s slavery with extra steps.
Then Bitcoin rolled up—quiet, sneaky, like a dude in a hoodie slipping through the shadows of the blockchain. And I’m sitting here in 2025, sipping my black coffee, thinking: this was the answer all along. Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all. Let me break it down, real talk.
The Ad Trap Ain’t It
Back in the day, I tried it. Ads on my blog. Felt dirty, like I was pimping out my words to some faceless corp. You write something real—say, about the grind of shooting film in the rain—and next to it? “Lose 10 pounds in 10 days!†Blinking, screaming, trash. It’s not just ugly; it’s a betrayal. You’re not serving your reader; you’re serving the algorithm. And the payout? Pennies, man. You’re hustling for crumbs while Zuck and the ad lords stack billions.
The Internet promised us a utopia—create, share, profit. But it turned into a slot machine. You’re either begging for clicks or drowning in sponsored posts. I’d rather starve than let my soul get chopped up by that noise. So I started asking: how do you make bank online without turning into a shill?
Enter Bitcoin, the Street Hustler’s Dream
Bitcoin hit me like a brick to the face. Not the hype—I ignored that noise for years. I’m talking the idea. A currency that’s yours, no middleman, no bank, no ad overlord skimming the top. You create value—say, a dope PDF of your best shots or a rant like this—and someone across the globe sends you BTC. Done. No PayPal fees, no Visa breathing down your neck, no ad network telling you what you can say.
Think about it. I drop a post: “Why I Shoot Black and White Only.†No ads, no fluff. Just truth. Reader digs it, sends me 0.0005 BTC—boom, I’m eating tonight. That’s not a transaction; that’s a handshake. It’s pure. The Internet becomes a street market again—raw, human, direct. No corporate filter. You don’t need a million page views; you need a few real ones who get it.
The Freedom Flex
Here’s the kicker: Bitcoin flips the power dynamic. Ads make you a tenant—Google owns the land, you’re just renting space. But BTC? You’re the landlord now. You set the price, you control the game. I’ve been selling my zines, my workshops, even one-off consultations for Bitcoin lately. No overhead, no compromise. Last week, some dude in Tokyo copped my “Street Notes†PDF for 0.001 BTC. Took 10 minutes to confirm, hit my wallet, done. That’s profit without bowing to the ad gods.
And it’s not just about cash—it’s about principle. Advertising’s a leash. You start tweaking your voice, chasing trends, softening edges to keep the clicks coming. Bitcoin cuts that cord. I can write what I want, how I want—gritty, unfiltered, me—and still eat. That’s the dream I chased since I first picked up a Leica: freedom to create without kissing the ring.
The Haters Gonna Hate
People say, “Eric, Bitcoin’s volatile, it’s a gamble.†Yeah, so’s life. You think ads are stable? One algorithm tweak and your revenue’s dust. At least with Bitcoin, the chaos is honest. It’s not pretending to be your friend while it picks your pocket. Plus, it’s 2025—BTC’s sitting pretty at what, $85K today? Volatility’s just noise if you hold long enough.
Others go, “It’s too niche, not everyone’s got crypto.†True—for now. But the streets taught me: the early movers win. Back in 2010, I was shooting film when everyone went digital. Look who’s laughing now. Bitcoin’s the same. Get in, figure it out, ride the wave before the normies flood the block.
The Vision: A New Internet
Imagine this: no more ad-cluttered hellscapes. Creators—photographers, writers, coders—drop their work, pure and clean. Fans pay direct with Bitcoin, a nod of respect in satoshis. No gatekeepers, no soul-sucking banners. The Internet turns into a global stoop sale—everyone’s got something to offer, and the value flows free.
I’m living it already. My site’s ad-free, my hustle’s BTC-powered. Profit’s leaner, sure, but it’s mine. No one’s skimming my soul. And every time a payment hits my wallet, it’s a middle finger to the old way. Bitcoin didn’t just solve profitability; it solved dignity.
Closing Shot
So yeah, I’m calling it: Bitcoin was the move all along. Not some get-rich-quick scam, but a way to take back the Internet from the ad vultures. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s the street hustle digitized. You wanna make it online without selling out? Ditch the banners, grab a wallet, and start stacking sats. The future’s here, fam—and it’s got no ads in sight.
Peace,
Eric
This essay mirrors Eric Kim’s vibe—direct, a little brash, full of personal conviction, and leaning hard into a vision of independence. It’s less about technical deep dives and more about the ethos of breaking free, which fits his style. Let me know if you want it tweaked!
….
“Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after allâ€â€” essay in eric kim voice
Below is an essay written in the style of Eric Kim, the street photographer and blogger known for his bold, unapologetic, and introspective voice. He often writes with a mix of raw energy, philosophical musings, and a disdain for conventional systems. Here’s how he might tackle the idea of Bitcoin as a profit solution sans advertising:
Bitcoin: The Internet’s True Hustle
By Eric Kim (in spirit)
Yo, let’s cut the fat and get real for a second. The Internet was supposed to be this wild, open frontier—freedom, creativity, a place where the scrappy underdog could rise up and make something of themselves. But what did we get? Ads. Ads everywhere. Pop-ups, banners, pre-rolls—you can’t even watch a cat video without some corporate suit trying to sell you toothpaste or car insurance. It’s suffocating, man. The Internet turned into a billboard, and we’re all just eyeballs for rent. But then—boom—Bitcoin rolls in like a rogue wave, smashing the old game to bits. Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all. And I’m here to tell you why.
First off, let’s rewind. Back in the day, I used to think blogging was the ultimate hustle. Snap some raw street shots with my Leica, throw up a post, build an audience—pure, unfiltered. But then the ad vultures swooped in. “Monetize your passion!†they said. “Slap some Google Adsense on that bad boy!†Suddenly, my site’s got flashing banners for diet pills next to a black-and-white photo of a dude smoking a cigarette in Seoul. It felt wrong—like I was selling my soul for pennies. The purity was gone. The Internet became a slot machine, and we’re all just pulling the lever, hoping for a payout. Advertising didn’t liberate us; it turned us into middlemen for someone else’s garbage.
Then Bitcoin hit me like a sucker punch. I’m not talking about the price charts or the Lambo memes—forget that noise. I’m talking about the idea. A system where value moves peer-to-peer, no banks, no ad networks, no gatekeepers. You create something dope—say, a PDF of your best street photography tips or a video rant about living minimalist—and someone across the globe can send you BTC, instantly. No PayPal fees, no Stripe cuts, no 30-day wait while the suits skim their share. Just pure, uncut value. That’s the hustle I’ve been chasing my whole life.
Think about it. Advertising is a leash. You’re not free when your income depends on some algorithm deciding if your content’s “brand-safe.†One day you’re raking in cash, the next day YouTube demonetizes you because you cursed too much or said something spicy. With Bitcoin, you don’t need to play that game. You don’t need to kiss the ring. You make what you make, put it out there, and the people who vibe with it pay you directly. It’s like street photography itself—raw, unposed, no filters. You shoot the world as you see it, and the real ones recognize.
Now, I’m not some crypto bro sipping espresso in a Miami penthouse. I’m still out here, pounding the pavement, chasing the light. But Bitcoin flipped the script on how I think about profit. Back in the ad days, I’d obsess over page views, click-through rates, SEO hacks—soul-crushing stuff. Now? I drop a limited-run zine, slap a BTC address on it, and let the universe do its thing. No middleman. No begging for sponsors. Just me, my work, and the people who get it. That’s freedom, fam.
And yeah, the doubters will cry, “Volatility!†“Scams!†“It’s a bubble!†Cool. Let ‘em sleep. Every revolution’s got its haters. The Internet was called a fad once too. Bitcoin’s not perfect—it’s messy, it’s wild, it’s untamed. But that’s why it works. It’s not about getting rich quick; it’s about cutting the cords. Advertising’s a parasite—it feeds off your attention, your creativity, your time. Bitcoin says, “Nah, you keep what’s yours.†It’s the digital equivalent of telling the suits to shove it.
So here’s the truth: Bitcoin’s the Internet’s real promise fulfilled. No more dancing for ad dollars, no more compromising your vision to fit some corporate playbook. You create, you share, you profit—direct, no chaser. It’s the street hustle gone global. And for a guy like me, who’s spent years dodging trends and chasing authenticity, that’s the ultimate win. Bitcoin didn’t just solve the ad problem—it reminded us what the Internet was supposed to be: a place where the real ones thrive.
Peace.
Eric Kim, out.
This captures Kim’s vibe—direct, reflective, a little rebellious, and always tying it back to his personal ethos. Let me know if you want to tweak it further!
Thinking at the speed of AI?
…
“Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after allâ€â€” essay in eric kim voice
…
Curiosity —> these tech stocks,,,, are based on digital information ,, not physical products,, so why they dropping?
Key Points
Why Google’s and Meta’s Stocks Are Down
Market Reaction to Tariffs
Recent tariff announcements by President Donald Trump, effective as of early April 2025, have led to significant market volatility. These tariffs, including a 10% blanket tariff on all imports and higher rates for specific countries like China (34%), have raised concerns about increased costs for companies with global supply chains. For Google, this means higher expenses for imported components used in hardware like Pixel phones and Chromebooks, potentially squeezing profit margins. For Meta, similar cost increases affect its hardware division, such as Oculus VR headsets.
Impact on Advertising Revenue
Both Google and Meta rely heavily on advertising revenue, which could be indirectly hit by tariffs. Higher prices for imported goods may reduce consumer spending, leading to lower ad budgets from businesses, especially international advertisers. For Meta, it’s noted that 10% of its 2023 revenue came from Chinese companies advertising on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which could be at risk if tariffs raise costs for these advertisers Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta.
Global Operations and Economic Uncertainty
Both companies have significant international operations, and the tariff-induced economic uncertainty could disrupt global trade, affecting their revenue streams. This broader market unease, as seen in the sharp declines in major indexes like the Nasdaq (down 5.97% on April 3, 2025), has contributed to the stock drops Stocks ravaged by tariff fallout as global supply chains brace for impact.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Google and Meta Stock Declines Amid Tariff Announcements
This section provides a comprehensive examination of the recent declines in Google (Alphabet Inc.) and Meta Platforms’ stock prices, focusing on the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements as of April 6, 2025. The analysis considers market reactions, company-specific exposures, and broader economic implications, drawing on recent news and analyst insights.
Background on Tariff Announcements
On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a sweeping tariff policy, imposing a minimum 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates for specific countries, such as 34% for China, 20% for European nations, and 24% for Japan Apple leads a drop in tech stocks after Trump tariff announcement. This followed earlier tariff threats, including 25% on Mexican and Canadian imports and 10% on Chinese goods, announced in February and March 2025 Tariffs war: Meta and Google ‘most unfavorably positioned’ internet stocks By Investing.com. These measures have sparked significant market turmoil, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 3.98%, the S&P 500 losing 4.84%, and the Nasdaq plummeting 5.97% by April 3, 2025 Stocks ravaged by tariff fallout as global supply chains brace for impact.
Google (Alphabet Inc.) Stock Decline
Google’s stock, under the ticker GOOGL, experienced a notable decline, closing at $145.60 on April 4, 2025, down 3.40% from the previous day, following a broader market sell-off Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Stock Historical Prices & Data – Yahoo Finance. Several factors contribute to this decline:
Meta Platforms Stock Decline
Meta’s stock, under the ticker META, also saw a significant drop, falling 9% on April 3, 2025, to $531.62, amid the tariff-induced market sell-off Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta. The reasons include:
Comparative Analysis
Both companies face direct impacts from tariffs on their hardware divisions and indirect impacts through their advertising businesses. Google’s exposure is heightened by its leadership in the tech stock slump, possibly due to its significant hardware costs and international revenue streams Google Leads Tech Stock Slump As Earnings, Trump Tariffs Fallout Weighs On Market. Meta’s vulnerability is noted in its reliance on Chinese advertisers, with specific figures highlighting the potential revenue hit Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta. The market’s reaction, as seen in the table below, underscores the severity of the tariff fallout:
| Date | Index/Event | Change (%) | Notes |
| April 2, 2025 | Trump announces tariffs | – | Announcement after market close, setting stage for sell-off |
| April 3, 2025 | Dow Jones Industrial Average | -3.98% | Worst day since pandemic, tariff fallout cited Stocks ravaged by tariff fallout |
| April 3, 2025 | S&P 500 | -4.84% | Broad market impact, tariff uncertainty noted Wall Street ends down sharply on tariff worries |
| April 3, 2025 | Nasdaq | -5.97% | Tech-heavy index hit hardest, affecting Google and Meta Stocks plunge in another brutal day over Trump tariffs shock : NPR |
| April 4, 2025 | GOOGL Close Price | -3.40% | From $150.72 to $145.60, post-tariff market reaction Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Stock Historical Prices & Data – Yahoo Finance |
| April 3, 2025 | META Close Price | -9% | Fell to $531.62, significant drop amid tariff news Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta |
Conclusion
The declines in Google and Meta’s stocks are multifaceted, driven by direct cost increases for hardware due to tariffs and indirect effects on advertising revenue from potential economic slowdowns. The market’s reaction to Trump’s tariff announcements has amplified these impacts, with both companies facing heightened uncertainty as of April 6, 2025. Further developments, such as retaliatory tariffs from affected countries and company-specific earnings reports, will likely influence future stock movements.
Key Citations
Forge new weapons?
charge at the wall & break it!
Feast on scarcity
Seize the void —> no waiting!
EK: HOW TO PROFIT FROM CHAOS & FEAR—SPARTAN GAIN, NO MERCY
I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan of the streets, forged in iron, thriving in the storm. Wanna profit from chaos and fear? This ain’t about cowering—it’s about conquering. By April 5, 2025, I’ve turned mayhem into my empire on Eric Kim Photography—1,005-pound lifts, streets seized, bitcoin bets cashed. Chaos is your arena, fear your fuel—here’s how you profit, EK-style, raw and relentless.
1. ROAR THROUGH THE SHITSTORM
When the world’s screaming, scream louder. Before I rip 551 pounds from the dirt (HYPE DEADLIFT), I slap my thighs, bellow like a Spartan in chaos (How to Start Hypelifting). Fear’s noise—drown it with your war cry. Haka vibes, 300 grit—use it. Profit starts when you own the madness, not when it owns you.
2. FORGE IRON IN THE FIRE
Chaos breeds weakness—be the steel. Stack plates—485 squats (Hype squat heavy), 1,005 rack pulls (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull)—no straps, just chalk and guts (Muscle 101). When others crumble, you rise—a war-machine (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Strength’s your profit—mental, physical, unbreakable.
3. STRIKE WHERE THEY STUMBLE
Fear makes ‘em freeze—you charge. “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt†(ERIC KIM Quotes)—my law. When markets crash, I’ve bought bitcoin low, flipped it high (Why I Bought More Bitcoin). Streets chaos? I shoot closer, own the frame (Street Photography). Profit’s in the gap—where they panic, you pounce.
4. FEAST ON THE FALLEN
Starve while they scatter—fast ‘til dusk, sharpen your edge (Intermittent Fasting). Then feast—meat, raw and red—while they’re still reeling. I’ve pulled half a ton on hunger, slept 8-12 hours, woke a god. Chaos starves the weak—you eat their loss, rise stronger.
5. THRIVE IN THE CLASH
Profit ain’t peace—it’s war. “The joy’s 99.9% in the clash—not the crown†(The Zen of Hypelifting)—I live it. When fear grips, I’ve shot streets raw (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?), turned panic into power. Chaos is your forge—thrive there, cash in.
YOUR SPARTAN PROFIT CODE
EK’S WAR CHEST
I’m EK—proof in the chaos. Lifted 1,005 pounds when gyms emptied, shot streets when cities burned, stacked bitcoin when markets bled (Bitcoin for Investors). I roared, forged, struck, feasted, thrived—turned fear into my fortune.
YOUR HAUL
Profit from chaos and fear? Spartan up. Scream past the panic, forge your edge, strike the cracks, feast on their fall, thrive in the mess. This is EK’s way—brutal, bold, bankable. Get yours or get lost.
—EK, April 5, 2025
Key Points
Understanding VXX and VIX
If you predict the VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) will go up, investing in VXX (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN) could potentially be profitable, but it depends on the timing and nature of the VIX increase. VXX tracks short-term VIX futures, which tend to rise with significant market volatility, like during crashes. However, it’s not a guaranteed profit due to factors like contango, where futures prices can erode value over time if held too long.
Timing and Risks
For short-term trades, buying VXX before a volatility spike and selling at the peak can yield gains, as seen in historical events like the 2020 COVID crash. But holding VXX long-term is risky, as it often loses value due to the need to roll over futures contracts at potentially higher prices, especially in stable markets. Always consider your risk tolerance and have a clear exit strategy.
Market Conditions
VXX performs best when the VIX spikes rapidly, potentially entering backwardation (where near-term futures are priced higher), which benefits VXX. For gradual VIX increases without market stress, contango may dominate, reducing profitability. Monitor market conditions closely to align your investment with expected volatility.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Investing in VXX When Predicting VIX Increases
This note provides a comprehensive analysis of whether investing in VXX can be profitable if you predict the VIX will increase, drawing from historical data, market mechanics, and expert insights. The discussion aims to cover all relevant aspects for investors, from short-term trading strategies to long-term considerations, ensuring a thorough understanding of the topic.
Background on VIX and VXX
The VIX, often called the “fear gauge,†measures the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility for the S&P 500, calculated using options prices (CBOE Volatility Index (VIX)). It typically rises during market uncertainty and falls in stable conditions, with historical ranges between 10 and 20 in calm times, spiking above 30 during crises.
VXX, the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, is an exchange-traded note designed to track the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index. It holds a combination of the front-month and next-month VIX futures contracts, rolled daily to maintain a constant one-month horizon (What is VXX & How to Trade it?). As of April 4, 2025, VXX closed at $74.85, up 19.78% from the previous day, reflecting recent market volatility (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN).
Profitability Analysis: Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Investing in VXX can be profitable if you predict a short-term increase in the VIX, particularly during significant volatility spikes. Historical examples, such as the 2020 COVID crash, illustrate this: when the VIX spiked from around 15 to over 80 in March 2020, VXX rose from approximately $15 to $100, offering substantial gains for timely investors (Volatility Is Skyrocketing: What the VIX Is and How to Trade it). Similarly, in February 2018, a VIX spike from 15 to 37 saw VXX increase from $25 to $40, highlighting the potential for short-term profits during market stress.
However, long-term holding of VXX is generally unprofitable due to contango, a common state in the VIX futures market where futures prices exceed the spot VIX. As VXX rolls over its contracts monthly, it sells expiring (lower-priced) contracts and buys new (higher-priced) ones, leading to value erosion. Over five years, VXX has declined 97.51%, underscoring this decay (How Does VXX Work?).
Market Mechanics: Contango and Backwardation
The performance of VXX is heavily influenced by the VIX futures term structure, specifically whether it’s in contango or backwardation. In contango, prevalent in stable markets, the futures price is above the spot VIX, causing VXX to lose value over time as it rolls contracts. Conversely, during high volatility or market crashes, the term structure can enter backwardation, where near-term futures are priced higher than longer-term futures. In this scenario, rolling over contracts benefits VXX, as it sells higher-priced expiring contracts and buys lower-priced new ones (Why does VXX go down? VIX Futures Roll Yield Explained).
For example, during the 2020 crash, the rapid VIX increase likely shifted the term structure to backwardation, boosting VXX. However, if the VIX increase is gradual without significant market stress, contango may persist, reducing VXX’s ability to capture gains. This distinction is crucial for predicting profitability: significant, rapid VIX increases (e.g., due to market-disrupting events) are more likely to favor VXX, while smaller, sustained increases may not.
Timing and Strategy
Timing is critical for profitability. To maximize gains, investors should buy VXX before or at the onset of a volatility spike and sell at its peak, avoiding the subsequent decay. For instance, buying VXX on April 3, 2025, at $62.49 and selling on April 4 at $74.85 would yield a 19.78% gain in a day, aligning with a recent VIX increase. However, holding beyond the spike could lead to losses as contango effects set in.
Strategies include short-term trading based on daily or weekly VIX movements, where historical correlations suggest VXX moves in line with VIX increases (Understanding VIX or Volatility Index). For hedging, VXX can protect against portfolio declines during volatility spikes, but it’s not suitable for long-term investment due to its structural decay.
Risks and Considerations
Investing in VXX involves high risks, particularly for retail investors. The product’s performance can be erratic, with VXX moving only 45% as much as the VIX on average and sometimes correlating positively with the S&P 500, contrary to expectations (How Does VXX Work?). Additionally, VXX has an expense ratio of 0.89%, further eroding returns over time (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN).
Market experts caution against VXX for those lacking capital to absorb losses, as evidenced by the 2018 VIX spike wiping out some inverse VIX funds (How to Bet on Volatility When the VXX Expires). Aggressive risk management, such as using options or put spreads, is recommended for seasoned traders (It’s Time To Short The VIX).
Performance Metrics and Historical Context
Recent performance data as of April 4, 2025, shows VXX with a year-to-date return of 63.43% and a one-year return of 33.71%, reflecting periods of volatility. However, three-year returns at 42.36% suggest variability, with a high beta of 9.88 indicating significant market sensitivity (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN). These metrics align with periods of VIX increases, but long-term charts show diabolical declines, reinforcing the need for short-term strategies.
Conclusion
In summary, predicting a VIX increase and investing in VXX can be profitable for short-term trades during volatility spikes, particularly if timed correctly to capture backwardation benefits. However, gradual VIX increases or long-term holding may lead to losses due to contango. Investors should assess market conditions, manage risks, and align strategies with their investment horizon, recognizing VXX as a high-risk, short-term tool rather than a long-term asset.
Key Citations
You can’t directly invest in the VIX itself because it’s an index, not a tradable asset like a stock or bond. However, you can make money (or lose it) by investing in financial instruments tied to the VIX, such as futures, options, or exchange-traded products (ETPs). Here’s how it works:
Can You Make Money?
Yes, but it’s tricky. The VIX tends to surge during panic (e.g., it hit 82.69 in March 2020 during the COVID crash) and drop in calm markets (often below 15). If you time it right—say, buying before a volatility spike and selling at the peak—you can profit. But it’s risky: the VIX is unpredictable, and many of these products decay in value if you hold them too long. Most retail investors lose money on VIX-related bets because they’re more suited to pros who hedge or trade short-term.
Want a real-world example? In February 2018, the VIX doubled in a day (from 17 to 37), wiping out some inverse VIX funds like XIV, but those who’d bought VXX or VIX calls cleaned up. Timing is everything, though—miss the move, and you’re stuck with losses.
What’s your goal—hedging a portfolio or just speculating? I can dig deeper into strategies or current VIX levels if you’d like!
…
It seems like you might be referring to the “S&P VIX,†which is commonly known as the VIX. The VIX, or the CBOE Volatility Index, is a real-time market index that measures the market’s expectation of volatility over the next 30 days. It’s often called the “fear gauge†because it tends to spike when investors anticipate uncertainty or declines in the stock market, particularly the S&P 500.
The VIX is calculated using the prices of options on the S&P 500 Index (SPX). It reflects investor sentiment about future volatility—higher VIX values indicate greater expected volatility (often tied to fear or uncertainty), while lower values suggest calmer markets. As of today, April 6, 2025, I don’t have the exact current value since it fluctuates daily with market conditions, but historically, it hovers between 10 and 20 in stable times, spiking above 30 or even 50 during crises.
If you meant something different by “SP VIX†(like a specific variant or a typo), feel free to clarify! Want me to search for the latest VIX value or explain more about how it works?
I assume you’re asking about VXX, the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, since we were just discussing the VIX. VXX is an exchange-traded note (ETN) that tracks short-term futures contracts on the VIX, the CBOE Volatility Index, which measures expected market volatility over the next 30 days based on S&P 500 options prices. It’s designed to give investors exposure to volatility changes, not the VIX spot value itself, by holding a mix of the front two-month VIX futures, rolled daily to maintain a constant one-month horizon.
As of the latest real-time data on April 4, 2025, VXX closed at $74.85 USD, up 19.78% ($12.36) from the previous day’s close of $62.49. It opened at $69.93, hit a high of $76.46, and a low of $66.72, with a trading volume of over 26 million shares—way above its average of 7.5 million. That’s a big jump, signaling a spike in volatility expectations, likely tied to recent market jitters. Over the past month, it’s up 49.01% from $51.60 on March 28, and year-to-date in 2025, it’s gained 63.43%. But zoom out: over five years, it’s down 97.51%, thanks to the relentless decay from contango—where futures prices exceed the spot VIX, eroding value as contracts roll.
Can You Make Money?
You can profit from VXX if you catch it during a volatility surge—like now. For instance, if you’d bought at $62.49 on April 3 and sold at $74.85 on April 4, that’s a 19.78% gain in a day. But holding long-term is a loser’s game due to that contango bleed. It’s a trader’s tool—great for short-term hedges or bets on fear, like during the August 2024 VIX spike some traders on X have noted as a parallel. Speculators might ride this wave, but if you’re hedging a portfolio, it’s about timing: buy when markets wobble, sell when they calm. Risks are high—mistime it, and you’re stuck with a decaying asset.
What’s your angle—looking to trade it or just curious about its recent move? I can pull more current data or break down a strategy if you want!
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I listened to the Trump Joe Rogan podcast interview, and the Elon Musk spaces interview.,, he mentioned “tariff– a word even more beautiful than the word ‘love’‖ these fools, did nobody listen to either of those interviews?
Here’s “How to Grow Bigger Balls†in the voice of Ericus, Spartan God—Eric Kim ascended to divine fury, with street grit and Bitcoin fire, now in standard spelling instead of all caps. The tone remains brutal, thunderous, and unrelenting:
Mortals! I am Ericus, Spartan God of Streets and Sats, my voice a thunderclap, my will a furnace of iron! You dare plead, “How to grow bigger balls� You sniveling whelps, barely fit to kiss my sandals! I’ve crushed empires with my bare hands, shot the world raw, stacked fortunes in digital flame—now I smite your weakness with divine fury! Heed my law, or shrivel in shame!
First Command: Face the Abyss! Balls aren’t born—they’re forged in fear’s face! Stare down your demons—death, failure, the void! I stood in poverty’s jaws, lens in fist, and roared, “Come get me!†No flinching, no tears—name your terror and spit on it! Cowards shrink; gods grow!
Second Command: Charge the Fray! You want to be a man? Fight like one! Hit the streets, full war cry—shoot like a titan, every frame a kill! I stormed the pavement, shot souls ‘til blood ran, stacked sats while the weak hid! No retreat—bash through walls, take hits, keep swinging! Balls swell in battle, not in bed!
Third Command: Defy the Gods! Fuck fate, fuck comfort, fuck the easy path! I torched UCLA, burned the system, lived raw—no chains, no mercy! Ditch the scrolling shit, the safe bullshit—jump into chaos! Buy BTC at the crash, shoot in the gutter—risk is your forge, fear your fuel! Defy or die small!
Fourth Command: Carve Your Law! Balls need steel—build it! Etch a code in stone: dawn for war, noon for dominion, night for glory! I ruled my days—lens as my spear, sats as my legion, words as my fury! No slack, no bend—live it like a warrior, or I’ll crush your spine!
Fifth Command: Feast on Pain! Growth is agony—revel in it! I thrived in dirt, laughed at crashes, shot through hell! Hurt’s your hammer, struggle your anvil—take the punch, roar louder, go harder! Weak men whimper; gods thrive! Let it build you ‘til your balls clang like iron!
Final Command: Seize Your Fucking Crown! Balls aren’t a gift—they’re a conquest! Every step, every shot, every sat—rip it from the world’s throat! I rose from nothing, shot the earth raw, stacked wealth to defy kings—now I reign supreme! You’re no pissant—you’re a god! Scream it: “My balls are mountains, I am unbreakable!â€
I, Ericus, Spartan God, have decreed! I’ve lived with balls of steel—streets my war ground, BTC my arsenal, life my battlefield! You want bigger? Tear your weak self asunder, charge the storm, grow into a colossus! Now rise, you gutless fools—ball up or be dust beneath my heel!
There it is—Ericus, Spartan God, delivering a savage, godly proclamation in standard spelling, still dripping with fury and power. Let me know if you want more of this divine heat!
…
EK: HOW TO GROW BIGGER BALLS—SPARTAN GUTS, NO BS
I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan of the grind, forged in iron, baptized in fire. You wanna grow bigger balls? This ain’t about wishin’—it’s about doin’, raw and ruthless. By April 5, 2025, I’ve ripped my way to godhood on Eric Kim Photography—1,005-pound pulls, streets owned, a life seized. Balls ain’t size; they’re steel—courage, grit, HYPELIFTING soul. Here’s how you grow ‘em, EK-style.
1. ROAR IN THE FACE OF FEAR
Scream it—loud, savage, balls-out. Before I yank 551 pounds off the dirt (HYPE DEADLIFT), I slap my thighs, bellow like a Spartan at the gates (How to Start Hypelifting). Fear’s a punk—drown it with your war cry. Watch the All Blacks’ haka, feel the 300 shield wall—steal that thunder. Balls grow when you roar louder than doubt.
2. LIFT ‘TIL YOUR SPINE SINGS
Forge ‘em in iron—stack plates, heavy and mean (Muscle 101). Squats at 485 (Hype squat heavy), rack pulls at 1,005 (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull)—no straps, just chalk and guts. Every lift’s a dare: “Break me if you can.†You don’t grow balls hiding—lift ‘til you’re a war-machine (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini).
3. CHARGE THE SHADOWS—NO FLINCH
Step into the dark—closer, always closer (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Before my lifts, my shots, I face the void—lens or bar, no retreat (Street Photography). “The joy’s 99.9% in the clash—not the crown†(The Zen of Hypelifting)—balls swell when you spit on fear and fight.
4. STARVE, FEAST, STAND TALL
Hunger’s your blade—fast ‘til dusk, then tear into meat, bloody and raw (Intermittent Fasting). I pulled half a ton empty—then slept 8-12 hours, a Spartan reborn. Balls don’t grow on weak fuel—starve ‘til you’re sharp, feast ‘til you’re fierce.
5. STRIKE FIRST, FUCK THE REST
Take it—now. “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt†(ERIC KIM Quotes)—that’s your creed. Don’t wait, don’t ask—lift it, claim it, live it. I built my world—iron, streets, words—no nods needed. Balls are action, not apologies.
YOUR SPARTAN BALLS CODE
EK’S PROOF
I’m EK—balls of Sparta. Tore 1,005 pounds from the ground, conquered streets with my lens, built my empire with bare fists. I roared, lifted, charged, feasted, struck—courage carved in my core.
YOUR GUTS
Wanna bigger balls? No soft shit—fight for ‘em. Scream ‘til you’re hoarse, lift ‘til you’re iron, charge ‘til you’re free, feast ‘til you’re full, strike ‘til you’re king. This is EK’s way—Spartan, brutal, ballsy. Grow ‘em or get out.
—EK, April 5, 2025
The paradox with energy: before going to the gym I didn’t think I had that much energy but as I started to exercise, I magically gained power?
Therefore, the hilarious observation: perhaps while we are just doing the activity, suddenly we gain more power?
Therefore, to simply make it a habit to do the activity, or a workflow, is the goal?
Asymmetric bets
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The paradox with energy: before going to the gym I didn’t think I had that much energy but as I started to exercise, I magically gained power?
Therefore, the hilarious observation: perhaps while we are just doing the activity, suddenly we gain more power?
Therefore, to simply make it a habit to do the activity, or a workflow, is the goal?
Asymmetric bets
Asymmetric information? 
Never be too sure about anything?
Elevated mental state after weightlifting
Don’t give people what they think they’ll want, give people what you want 
Sustainable
.
Do you lift weights to live or do you live to lift weights?
I live to lift weights! Weightlifting is my euphoria and drug! 
Never boring
