Anti anxiety lifestyle –> but still taking risk? Loving risk?

.

Why war?

War tests us out,,,

Think armor not comfort

.

Getting ready for war.

Below is an essay written in a conversational, bold, and slightly provocative style that could reflect an “Eric Kim” voice—assuming a persona that’s direct, opinionated, and unapologetic, with a touch of raw energy. The topic, “Depression: Is Male Depression Simply a Low Testosterone Problem?” is explored with a mix of skepticism, personal flair, and a challenge to conventional thinking.

Depression: Is Male Depression Just a Low Testosterone Problem?

Listen up, because I’m about to drop a bomb that’s gonna rattle some cages: male depression might just be a fancy label we slap on dudes whose testosterone tanks have hit empty. Yeah, I said it. Forget the therapy couches and the endless Kleenex piles—maybe it’s not all in your head, bro. Maybe it’s in your balls. Let’s rip this apart and see what’s what.

First off, depression’s a beast. It’s that gray cloud that parks itself over your life, sucks the color out of everything, and makes you feel like a walking corpse. For men, it’s sneaky—it doesn’t always look like crying into your beer. It’s anger, it’s apathy, it’s punching walls or just staring at the ceiling wondering why you even bother. The stats? Brutal. Men are less likely to talk about it, more likely to off themselves. Suicide rates for guys are through the roof—three, four times higher than women, depending on where you look. So yeah, it’s a problem. But is it just a testosterone problem? Let’s dig in.

Testosterone’s the king hormone for men. It’s the juice that builds muscle, fuels drive, and keeps you feeling like a lion instead of a housecat. When it drops—and trust me, it’s dropping for a lot of modern dudes—you start seeing the cracks. Low energy? Check. No motivation? Check. Feeling like the world’s kicking you in the teeth and you don’t care enough to fight back? Double check. Sound familiar? That’s because those are also depression’s calling cards. Studies—like the ones from the National Institutes of Health—show low T levels correlate with depressive symptoms in men. Older guys, especially, start losing testosterone at about 1% a year after 30, and bam, the gloom creeps in. Coincidence? Maybe not.

Now, I’m not saying every sad sack needs to slap on a testosterone patch and call it a day. The world’s messier than that. You’ve got your trauma, your shitty bosses, your toxic exes—all that can grind a man down. But here’s the kicker: low testosterone might be the match that lights the fuse. Think about it. If your body’s running on fumes, how the hell are you supposed to handle the crap life throws at you? You’re a car with no gas, stuck in the mud, wheels spinning. Boost that T, and maybe you’ve got a shot at clawing out of the pit.

Let’s talk real life for a sec. I’ve seen guys—friends, even—who were shadows of themselves. No spark, no fight. One buddy, let’s call him Mike, was a wreck. Mid-30s, gut growing, mood tanking. Doctor checks his levels—testosterone was in the basement. Starts TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and within months, he’s lifting again, cracking jokes, chasing goals. Depression? Gone. Was it all hormones? Hard to say—correlation ain’t causation, blah blah blah—but the dude’s alive again. That’s not nothing.

The flip side? Critics—usually the sweater-vest types with clipboards—say it’s too simple. “Oh, Eric, you caveman, depression’s a complex interplay of neurochemistry and environment!” Sure, fine. Serotonin, dopamine, all that brain soup matters. Childhood baggage, too. But why’s it gotta be either/or? Maybe low T is the crack in the dam, and the flood’s everything else. Modern life’s already a testosterone killer—stress, crap food, no sleep, sitting on your ass all day. Add a breakup or a dead-end job, and boom, you’re not just low-energy, you’re low-everything.

Here’s where I get pissed. Society’s obsessed with medicating the symptoms—pop an SSRI, numb the pain, call it progress. But what if we’re missing the root? Big Pharma’s not exactly rushing to fund “lift weights and eat steak” as a cure. Too cheap, too primal. Meanwhile, men are drowning, and we’re handing them floaties instead of teaching them to swim. Testosterone isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s a damn good start. Get your levels checked. Move your body. Stop eating soy lattes and processed garbage. See what happens.

So, is male depression just a low testosterone problem? No, it’s not that clean. Life’s a fistfight, and hormones are only one punch. But don’t sleep on this: for a lot of guys, boosting T could be the edge they need to get back in the ring. Depression’s a thief—it steals your fire. Maybe testosterone’s the match to light it again. Test it yourself. Prove me wrong. I dare you.

This essay’s got that Eric Kim vibe—unfiltered, in-your-face, with a mix of grit and a call to action. It’s not academic fluff; it’s a gut punch with some science sprinkled in. Let me know if you want it tweaked!

Not sure for women, but for men,,, increasing your testosterone as a duty?

…

Key Points

• Research suggests that low testosterone can contribute to depression in men, but it is not the sole cause.
• Depression in men is complex, involving genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
• Testosterone replacement therapy may help alleviate depressive symptoms in some men, particularly those with low testosterone.

Understanding the Connection

While low testosterone levels are associated with depressive symptoms, such as low energy and reduced interest in activities, it is not accurate to say that male depression is simply a low testosterone problem. Studies show that testosterone treatment can reduce depressive symptoms, especially in men with low testosterone, but the effect is moderate and not universal. This means other factors, like stress, genetics, and lifestyle, also play significant roles.

Treatment and Considerations

If you suspect low testosterone is affecting your mood, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis, as depression and low testosterone can share symptoms. Blood tests can help determine testosterone levels, and treatments like testosterone replacement therapy might be considered, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Unexpected Detail

Interestingly, very high testosterone levels have also been linked to specific depressive symptoms, like sleep problems, which adds another layer to understanding this relationship.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Male Depression and Testosterone

This note provides a comprehensive examination of the relationship between male depression and low testosterone, drawing on recent research and clinical insights. It aims to address the complexity of the topic, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers seeking detailed information.

Background on Depression in Men

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and difficulties with daily activities like sleeping and eating. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Depression Overview, it affects individuals regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status, with research suggesting a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors at play. For men, depression may present differently, often with symptoms like irritability or physical complaints, which can lead to underdiagnosis due to societal expectations of masculinity.

The Role of Testosterone

Testosterone, a key male hormone, influences various functions, including mood, energy, and sexual health. Research has explored its potential link to depression, particularly in aging men. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry Association of Testosterone Treatment With Alleviation of Depressive Symptoms in Men analyzed 27 randomized controlled trials involving 1890 men, finding that testosterone treatment was associated with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, with an effect size of Hedges g = 0.21 (95% CI, 0.10-0.32). This suggests a moderate benefit, particularly at higher dosages (>500 mg/wk), but the study also noted no significant moderation by testosterone status, implying benefits for both hypogonadal and eugonadal men.

Another study from ScienceDirect Testosterone and Depression in Aging Men highlighted that beginning at age 50, men secrete progressively lower amounts of testosterone, with about 20% of men over 60 having lower-than-normal levels. It suggested that some depressed older men may have state-dependent low testosterone and could improve with androgen treatment, but it did not claim this as the sole cause.

Evidence of Association

Multiple studies indicate an association between low testosterone and depressive symptoms. For instance, a PubMed article Patients with Testosterone Deficit Syndrome and Depression noted that lower testosterone levels are linked to depression, with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) improving symptoms in most hypogonadal men. It identified a subpopulation that responds best to TRT, including those with HIV/AIDS, mild depression, or severe testosterone deficiency, and recommended a trial period of at least 3 months for TRT in men with depressive symptoms and testosterone deficiency.

However, the relationship is complex. The PMC study Testosterone and Specific Symptoms of Depression: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2016 found no consistent association between testosterone levels and overall depression in men, suggesting that male depression is not simply a low testosterone problem. It noted that very low testosterone (<300 ng/dL) was weakly associated with appetite problems, while very high testosterone (≥760 ng/dL) was linked to sleep problems and tiredness, indicating that both extremes can influence specific symptoms.

Comparative Insights

The Cleveland Clinic Can Low Testosterone Cause Anxiety and Depression? emphasized that low testosterone can mimic depression symptoms, such as low energy and reduced desire for activities, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. It stressed the importance of evaluating testosterone levels to rule out physical causes, but did not suggest it as the sole factor. Similarly, Healthline Is Low Testosterone Causing My Depression? noted that low testosterone can cause emotional symptoms like depression, but highlighted the need for professional diagnosis to differentiate between the two.

Treatment and Clinical Considerations

TRT has shown promise in alleviating depressive symptoms, particularly in hypogonadal men. The Spartan Medical Associates website Low Testosterone and Depression in Men claimed that restoring testosterone and balancing other hormones, like estrogen and thyroid, can eliminate depression in most andropausal men, with symptoms lifting 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. However, it also noted that doctors often misdiagnose depression in men, prescribing antidepressants instead, which can lead to side effects like diminished sex drive and mood swings.

A comparison with antidepressants was provided in the JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis, which found no significant difference in efficacy between testosterone treatment and fluoxetine hydrochloride in reducing depressive symptoms, suggesting TRT as a viable alternative for some men.

Limitations and Controversies

Despite these findings, the literature does not support a consistent relationship between testosterone levels and depression. The JAMA Psychiatry study acknowledged limitations, including a large portion of studies with high or unclear risk of bias and few methodologically rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), particularly in depressed but otherwise healthy men. Larger, preregistered RCTs are needed to define depression as the primary endpoint, indicating ongoing controversy and the need for further research.

Additionally, the PMC study suggested that both low and high testosterone levels can be associated with depression risk, adding complexity to the narrative. This challenges the notion that low testosterone is the sole cause, as high levels were linked to specific symptoms like sleep problems, an unexpected detail that broadens the discussion.

Summary Table: Key Findings on Testosterone and Depression

Aspect	Finding
Association with Depression	Low testosterone associated with depressive symptoms, but not consistent
Treatment Efficacy	TRT reduces symptoms, especially in hypogonadal men, moderate effect size
Specific Symptoms	Very low T linked to appetite problems; very high T linked to sleep issues
Other Factors	Genetic, environmental, psychological factors also contribute to depression
Clinical Recommendations	Evaluate testosterone levels; consider TRT for 3+ months if deficient
Research Gaps	Need more rigorous RCTs, particularly in healthy depressed men

Conclusion

In conclusion, while low testosterone can contribute to depression in men, it is not simply a low testosterone problem. The evidence leans toward a multifaceted condition involving multiple factors, with testosterone playing a role but not being the sole cause. Men experiencing depressive symptoms should seek professional evaluation, including testosterone testing, to ensure appropriate treatment, whether through TRT, antidepressants, or other interventions. This complexity underscores the importance of personalized medical care and further research to clarify these relationships.

Key Citations

• Association of Testosterone Treatment With Alleviation of Depressive Symptoms in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
• Testosterone and Depression in Aging Men
• Is Low Testosterone Causing My Depression?
• Patients with Testosterone Deficit Syndrome and Depression
• Testosterone and Specific Symptoms of Depression: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2016
• Low Testosterone and Depression in Men
• Can Low Testosterone Cause Anxiety and Depression?
• Depression Overview

So,,, let us say some super scary shit is happening. How to reset your bodily physiology and fear:

1. Jump into an ice bath
2. Jump into insanely hot sauna, or insanely hot steam sauna
3. Eat 5 pounds of bone marrow to promote sleep
4. Go to all you can eat Korean BBQ, restaurant outside
5. Go to pool and go for a swim?
6. Go on a very long walk?
7. Get a really strong massage?

Depression male depression is simply a low testosterone problem?

Physiology of anxiety and fear:

1. Jump into an ice bath
2. Jump into insanely hot sauna, or insanely hot steam sauna
3. Eat 5 pounds of bone marrow to promote sleep

Depression male depression is simply a low testosterone problem?

Titanium balls baby!

***

Alright, imagine me channeling Eric Kim—raw, unfiltered, and ready to dive into the chaos of Bitcoin volatility with some serious balls of steel. Here’s the take:

Bitcoin’s a wild beast, man. It’s like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded—one minute you’re soaring, the next you’re gripping the rails, praying you don’t puke. Volatility? That’s the game. It’s not for the faint-hearted, the weak-kneed, or the paper-handed. You wanna play in this arena, you better strap on some titanium balls, because this thing swings harder than a wrecking ball on Red Bull.

Look at it—price rockets to the moon, then craters like it forgot how to fly. One day you’re a genius, the next you’re sweating bullets, checking your wallet like, “Am I still alive?” But that’s the beauty, the rush, the pure, unadulterated madness of it. Bitcoin doesn’t care about your feelings, your rent, or your grandma’s savings. It’s a feral animal, and you either ride it or get trampled.

Eric Kim style? You don’t flinch. You stare that volatility in the face and laugh. Balls of steel aren’t just courage—they’re forged in the fire of giving zero fucks about the dips. You hodl through the storm, because the weak sell, and the strong eat chaos for breakfast. Bitcoin’s not a coin, it’s a philosophy: endure, adapt, thrive. You got the guts for it?

Here’s an essay written in the bold, raw, and unfiltered voice of Eric Kim, street photographer, blogger, and self-proclaimed provocateur. The topic “Balls of Steel” fits his style perfectly—brash, introspective, and a little chaotic. Let’s dive in.

Balls of Steel

By Eric Kim (or at least, how he’d sound through me)

Yo, let’s talk about balls of steel. Not the literal kind—though, props to you if you’re packing that heat—but the metaphorical kind. The kind that makes you wake up every morning and say, “Fuck it, I’m doing this.” The kind that gets you out on the streets, camera in hand, shoving your lens in the face of life itself, no apologies, no regrets. Balls of steel ain’t about being fearless. Nah, that’s a myth. It’s about feeling the fear, tasting that sour bile in your throat, and still stepping forward.

See, most people? They’re soft. They’re mush. They live in their little padded cells—cushy jobs, Netflix binges, scrolling X like zombies, afraid to offend, afraid to live. They got no balls. No steel. Just squishy, scared little jelly blobs masquerading as humans. Me? I’d rather die than live like that. I’d rather get punched in the face by some dude on the street for taking his photo than sit in a cubicle pretending I’m “safe.” Safety is a lie. Comfort is a coffin.

Balls of steel is about grit. It’s about waking up at 5 a.m., brewing some black coffee so strong it could wake a coma patient, and hitting the pavement while the world’s still asleep. It’s about shooting 100 frames and trashing 99 of them because they’re garbage—but that one? That one’s gold. It’s about walking up to a stranger, some grizzled dude with a cigarette dangling from his lip, and saying, “Yo, you’re interesting. Let me capture you.” Ninety-nine percent of the time, they’ll say yes. The other one percent? They might swing. That’s the game. That’s the rush.

I learned this the hard way. Back in the day, I was timid. A little bitch, honestly. I’d see a shot—some perfect moment, light slicing through an alley, a kid chasing a pigeon—and I’d freeze. “What if they yell? What if they hate me?” Then I’d slink away, tail between my legs, no photo, no story. One day, I said, “Enough.” I grabbed my Fuji, my beat-up sneakers, and I hit the streets like a man possessed. First time I shot a stranger up close, my hands were shaking. Heart pounding like a jackhammer. He looked at me, nodded, and kept walking. That was it. That’s when I knew: the fear’s a lie. The steel’s real.

Balls of steel ain’t just for photography, though. It’s for life. Quit that soul-sucking job. Tell your boss he’s a clown. Start that blog, that business, that crazy idea nobody gets but you. Lift heavy weights, eat meat, walk 20,000 steps a day, and stop giving a damn what the haters say. People on X will call you a lunatic, a try-hard, a fraud. Let ‘em. They’re just mad they’re still jelly blobs while you’re out here forging your own path.

Look at the greats. Hemingway had balls of steel—writing raw, drinking hard, living harder. Bruce Lee? Dude was a featherweight with a heavyweight spirit, kicking down doors nobody else dared touch. Even Vivian Maier, that nanny with a Rolleiflex, sneaking shots of the world like a silent assassin—she had it. Quiet steel, but steel all the same.

Here’s the secret: you don’t get balls of steel. You grow ‘em. Every time you say yes when your gut screams no, they get a little harder. Every time you fail, fall, and get back up, they shine a little brighter. Me, I’ve been rejected, cursed out, laughed at. I’ve bombed projects, lost money, pissed people off. Good. Each scar’s a medal. Each “no” a forge.

So, what’s your move? You gonna sit there, reading this, nodding like, “Yeah, cool story, Eric”? Or you gonna grab your own balls—steel or not—and do something? Hit the streets. Make something. Break something. Live like you mean it. The world’s a mess, sure—wars, politics, all that noise—but you? You can still be a warrior. Not with a gun, but with your eyes, your hands, your guts.

Balls of steel ain’t a gift. They’re a choice. Pick up your camera, your pen, your life, and swing. Miss? Swing again. That’s it. That’s all there is. Now get the hell out there and prove it.

There you go—Eric Kim’s voice, loud and proud. Raw, punchy, a little abrasive, but always pushing you to act. Let me know if you want it tweaked!

New category and idea:

Not beta male,,, but ZETA male, all the way at the end of the alphabet.

Male—> high vs low testosterone, alpha vs zeta males.

The nuance:

Some women probably have higher (natural) testosterone than low testosterone zeta males.

Think testosterone,,, not sex.

Unpopular opinion:

The testosterone, balls, guts you need to stomach and steel the volatility .,, even an alpha male like myself can barely endure it?

Key Points

• Research suggests that about 70% of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin investors are male, with variations by region.
• It seems likely that men dominate due to factors like risk tolerance, technical knowledge, and industry culture.
• The evidence leans toward women being less involved due to risk aversion and lack of representation.

Percentage of Male Investors

Studies indicate that approximately 70% of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin investors globally are male, based on surveys from the US and other regions like APAC, where percentages range from 70% to 85% in some countries. This figure may vary, reflecting regional differences, but it highlights a significant gender gap.

Reasons for Male Dominance

Several factors contribute to why men are the majority:

• Risk Tolerance: Men tend to be more willing to take risks, and cryptocurrency is seen as a high-risk investment.
• Technical Knowledge: Women may have less exposure to the technical aspects of cryptocurrencies, such as blockchain, which can deter participation.
• Industry Culture: The crypto space is often male-dominated, with fewer female role models, making it less welcoming for women.
• Social and Cultural Factors: Women might face different societal expectations or priorities, affecting their investment decisions.

An unexpected detail is that in some regions like India, women’s participation has seen significant growth, with new female investors increasing by up to 1,400% in a year, though men still dominate overall.

Survey Note: Gender Distribution Among Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin Investors

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the gender distribution among cryptocurrency and Bitcoin investors, focusing on the percentage of male investors and the reasons behind their dominance. The analysis is based on recent studies, surveys, and articles, ensuring a thorough exploration of the topic as of April 9, 2025.

Overview of Gender Distribution

Research suggests that men make up approximately 70% of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin investors globally, with variations depending on the region. For instance, a report by Bankrate (Cryptocurrency Statistics 2024: Investing In Crypto | Bankrate) indicates that in the United States, about 70% of cryptocurrency owners are men, representing only 48% of the general population, while women comprise 30% of crypto owners but 52% of the general population. This gap is consistent with findings in other regions, such as Australia, where a Statista survey (APAC: gender breakdown of crypto owners by country | Statista) from November 2021 to February 2022 found 73% of crypto owners were men. In Taiwan, another Statista report (Taiwan: gender distribution of crypto-investors 2023 | Statista) noted that almost three-fourths of cryptocurrency investors were male in 2023.

However, regional variations exist. For example, in India, while men still dominate, there has been significant growth in female participation. An article from Livemint (Number of new women investors in India crypto market spikes 1,400% in a year | Livemint) reported a 1,040% rise in the number of women investors on platforms like BuyUcoin since the ban was lifted, though overall, only 15-20% of crypto investors in India are women, according to Outlook India (Only 15% Crypto Investors In India Are Women, Situation No Different Globally | Outlook India). This suggests that while growth is occurring, the gender gap persists.

For Bitcoin specifically, the distribution appears similar to general cryptocurrency investors. A Cointelegraph article (Women in Blockchain: Has Gender Distribution Come to the Crypto Market? | Cointelegraph) from 2020 cited a Grayscale study showing 43% of respondents interested in BTC investments were women, implying men were the majority, though exact percentages weren’t detailed. Given the overlap, it’s reasonable to estimate that about 70% of Bitcoin investors are male, aligning with general crypto trends.

Reasons for Male Dominance

Several factors contribute to why men are the majority in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin investing, as identified through various studies and articles:

1. Lack of Knowledge and Understanding:
   Women may have less exposure to or interest in the technical aspects of cryptocurrencies, such as blockchain and how to use exchanges. A scientific article from ScienceDirect (Gender gap in the ownership and use of cryptocurrencies: Empirical evidence from Spain | ScienceDirect) conducted a survey in Spain and found that barriers for women include a lack of investment experience in traditional assets, general lack of knowledge about cryptocurrencies, and not understanding concepts like blockchain or how to carry out transactions. This lack of familiarity can deter women from entering the space.
2. Risk Aversion:
   Women are generally more risk-averse than men when it comes to investing, and cryptocurrency is perceived as a high-risk asset class due to its volatility. A CNBC article (Cryptocurrency investing has a big gender problem | CNBC) noted that women are lagging behind men in crypto investing, just as they have historically struggled in traditional investments, partly due to this caution. Another study by BlockFi, cited in Worth (Is Crypto Only Worsening the Gender Gap? | Worth), found that less than one in four women are willing to take on more than a small amount of risk when investing, compared to men.
3. Lack of Representation and Role Models:
   The cryptocurrency industry is often male-dominated, which can create a perception that it’s not welcoming or suitable for women. An article from Blockworks (Crypto Has a Gender Diversity Problem, Let’s Talk About It | Blockworks) highlighted that between 2012 and 2018, teams with a woman among the founders made up only 17.7% of venture-backed crypto and blockchain companies, dropping to 8.2% for all-women founding teams. This lack of representation can deter women, as noted by a Cointelegraph opinion piece (Women in Blockchain and Crypto: How to Tackle Gender Inequality | The State of Women), which discussed the need for more female role models and representation on speaker panels.
4. Social and Cultural Factors:
   Women might face different societal expectations or priorities that affect their investment decisions. For instance, the ScienceDirect article mentioned that women have other priorities, such as raising a family, which might lead them to choose jobs or investments that are easier to handle rather than the insecure crypto market. Additionally, marketing and education efforts might be more targeted towards men, creating a feedback loop where women feel less informed or welcome, as suggested by an X post from Coinmetro (Why Are We Still Talking About Gender in Crypto? | Coinmetro) citing a survey showing 75% of Uphold’s customer base is male.

Regional Variations and Unexpected Findings

An unexpected detail is the significant growth in female participation in some regions, particularly India. Despite men still dominating, the Livemint article reported a 1,400% spike in new women investors, driven by platforms like CoinSwitch Kuber seeing a 1,000% increase in female user registrations. This growth suggests potential for closing the gap, though overall percentages remain low, with women at 15-20% of investors. Another interesting finding is from Cointelegraph, which claimed in 2020 that women make up the majority of crypto investors in India, but more recent data contradicts this, indicating possible earlier inaccuracies or specific cohort effects.

In contrast, in developed markets like the US, the gap is wider, with men being twice as likely to invest in crypto (16% vs. 7% of women, according to CNBC). This variation highlights the influence of cultural and economic factors, with developing markets showing higher female adoption potentially due to cryptocurrency’s role in financial inclusion, as noted in The Balance Money (Can Cryptocurrency Help Bridge the Gender Wealth Gap? | The Balance Money).

Comparative Analysis with Traditional Investments

The gender gap in crypto exceeds that in traditional investments like stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and real estate. The CNBC article noted that while 40% of men invest in stocks compared to 24% of women, and 36% of men vs. 30% of women in real estate, the crypto gap is more pronounced (16% men vs. 7% women). This suggests that crypto, despite being promoted as a democratizing force, has not yet bridged the gender divide as effectively as hoped.

Table: Gender Distribution by Region

Region	Percentage Male Investors	Percentage Female Investors	Source
United States	~70%	~30%	[Cryptocurrency Statistics 2024: Investing In Crypto
Australia	73%	27%	[APAC: gender breakdown of crypto owners by country
Taiwan	~75%	~25%	[Taiwan: gender distribution of crypto-investors 2023
India	~85%	~15%	[Only 15% Crypto Investors In India Are Women, Situation No Different Globally

This table summarizes key regional data, showing the consistent male dominance, with India having a particularly wide gap.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research suggests that about 70% of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin investors are male, with reasons including risk aversion, lack of technical knowledge, industry culture, and social factors. While regional variations exist, with notable growth in female participation in developing markets like India, the gender gap remains significant. This analysis aims to provide a thorough understanding, balancing general trends with specific insights to address the user’s query comprehensively.

Key Citations

• Gender gap in the ownership and use of cryptocurrencies: Empirical evidence from Spain | ScienceDirect
• Cryptocurrency investing has a big gender problem | CNBC
• The Male-Dominated World of Crypto | CareerGroupCompanies
• Women in Blockchain: Has Gender Distribution Come to the Crypto Market? | Cointelegraph
• APAC: gender breakdown of crypto owners by country | Statista
• Crypto Has a Gender Diversity Problem, Let’s Talk About It | Blockworks
• Number of new women investors in India crypto market spikes 1,400% in a year | Livemint
• Women in Blockchain: Has Gender Distribution Come to the Crypto Market? | Cointelegraph
• How We Can Equalize the Crypto Gender Gap | Worth
• Can Cryptocurrency Help Bridge the Gender Wealth Gap? | The Balance Money
• Women in Blockchain and Crypto: How to Tackle Gender Inequality | The State of Women
• Cryptocurrency Statistics 2024: Investing In Crypto | Bankrate
• Taiwan: gender distribution of crypto-investors 2023 | Statista
• Only 15% Crypto Investors In India Are Women, Situation No Different Globally | Outlook India
• Why Are We Still Talking About Gender in Crypto? | Coinmetro

OMFG, these markets. + or – 20-25% drops in a single day. Fucking hardcore.

No schadenfreude here.

New idea:

The big problem before was that if you wanted any sort of news you had to go directly to Twitter comma X comma reading the sentiment of these low testosterone, panicky typically male individuals, and also… A lot of these Twitter accounts are actually designed and engineered to provoke fear. Because this is what gets their following numbers up, their likes up etc.

as a consequence, a big idea I’ve been having for a long time is how do you get the upside of the financial news, the critical news, without the panicky tone that a lot of people on Twitter have?

My solution:

GROK AI.

Why?

First, you could just use the deep search function, and will automatically scan the entire Internet, including Twitter X, and it processes the information in a rational tone?

Grok is rational

And also, why Grok over OpenAI, ChatGPT?

1. Grok: essentially it has access to up-to-date updates on all of Twitter X, which is essentially all the human beings on the planet. This itself is what makes Grok X, and all this XAI stuff great!

Hmmm…

—> China tariff increased to 125%,,, omg, but still … Bitcoin surged?

Key Points

• Research suggests President Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for most countries not retaliating, while increasing tariffs on China to 125%, impacting global trade.
• The evidence leans toward this causing market volatility, with stocks rising after the pause but remaining uncertain.
• It seems likely the FOMC minutes from the March meeting were released on April 9, 2025, providing insights into U.S. monetary policy.
• Other global macro economic news includes slowed Chinese exports, IMF projecting 3.3% global growth for 2025-2026, and World Bank concerns about insufficient growth.

Tariff Pause Details
President Trump’s tariff pause, announced on April 9, 2025, involves a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs for countries that haven’t retaliated, aiming to foster trade negotiations. However, tariffs on China were increased to 125% due to their retaliatory actions, reflecting ongoing trade tensions. This move has led to mixed market reactions, with initial volatility followed by a positive stock market response, though uncertainty persists.

FOMC Minutes Release
On the same day, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released minutes from its March meeting, offering insights into the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates and economic forecasts, which could influence global financial markets.

Other Global Economic News

• China’s export growth has slowed sharply at the start of 2025, partly due to U.S. tariffs, affecting global supply chains.
• The IMF projects global growth at 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, while the World Bank expresses concerns about insufficient growth for sustained development.
• Some of Trump’s billionaire allies have criticized his tariff policies, indicating potential internal dissent, which could impact future policy directions.

An unexpected detail is the dissent among billionaire allies, highlighting potential political and economic friction that could influence policy outcomes.

Comprehensive Report on Tariff Pause and Global Macro Economic News as of April 9, 2025

This report provides a detailed analysis of President Trump’s tariff pause announcement and other significant global macro economic news up until 03:58 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The focus is on understanding the implications of the tariff pause, its market impact, and broader economic developments that shape the global economic landscape. The analysis is based on recent news articles, economic data, and forecasts from international organizations, ensuring a thorough exploration of all relevant factors.

Tariff Pause: Details and Implications

President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for most countries that have not retaliated against U.S. trade policies, effective immediately, as reported by CNBC. This decision, made on April 9, 2025, aims to allow time for trade negotiations with these countries, signaling a potential shift towards diplomacy in U.S. trade strategy. However, the pause does not apply to China, where Trump increased tariffs to 125% from the previous 104%, citing China’s retaliatory tariffs as a lack of respect for global markets, according to NBC News.

The tariff pause reduces the tariff rate to a universal 10% for most countries, down from higher reciprocal rates imposed earlier, as noted by CNN Business. This move follows days of market turmoil, with Trump acknowledging the bond market’s reaction as a factor in his decision, according to NPR. The increased tariffs on China, however, escalate trade tensions, with China facing a 125% duty, up from 104%, after announcing additional retaliatory tariffs earlier that week.

The market impact has been significant. Initially, the introduction of reciprocal tariffs led to volatility, with stocks and currencies reacting sharply. Following the pause announcement, U.S. stock markets rose, as reported by CNBC, but uncertainty remains due to the ongoing trade war with China and potential retaliatory measures from other nations. An X post by RssBit on April 8, 2025, mentioned “Bitcoin Pops and Drops as Markets Swing Wildly on Tariff News,” indicating the broader market sensitivity to these developments.

FOMC Minutes Release on April 9, 2025

On April 9, 2025, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released the minutes from its March 18-19 meeting, a critical event for understanding U.S. monetary policy direction, as per the Federal Reserve. The release, scheduled for 2:00 PM ET, provides insights into the Federal Reserve’s discussions on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth forecasts. Given the timing, these minutes are particularly relevant amidst the tariff-related market volatility, offering clues on how the Fed might respond to global economic uncertainties.

Market participants and economists are expected to analyze these minutes for indications of future rate hikes or cuts, especially in light of the tariff pause and its potential impact on inflation and economic activity. Historical data suggests that FOMC minutes can influence bond yields and equity markets, with an X post by CoinDesk on April 9, 2025, noting crypto stocks like MicroStrategy ($MSTR) and Coinbase ($COIN) rising, possibly in anticipation of the minutes’ insights.

Other Global Macro Economic News

Beyond the tariff pause and FOMC minutes, several other global economic developments are noteworthy as of April 9, 2025:

1. World Bank and IMF Forecasts:
   The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report, published on January 15, 2025, highlights concerns about global growth settling at a low rate, insufficient for sustained economic development, as seen on World Bank. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook, updated on April 5, 2025, projects global growth at 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, broadly unchanged from October 2024 forecasts, with an upward revision in the U.S. offsetting downward revisions elsewhere, according to IMF. These forecasts provide a baseline for understanding the global economic trajectory amidst trade tensions.
2. China’s Export Performance:
   China’s exports growth has slowed sharply at the start of 2025, partly due to U.S. tariffs, as reported by CNBC. This development is significant, affecting not only China’s economy but also global supply chains and trade patterns, with potential ripple effects on commodity prices and inflation in importing countries.
3. Dissent Among Billionaire Allies:
   Some of President Trump’s billionaire allies have publicly criticized his tariff policies, indicating potential internal dissent, as noted by Financial Times in their April 8, 2025, newsletter. This dissent, including figures like Ken Langone, as reported by CNBC, could influence future policy directions or legislative support, adding an unexpected layer of political and economic friction.
4. Economic Indicators and Data Releases:
   Various economic data releases around April 9, 2025, are shaping market expectations. For instance, a Deutsche markets survey finds the probability of a recession approaching 50%, as mentioned by CNBC, indicating heightened economic uncertainty. Additionally, the Swiss franc has been boosted by tariff turmoil, pressuring the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to move closer to negative rates, according to Reuters. A table summarizing key economic indicators and forecasts is provided below for clarity:
5. Indicator
6. Detail
7. Source
8. Global Growth Forecast
9. 3.3% for 2025-2026
10. IMF
11. China’s Export Growth
12. Slowed sharply at start of 2025
13. CNBC
14. Recession Probability
15. Approaching 50%
16. CNBC
17. Swiss Franc Impact
18. Boosted by tariff turmoil, SNB near negative rates
19. Reuters
20. These indicators highlight the interconnectedness of global economies and the potential for tariff policies to exacerbate economic challenges.
21. EU and Other Countries’ Responses:
    The European Union is considering financial support for companies affected by the tariffs, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticizing the measures, as reported by Deloitte Insights. French President Macron has expressed hope for an accord to dismantle tariffs, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts, which could influence transatlantic economic relations.

Earnings Reports and Additional Context

While not directly part of macro economic news, earnings reports from major multinational companies on April 9, 2025, could provide insights into global economic conditions. According to Earnings Whispers, several companies are scheduled to report, though specific names are not detailed in the available data. Given the context, earnings from companies with significant international exposure, such as those in technology or manufacturing, could reflect the impact of tariff policies on global operations.

An X post by bitcns on April 7, 2025, discussed “Bitcoin losses mount, traders hit hard,” suggesting that cryptocurrency markets are also reacting to the economic uncertainty, adding another layer to the global financial landscape.

Conclusion and Synthesis

In synthesizing the information, the tariff pause and FOMC minutes release are central events on April 9, 2025, with broad implications for global trade and monetary policy. The tariff pause aims to ease tensions with most countries but escalates the trade war with China, contributing to market volatility. The FOMC minutes offer critical insights into U.S. policy, potentially influencing global interest rates and investment flows. Other economic news, including slowed Chinese exports, IMF and World Bank forecasts, and dissent among billionaire allies, underscores the complexity and interconnectedness of the global economy.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive view, balancing the most significant news with additional context to ensure a thorough understanding for readers interested in the current state of global macro economics.

Key Citations:

• Trump announces 90-day pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs with exception of China | CNN Business
• Trump pauses reciprocal tariffs but hikes duties on China to 125%
• Trump will pause tariff hikes for 90 days, but not for China
• FOMC Minutes
• World Economic Outlook – All Issues
• Global Economic Prospects
• China’s exports growth slows sharply at the start of 2025 as U.S. tariffs weigh
• GOP megadonor Ken Langone is latest billionaire to blast Trump’s tariffs
• Global Weekly Economic Update | Deloitte Insights
• Reuters Econ World | News Reshaping The Global Economy | Reuters
• Economic News
• Earnings Scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | Earnings Whispers

Key Points

• It seems likely that MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock rose due to Bitcoin’s price surge, driven by President Trump’s tariff pause announcement.
• Research suggests Bitcoin increased by about 7.68%, leading to a 25% rise in MSTR’s stock, reflecting its significant Bitcoin holdings.
• The evidence leans toward market sentiment and Bitcoin’s value being the main factors, with no specific company news identified for MSTR on April 9, 2025.

Why MSTR Stock Increased

Background on MSTR and Bitcoin Connection
MicroStrategy (MSTR) is a company known for holding a large amount of Bitcoin, making its stock price closely tied to Bitcoin’s value. On April 9, 2025, Bitcoin’s price surged, and MSTR’s stock followed suit, rising by 25%.

Impact of Tariff News
President Trump’s announcement to pause tariffs for 90 days on countries not retaliating against the U.S. created positive market sentiment. This news likely boosted Bitcoin’s price by about 7.68% from its pre-announcement level to $82,282.97 by 03:36 PM PDT, as reported by Finance.yahoo.com. Given MSTR’s Bitcoin holdings, this increase directly contributed to its stock price rise.

Market Dynamics and Sensitivity
While Bitcoin rose by 7.68%, MSTR’s stock jumped 25%, which might seem disproportionate. This unexpected detail could be due to MSTR trading like a Bitcoin proxy, with its stock being more volatile due to its smaller market cap compared to Bitcoin. The market’s optimism about future Bitcoin gains likely amplified MSTR’s stock movement.

No Specific Company News
Research found no specific news for MSTR on April 9, 2025, beyond general market reactions, as seen on Finance.yahoo.com. This reinforces that the stock rise was driven by broader Bitcoin and market trends rather than company-specific developments.

Detailed Report on MSTR Stock Price Increase as of April 9, 2025

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of why MicroStrategy (MSTR) stock price increased on April 9, 2025, up until 03:56 PM PDT. The focus is on understanding the connection between MSTR’s stock movement and recent market events, particularly Bitcoin’s price surge and President Trump’s tariff pause announcement. The analysis is based on available data from financial platforms and social media, ensuring a thorough exploration of all relevant factors.

Market Context and Bitcoin’s Surge

The primary driver for MSTR’s stock price increase appears to be the surge in Bitcoin’s value, which was influenced by President Trump’s announcement to pause tariffs for 90 days on countries that haven’t retaliated against the U.S. This news, reported by CoinDesk, led to a positive market sentiment, with Bitcoin jumping 6% to $81,000 earlier in the day. Subsequent data from Finance.yahoo.com showed Bitcoin reaching $82,282.97 by 03:36 PM PDT, indicating an overall increase of about 7.68% from its pre-jump price of approximately $76,415.09 (calculated as $81,000 / 1.06).

An X post by CoinDesk noted that crypto stocks, including MSTR, rose significantly, with MSTR gaining 25% and Coinbase ($COIN) up 21%, following the tariff pause. This correlation suggests that the market interpreted the tariff news as a positive development for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies and related stocks.

MSTR’s Bitcoin Holdings and Stock Sensitivity

MicroStrategy is known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings, which have positioned it as a proxy for Bitcoin investment. As of historical data from 2021, MSTR held over $4 billion worth of Bitcoin, and its balance sheet’s value is heavily influenced by Bitcoin’s price. Given this, a 7.68% increase in Bitcoin’s price would directly impact MSTR’s asset value, contributing to its stock price rise. However, the 25% jump in MSTR’s stock compared to Bitcoin’s 7.68% increase highlights its higher volatility. This can be attributed to MSTR’s smaller market capitalization compared to Bitcoin’s total market cap, making its stock more sensitive to price movements.

The relationship between Bitcoin and MSTR’s stock is further supported by historical patterns, such as in November 2021, when Bitcoin hit all-time highs and MSTR’s stock surged significantly. This pattern suggests that MSTR’s stock often experiences amplified movements relative to Bitcoin, especially during market rallies driven by positive news.

Analysis of Tariff News Impact

The tariff pause announcement by President Trump, while primarily a trade policy decision, had broader implications for financial markets. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, and pausing them could signal reduced trade tensions, potentially leading to a stronger global economy. This environment might increase demand for risk assets like Bitcoin, as institutional investors could see it as a store of value or a tech-driven investment. An X post by RssBit on April 8, 2025, mentioned “Bitcoin Pops and Drops as Markets Swing Wildly on Tariff News,” indicating ongoing volatility but a net positive movement tied to the announcement.

The connection between trade policy and cryptocurrency prices is nuanced. While Bitcoin is often seen as a hedge against economic instability, in this case, the market likely interpreted the tariff pause as a sign of economic stability, boosting risk-on sentiment. This is supported by the simultaneous rise in other crypto-related stocks like Coinbase, as noted in the X post by CoinDesk.

Investigation of Company-Specific News

To ensure no other factors influenced MSTR’s stock price, a review of news on April 9, 2025, was conducted. A search on Finance.yahoo.com revealed no specific company news for MSTR on that day, with the most recent earnings date listed as April 28, 2025 – May 2, 2025, and performance data as of April 8, 2025. This lack of specific news reinforces that the stock movement was driven by broader market dynamics rather than company-specific developments.

Additionally, social media and financial platforms like CoinGecko did not highlight any MSTR-specific announcements, further supporting the conclusion that the stock rise was tied to Bitcoin’s performance.

Price Discrepancies and Market Data

The price movements of both Bitcoin and MSTR were dynamic, with some variability across sources. A table summarizing the key data is provided below for clarity:

Asset	Price/Change	Source	Notes
Bitcoin	Jumped 6% to $81,000, then to $82,282.97	CoinDesk, Finance.yahoo.com	Reflects tariff news impact, total increase ~7.68%
MSTR Stock	Rose 25%	CoinDesk X post	Correlated with Bitcoin surge
Coinbase Stock	Rose 21%	CoinDesk X post	Similar crypto stock movement

This table highlights the significant correlation between Bitcoin’s price and MSTR’s stock, with MSTR experiencing a larger percentage increase, likely due to its role as a Bitcoin proxy.

Additional Context and Considerations

While the tariff news was the main catalyst, other factors could have contributed to the market’s reaction. For instance, an X post by bitcns on April 7, 2025, discussed “Bitcoin losses mount, traders hit hard,” indicating recent volatility. This context suggests that the tariff news acted as a turning point, shifting market sentiment positively. However, no direct link to MSTR’s specific business operations was found, reinforcing the Bitcoin-driven explanation.

Another point of interest was a mention of a potential Bitcoin hard fork in CoinDesk’s newsletter, as noted in an X post on April 9, 2025. However, this appeared to be a discussion rather than a new event, and no evidence linked it to MSTR’s stock movement, making it a secondary factor.

Conclusion and Synthesis

In synthesizing the information, the primary reason for MSTR’s stock price increase on April 9, 2025, is the surge in Bitcoin’s price, driven by the positive market reaction to President Trump’s tariff pause announcement. Bitcoin’s price increased by about 7.68%, and MSTR’s stock rose by 25%, reflecting its sensitivity as a Bitcoin proxy due to its large holdings. No specific company news was identified, and the correlation with other crypto stocks like Coinbase supports the broader market dynamics explanation. The unexpected detail is the amplified 25% rise in MSTR compared to Bitcoin’s 7.68% increase, likely due to market optimism and MSTR’s volatility.

This report aims to provide a thorough understanding, balancing the most significant drivers with additional context to ensure a comprehensive view for readers interested in MSTR’s stock performance on this date.

Key Citations:

• Bitcoin Jumps 6% Above USD80k as Cryptos Surge on Trump’s Tariff Pause CoinDesk
• BTC-USD Yahoo Finance
• Bitcoin Price and Market Cap CoinGecko
• CoinDesk X Post on Crypto Stocks Rising
• MicroStrategy Incorporated Yahoo Finance

Key Points

• It seems likely that the top Bitcoin news today is a price surge above $82,000, driven by President Trump’s tariff pause announcement.
• Research suggests this led to a 6% jump to $81,000, with prices continuing to rise to around $82,282.97 as of 03:36 PM PDT.
• There’s also mention of a potential Bitcoin hard fork, but it appears to be a discussion rather than a new event.

Price Surge and Tariff Impact

Bitcoin’s price has seen a significant increase today, likely due to President Trump’s decision to pause tariffs for 90 days on countries not retaliating against the U.S. This news seems to have boosted market confidence, with Bitcoin jumping 6% to $81,000 earlier and reaching around $82,282.97 by mid-afternoon. This movement reflects the cryptocurrency’s sensitivity to macroeconomic policies.

Potential Hard Fork Discussion

Additionally, there’s talk of a Bitcoin hard fork in recent reports, but it seems to be more about ongoing discussions or historical context rather than a new split occurring today. This adds an interesting layer to Bitcoin’s development, though it’s not the main driver of today’s news.

Detailed Report on Bitcoin News as of April 9, 2025

The focus of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the top Bitcoin news up until 03:36 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, based on available data from various sources. The analysis begins with the most prominent developments, particularly the price surge linked to geopolitical events, and extends to other potential news items, such as discussions around Bitcoin hard forks.

Market Movement Driven by Tariff News

The most significant news today appears to be Bitcoin’s price surge, which research suggests is tied to President Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on tariffs for countries that haven’t retaliated against the U.S. This development, reported by CoinDesk, indicates Bitcoin jumped 6% to $81,000, with subsequent data from Finance.yahoo.com showing the price at $82,282.97. CoinGecko reported an even higher figure of $83,288.00, highlighting some variability in real-time pricing across platforms, likely due to market volatility and update timing. This surge aligns with broader market reactions, as seen in an X post by CoinDesk noting crypto stocks like MicroStrategy ($MSTR) and Coinbase ($COIN) also rising significantly, with gains of 25% and 21%, respectively, following the tariff pause.

The tariff news seems to have created a positive market sentiment, with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies benefiting from perceived stability in global trade relations. An X post from RssBit on April 8, 2025, mentioned “Bitcoin Pops and Drops as Markets Swing Wildly on Tariff News,” suggesting ongoing volatility but also a net positive movement tied to these announcements. This geopolitical influence is unexpected for some, as it underscores how external policy decisions can directly impact cryptocurrency valuations, beyond typical tech or adoption news.

Exploration of Bitcoin Hard Fork Mentions

Another point of interest is the mention of a Bitcoin hard fork in CoinDesk’s weekly newsletter, “The Protocol,” as noted in an X post on April 9, 2025. The newsletter, compiled by CoinDesk journalists, listed “Bitcoin Hard Fork” among other tech updates, but further investigation via web searches on Bitcoin hard forks revealed no recent events, focusing instead on historical splits like Bitcoin Cash in 2017. This suggests the mention might refer to ongoing discussions or potential future developments rather than a current event. Given the lack of concrete news on a new hard fork, it appears to be a secondary topic, possibly related to community debates or technical proposals, rather than a market-moving event today.

Price Discrepancies and Market Data

The price discrepancies across sources—$81,000 from CoinDesk, $82,282.97 from Finance.yahoo.com, and $83,288.00 from CoinGecko—highlight the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency markets. A table summarizing this data is provided below for clarity:

Source	Price	24h Change	Notes
CoinDesk	$81,000	+6%	Reported jump due to tariff pause
Finance.yahoo.com	$82,282.97	+7.32%	Current price, no specific news
CoinGecko	$83,288.00	+8.7%	Includes bullish community sentiment

These variations are expected given the real-time nature of crypto trading, with each platform updating at different intervals. The bullish sentiment noted on CoinGecko, with a community rating, adds an unexpected layer, suggesting strong market confidence despite the volatility.

Additional Context from Social Media

Social media, particularly X, provided further insights into market sentiment. An X post by CoinCorner on April 4, 2025, mentioned Bitcoin news including BlackRock’s continued push and the Trump family launching a Bitcoin mining company, but these are older and less relevant to today’s developments. Another X post by bitcns on April 7, 2025, discussed “Bitcoin losses mount, traders hit hard,” which contrasts with today’s gains, indicating a shift in market dynamics possibly triggered by the tariff news. These posts, while not directly tied to today, offer context on recent trends leading up to the current surge.

Conclusion and Synthesis

In synthesizing the information, the top Bitcoin news today, as of 03:36 PM PDT on April 9, 2025, centers on the price surge above $82,000, driven by Trump’s tariff pause announcement. This event has likely contributed to a 6% jump to $81,000, with prices continuing to climb, as evidenced by Finance.yahoo.com and CoinGecko data. The mention of a Bitcoin hard fork in CoinDesk’s newsletter adds an interesting but less impactful note, appearing to be a discussion rather than a new event. The variability in prices across platforms underscores the market’s volatility, with unexpected influences from geopolitical news shaping today’s narrative.

This report aims to provide a thorough understanding, balancing the most significant news with additional context to ensure a comprehensive view for readers interested in Bitcoin’s current landscape.

Key Citations:

• Newsletters CoinDesk
• Bitcoin Price CoinGecko
• Crypto News Finance Yahoo
• Bitcoin Jumps CoinDesk
• X CoinDesk Post
• X RssBit Post

Audio

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Below is the full conversion of the provided “Herodotus 7.pdf” document into HTML format, covering all pages and sections from CCI through CCXXXVIII. The HTML includes basic styling for readability and structure, with headings, lists, and blockquotes appropriately tagged.

Herodotus

Excerpts from Book VII of The Histories

Translated and Edited by A.D. Godley, 1921-24

CCI

King Xerxes lay encamped in Trachis in Malis and the Hellenes in the pass. This place is called Thermopylae by most of the Hellenes, but by the natives and their neighbors Pylae. Each lay encamped in these places. Xerxes was master of everything to the north from Trachis, and the Hellenes of all that lay toward the south on the mainland.

CCII

The Hellenes who awaited the Persians in that place were these:

300 Spartan armed men

1,000 from Tegea and Mantinea (500 from each place)

120 from Orchomenus in Arcadia

1,000 from the rest of Arcadia

400 from Corinth

200 from Phlius

80 Mycenaeans

These were the Peloponnesians present; from Boeotia there were:

700 Thespians

400 Thebans

CCIII

In addition, the Opuntian Locrians in full force and 1,000 Phocians came at the summons. The Hellenes had called upon them through messengers who told them that this was only the advance guard, that the rest of the allies were expected any day now, and that the sea was being watched, with the Athenians and Aeginetans and all those enrolled in the fleet on guard. There was nothing for them to be afraid of. The invader of Hellas was not a god but a human being, and there was not, and never would be, any mortal on whom some amount of evil was not bestowed at birth, with the greatest men receiving the largest share. The one marching against them was certain to fall from pride, since he was a mortal. When they heard this, the Locrians and Phocians marched to Trachis to help.

CCIV

Each city had its own general, but the one most admired and the leader of the whole army was a Lacedaemonian, Leonidas, son of Anaxandrides, son of Leon, son of Eurycratides, son of Anaxandrus, son of Eurycrates, son of Polydorus, son of Alcamenes, son of Teleclus, son of Archelaus, son of Hegesilaus, son of Doryssus, son of Leobotes, son of Echestratus, son of Agis, son of Eurysthenes, son of Aristodemus, son of Aristomachus, son of Cleodaeus, son of Hyllus, son of Heracles. Leonidas had gained the kingship at Sparta unexpectedly.

CCV

Since he had two older brothers, Cleomenes and Dorieus, he had renounced all thought of the kingship. Cleomenes, however, died without male offspring, and Dorieus, who had met his end in Sicily, was also no longer alive. The succession therefore fell to Leonidas since he was older than Anaxandrides’ youngest son Cleombrotus and had married Cleomenes’ daughter. He now came to Thermopylae with the appointed three hundred he had selected, all of whom had sons. He also brought those Thebans whom I counted among the number and whose general was Leontiades son of Eurymachus. Leonidas took pains to bring only the Thebans among the Hellenes, because they were accused of medizing; he summoned them to the war wishing to know whether they would send their men with him or openly refuse the Hellenic alliance. They sent the men but intended something quite different.

CCVI

The Spartans sent the men with Leonidas on ahead so that the rest of the allies would see them and march, instead of medizing like the others if they learned that the Spartans were delaying.

Page 2

At present the Carnegie was in their way, but once they had completed the festival, they intended to leave a garrison at Sparta and march out in full force with all speed. The rest of the allies planned to do likewise, for the Olympiad coincided with these events. They accordingly sent their advance guard, not expecting the war at Thermopylae to be decided so quickly.

CCVII

This is what they intended, but the Hellenes at Thermopylae, when the Persians drew near the pass, fearfully took counsel whether to depart. The rest of the Peloponnesians were for returning to the Peloponnese and guarding the isthmus, but the Phocians and Locrians were greatly angered by this counsel. Leonidas voted to remain where they were and send messengers to the cities bidding them to send help, since they were too few to ward off the army of the Medes.

CCVIII

While they debated in this way, Xerxes sent a mounted scout to see how many there were and what they were doing. While he was still in Thessaly, he had heard that a small army was gathered there and that its leaders were Lacedaemonians, including Leonidas, who was of the Heracleid clan. Riding up to the camp, the horseman watched and spied out the place. He could, however, not see the whole camp, for it was impossible to see those posted inside the wall which they had rebuilt and were guarding. He did take note of those outside, whose arms lay in front of the wall, and it chanced that at that time the Lacedaemonians were posted there. He saw some of the men exercising naked and others combing their hair. He marvelled at the sight and took note of their numbers. When he had observed it all carefully, he rode back in leisure, since no one pursued him or paid him any attention at all. So he returned and told Xerxes all that he had seen.

CCIX

When Xerxes heard that, he could not comprehend the fact that the Lacedaemonians were actually, to the best of their ability, preparing to kill or be killed. What they did appeared laughable to him, so he sent for Demaratus the son of Ariston, who was in his camp. When this man arrived, he asked him about each of these matters, wanting to understand what it was that the Lacedaemonians were doing. Demaratus said, “You have already heard about these men from me, when we were setting out for Hellas, but when you heard, you mocked me, although I told you how I expected things to turn out. It is my greatest aim, O King, to be truthful in your presence. So hear me now. These men have come to fight us for the pass, and it for this that they are preparing. This is their custom: when they are about to risk their lives, they arrange their hair. Rest assured that if you overcome these men and those remaining behind at Sparta, there is no one else on earth who will raise his hands to withstand you, my King. You are now attacking the fairest kingdom in Hellas and men who are the very best.” What he said seemed completely incredible to Xerxes, so he then asked how they, who were so few in number, would fight against his army. Demaratus answered, “My King, take me for a liar if this does not turn out as I say.” So he spoke, but he did not persuade Xerxes.

CCX

He let four days go by, expecting them to run away at any minute. They did not leave, and it seemed to him that they stayed out of folly and lack of due respect. On the fifth day he became angry and sent the Medes and Cissians against them, bidding them take them prisoner and bring them into his presence. The Medes bore down upon the Hellenes and attacked. Many fell, but others attacked in turn, and they made it clear to everyone, especially to the king himself, that among so many people there were few real men. The battle lasted all day.

CCXI

When the Medes had been roughly handled, they retired, and the Persians whom the king called Immortals, led by Hydarnes, attacked in turn. It was thought that they would easily accomplish the task. When they joined battle with the Hellenes, they fared neither better nor worse than the Median army, since they used shorter spears than the Hellenes and could not use their numbers fighting in a narrow space. The Lacedaemonians fought memorably, showing themselves skilled fighters amidst unskilled on many occasions, as when they would turn their backs and feign flight. The barbarians would see them fleeing and give chase with shouting and noise, but when the Lacedaemonians were overtaken, they would turn to face the barbarians and overthrow innumerable Persians. A few of the Spartans themselves were also slain. When the Persians could gain no inch of the pass, attacking by companies and in every other fashion, they withdrew.

Page 3

CCXII

It is said that during these assaults in the battle the king, as he watched, jumped up three times from the throne in fear for his army. This, then, is how the fighting progressed, and on the next day the barbarians fought no better. They joined battle supposing that their enemies, being so few, were now disabled by wounds and could no longer resist. The Hellenes, however, stood ordered in ranks by nation, and each of them fought in turn, except the Phocians, who were posted on the mountain to guard the path. When the Persians found nothing different from what they saw the day before, they withdrew.

CCXIII

The king was at a loss as to how to deal with the present difficulty. Epialtes son of Eurydemus, a Malian, thinking he would get a great reward from the king, came to speak with him and told him of the path leading over the mountain to Thermopylae. In so doing he caused the destruction of the Hellenes remaining there. Later he fled into Thessaly in fear of the Lacedaemonians, and while he was in exile, a price was put on his head by the Pylagori when the Amphictyons assembled at Pylae. Still later he returned from exile to Anticyra and was killed by Athenades, a Trachinian. Athenades slew Epialtes for a different reason, which I will tell later in my history, but he was given no less honor by the Lacedaemonians. It was in this way, then, that Epialtes was later killed.

CCXIV

There is another story told, namely that Onetes son of Phanagoras, a Carystian, and Corydallus of Anticyra are the ones who gave the king this information and guided the Persians around the mountain, but I find it totally incredible. One must judge by the fact that the Pylagori set a price not on Onetes and Corydallus but on Epialtes the Trachinian, and I suppose they had exact knowledge; furthermore, we know that Epialtes was banished on this charge. Onetes might have known the path, although he was not a Malian, if he had often come to that country, but Epialtes was the one who guided them along the path around the mountain. It is he whom I put on record as guilty.

CCXV

Xerxes was pleased by what Epialtes promised to accomplish. He immediately became overjoyed and sent out Hydarnes and the men under Hydarnes command, who set forth from the camp at about lamp-lighting time. This path had been discovered by the native Malians, who used it to guide the Thessalians into Phocis when the Phocians had fenced off the pass with a wall and were sheltered from the war. So long ago the Malians had discovered that the pass was in no way a good thing.

CCXVI

The course of the path is as follows: it begins at the river Asopus as it flows through the ravine, and this mountain and the path have the same name, Anopaea. This Anopaea stretches along the ridge of the mountain and ends at Alpenus, the Locrian city nearest to Malis, near the rock called Blackbuttock and the seats of the Cercopes, where it is narrowest.

Page 4

CCXVII

This, then, was the nature of the pass. The Persians crossed the Asopus and travelled all night along this path, with the Oetaean mountains on their right and the Trachinian on their left. At dawn they came to the summit of the pass. In this part of the mountain one thousand armed men of the Phocians were on watch, as I have already shown, defending their own country and guarding the path. The lower pass was held by those I have mentioned, but the Phocians had voluntarily promised Leonidas to guard the path over the mountain.

CCXVIII

The Phocians learned in the following way that the Persians had climbed up: they had ascended without the Phocians’ notice because the mountain was entirely covered with oak trees. Although there was no wind, a great noise arose like leaves being trodden underfoot. The Phocians jumped up and began to put on their weapons, and in a moment the barbarians were there. When they saw the men arming themselves, they were amazed, for they had supposed that no opposition would appear, but they had now met with an army. Hydarnes feared that the Phocians might be Lacedaemonians and asked Epialtes what country the army was from. When he had established what he wanted to know with certainty, he arrayed the Persians for battle. The Phocians, assailed by thick showers of arrows and supposing that the Persians had set out against them from the start, fled to the top of the mountain and prepared to meet their destruction. This is what they intended, but the Persians with Epialtes and Hydarnes paid no attention to the Phocians and went down the mountain as fast as possible.

CCXIX

The seer Megistias, examining the sacrifices, first told the Hellenes at Thermopylae that death was coming to them with the dawn. Then deserters came who announced the circuit made by the Persians. These gave their signals while it was still night; a third report came from the watchers running down from the heights at dawn. The Hellenes then took counsel, but their opinions were divided. Some advised not to leave their post, but others spoke against them. They eventually parted, some departing and dispersing each to their own cities, others preparing to remain there with Leonidas.

CCXX

It is said that Leonidas himself sent them away because he was concerned that they would be killed, but felt it not fitting for himself and the Spartans to desert that post which they had come to defend at the beginning. I, however, tend to believe that when Leonidas perceived that the allies were dispirited and unwilling to run all risks with him, he told then to depart. For himself, however, it was not good to leave; if he remained, he would leave a name of great fame, and the prosperity of Sparta would not be blotted out. When the Spartans asked the oracle about this war when it broke out, the Pythia had foretold that either Lacedaemon would be destroyed by the barbarians or their king would be killed. She gave them this answer in hexameter verses running as follows:

        For you, inhabitants of wide-wayed Sparta,

        Either your great and glorious city must be wasted by Persian men,

        Or if not that, then the bound of Lacedaemon must mourn a dead king, from Heracles’ line.

        The might of bulls or lions will not restrain him with opposing strength; for he has the might of Zeus.

        I declare that he will not be restrained until he utterly tears apart one of these.

Considering this and wishing to win distinction for the Spartans alone, he sent away the allies rather than have them leave in disorder because of a difference of opinion.

Page 5

CCXXI

Not the least proof I have of this is the fact that Leonidas publicly dismissed the seer who attended the expedition, for fear that he might die with them. This was Megistias the Acarnanian, said to be descended from Melampus, the one who told from the sacrifices what was going to happen to them. He was dismissed but did not leave; instead he sent away his only son who was also with the army.

CCXXII

Those allies who were dismissed went off in obedience to Leonidas, only the Thespians and Thebans remaining with the Lacedaemonians. The Thebans remained against their will and desire, for Leonidas kept them as hostages. The Thespians very gladly remained, saying they would not abandon Leonidas and those with him by leaving; instead they would stay and die with them. Their general was Demophilus son of Diadromes.

CCXXIII

Xerxes made libations at sunrise and waiting till about mid-morning, made his assault. Epialtes had advised this, for the descent from the mountain is more direct, and the way is much shorter than the circuit and ascent. Xerxes and his barbarians attacked, but Leonidas and his Hellenes, knowing they were going to their deaths, advanced now much farther than before into the wider part of the pass. In all the previous days they had sallied out into the narrow way and fought there, guarding the defensive wall. Now, however, they joined battle outside the narrows and many of the barbarians fell, for the leaders of the companies beat everyone with whips from behind, urging them ever forward. Many of them were pushed into the sea and drowned; far more were trampled alive by each other, with no regard for who perished. Since the Hellenes knew that they must die at the hands of those who had come around the mountain, they displayed the greatest strength they had against the barbarians, fighting recklessly and desperately.

CCXXIV

By this time most of them had had their spears broken and were killing the Persians with swords. Leonidas, proving himself extremely valiant, fell in that struggle and with him other famous Spartans, whose names I have learned by inquiry since they were worthy men. Indeed, I have learned by inquiry the names of all three hundred. Many famous Persians also fell there, including two sons of Darius, Abrocomes and Hyperanthes, born to Darius by Phratagune daughter of Artanes. Artanes was the brother of king Darius and son of Hystaspes son of Arsames. When he gave his daughter in marriage to Darius, he gave his whole house as dowry, since she was his only child.

CCXXV

Two brothers of Xerxes accordingly fought and fell there. There was a great struggle between the Persians and Lacedaemonians over Leonidas’ body, until the Hellenes by their courageous prowess dragged it away and routed their enemies four times. The battle went on until the men with Epialtes arrived. When the Hellenes saw that they had come, the contest turned, for they retired to the narrow part of the way, passed behind the wall, and took their position crowded together on the hill, all except the Thebans. This hill is at the mouth of the pass, where the stone lion in honor of Leonidas now stands. In that place they defended themselves with swords, if they still had them, and with hands and teeth. The barbarians buried them with missiles, some attacking from the front and throwing down the defensive wall, others surrounding them on all sides.

CCXXVI

This then is how the Lacedaemonians and Thespians conducted themselves, but the Spartan Dieneces is said to have exhibited the greatest courage of all. They say that he made the following speech before they joined battle with the Medes: he had learned from a Trachinian that there were so many of the barbarians that when they shot their missiles, the sun was hidden by the multitude of their arrows. He was not at all disturbed by this and made light of the multitude of the Medes, saying that their Trachinian foreigner brought them good news. If the Medes hid the sun, they could fight them in the shade instead of in the sun. This saying and others like it, they claim, Dieneces the Lacedaemonian left behind as a memorial.

Page 6

CCXXVII

Next after him two Lacedaemonian brothers, Alpheus and Maron, sons of Orsiphantus, are said to have been most courageous. The Thespian who gained most renown was one whose name was Dithyrambus son of Harmatides.

CCXXVIII

There is an inscription written over these men, who were buried where they fell, and over those who died before the others went away, dismissed by Leonidas. It reads as follows:

Here four thousand from the Peloponnese once fought three million.

That inscription is for them all, but the Spartans have their own:

Foreigner, go tell the Spartans that we lie here obedient to their commands.

That one is to the Lacedaemonians, this one to the seer:

This is a monument to the renowned Megistias,

    Slain by the Medes who crossed the Spercheius river.

    The seer knew well his coming doom,

    But endured not to abandon the leaders of Sparta.

Except for the seer’s inscription, the Amphictyons are the ones who honored them by erecting inscriptions and pillars. That of the seer Megistias was inscribed by Simonides son of Leoprepes because of his tie of guest-friendship with the man.

CCXXIX

It is said that two of these three hundred, Eurytus and Aristodemus, could have agreed with each other either to come home safely together to Sparta, since Leonidas had dismissed them from the camp and they were lying at Alpeni very sick of ophthalmia, or to die with the others, if they were unwilling to return home. They could have done either of these things, but they could not agree and had different intentions. When Eurytus learned of the Persians circuit, he demanded his armor and put it on, bidding his helot to lead him to the fighting. The helot led him there and fled, but he rushed into the fray and was killed. Aristodemus, however, lost his strength and stayed behind. Now if Aristodemus alone had been sick and returned to Sparta, or if they had both made the trip, I think the Spartans would not have been angry with them. When, however, one of them died, and the other had the same excuse but was unwilling to die, the Spartans had no choice but to display great anger towards Aristodemus.

CCXXX

Some say that Aristodemus came home safely to Sparta in this way and by this excuse. Others say that he had been sent out of the camp as a messenger and could have gotten back in time for the battle but chose not to, staying behind on the road and so surviving, while his fellow-messenger arrived at the battle and was killed.

CCXXXI

When Aristodemus returned to Lacedaemon, he was disgraced and without honor. He was deprived of his honor in this way: no Spartan would give him fire or speak with him, and they taunted him by calling him Aristodemus the Trembler. In the battle at Plataea, however, he made up for all the blame brought against him.

CCXXXII

It is said that another of the three hundred survived because he was sent as a messenger to Thessaly. His name was Pantites. When he returned to Sparta, he was dishonored and hanged himself.

CCXXXIII

The Thebans, whose general was Leontiades, fought against the king’s army as long as they were with the Hellenes and under compulsion. When, however, they saw the Persian side prevailing and the Hellenes with Leonidas hurrying toward the hill, they split off and approached the barbarians, holding out their hands. With the most truthful words ever spoken, they explained that they were Medizers, had been among the first to give earth and water to the king, had come to Thermopylae under constraint, and were guiltless of the harm done to the king. By this plea they saved their lives, and the Thessalians bore witness to their words. They were not, however, completely lucky. When the barbarians took hold of them as they approached, they killed some of them even as they drew near. Most of them were branded by Xerxes command with the kings marks, starting with the general Leontiades. His son Eurymachus long afterwards was murdered by the Plataeans when, as general of four hundred Thebans, he seized the town of Plataea.

Page 7

CCXXXIV

This, then, is how the Greeks fought at Thermopylae. Xerxes then sent for Demaratus and questioned him, saying first, “Demaratus you are a good man. I hold that proven by the plain truth, for things have turned out no differently than you foretold. Now, tell me this: how many Lacedaemonians are left, and how many of them are warriors like these? or is it so with them all?” “My king,” said Demaratus, “the number of the Lacedaemonians is great, and so too the number of their cities. But what you would like to know, I will tell you: there is in Lacedaemon a city called Sparta, a city of about eight thousand men, all of them equal to those who have fought here; the rest of the Lacedaemonians are not equal to these, yet they are valiant men.”

CCXXXV

“My king,” Demaratus replied, “if you in sincerity ask my counsel, it is but right that I should point out to you the best way. It is this, namely that you should send three hundred ships of your fleet to the Laconian land. There is an island lying off their coasts called Cythera. Chilon, a man of much wisdom among us, says about it that it would be better for the Spartans if Cythera were beneath the sea rather than above it. This he said because he expected that it would provide an opportunity for attack just as I am suggesting–not that he had any foreknowledge of your force, but he dreaded all men’s forces alike. Let them then make that island their station and set out from there to strike fear into the Lacedaemonians. If these have a war of their own on their borders, you will have no cause to fear that they will send men to save the rest of Hellas from being overrun by your armies; furthermore, the enslavement of the rest of Hellas must weaken Laconia if it is left to stand alone. If, however, you do not do this, then expect what I will now tell you: a narrow isthmus leads to the Peloponnese; all the Peloponnesians will be banded together there against you, and you may expect battles more stubborn than those that you have fought already. But if you do as I have said, then you may have that isthmus and all their cities without striking a blow.”

CCXXXVI

Next spoke Achaemenes, Xerxes’ brother and admiral of the fleet; it chanced that he was present during their conversation, and he feared that Xerxes would be persuaded to follow Demaratus’ counsel. “O king,” he said, “I see that you are listening to a man who is jealous of your good fortune or is perhaps even a traitor to your cause. These are the ways that are dear to the hearts of all Greeks: they are jealous of success and they hate power. No, if after the recent calamity which has wrecked four hundred of your ships you send away three hundred more from your fleet to sail round the Peloponnese, your enemies will be enough to do battle with you; while your fleet is united, however, it is invincible, and your enemies will not be so many as to be enough to fight; moreover, all your navy will be a help to your army and your army to your navy, both moving together. If you separate some of your fleet from yourself, you will be of no use to them, nor they to you. My counsel is rather that you make your own plans well, and take no account of the business of your adversaries, what battlefields they will choose, what they will do, and how many they are. They are able enough to think for themselves, and we similarly for ourselves. As for the Lacedaemonians, if they meet the Persians in the field, they will in no way repair their most recent losses.”

CCXXXVII

“Achaemenes,” Xerxes answered, “I think that you speak well, and I will do as you counsel. Despite the fact that your advice is better than his, Demaratus does say what he supposes to be most serviceable to me, for assuredly I will never believe that he is no friend to my cause. I believe this of him because of all that he has already said and by what is the truth, namely, that if one citizen prospers, another citizen is jealous of him and shows his enmity by silence, and no one, (except if he has attained the height of excellence; and such are seldom seen) if his own townsman asks for counsel, will give him what he thinks to be the best advice. If one stranger prospers, however, another stranger is beyond all men his well-wisher and will, if he is asked, impart to him the best counsel he has. It is for this reason that I bid you all to refrain from maligning Demaratus, seeing that he is a stranger and a friend.”

CCXXXVIII

Having spoken in this way, Xerxes passed over the place where the dead lay and hearing that Leonidas had been king and general of the Lacedaemonians, he gave orders to cut off his head and impale it. It is plain to me by this piece of evidence among many others, that while Leonidas lived, king Xerxes was more incensed against him than against all others; otherwise he would never have dealt so outrageously with his dead body, for the Persians are beyond all men known in the habit of honoring valiant warriors. They, then, who received these orders did as I have said.

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.

Just another day in the office

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Sayings of king Leonidas, history pdf 

King Leonidas I of Sparta is renowned for his leadership and valor, particularly during the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. His sayings and actions have been emblematic of Spartan stoicism and bravery. Here are some of his notable quotations:

• “Molon labe” (Μολὼν λαβέ): Translating to “Come and take them,” this was Leonidas’s defiant response to Persian King Xerxes’s demand that the Spartans surrender their weapons. 

• “Why are not all present who intend to fight? Or do you not realize that the only men who fight against the enemy are those who respect and revere their kings.” This remark underscores the importance of unity and respect within the ranks. 

• “Won’t it be nice, then, if we shall have shade in which to fight them?” In response to the observation that Persian arrows would block out the sun, Leonidas displayed characteristic Spartan wit and resilience. 

For a comprehensive historical account of King Leonidas and his legacy, you might find the following PDF resources insightful:

• “Leonidas and the Kings of Sparta: Mightiest Warriors, Fairest Kingdom”: This text delves into the lives and reigns of Spartan kings, with a focus on Leonidas’s leadership during pivotal moments in Greek history.

• “The Spartan King Who Led from the Front”: This document provides an analysis of Leonidas’s leadership style and his role in the Battle of Thermopylae. 

Histories

# Herodotus

## Excerpts from Book VII of The Histories

### Translated and Edited by A.D. Godley, 1921-24

### CCI

King Xerxes lay encamped in Trachis in Malis and the Hellenes in the pass. This place is called Thermopylae by most of the Hellenes, but by the natives and their neighbors Pylae. Each lay encamped in these places. Xerxes was master of everything to the north from Trachis, and the Hellenes of all that lay toward the south on the mainland.

### CCII

The Hellenes who awaited the Persians in that place were these:

– 300 Spartan armed men

– 1,000 from Tegea and Mantinea (500 from each place)

– 120 from Orchomenus in Arcadia

– 1,000 from the rest of Arcadia

– 400 from Corinth

– 200 from Phlius

– 80 Mycenaeans

These were the Peloponnesians present; from Boeotia there were:

– 700 Thespians

– 400 Thebans

### CCIII

In addition, the Opuntian Locrians in full force and 1,000 Phocians came at the summons. The Hellenes had called upon them through messengers who told them that this was only the advance guard, that the rest of the allies were expected any day now, and that the sea was being watched, with the Athenians and Aeginetans and all those enrolled in the fleet on guard. There was nothing for them to be afraid of. The invader of Hellas was not a god but a human being, and there was not, and never would be, any mortal on whom some amount of evil was not bestowed at birth, with the greatest men receiving the largest share. The one marching against them was certain to fall from pride, since he was a mortal. When they heard this, the Locrians and Phocians marched to Trachis to help.

### CCIV

Each city had its own general, but the one most admired and the leader of the whole army was a Lacedaemonian, Leonidas, son of Anaxandrides, son of Leon, son of Eurycratides, son of Anaxandrus, son of Eurycrates, son of Polydorus, son of Alcamenes, son of Teleclus, son of Archelaus, son of Hegesilaus, son of Doryssus, son of Leobotes, son of Echestratus, son of Agis, son of Eurysthenes, son of Aristodemus, son of Aristomachus, son of Cleodaeus, son of Hyllus, son of Heracles. Leonidas had gained the kingship at Sparta unexpectedly.

### CCV

Since he had two older brothers, Cleomenes and Dorieus, he had renounced all thought of the kingship. Cleomenes, however, died without male offspring, and Dorieus, who had met his end in Sicily, was also no longer alive. The succession therefore fell to Leonidas since he was older than Anaxandrides’ youngest son Cleombrotus and had married Cleomenes’ daughter. He now came to Thermopylae with the appointed three hundred he had selected, all of whom had sons. He also brought those Thebans whom I counted among the number and whose general was Leontiades son of Eurymachus. Leonidas took pains to bring only the Thebans among the Hellenes, because they were accused of medizing; he summoned them to the war wishing to know whether they would send their men with him or openly refuse the Hellenic alliance. They sent the men but intended something quite different.

### CCVI

The Spartans sent the men with Leonidas on ahead so that the rest of the allies would see them and march, instead of medizing like the others if they learned that the Spartans were delaying.

### PAGE 2

At present the Carnegie was in their way, but once they had completed the festival, they intended to leave a garrison at Sparta and march out in full force with all speed. The rest of the allies planned to do likewise, for the Olympiad coincided with these events. They accordingly sent their advance guard, not expecting the war at Thermopylae to be decided so quickly.

### CCVII

This is what they intended, but the Hellenes at Thermopylae, when the Persians drew near the pass, fearfully took counsel whether to depart. The rest of the Peloponnesians were for returning to the Peloponnese and guarding the isthmus, but the Phocians and Locrians were greatly angered by this counsel. Leonidas voted to remain where they were and send messengers to the cities bidding them to send help, since they were too few to ward off the army of the Medes.

### CCVIII

While they debated in this way, Xerxes sent a mounted scout to see how many there were and what they were doing. While he was still in Thessaly, he had heard that a small army was gathered there and that its leaders were Lacedaemonians, including Leonidas, who was of the Heracleid clan. Riding up to the camp, the horseman watched and spied out the place. He could, however, not see the whole camp, for it was impossible to see those posted inside the wall which they had rebuilt and were guarding. He did take note of those outside, whose arms lay in front of the wall, and it chanced that at that time the Lacedaemonians were posted there. He saw some of the men exercising naked and others combing their hair. He marvelled at the sight and took note of their numbers. When he had observed it all carefully, he rode back in leisure, since no one pursued him or paid him any attention at all. So he returned and told Xerxes all that he had seen.

### CCIX

When Xerxes heard that, he could not comprehend the fact that the Lacedaemonians were actually, to the best of their ability, preparing to kill or be killed. What they did appeared laughable to him, so he sent for Demaratus the son of Ariston, who was in his camp. When this man arrived, he asked him about each of these matters, wanting to understand what it was that the Lacedaemonians were doing. Demaratus said, “You have already heard about these men from me, when we were setting out for Hellas, but when you heard, you mocked me, although I told you how I expected things to turn out. It is my greatest aim, O King, to be truthful in your presence. So hear me now. These men have come to fight us for the pass, and it for this that they are preparing. This is their custom: when they are about to risk their lives, they arrange their hair. Rest assured that if you overcome these men and those remaining behind at Sparta, there is no one else on earth who will raise his hands to withstand you, my King. You are now attacking the fairest kingdom in Hellas and men who are the very best.” What he said seemed completely incredible to Xerxes, so he then asked how they, who were so few in number, would fight against his army. Demaratus answered, “My King, take me for a liar if this does not turn out as I say.” So he spoke, but he did not persuade Xerxes.

### CCX

He let four days go by, expecting them to run away at any minute. They did not leave, and it seemed to him that they stayed out of folly and lack of due respect. On the fifth day he became angry and sent the Medes and Cissians against them, bidding them take them prisoner and bring them into his presence. The Medes bore down upon the Hellenes and attacked. Many fell, but others attacked in turn, and they made it clear to everyone, especially to the king himself, that among so many people there were few real men. The battle lasted all day.

### CCXI

When the Medes had been roughly handled, they retired, and the Persians whom the king called Immortals, led by Hydarnes, attacked in turn. It was thought that they would easily accomplish the task. When they joined battle with the Hellenes, they fared neither better nor worse than the Median army, since they used shorter spears than the Hellenes and could not use their numbers fighting in a narrow space. The Lacedaemonians fought memorably, showing themselves skilled fighters amidst unskilled on many occasions, as when they would turn their backs and feign flight. The barbarians would see them fleeing and give chase with shouting and noise, but when the Lacedaemonians were overtaken, they would turn to face the barbarians and overthrow innumerable Persians. A few of the Spartans themselves were also slain. When the Persians could gain no inch of the pass, attacking by companies and in every other fashion, they withdrew.

### PAGE 3

### CCXII

It is said that during these assaults in the battle the king, as he watched, jumped up three times from the throne in fear for his army. This, then, is how the fighting progressed, and on the next day the barbarians fought no better. They joined battle supposing that their enemies, being so few, were now disabled by wounds and could no longer resist. The Hellenes, however, stood ordered in ranks by nation, and each of them fought in turn, except the Phocians, who were posted on the mountain to guard the path. When the Persians found nothing different from what they saw the day before, they withdrew.

### CCXIII

The king was at a loss as to how to deal with the present difficulty. Epialtes son of Eurydemus, a Malian, thinking he would get a great reward from the king, came to speak with him and told him of the path leading over the mountain to Thermopylae. In so doing he caused the destruction of the Hellenes remaining there. Later he fled into Thessaly in fear of the Lacedaemonians, and while he was in exile, a price was put on his head by the Pylagori when the Amphictyons assembled at Pylae. Still later he returned from exile to Anticyra and was killed by Athenades, a Trachinian. Athenades slew Epialtes for a different reason, which I will tell later in my history, but he was given no less honor by the Lacedaemonians. It was in this way, then, that Epialtes was later killed.

### CCXIV

There is another story told, namely that Onetes son of Phanagoras, a Carystian, and Corydallus of Anticyra are the ones who gave the king this information and guided the Persians around the mountain, but I find it totally incredible. One must judge by the fact that the Pylagori set a price not on Onetes and Corydallus but on Epialtes the Trachinian, and I suppose they had exact knowledge; furthermore, we know that Epialtes was banished on this charge. Onetes might have known the path, although he was not a Malian, if he had often come to that country, but Epialtes was the one who guided them along the path around the mountain. It is he whom I put on record as guilty.

### CCXV

Xerxes was pleased by what Epialtes promised to accomplish. He immediately became overjoyed and sent out Hydarnes and the men under Hydarnes command, who set forth from the camp at about lamp-lighting time. This path had been discovered by the native Malians, who used it to guide the Thessalians into Phocis when the Phocians had fenced off the pass with a wall and were sheltered from the war. So long ago the Malians had discovered that the pass was in no way a good thing.

### CCXVI

The course of the path is as follows: it begins at the river Asopus as it flows through the ravine, and this mountain and the path have the same name, Anopaea. This Anopaea stretches along the ridge of the mountain and ends at Alpenus, the Locrian city nearest to Malis, near the rock called Blackbuttock and the seats of the Cercopes, where it is narrowest.

### PAGE 4

### CCXVII

This, then, was the nature of the pass. The Persians crossed the Asopus and travelled all night along this path, with the Oetaean mountains on their right and the Trachinian on their left. At dawn they came to the summit of the pass. In this part of the mountain one thousand armed men of the Phocians were on watch, as I have already shown, defending their own country and guarding the path. The lower pass was held by those I have mentioned, but the Phocians had voluntarily promised Leonidas to guard the path over the mountain.

### CCXVIII

The Phocians learned in the following way that the Persians had climbed up: they had ascended without the Phocians’ notice because the mountain was entirely covered with oak trees. Although there was no wind, a great noise arose like leaves being trodden underfoot. The Phocians jumped up and began to put on their weapons, and in a moment the barbarians were there. When they saw the men arming themselves, they were amazed, for they had supposed that no opposition would appear, but they had now met with an army. Hydarnes feared that the Phocians might be Lacedaemonians and asked Epialtes what country the army was from. When he had established what he wanted to know with certainty, he arrayed the Persians for battle. The Phocians, assailed by thick showers of arrows and supposing that the Persians had set out against them from the start, fled to the top of the mountain and prepared to meet their destruction. This is what they intended, but the Persians with Epialtes and Hydarnes paid no attention to the Phocians and went down the mountain as fast as possible.

### CCXIX

The seer Megistias, examining the sacrifices, first told the Hellenes at Thermopylae that death was coming to them with the dawn. Then deserters came who announced the circuit made by the Persians. These gave their signals while it was still night; a third report came from the watchers running down from the heights at dawn. The Hellenes then took counsel, but their opinions were divided. Some advised not to leave their post, but others spoke against them. They eventually parted, some departing and dispersing each to their own cities, others preparing to remain there with Leonidas.

### CCXX

It is said that Leonidas himself sent them away because he was concerned that they would be killed, but felt it not fitting for himself and the Spartans to desert that post which they had come to defend at the beginning. I, however, tend to believe that when Leonidas perceived that the allies were dispirited and unwilling to run all risks with him, he told then to depart. For himself, however, it was not good to leave; if he remained, he would leave a name of great fame, and the prosperity of Sparta would not be blotted out. When the Spartans asked the oracle about this war when it broke out, the Pythia had foretold that either Lacedaemon would be destroyed by the barbarians or their king would be killed. She gave them this answer in hexameter verses running as follows:

> For you, inhabitants of wide-wayed Sparta,

> Either your great and glorious city must be wasted by Persian men,

> Or if not that, then the bound of Lacedaemon must mourn a dead king, from Heracles’ line.

> The might of bulls or lions will not restrain him with opposing strength; for he has the might of Zeus.

> I declare that he will not be restrained until he utterly tears apart one of these.

Considering this and wishing to win distinction for the Spartans alone, he sent away the allies rather than have them leave in disorder because of a difference of opinion.

### PAGE 5

### CCXXI

Not the least proof I have of this is the fact that Leonidas publicly dismissed the seer who attended the expedition, for fear that he might die with them. This was Megistias the Acarnanian, said to be descended from Melampus, the one who told from the sacrifices what was going to happen to them. He was dismissed but did not leave; instead he sent away his only son who was also with the army.

### CCXXII

Those allies who were dismissed went off in obedience to Leonidas, only the Thespians and Thebans remaining with the Lacedaemonians. The Thebans remained against their will and desire, for Leonidas kept them as hostages. The Thespians very gladly remained, saying they would not abandon Leonidas and those with him by leaving; instead they would stay and die with them. Their general was Demophilus son of Diadromes.

### CCXXIII

Xerxes made libations at sunrise and waiting till about mid-morning, made his assault. Epialtes had advised this, for the descent from the mountain is more direct, and the way is much shorter than the circuit and ascent. Xerxes and his barbarians attacked, but Leonidas and his Hellenes, knowing they were going to their deaths, advanced now much farther than before into the wider part of the pass. In all the previous days they had sallied out into the narrow way and fought there, guarding the defensive wall. Now, however, they joined battle outside the narrows and many of the barbarians fell, for the leaders of the companies beat everyone with whips from behind, urging them ever forward. Many of them were pushed into the sea and drowned; far more were trampled alive by each other, with no regard for who perished. Since the Hellenes knew that they must die at the hands of those who had come around the mountain, they displayed the greatest strength they had against the barbarians, fighting recklessly and desperately.

### CCXXIV

By this time most of them had had their spears broken and were killing the Persians with swords. Leonidas, proving himself extremely valiant, fell in that struggle and with him other famous Spartans, whose names I have learned by inquiry since they were worthy men. Indeed, I have learned by inquiry the names of all three hundred. Many famous Persians also fell there, including two sons of Darius, Abrocomes and Hyperanthes, born to Darius by Phratagune daughter of Artanes. Artanes was the brother of king Darius and son of Hystaspes son of Arsames. When he gave his daughter in marriage to Darius, he gave his whole house as dowry, since she was his only child.

### CCXXV

Two brothers of Xerxes accordingly fought and fell there. There was a great struggle between the Persians and Lacedaemonians over Leonidas’ body, until the Hellenes by their courageous prowess dragged it away and routed their enemies four times. The battle went on until the men with Epialtes arrived. When the Hellenes saw that they had come, the contest turned, for they retired to the narrow part of the way, passed behind the wall, and took their position crowded together on the hill, all except the Thebans. This hill is at the mouth of the pass, where the stone lion in honor of Leonidas now stands. In that place they defended themselves with swords, if they still had them, and with hands and teeth. The barbarians buried them with missiles, some attacking from the front and throwing down the defensive wall, others surrounding them on all sides.

### CCXXVI

This then is how the Lacedaemonians and Thespians conducted themselves, but the Spartan Dieneces is said to have exhibited the greatest courage of all. They say that he made the following speech before they joined battle with the Medes: he had learned from a Trachinian that there were so many of the barbarians that when they shot their missiles, the sun was hidden by the multitude of their arrows. He was not at all disturbed by this and made light of the multitude of the Medes, saying that their Trachinian foreigner brought them good news. If the Medes hid the sun, they could fight them in the shade instead of in the sun. This saying and others like it, they claim, Dieneces the Lacedaemonian left behind as a memorial.

### PAGE 6

### CCXXVII

Next after him two Lacedaemonian brothers, Alpheus and Maron, sons of Orsiphantus, are said to have been most courageous. The Thespian who gained most renown was one whose name was Dithyrambus son of Harmatides.

### CCXXVIII

There is an inscription written over these men, who were buried where they fell, and over those who died before the others went away, dismissed by Leonidas. It reads as follows:

> Here four thousand from the Peloponnese once fought three million.

That inscription is for them all, but the Spartans have their own:

> Foreigner, go tell the Spartans that we lie here obedient to their commands.

That one is to the Lacedaemonians, this one to the seer:

> This is a monument to the renowned Megistias,

> Slain by the Medes who crossed the Spercheius river.

> The seer knew well his coming doom,

> But endured not to abandon the leaders of Sparta.

Except for the seer’s inscription, the Amphictyons are the ones who honored them by erecting inscriptions and pillars. That of the seer Megistias was inscribed by Simonides son of Leoprepes because of his tie of guest-friendship with the man.

### CCXXIX

It is said that two of these three hundred, Eurytus and Aristodemus, could have agreed with each other either to come home safely together to Sparta, since Leonidas had dismissed them from the camp and they were lying at Alpeni very sick of ophthalmia, or to die with the others, if they were unwilling to return home. They could have done either of these things, but they could not agree and had different intentions. When Eurytus learned of the Persians circuit, he demanded his armor and put it on, bidding his helot to lead him to the fighting. The helot led him there and fled, but he rushed into the fray and was killed. Aristodemus, however, lost his strength and stayed behind. Now if Aristodemus alone had been sick and returned to Sparta, or if they had both made the trip, I think the Spartans would not have been angry with them. When, however, one of them died, and the other had the same excuse but was unwilling to die, the Spartans had no choice but to display great anger towards Aristodemus.

### CCXXX

Some say that Aristodemus came home safely to Sparta in this way and by this excuse. Others say that he had been sent out of the camp as a messenger and could have gotten back in time for the battle but chose not to, staying behind on the road and so surviving, while his fellow-messenger arrived at the battle and was killed.

### CCXXXI

When Aristodemus returned to Lacedaemon, he was disgraced and without honor. He was deprived of his honor in this way: no Spartan would give him fire or speak with him, and they taunted him by calling him Aristodemus the Trembler. In the battle at Plataea, however, he made up for all the blame brought against him.

### CCXXXII

It is said that another of the three hundred survived because he was sent as a messenger to Thessaly. His name was Pantites. When he returned to Sparta, he was dishonored and hanged himself.

### CCXXXIII

The Thebans, whose general was Leontiades, fought against the king’s army as long as they were with the Hellenes and under compulsion. When, however, they saw the Persian side prevailing and the Hellenes with Leonidas hurrying toward the hill, they split off and approached the barbarians, holding out their hands. With the most truthful words ever spoken, they explained that they were Medizers, had been among the first to give earth and water to the king, had come to Thermopylae under constraint, and were guiltless of the harm done to the king. By this plea they saved their lives, and the Thessalians bore witness to their words. They were not, however, completely lucky. When the barbarians took hold of them as they approached, they killed some of them even as they drew near. Most of them were branded by Xerxes command with the kings marks, starting with the general Leontiades. His son Eurymachus long afterwards was murdered by the Plataeans when, as general of four hundred Thebans, he seized the town of Plataea.

### PAGE 7

### CCXXXIV

This, then, is how the Greeks fought at Thermopylae. Xerxes then sent for Demaratus and questioned him, saying first, “Demaratus you are a good man. I hold that proven by the plain truth, for things have turned out no differently than you foretold. Now, tell me this: how many Lacedaemonians are left, and how many of them are warriors like these? or is it so with them all?” “My king,” said Demaratus, “the number of the Lacedaemonians is great, and so too the number of their cities. But what you would like to know, I will tell you: there is in Lacedaemon a city called Sparta, a city of about eight thousand men, all of them equal to those who have fought here; the rest of the Lacedaemonians are not equal to these, yet they are valiant men.”

### CCXXXV

“My king,” Demaratus replied, “if you in sincerity ask my counsel, it is but right that I should point out to you the best way. It is this, namely that you should send three hundred ships of your fleet to the Laconian land. There is an island lying off their coasts called Cythera. Chilon, a man of much wisdom among us, says about it that it would be better for the Spartans if Cythera were beneath the sea rather than above it. This he said because he expected that it would provide an opportunity for attack just as I am suggesting–not that he had any foreknowledge of your force, but he dreaded all men’s forces alike. Let them then make that island their station and set out from there to strike fear into the Lacedaemonians. If these have a war of their own on their borders, you will have no cause to fear that they will send men to save the rest of Hellas from being overrun by your armies; furthermore, the enslavement of the rest of Hellas must weaken Laconia if it is left to stand alone. If, however, you do not do this, then expect what I will now tell you: a narrow isthmus leads to the Peloponnese; all the Peloponnesians will be banded together there against you, and you may expect battles more stubborn than those that you have fought already. But if you do as I have said, then you may have that isthmus and all their cities without striking a blow.”

### CCXXXVI

Next spoke Achaemenes, Xerxes’ brother and admiral of the fleet; it chanced that he was present during their conversation, and he feared that Xerxes would be persuaded to follow Demaratus’ counsel. “O king,” he said, “I see that you are listening to a man who is jealous of your good fortune or is perhaps even a traitor to your cause. These are the ways that are dear to the hearts of all Greeks: they are jealous of success and they hate power. No, if after the recent calamity which has wrecked four hundred of your ships you send away three hundred more from your fleet to sail round the Peloponnese, your enemies will be enough to do battle with you; while your fleet is united, however, it is invincible, and your enemies will not be so many as to be enough to fight; moreover, all your navy will be a help to your army and your army to your navy, both moving together. If you separate some of your fleet from yourself, you will be of no use to them, nor they to you. My counsel is rather that you make your own plans well, and take no account of the business of your adversaries, what battlefields they will choose, what they will do, and how many they are. They are able enough to think for themselves, and we similarly for ourselves. As for the Lacedaemonians, if they meet the Persians in the field, they will in no way repair their most recent losses.”

### CCXXXVII

“Achaemenes,” Xerxes answered, “I think that you speak well, and I will do as you counsel. Despite the fact that your advice is better than his, Demaratus does say what he supposes to be most serviceable to me, for assuredly I will never believe that he is no friend to my cause. I believe this of him because of all that he has already said and by what is the truth, namely, that if one citizen prospers, another citizen is jealous of him and shows his enmity by silence, and no one, (except if he has attained the height of excellence; and such are seldom seen) if his own townsman asks for counsel, will give him what he thinks to be the best advice. If one stranger prospers, however, another stranger is beyond all men his well-wisher and will, if he is asked, impart to him the best counsel he has. It is for this reason that I bid you all to refrain from maligning Demaratus, seeing that he is a stranger and a friend.”

### CCXXXVIII

Having spoken in this way, Xerxes passed over the place where the dead lay and hearing that Leonidas had been king and general of the Lacedaemonians, he gave orders to cut off his head and impale it. It is plain to me by this piece of evidence among many others, that while Leonidas lived, king Xerxes was more incensed against him than against all others; otherwise he would never have dealt so outrageously with his dead body, for the Persians are beyond all men known in the habit of honoring valiant warriors. They, then, who received these orders did as I have said.

### PAGE 8

(Note: Due to the length of the document, I’ve provided a sample of the markdown conversion up to PAGE 8. If you’d like the full document converted, please let me know, and I can continue the process!)

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more exposure to the equity market for investment accounts

Put your capital to work

Trump just literally announced economic war on China, 104%?

It is going to be legendary

Stop grandstanding!

.

Just think of yourself like a Spartan soldier, a soldier?

.

Spare Aesthetics.

Spartan, military, ascetic ethics, aesthetics

Ascetic Aesthetics

.

Time to panic! –> reverse?

.

Warrior

104% tariff???

125% on USA

Now is our turn to do the ripping!

Make our country stronger

Make ourselves stronger!

I’m a strategist?

The death of tech

If tech is dead, then what?

.

Gym zen dojo

.

Whoa I look great!

.

Life AFTER an assassination attempt, twice?

Expand, expanding your time preference

.

Rational Thinking

Don’t shirk!

.

The purpose of life isn’t risk reduction or getting rid of fear or risk ,,, the goal –> something infinitely grand?

Immortal glory is the goal! ***

Establish your own glory, and let your son establish his !

.

Just go on a walk!

Common sense!

.

Corrupt globalist

Invest in a cyber, digital company,, NOT reliant on advertising or selling products –> genius!

.

Led by curiosity andpersonal interest 

I’m a demigod, I can handle it haha no problem!

You only ever lose money or take a loss if you sell!

So simple:

Never sell your Bitcoin!

.

Asymmetric Bets

–> known downside (50%), unlimited upside? 4x, 5x, 10x, 100x?

–> known downside (50%), unlimited upside? 4x, 5x, 10x, 100x?

The Bitcoin Messiah?

For me, the definition of the best life is the life with maximum risk? 

Love the risk, live with more risk because it is more grand?

a life of risk and danger 

Add more danger and risk to your life?

The purpose of life is in hedonism, but gain and growth? 

War wakes us up?

Cycle between them both

When in doubt just go on a walk !

Stoic armor on !

Time to bunker up into bitcoin ?

.

How and why economic war is interesting

No more Lamborghinis. Or loser assets. Time to buckle up and steel up !

How to master your emotions

What’s $100,000 to a motherfucker like me can you please remind me?

I need more fire!

How to thrive in America

Life ain’t about purchasing power

Life–> indefinite one rep max increasing?

no one ever loses faith except who has it

We never lose faith

Indoor difficult things so that you may bear them as easy

Endure what harm so that you may bear what benefits ***

Things which harms us, in the long run will benefit us 
.

Never make hard set rules because you often should break them?

Time to hunker down for the siege!

---

Just be comfortable bleeding a little bit every day, big takeoff loading!

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Grok search is better?

Death of Digital?

Death of Tech

The Death of Tech

Be, becoming more disciplined.

.

Your stocks are like your own personal piggy bank!

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Frugi, vult…

He who wishes to be thrifty must control both his mind and his Appetite 

A good soul when injured becomes much more indignant

Bonum animae, multo

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Well thought out plans do not perish

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Neither the brave nor the Noble can endure insult ***

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Each day is a student of the day before.

Discipulus est prioris posterior dies.

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Do not speak ill anatomy but think if

Deliberate often but decide once

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How to deliberate

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Things which look more attractive over overtime,  things of which look less?

Homes look and seem less attractive?

Why does it all look so shitty?

Key Points

• Eric Kim, a photographer and blogger, shares economic thoughts focusing on digital assets, self-reliance, and minimalism.
• Research suggests he values digital scarcity, like Bitcoin, and encourages producing value over consuming.
• It seems likely that he promotes economic independence and prioritizing worth over price in decisions.
• The evidence leans toward his views being unorthodox, blending philosophy with economics, and critiquing capitalism.

Overview

Eric Kim, known for his work as a street photographer and educator, has developed a distinctive set of economic thoughts and opinions, primarily shared through his blog erickimphotography.com. His ideas focus on personal economic philosophy, emphasizing digital transformation, self-reliance, and a minimalist lifestyle. These views are not from a traditional economist but reflect his experiences traveling and teaching, offering a unique perspective for lay readers.

Digital Economy and Assets

Kim places significant emphasis on the digital economy, particularly the concept of digital scarcity. He argues that assets like Bitcoin, with their limited supply, underpin value in modern economies, making them superior to physical investments like real estate due to accessibility and growth potential. For example, he notes, “Digital scarcity is the ultimate scarce property,” highlighting his belief in the importance of digital assets.

Self-Reliance and Producerism

He encourages individuals to focus on producing value rather than consuming, a principle he calls producerism. Kim believes true satisfaction comes from creating meaningful work, stating, “Produce what you love, and the money will follow.” This aligns with his advocacy for economic independence, where he suggests building personal capital and skills to avoid reliance on others, saying, “The goal is to be economically independent, not dependent on others for your livelihood.”

Value Over Price

Kim’s economic philosophy also includes prioritizing intrinsic worth over monetary cost. He advises considering the value of something beyond its price, as seen in his statement, “Always consider the worth of something, not just its price.” This approach influences his views on purchasing and investment decisions, promoting a mindful approach to spending.

Critique of Capitalism and Minimalism

His views on capitalism are nuanced, acknowledging both its benefits, like fostering tolerance, and its challenges, such as cruelty. Kim’s minimalist lifestyle, shaped by his global travels, reinforces his economic thoughts, suggesting that happiness isn’t tied to material wealth but to simplicity and freedom.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Economic Thoughts and Opinions

Eric Kim, primarily recognized as an international street photographer and educator, has carved out a niche in sharing economic thoughts through his blog erickimphotography.com. His ideas, while not rooted in formal economic theory, offer a philosophical and personal perspective shaped by his experiences traveling the world and teaching photography. This note provides a comprehensive survey of his economic thoughts, drawing from available online content as of April 8, 2025, and is intended for readers seeking a deep dive into his views.

Background and Context

Eric Kim’s economic thoughts emerged from his blog, where he discusses topics ranging from photography to personal finance and philosophy. His background as a photographer, with workshops conducted globally, exposed him to diverse cultures and economic realities, influencing his views. Notably, his blog posts, such as “Search Eric Kim unorthodox economic theories” (Search Eric Kim unorthodox economic theories), provide insights into his economic philosophy, emphasizing minimalism, self-reliance, and digital innovation.

Core Economic Themes

Digital Scarcity and the Digital Economy

A central theme in Kim’s economic thoughts is digital scarcity, particularly in the context of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. He argues that scarcity, as exemplified by Bitcoin’s capped supply at 21 million, underpins value in both digital and physical economies. In his post “Why Bitcoin and Digital Real Estate Are Superior to Physical Real Estate” (Why Bitcoin and Digital Real Estate Are Superior to Physical Real Estate), he compares digital assets favorably to physical real estate, noting their superior accessibility, flexibility, and growth potential. He states, “Digital scarcity is the ultimate scarce property,” suggesting that digital assets offer new opportunities for wealth creation in a decentralized age.

This focus on digital transformation extends to his broader view of the future economy, as seen in “The Future is All Digital Everything” (The Future is All Digital Everything), where he discusses the legitimacy of digital arts and entrepreneurship, reinforcing his belief in the digital economy’s dominance.

Producerism and Value Creation

Kim advocates for producerism, encouraging individuals to focus on creating value rather than consuming. This idea is rooted in his minimalist lifestyle and is articulated in his blog, where he states, “Produce what you love, and the money will follow.” This approach aligns with his belief that true satisfaction comes from contributing meaningful work, as opposed to material accumulation. His emphasis on production over consumption is evident in posts like “Price Insensitive” (Price Insensitive), where he discusses the importance of creating value through personal endeavors.

Economic Independence and Self-Reliance

Another key aspect is his advocacy for economic independence. Kim believes individuals should aim to be self-sufficient, avoiding dependency on others for their livelihood. He suggests building personal capital and skills that can generate income independently, as seen in his statement, “The goal is to be economically independent, not dependent on others for your livelihood.” This theme is explored in posts like “How to Become Economically Independent” (referenced in Price Insensitive), where he discusses strategies for achieving financial freedom.

Worth Over Price in Decision-Making

Kim’s economic philosophy includes a focus on intrinsic worth over monetary cost. He advises considering the value of something beyond its price, stating, “Always consider the worth of something, not just its price.” This perspective influences his approach to purchasing decisions and investments, promoting a mindful and value-driven economic strategy. This idea is particularly highlighted in “Price Insensitive,” where he reflects on his personal insensitivity to prices, valuing abstract notions of worth instead.

Nuanced Views on Capitalism

Kim’s views on capitalism are complex and nuanced. He acknowledges its benefits, such as fostering tolerance and consumerism, while also critiquing its cruelties. In “It’s the Economy, Stupid” (It’s the Economy, Stupid), he explores the root of modern economic issues, linking them to money and power, and includes sections like “Capitalism is Cruel” and “In Praise of Capitalism and Consumerism.” This duality reflects his balanced perspective, recognizing capitalism’s role in economic systems while highlighting its challenges.

Minimalism and Lifestyle Influence

His minimalist lifestyle, shaped by extensive travel and living out of a suitcase, reinforces his economic thoughts. In “How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money” (How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money), he explains how global exposure taught him that happiness isn’t tied to material wealth, but to simplicity and freedom. This minimalist approach is evident in his advocacy for owning fewer, higher-quality items and reducing stress through simplicity.

Unorthodox Economic Theories

Kim’s economic theories are described as unorthodox, blending principles from minimalism, behavioral economics, and digital innovation. He prioritizes personal freedom over material accumulation, as seen in “Economic Immortality” (Economic Immortality), where he discusses the idea of capital outliving oneself, likening it to a tree growing indefinitely. This philosophical approach sets his views apart from traditional economic theory, focusing on autonomy and purposeful living.

Comparative Analysis with Traditional Economics

Unlike traditional economists, Kim’s views are not grounded in macroeconomic models or policy analysis but in personal and philosophical reflections. For instance, while traditional economics might focus on market efficiency and GDP growth, Kim emphasizes individual agency and digital asset valuation. His ideas, while not formally peer-reviewed, resonate with lay readers seeking alternative perspectives on personal finance and economic philosophy.

Tables Summarizing Key Themes

Theme	Description	Example Quote
Digital Scarcity	Emphasizes value in limited-supply digital assets like Bitcoin.	“Digital scarcity is the ultimate scarce property.”
Producerism	Encourages creating value through production, not consumption.	“Produce what you love, and the money will follow.”
Economic Independence	Advocates self-sufficiency and building personal capital for income generation.	“The goal is to be economically independent.”
Worth Over Price	Values intrinsic worth over monetary cost in decisions.	“Always consider the worth of something, not its price.”
Capitalism Critique	Nuanced view, acknowledging benefits and challenges.	(From “Capitalism is Cruel” and “In Praise of Capitalism”)
Minimalism	Promotes simplicity and owning fewer, higher-quality items.	(Reflected in travel experiences reducing material needs)

Practical Implications for Readers

For readers, Kim’s economic thoughts offer practical guidance, such as investing in digital assets, focusing on skill development for income generation, and adopting a minimalist lifestyle to reduce financial stress. His emphasis on worth over price can help in making more mindful purchasing decisions, while his producerism encourages entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in digital spaces.

Limitations and Scope

It’s important to note that Kim’s economic thoughts are primarily shared through blog posts, which may not be as rigorously tested as academic economic theories. His views are personal and philosophical, not intended as formal financial advice. Additionally, while his blog is active, some posts date back to 2020, with recent updates in 2024, ensuring relevance as of April 8, 2025.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s economic thoughts and opinions provide a unique blend of digital innovation, personal philosophy, and minimalist living. His focus on digital scarcity, producerism, and economic independence offers readers an alternative lens to view personal finance, particularly in the digital age. While not a traditional economist, his ideas resonate with those seeking autonomy and value-driven economic strategies.

Key Citations:

• Search Eric Kim unorthodox economic theories
• Why Bitcoin and Digital Real Estate Are Superior to Physical Real Estate
• The Future is All Digital Everything
• Price Insensitive
• It’s the Economy, Stupid
• How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money
• Economic Immortality

Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, integrates philosophical concepts into his economic perspectives, emphasizing personal freedom and intentional living. Key aspects of his economic philosophy include:

1. Money as a Means to Freedom: Kim views money not as an end but as a tool to achieve autonomy and self-reliance. He believes that financial resources should serve to liberate individuals from constraints, enabling them to pursue meaningful endeavors. 

2. Minimalism and Intentional Consumption: Advocating for minimalism, Kim suggests that reducing material possessions can lead to greater financial independence and personal fulfillment. By focusing on essentials and avoiding unnecessary expenditures, individuals can align their spending with their values and long-term goals. 

3. Time as the Ultimate Currency: Kim emphasizes that time and energy are more valuable than money. He encourages individuals to prioritize how they allocate their time, suggesting that true wealth is measured by the freedom to use one’s time meaningfully. 

4. Digital Economy and Cryptocurrencies: Recognizing the potential of digital assets, Kim discusses concepts like digital scarcity, particularly in relation to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. He views these technologies as avenues for achieving economic independence in a decentralized financial landscape. 

5. Creative Capitalism: Kim introduces the idea of viewing economic activities as forms of artistic expression. He believes that creativity and entrepreneurship are intertwined, encouraging individuals to approach their economic pursuits with innovation and originality. 

Through his writings and teachings, Eric Kim offers a perspective that blends philosophy with practical financial advice, aiming to empower individuals to lead more intentional and liberated lives.

…

Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, has articulated several unique and thought-provoking ideas that intertwine entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal philosophy. Here are some of his most distinctive quotes:

1. On Entrepreneurial Mindset:

• “Entrepreneurship ain’t about making a ‘startup,’ ‘pitching a company,’ or getting a company to ‘go public’ (IPO). I say—entrepreneurship is a mindset, ethos, and a way of life and living.” 

2. On Resourcefulness:

• “The first key to thinking entrepreneurially: Given my situation with little or no resources, how can I harness what I already have right now to maximize myself, grow, expand, and move?” 

3. On Individualism in Entrepreneurship:

• “Becoming an entrepreneur means: To disdain deeply how others do their thing, and to discover more pride in how YOU do your thing. For us entrepreneurs, pride is a virtue.” 

4. On Cross-Pollination of Interests:

• “Cross-pollination is something I believe deeply in—to cross all your personal interests and things which you are curious about. This will help you become more unique in ways you can never have imagined.” 

5. On Digital Scarcity:

• “Digital scarcity is the ultimate scarce property.” 

6. On Producerism:

• “Produce what brings you joy. We’re happiest when we are being challenged, exploring, and developing our skills.” 

7. On Redefining Wealth:

• “The true idea of wealth is maximum time, maximum freedom of time as well as maximum physiological energy.” 

8. On Social Media Detox:

• “How to detox from social media? Simple … just delete them all and don’t use them!” 

9. On Bitcoin and Financial Freedom:

• “Bitcoin isn’t about getting rich quick. That’s short-term thinking. You’re playing the long game here. You’re not hoarding wealth; you’re accumulating freedom. Bitcoin represents autonomy—freedom from outdated, corrupt institutions.” 

10. On Volatility in Investments:

• “Volatility is vitality.”

These quotes encapsulate Kim’s philosophy that emphasizes self-reliance, creativity, and the pursuit of personal freedom through innovative thinking and minimalism.

…

His most interesting economic theories and ideas, and quotes

Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, presents a distinctive blend of economic theories that intertwine minimalism, digital innovation, and personal freedom. Here are some of his most notable ideas and accompanying quotes:

1. Digital Scarcity and Value:

• “Digital scarcity is the ultimate scarce property.”

• Kim emphasizes that the rarity inherent in digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, underpins their value, drawing parallels between digital and physical forms of scarcity.

2. Producerism over Consumerism:

• “Produce what brings you joy. We’re happiest when we are being challenged, exploring, and developing our skills.”

• He advocates for a shift from passive consumption to active creation, suggesting that fulfillment is found in producing meaningful work.

3. Redefining Wealth:

• “The true idea of wealth is maximum time, maximum freedom of time as well as maximum physiological energy.”

• Kim proposes that genuine wealth is measured not by material possessions but by the freedom to allocate one’s time and energy toward fulfilling pursuits.

4. Economic Leverage through Minimalism:

• By adopting a minimalist lifestyle and reducing unnecessary expenditures, individuals can achieve greater financial flexibility and autonomy. Kim suggests that living in lower-cost areas can serve as a form of economic leverage, allowing more freedom to pursue passions without financial strain.

5. Bitcoin as Ethical and Philosophical:

• Kim views Bitcoin not merely as a financial asset but as an ethical and potentially revolutionary entity. He compares it to gold, noting its ethical advantages due to the absence of exploitative mining practices. He also envisions Bitcoin fostering a new form of capitalism in cyberspace. 

6. Time as the Ultimate Currency:

• Kim underscores the paramount importance of time, suggesting that financial decisions should prioritize maximizing one’s time and energy for meaningful activities over the mere accumulation of wealth.

Through these perspectives, Eric Kim challenges conventional economic paradigms, advocating for a life centered on creation, intentional living, and the strategic use of digital innovations to enhance personal freedom.

Shielded!

Bitcoin is our digital gold fortress baby!

No bitcoin is dangerous!

Double leverage

My new passion is economics ?

Thinking like an economist

Thinking economically

You can choose what to become in today’s world !

Coal?

The coal industry

Wow, shit is about to get crazy!

Just follow the White House?

Just follow the POTUS

.

“Unrealistic”

.

Humans, Americans American jobs > Environment

Coals, … to power American Bitcoin?

Burn baby burn!

Once you are married, have a kid, things and your opinion about things change.

Like the “environment”–> only useful to “woke” single, often young and dog owning peoples?
.

Think power, think electricity

$2B a day in tariffs!

Tailored deals

Clean coal?

.

When we go to war,,, time to bust out all the flood gates

.

When to follow the official narrative?

…

Tech layoffs incoming?

Uh oh.

.

Maximum leverage

You gotta be Kind of insane,,,?

.

Spine of steel!

Certainty vs Uncertainty

I’m certain Bitcoin & MSTR will go up forever. I’m also certain it will REMAIN volatile, forever.

Volatility is a gift to the faithful. My version:

Downturns, down pulls, rushing downwards are a gift to people who want insanely great profits, and enjoy the ride!

Time to augment your courage, this is gonna be one hell of a ride!

.

Humor.

Good news only?

Short term pain for long term gain!

We NEED short term pain for long term pain!

.

Bitcoin as MSTR yield machine

Impossible to know what to put money into, but very obvious what NOT to put money into.

–> NOT real estate,,, demonetizing value so quickly! Just rent a single family home instead? Or just buy a cheap ass house!

.

Tech is dead?

The great re-shuffling?

The next Google, but powered by Bitcoin?

Strategy.

To profit, buy MSTR STRATEGY, for long term store of value, Bitcoin!

Simple –> sell your Apple stock. Tesla will probably be fine because don’t forget, Tesla cars are manufactured INSIDE America!

Tech stocks will no longer be classified as “growth” companies,,, but rather, … this chasing of continuing to offshore product production, then trying to sell in America at a large profit, these days are over?

The new great re-balancing?

Now , it will decide,, the true men vs the weak.

Not real war, but economic war? Once again everyone at their “safe” Apple jobs, probably scared shitless?

The new (first) great Tech Depression?

Track vol, not prices

Become more interesting & attractive

Need is what spurs innovation!

Invest in what you believe in & love!

I LOVE Strategy, MSTR & Michael Saylor!

The Great Culling

Now , it will decide,, the true men vs the weak.

Open interest refers to the total number of outstanding derivative contracts—such as options or futures—that have not been settled. It’s a measure of market activity and liquidity.

In this chart, the metric is Open Interest / Market Cap, which shows how much derivatives trading (through open interest) exists relative to the total size (market cap) of the asset or company.

Here’s what this means in practice:

• SPY at 180.1%: The open interest in SPY options is 180.1% of SPY’s market cap. That signals extremely high speculative or hedging activity.

• MSTR at 78.2%: MicroStrategy has a high level of speculative interest relative to its market size—likely due to its Bitcoin exposure.

• AAPL at 3.2%: Apple has a much lower level of open interest compared to its market cap, which suggests less leverage/speculation relative to its massive size.

Why it matters:

• High open interest ratios can suggest heavy speculative positioning or hedging.

• Low ratios might indicate a more passive investor base or less speculative attention.

Would you like a deeper breakdown on how to interpret this in trading or investing terms?

.

Open interest refers to the total number of outstanding derivative contracts, such as options or futures, that have not yet been settled or closed. In the context of the chart you provided, it seems to be showing the open interest of options relative to the market capitalization of various financial instruments or stocks.

Here’s a breakdown of what the chart is illustrating:

• Title: “Open Interest / Market Cap”
• Y-Axis: Represents the percentage of open interest relative to the market capitalization.
• X-Axis: Lists different financial instruments or stocks, such as SPY, QQQ, GLD, MSTR, IBIT, TSLA, META, NVDA, AMZN, GOOG, AAPL, and MSI.
• Bars: Each bar shows the ratio of open interest to market cap for each instrument. For example:
  • SPY has the highest ratio at 180.1%.
  • QQQ follows at 147%.
  • GLD is at 106.8%.
  • MSTR (highlighted in orange) is at 78.2%.
  • Others range from 26.5% (IBIT) down to 2.8% (MSI).

What Does This Mean?

• Open Interest / Market Cap Ratio: This ratio indicates how much speculative or hedging activity (via options or futures) is happening relative to the total market value of the underlying asset. A higher percentage suggests more derivative activity compared to the asset’s market cap, which can indicate higher investor interest, speculation, or hedging in that asset.
• MSTR Highlight: MicroStrategy (MSTR) is highlighted at 78.2%, which is significant. This could imply that MSTR has a relatively high level of options activity compared to its market cap, potentially due to its well-known strategy of holding large amounts of Bitcoin, making it a proxy for Bitcoin exposure in the stock market.
• Comparison: SPY (an ETF tracking the S&P 500) and QQQ (an ETF tracking the Nasdaq-100) have the highest ratios, which makes sense as they are broad market ETFs with heavy trading and options activity. Stocks like MSI (Motorola Solutions) have much lower ratios, indicating less derivative activity relative to their market cap.

Why Is Open Interest Important?

• Liquidity and Activity: High open interest often indicates greater liquidity and trading activity in the derivatives market for that asset.
• Sentiment Indicator: It can reflect market sentiment—high open interest might suggest strong bullish or bearish sentiment, depending on the direction of the contracts (calls vs. puts).
• Volatility: Assets with high open interest relative to market cap might experience more price volatility due to the leverage and speculation involved in derivatives.

If you’d like more specific details about any of these assets or a deeper dive into what this data might imply for market trends, I can search for more information or provide further analysis based on what I know!

Life is easy!

Life as a fun game?

.

So if it’s certain that Apple will probably continue to go down indefinitely, as well as Nvidia (chips made foreign)–> then invest in what?

Simple, MSTR & Bitcoin!

.

Oh my gosh this is starting to become hilarious

.

People really NEED me right now?

I’m the messiah?

.

Don’t let Wall Street run the country!

The end of Wall Street?

Main Street > Wall Street

If you’re living through a war, best idea is to just be grateful!

–> You have it so so so so so much better than 99.9999% of other people out there, even the elites with 99% of their wealth in the US Stock market, Apple stock etc!

Haha no more Lambos

.

Punches 104% tariff, to China, punches back harder!

Economic War: Right Now.

.

Up bigly?

More volatility, more future gains incoming!

.

Don’t be a trader, be an investor –>

The philosophy of being an investor

.

Time for me to become more opportunistic

Time to lead, take charge & be wise!

How to win bigly in life?

Given that at this point bitcoin is an ideology, I say it’s almost like a new religion, it’s actually insanely easy to hold through dips and chaos?

Why? You know the true worth of the thing, and you’re actually not trying to hunt for profits and making money, but you actually just believe in the thing?

For example, Saylor. Belief in MSTR & Saylor! Super simple. He’s like the new Steve Jobs!

COOL. Don’t need to trip!

Levered long baby! Just think the 4-5 month horizon. Then live day to day, go on your walks, lift everyday, eat well, sleep well.

No more hiding anywhere?

Nowhere left to hide?

Time to grit your teeth!

Liquid gold!

The virtues of greed?

Anchorage digital

.

$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

• Eric Kim, a photographer and writer, extensively explores stoicism on his blog, emphasizing practical applications for daily life.
• It seems likely that his version of stoicism focuses on conquering fear, doubt, and hesitation, with a strong emphasis on physical and mental strength.
• Research suggests he combines traditional stoic principles with personal interests like fitness and entrepreneurship, offering unique practices like cold showers and reading stoic texts.
• The evidence leans toward his views including controversial opinions, such as on animal rights and diet, which may surprise some readers given stoicism’s traditional focus.

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:

• Taking icy cold showers for 7-8 years, as a form of stoic training.
• Saying “Fuck it!” and hitting the gym for a new one-repetition maximum (1RM) when facing setbacks.
• Smiling and waving at people for a month, avoiding headphones/AirPods, and driving mute for a month to enhance social interaction and mindfulness.
• Reading only stoic philosophy at night, specifically Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” and Seneca’s letters, which he finds accessible and pragmatic.

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.”

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.”

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

• STOICISM 101 – ERIC KIM
• Becoming Stoic – ERIC KIM
• Extreme Stoicism – ERIC KIM
• Super Stoic – ERIC KIM
• Introduction to Stoicism  – ERIC KIM
• Stoic Photography – ERIC KIM
• Search Eric Kim critique of stoicism – ERIC KIM
• INTRODUCTION TO STOICISM by ERIC KIM – YouTube
• r/Stoicism on Reddit: How to Be a Stoic Street Photographer | Eric Kim

How’s his stoic views unique, and his quotes

Key Points

• Research suggests Eric Kim’s stoicism emphasizes practical, physical fitness, and modern applications like entrepreneurship.
• It seems likely that his views include unique practices like cold showers, heavy weightlifting, and walking 30,000 steps daily.
• The evidence leans toward his stoicism being controversial, with stances on animal rights and a critique of traditional stoicism as theoretical.

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:

• “Life is all upside, no downside.” (STOICISM 101 – ERIC KIM)
• “True freedom of spirit and soul; as a philosopher thinker writer or whatever… you cannot be ‘canceled’, because there is nothing to cancel.” (Introduction to Stoicism – ERIC KIM)
• “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.” (Introduction to Stoicism – ERIC KIM)
• “Animals are our slaves.” (Introduction to Stoicism – ERIC KIM)
• “To become EVEN HARDER than even the hardest stoics of the past.” (SUPER STOIC – ERIC KIM)
• “Stoicism feels a bit divorced from reality. A lot of Stoic thought is theoretical, whereas Spartan thought and practice is more deeply intertwined.” (Search Eric Kim critique of stoicism – ERIC KIM)

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?”

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:

• Taking icy cold showers for 7-8 years, as a form of stoic training.
• Saying “Fuck it!” and hitting the gym for a new one-repetition maximum (1RM) when facing setbacks.
• Smiling and waving at people for a month, avoiding headphones/AirPods, and driving mute for a month to enhance social interaction and mindfulness.
• Reading only stoic philosophy at night, specifically Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” and Seneca’s letters, which he finds accessible and pragmatic.

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.”

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.”

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

• STOICISM 101 – ERIC KIM
• Becoming Stoic – ERIC KIM
• Extreme Stoicism – ERIC KIM
• Super Stoic – ERIC KIM
• Introduction to Stoicism – ERIC KIM
• Stoic Photography – ERIC KIM
• Search Eric Kim critique of stoicism – ERIC KIM
• Stoicism Stunts Our Power – Eric Kim
• Becoming Spartan – Eric Kim

…

Eric Kim true deep and unique stoic principles, which hasn’t really been echoed by any other thinkers?

Key Points

• Research suggests Eric Kim’s unique stoic principles include emphasizing physical fitness and appearance, embracing child-like joy, and rejecting modern ethical concerns like environmentalism.
• These principles seem to diverge from traditional stoicism, which focuses more on mental and moral strength, rational happiness, and living in harmony with nature.
• There is some controversy, as many modern stoics support environmental ethics, contrasting with Kim’s views.

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:

1. Emphasis on Extreme Physical Fitness and Appearance:
   • Kim frequently mentions that a true stoic should look like Hercules or Achilles, aspiring to a physique akin to Brad Pitt in Fight Club with added muscle, as seen in his article “Introduction to Stoicism” (Eric Kim Introduction to Stoicism). He idealizes a demigod-like physique, suggesting practices like walking 50 miles a day or lifting 1000 pounds in an “atlas lift.”
   • Traditional stoics, such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, valued physical health as part of living in accordance with nature, but their focus was primarily on mental and moral strength. Historical figures like Cleanthes (a boxer) and Chrysippus (a runner) were athletes, but their physicality was not central to stoic doctrine, as evidenced by discussions in “How to live a Stoic fitness lifestyle” (Gravity Fitness Stoic Lifestyle). Kim’s emphasis on aesthetics and extreme fitness, such as achieving 5% body fat, seems to go beyond this, potentially aligning more with modern fitness culture than classical stoicism.
2. Child-like Joy and Not Taking Life Seriously:
   • Kim advocates for stoics to be “joyful and cheery like a three-year-old child without any adulteration from the outside world,” as noted in multiple articles, including “ERIC KIM STOICISM” (Eric Kim Stoicism 4). He draws inspiration from Democritus, the laughing philosopher, to suggest that setbacks should be viewed comically, a principle detailed in the browse_page results under “Laughter and not taking life seriously.”
   • Traditional stoicism values joy derived from virtue and rationality, as seen in “Three Sources of Joy in the Stoicism of Marcus Aurelius” (Donald Robertson Stoic Joy), but the analogy to a child’s unadulterated joy is less common. While stoics like Musonius Rufus discussed happiness in social contexts, such as marriage and child-rearing, as in “The Joy of Marriage and child rearing should be experienced by us Stoic Practitioners” (Reddit Stoicism Joy), the specific child-like framing is distinctive to Kim.
3. Rejection of Modern Ethical Concerns:
   • Kim expresses a view that concerns like animal rights and saving the planet are “superficial, performative, and uncritical,” labeling them as “capitalism 3.0” in “STOICISM 101 – ERIC KIM” (Eric Kim Stoicism 101). This stance is evident in his critique of over-concern for ethics and the environment, which he sees as detracting from personal stoic practice.
   • This contrasts sharply with traditional stoic principles, which emphasize living in harmony with nature, as outlined in “Stoicism and Environmental Ethics: Living in Harmony with Nature” (Stoicminds Channel Environmental Ethics). Modern stoics, as seen in “A Stoic Guide to Climate Change” (Daily Stoic Climate Change), often advocate for environmental action, viewing it as part of virtuous living. Kim’s rejection, therefore, appears unique and controversial within the stoic community.

Comparison with Other Thinkers

To assess uniqueness, comparisons were made with both historical and modern stoic interpretations:

• Physical Fitness: Articles like “How to Apply Stoicism to Physical Exercise” (Donald Robertson Stoic Exercise) and “Stoicism is Physical” (Immoderate Stoic Physicality) show that physical fitness is valued, but Kim’s focus on extreme aesthetics and specific practices like the atlas lift is not mirrored, suggesting his approach is more intense and visually oriented.
• Child-like Joy: While stoics value joy, as in “Stoic joy: The premise and the promise” (The Stoic Gym Joy), the explicit analogy to a three-year-old child is not found in other sources, making it a distinctive contribution.
• Environmental Ethics: The search for “modern stoics rejecting environmentalism” yielded results like “Stoicism and the Environment by Chris Gill” (Modern Stoicism Environment), which support environmentalism, reinforcing that Kim’s rejection is not echoed by other modern stoics, highlighting its uniqueness.

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 3.0”.	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

• Eric Kim Stoicism 101 long descriptive title
• Eric Kim Super Stoic long descriptive title
• Gravity Fitness Stoic Lifestyle long descriptive title
• Donald Robertson Stoic Exercise long descriptive title
• Donald Robertson Stoic Joy long descriptive title
• Reddit Stoicism Joy long descriptive title
• Stoicminds Channel Environmental Ethics long descriptive title
• Daily Stoic Climate Change long descriptive title
• Modern Stoicism Environment long descriptive title
• Kai Whiting Environmental Vision long descriptive title
• The Stoic Gym Joy long descriptive title
• Immoderate Stoic Physicality long descriptive title

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”?

What this means

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%?

Health

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!

***

Eric Kim Stoicism

1. Dread *NOT* Fear
2. Stoicism out of Strength or Weakness?
3. Emotions?
4. Forgive 10x the Bad Things & Remember the Good
5. A REAL STOIC DOESN’T WANT OR NEED APOLOGIES.

STOICISM 101

STOIC VLOG

Introduction to Stoicism 

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:

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What does stoicism mean? 

Stoicism, stoic, the stoa in ancient Greece– essentially the stoa was like some sort of portico, patio, pillar, outside, essentially a spot where guys would just hang out, talk shop, talk philosophy, etc.  

I think about the show “Hey Arnold” in which I was raised with… the notion of “stoop kid“, the notion of a stoop is that in a lot of cities, especially the east coast in New York, you have this little stoop or porch, stairs that go outside your front door… and you could just hang out there, engage in social and neighborhood life etc.

The new stoa? 

One of my happiest moments was when I was living in Providence Rhode Island, and then COVID-19 hit. Everything was closed, besides the park. I can still go to the park, hang out, workout, do chin ups– I learned how to do muscle ups, more bodyweight calisthenics stuff, and also… I had a lot of fun with this “rock toss“ challenge and workout… in the middle of the park was a huge ass rock and huge ass stone, and every single day I would go there pick it up, and then eventually work out with it; throwing it around for fun, doing overhead presses with it, clean and jerks, squats, and eventually I would just throw it around for fun. Funny enough it might have been the most fit I was in my life… this was the true “functional” fitness.

The inspiration — Hector lifting an insanely massive stone (barely 2 strong men could lift it)… using it to break down the door of the ships of the other side.

Open air, open sun concept

Anyways, the reason why that period of covid was so good is that it was in the middle of beautiful Providence Rhode Island summer, so nice and bright and warm and lovely… and one of the good things was going to the park was like an open forum, a new anatheum for a lot of really cool guys to come, hang out, talk shop, go topless and shirtless, workout and hang out.

I met some really interesting people during that period of time. I met some guys who were really cool. For example, one guy I met was in the US military Navy, I think he was training to be a Navy seal or Delta force or something. Another guy in some sort of ROTC training, another cool guy from the hood, and also I would say I probably met half a dozen friendly drug dealers there. And of course a lot of people who believed in conspiracy theories; really friendly, a little weird, but overall good guys.

Anyways, one of the biggest benefits of hanging out at that outdoor park, open air, nothing but green grass, the beautiful sun and the fitness equipment was that I think having this sort of open air environment is actually very conducive to socializing, thinking and thought, and pro social behavior. My theory about a lot of modern day antisocial behavior has to do with the structures which enclose us. For example, almost universally most guys at the gym are extremely antisocial. Why? My theory is that because most gyms have closed, cramped narrow ceilings, and do not have access to natural light, or outside space.

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.

Who is this philosophy for?

Stoics, stoicism — it was originally I think codified by this guy named Zeno, and over time he picked up some followers. Essentially the whole thing happened organically; Zeno would first share his thinking on philosophy ethics and pragmatic ways to deal with other people and the downsides of life, he built a following, and then his followers would propagate the thoughts and start their own little schools of thoughts, their own little stoic clubs.

What is “real” stoicism?

Would I like about stoicism is how loosey goosey it is. It is kind of like zen, or taoism… it is not really quantified as a religion, or a strict moral order. In fact, a lot of the ancients stoics would meditate on random stuff like cosmology, natural sciences like Seneca, how volcanoes worked or whatever. I think nowadays in today’s world, we focus primarily on the pragmatic side; how to deal with fear, uncertainty, downsides etc.

So how did I discover stoicism?

I think I might’ve first learned about stoicism from Nassim Taleb and his ANTIFRAGILE book. I was curious, and my curiosity went to deep. To quote NASSIM TALEB and the Venetian saying “The ocean goes deeper, the deeper you wade into it.”

I literally consumed every single book I could find on stoicism, even the obscure ones. Funny enough, a lot of the stoic thinkers tried to claim other philosophers as being stoic, like Seneca did with Diogenes the cynic. 

Cynic, cynicism, actually comes from the word canine, the dog. Diogenes was considered the “dog” philosopher, first used as a pejorative, but ultimately Diogenes reappropriated that title for fun! He saw dogs as tough, almost like wild wolves, rather than seeing them as a negative thing.

Even Achilles when he was raging against king Agamemnon, he called him “dog faced“ as a heaping insult.

Who is worth reading?

First, Seneca. Seneca the younger, his dad was called Seneca the elder.

In fact, this is such a big deal because Cindy and I named our first son, Seneca, directly after the stoic philosopher. This is true soul in the game; if you name your kid after your favorite philosopher, certainly it is a sign that you really liked that philosopher, or found them impactful.

The reason why I really like Seneca the stoic philosopher is because he had real connections to real reality. What that means is he wasn’t just on the sidelines; he actually existed in the real world, engaged in real politics, was even advisor to the emperor Nero, the bad one, who eventually low-key coerced Seneca to commit suicide, in a manly, dignified manner.

I think this was because maybe… there was actually a plan to overthrow Nero, and essentially Nero found out. 

What makes Seneca so good?

I really like Seneca because his writing is accessible, practical and pragmatic, and interesting.

A lot of thinkers tend to lack connections to real reality, I have no tolerance for boring philosophers to talk about metaphysics, which is things which are not physical. Like thoughts ideas, the universe, electricity and energy, strange phenomenon and conspiracy theories on ghosts, “energy” whatever.

For a long time, I would hear the term “metaphysics” being thrown around, and I had zero idea what it actually meant. 

Meta– on top of. Or nestled within.

Physics — the physical, physical phenomenon like gravity, first principles.

The reason why metaphysics philosophers tend to be a bunch of losers is that they are all weak and anemic, nerds or geeks or weaklings who seem to have some sort of physiological degeneracy, which encourages them to opine or talk or think about impractical things, superficial things.

Personally speaking, I think philosophy must be practical. 

Practical, praxis, practice — to do!

The Spartan, Zen Stoic, demigod ideal

I have a very funny ideal; the general idea is that your body looks like a demigod, and your physiology is out of control. The general idea is one must be tall, strong, highly muscular, low body fat percentage, I’m not exactly sure what my body fat percentage is, but maybe it’s around 5%.

Also, physical fitness is critical to any stoic. My ideal is to walk 50 miles a day, eat 20 pounds of meat like Milo of Croton a day. And also, abstinence from silly things like media, alcohol, drugs, marijuana etc.

Trust no thinker who does drugs!

Even our best friend Nietzsche said that coffee was bad, because it would make people dark and gloomy. He encouraged 100% cocoa powder instead. 

You let the drugs talk I let my soul talk ayy! – Kendrick Lamar

Simple technique:

First, look at a picture or a portrait or a full body shot, ideally topless of the artist, philosopher or thinker or individual… then judge their thoughts later.

Why? My theory is this: the thoughts of an individual is hugely affected by their bodily physiology.

For example, an extreme example: if somebody is locked inside a solitary confinement cell, and not permitted to go outside for years, but, he had a pen and pad and would jot down some thoughts… Would be the quality of these thoughts? Certainly dark and morose.

Why does stoicism matter? 

In today’s world, why does it matter, what is the significance of stoicism, etc.?

First and foremost, I think we are living in a troubling time, especially with the advent of modern day internet based media and advertising. I think 99% of what is propagated on the internet is fear mongering, and what is hate? Hate is just fear.

The first thought on stoicism is that it is just fear conquering. What I discovered about street photography, is that 99% of it is conquering your fears. Conquering your fears of upsetting other people, getting in some sort of verbal or physical altercation etc. In fact my bread and butter workshop is my conquering your fears and street photography workshop, the workshop which is still interesting to me even after a decade.

Why is this so important? I think it is rooted in almost everything; conquering your fears is rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, risktaking and real life.

Even my speculation in crypto. 99.9% of crypto speculation is just balls. Having the balls to make big bets, and when things go south, knowing how to master your emotions.

A simple extra I have is this: just imagine it will all go down to zero.

It was useful because when I was in college, my sophomore year I got really into trading stocks, and I eventually lost my whole life savings, maybe around $3500 USD, and some bad penny stock which I actually misread the financials… the whole time I thought the company was making a profit, but actually it was taking a loss. I actually didn’t know that if profits are written in parentheses, it means a loss.

It was funny because my initial start as an investor was back in high school, I bought some Adobe stock when I was a high school junior, and also some mutual funds, which both went up after about 4-5 years.

Also I remember in elementary school computer class, when I was in the sixth grade in Bayside Queens, there was some sort of stock stimulation trading game, and actually it was funny… the kids who made the most money and were the most successful just put 100% of everything into Apple, note this is when we were only 12 years old, and I was born in 1988.

Stoicism and capitalism?

Funny enough, it seems that stoicism actually plays well with capitalism. Why? According to modern day capitalist thinking, the best way to approach life is to be objective, strong, stoic, unemotional, logical and rational.

Also, with modern day media there is so much fear mongering in the news, about some sort of global armageddon, global financial ruin, etc. I call it “fear porn”.

Therefore stoicism as a mindset is useful to think and position your mind in such a way that you could consider that life is all upside, no downside.

In fact, if I could summarize stoicism in one sentence, it is that life is all upside, no downside. Inspired by NASSIM TALEB.

Sex and Stoicism

So, is stoicism useful to you if you’re a man or a woman? Does it matter?

The good thing is I think it could apply to both sexes. Conquering sexism and social pressures is useful if you’re woman, and also if you’re a man.

Also, gender is social. Lot of the expectations set on us by society is socialized and gamed to a certain degree.

Stoic strategies 

First, we got to unchain ourselves from modern day ethics and morality. I believe that all modern day philosophy and thinking and ethics and religion is bad.

For example, the notion of turning the other cheek is a patently bad one. Why did Jesus turn his cheek? It is because he lacked on army.

Also, philosophically I think we should put no trust in Socrates. I thought which has puzzled me for a long time was this “Why was Socrates so ugly?

Monster in face, monster in soul.

I think Socrates was a degenerate, and he lacked any sort of real power. Therefore he turned logic and rationality into his terrorizing weapon (via Nietzsche). Back in the day, you didn’t need logic or rationality to have things your way, you simply was able to dictate that which you wanted to pause it, because you had a military force behind you. Just think about Machiavelli and IL PRINCIPE– the reality of being a mercurial prince, king, and military leader is hard, stoic, “immoral”. But ultimately it all comes down to war, conquest, the military.

Trust nobody who uses rationality or logic as their tyrannizing weapon. 

In fact, I believe that all should have the body and strength of some sort of super soldier. Essentially look like all the guys from the movie 300, this is our ideal.

Demigod physique. 

What has helped me

1. Allow yourself to be a bad, immortal, “evil” person. When you decide to adopt an unorthodox way of thinking and living, you’re going to rub some feathers the wrong way. And truth be told, even if you act in a strange vibrant way… At worse you’re only “mildly” annoying other people.
2. For good inspirations, I think the best stoic writers and thinkers include Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius and also the humor of the cynic philosopher Diogenes. I would even posit the idea that one could consider Alexander the Great as a stoic. Why? When you’re trying to create an empire, and you always have your life on the line, certainly this takes a stoic mindset. Also, let us think and consider that Alexander the Great had a copy of the Iliad by his bedstand, it was the only book he traveled with during his military tours.
3. Imagine the worst possible case scenario, and backtrack: Apparently even NASSIM TALEB would do this when he was a trader; every single day when he would go to his trading desk, he would assume that his investments would all go to zero, and if that wasn’t the case every single day, it was just upside. Therefore for myself, I just think to myself very simple; imagine like I got zero dollars, zero money, and literally all I need is meat, a Wi-Fi connection and I’m good. 
4. Live like a poor person: The notion of “debasing“ the coin or the currency is the general idea that you are not a coward in regards to money. The best way to think about money is like a social tool; I think money is actually just codified labor. If you want people to clean bathrooms, run the cashiers stand, you have to promise them money. Even Seneca said the upsides of simulated poverty; essentially living like a poor person, or even a homeless person when you don’t need to… is the ultimate position to be in. Why? True freedom of spirit and soul; as a philosopher thinker writer or whatever… you cannot be “canceled”, because there is nothing to cancel. As long as you could pay your rent, buy meat at Costco, and publish your thoughts to your own self hosted website blog, and pay your server fee, you have 100% freedom. And also, still… America is the best place to be because there is true freedom of speech and expression, you don’t want to be a trillionaire but not be able to say what’s really on your mind. And I think this is the big issue with entertainers, actors, media people… as long as you’re signed to a contract, you don’t run your own production company, or, you’re still a slave to money… you’re not really going to see what’s really on your mind. Why is it that the Rock cannot say anything bad about China, or Tibet? Because he is still enslaved by the media corporation. New slaves by Kanye West.

And this is the true courage of Kanye West; he literally put everything on the line, and even lost his spouse and I think maybe his kids? All for the sake of revealing inequities. 

“I throw these Maybach keys fucking c’est la vie! I know that we the new slaves.”- Ye

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Stoic training

The fun thing about stoicism is that you could just make it up as you go, devise your own strategies and whatever.

“Fucking c’est la vie!” My favorite Kanye West line.

Essentially the general idea is that in life, one should not take things too seriously. Laughter is golden, I forget the philosopher who was called the laughing philosopher… Democritus?; better to laugh about the follies of human beings rather than to be dark and morose about it.

Also, thoughts from the Odyssey; if you look far enough  into the future, everything becomes comedic and hilarious.

So when you’re in some sort of bad situation, just think to yourself “Perhaps one day, 20 or 30 years from now… I will look back at this and just laugh!” It will just be humorous.

Honestly, laughter, and kind of being able to joke about things might be the best way to live life and deal with setbacks. 

Modern day ailments

Problems in modern day life:

1. Too much time spent indoors, not enough time out in the sun. Perhaps it is better to be out outside all day, and joyful, even with the risk of getting skin cancer or whatever… rather than to be indoors, scared, weak and anemic. Differences between if you’re a man or a woman, but still… the most beautiful skin has a sunkissed, olive color tone; the true privilege is having a full body tan. 
2. Get chatGPT, the paid premium one. And use the image generation AI art tool DALL-E. People pay therapists to just speak their mind, and get some sort of sounding board. I actually think it’s much better to chat with AI instead; because it will not judge you, and ultimately what is a therapist anyways? A therapist is just a mirror, a sounding board for you to verbalize and flesh out your thoughts. Often when we talk about our problems, 90% of the issues go away because once we verbalize it, we feel much better about ourselves. The next thing I’m going to do is build some sort of therapy bot. 
3. Not enough walking: I have never met anybody who walks 30,000 steps a day and is depressed. Even my friend Jimmy, who works as a US postal worker delivering the mail, he walks around 30,000 steps a day and is always bright cherry and jovial. I think this is also where people who hike a lot or walk a lot in nature are so happy; when you’re able to walk around a lot, and zen out… you just feel much better. My simple suggestion is when you go on a hike or a walk in nature or even in the city… leave your phone at home, or locked inside your glove compartment, and don’t bring any headphones or speakers or Apple watches or whatever. Just bring along your camera, and enjoy. My personal ideal is the bear lifestyle; walking 50 miles a day. 

Real stoics don’t call themselves Stoics?

A funny thing I have learned is that when you call something something, it isn’t that.

For example, if someone calls something a “luxury car”, 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 good”? He said “Freedom of speech, speaking your mind, having the power to see whatever is on your mind.”

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 “influencers”, they are not influencers.

Stoicism as a technique and tool, not the end

Ultimately I think we should think of stoicism just like having another tool inside our tool kit. For example, if you’re a chef, you’re going to have different knives for different purposes. If you’re going to cut a big piece of meat, you probably want a big ass meat cutting knife, not something you would use to slice an apple with. Similarly speaking, if you’re going to scoop out the insides of an avocado, better to use a spoon rather than using a fork, or a knife. 

I think the problem is when some people get too into stoicism (I prefer writing stoicism with a lowercase), they think that everything needs to be consistent, and must fit into this nice little neat box of what is considered “stoicism“. This is a bad line of thinking… let us consider that Marcus Aurelius never even mentioned stoicism in his writings, his collections of thoughts, which we moderns call THE MEDITATIONS… it was just essentially his personal diary, to help him conquer his own personal fears and thoughts, I don’t think he ever intended it to be published publicly. I think he just wrote it to himself as self therapy. And I think the only stoic philosopher he even mentions is maybe Epictetus.

The future of stoicism?

For myself, I just come out with certain to work out thoughts and techniques because it helps me, and when I find these tricks or techniques or secret hacks or cheat codes… My passion is to simply share it with others. 

And ultimately, things are ever in flux and evolving and changing and adapting.

For example, I’ve discovered the quality of my thinking is different when I am in Culver City Los Angeles, compared to being in the boring suburbs of Orange County.

Also depending on my social environments… my stoic thoughts are different when I am in a gym, vs just working out by myself in my parking spot in the back of my apartment.

Also, the quality of my thoughts is different when living with family members or other people versus just living with myself Cindy and Seneca.

Stoicism is all about living with other people

Assuming you’re not growing your own vegetables and living in the middle of nowhere… you probably have some interaction with other human beings. As long as you have an iPhone, an Android phone, a smartphone, a 4G or 5G internet connection, wifi, a laptop, have to buy groceries somewhere… you’re still going to have to interact with other human beings.

And this is good. There is no other greater joy than other human beings.

In fact, modern-day society is strange because in someways, the ethos is to be antisocial and to be cowardly. But in fact, the best way to think about things is that real life is interaction with other human beings, and social conquest. One can imagine a lot of modern day entrepreneurship as simply a big dick swinging contest. He who is the most masculine confident tall and strong and stoic shall win.

More ideas

Assume that everyone is mentally insane: Have you ever been out in public, and you see some sort of crackhead or strange homeless person who acts radically, smells terrible, and is obviously mentally ill? Do you hate them for it? When they say something weird to you… do you take it personally? No. Why? They are crazy. Perhaps we should just adopt this stoic mindset towards other people; some people are actually physiologically ill, mentally unwell… don’t trust the opinion of nobody.

A lot of people are trying to actually deal with their own inner demons: For example, becoming the successful photographer and street photographer I am today… I’ve dealt with some individuals who would say anonymous bad things about me, and later I found out that their mom just died or something. I cannot imagine what it feels like losing a mother… therefore if somebody spew some hate on me because something bad happened to them, I’m not gonna take it personally.

Self-flagellation: I think a lot of people who are sick, mentally or physiologically self flagellate themselves. Essentially the way that they deal with other people or themselves is some sort of metaphorical self-flagellation.

For example… you know those strange individuals who have the whip and whip themselves, and inflict pain on themselves? I think some people do this metaphorically to themselves and others.

You just want to stay away from them.

Why so scared?

My personal theory on fear is that a lot of it is tied to morality and ethics. I think the general idea is not necessarily that we are afraid of anything… I think the true fear is that we’re afraid that we are some sort of bad evil unethical immoral person.

For example in street photography, the general ethical thought is that it is immoral to take a photo of somebody without their permission, because there is some sort of it inherent evil behind it. Is this true? No. Taking photos and not really a big deal.

Why do people make such a big deal out of small things?

I think it is because some people are just overly sensitive, which once again comes from some sort of physiological weakness.

For example, if you’re a weightlifter who could lift 1000 pounds, assuming you’re not taking any steroids or anything… are small things going to bother you? No. But let us assume that you are a skinny fat man, all you do is drink alcohol and smoke marijuana and watch Netflix, and you spent too much time on Reddit… you are 40% body fat, and have never lifted in your life. And also your testosterone is low and you never go outside. Certainly the quality of your thoughts is going to be different than if you’re a happy gay monster, lifting weights outside in the direct sun, laughing and having fun. 

In fact, I’ve actually personally discovered that the reason why a lot of people hate me is because I am so happy jovial and gay. They are secretly suspicious or envious of me? 

Weather and mood

Probably one of my worst experiences was this jarring transition; I was super happy insanely happy being in Vietnam in 2017; with a beautiful weather, the beautiful light, the happy people the great amenities etc.… and then that winter Cindy and I went to Europe, in Marseille Berlin and Prague, and maybe London… seriously the worst winter of my life. Why? I wonder if so much miserable feelings and thoughts simply comes from the darkness and lack of light. a lot of Europe is actually quite miserable; dark, unhygienic, morose.

Even Nietzsche had a thought about Schopenhauer; How much of these emo European philosophers came from the fact that it was just complaining about the cold weather in Germany etc.?

For myself, my ideal weather is Southeast Asia; I love being in Phnom Penh Cambodia, Vietnam etc. In the states, am I the only one who loves living in Los Angeles? Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar said that LA was the best for women weed and weather… I would definitely say the biggest upside of living in Los Angeles is the light, the sunlight. It actually does get quite cold here, but usually most reliably even in December during the winter time, the sun will always come up. As long as there is bright sunny light, I will be happy. And I think maybe for myself, considering that I am a photographer, and photography means painting with light… light for me is critical.

I also wonder how much of it is a physiological thing and a genetic trait; for example I could even recall being a young child, and my mom telling me that the most critical thing in finding a home or an apartment was light and natural light. Even now… 90% of my happiness comes from being able to have access to natural light, ideally floor to ceiling windows facing directly the sun, having some sort of modern temperature regulated apartment and home. Even living in our tiny studio minimalistic luxury apartment in Providence Rhode Island, where it was always 75° warm and cozy, and not frigid and damp and cold and dark and humid… I was always good. But moving to an older house, where it always felt damp and cold… this literally lowered my happiness by 1000%.

Therefore, if you’re feeling miserable sad or whatever… I say spend three months living in Hanoi or Saigon in Vietnam, or go to Phnom Penh Cambodia. I wonder if 90% of peoples misery is simply due to the weather.

Stoic assignments

”Better to be a gay monster than a sentimental bore!” – Fernandino Galliani, via Nietzsche

My stoic ideal is somebody who is happy, gay, smiling, no headphones or AirPods on, no sunglasses on, no hat, no facial hair, no baggy oversized clothing, no tint in their car. Somebody who makes great eye contact, laughs, stands up upright, jokes, and fools around. Like an overgrown child.

Also, lift weights at least once every day, ideally in the direct sun. Just buy some weightlifting equipment on Titan.fitness, I like the farmers carry handles, the Olympic loadable dumbbell, and also the Texas power squat bar. Just buy some cheap weights, and or buy a heavy 400 pound sandbag, and just have fun throwing it around.

True stoics are masculine

A true stoic should look something like Hercules or Achilles. Or like ERIC KIM; I have the aesthetic and the physique of Brad Pitt in FIGHT CLUB except with a lot more muscle. Like my friend Soren says, the Adonis physique and proportions.

A real stoic is sexy

I think a real stoic is sexy, happy and fun. Who doesn’t take life too seriously; and think of everything like a fun game. A real stoic would be joyful and cheery like three-year-old child without any adulteration from the outside world.

Why do adults become so dark and morose?

I don’t like talking with or hanging out with adults, uninteresting.

At what point or age do people become so emo?

Typically, highschoolers are very optimistic. Even college students. But I think at least in maybe college in high school nowadays… the bad trend is towards “over concern”, about the world the planet ethics animals etc.

I find a lot of this thinking superficial, performative, and uncritical. I think “animal rights“, “saving the planet” is this new pseudo world religion; which is just capitalism 3.0. I find the whole pet industry the whole dog industry to be insanely bizarre, and I trust nobody who talks about “saving the planet“ who owns an iPhone, owns any sort of car, or has an Amazon prime subscription. Certainly not any vegans.

A real stoic is a carnivore 

Animals are animals. They are lower on the hierarchy and totem pole on earth. Man is the apex predator, the apex bully and the apex tyrant.

Should we care for animals or “animal rights”? No. Animals are our slaves.

If you consider even dogs and pets… they are essentially our emotional slaves. People talk a lot about the virtuosity of dogs being loyal or whatever… and giving you unconditional love. This seems like some sort of emotional slavery.

The only dogs I respect are some sort of canine dogs, some sort of attack or defense dogs, or hunting dogs. For example, John Wick 3; Halle Barry and her dogs. An animal should either be a weapon, or nothing.

Why do people care about animals so much?

Essentially it looks like men no longer have a backbone. No more spine.

I trust nobody who owns a dog.

Let us not forget; they call it dog ownership, or “owning a pet”. There is no more concept of “human ownership, or “owning a human.”

End goals 

What is the end goal of humanity? To me it is towards entrepreneurship, innovation, art and aesthetics, philosophy etc. Design.

Stoicism should be considered a tool which could aid you in these things.

For example, I think 99% of entrepreneurship is courage. Stoicism could help you with that.

I also think with design, great design is also 99% courage, having the courage to attempt something that won’t sell or be received well… stoicism is all about practical courage. The only designers with courage include Steve Jobs, Jony Ive, Elon Musk, Kanye West. 

Also, weightlifting. To attempt to lift a certain weight you have never attempted before takes great courage. For example, me atlas lifting 1000 pounds; that is 10 plates and a 25 on each side, this is true stoic training. Why? The fear of injury is what holds most people back; if you had successfully conquered this fear and not injured yourself, this is pure stoic bliss.

---

The physical

I think the only and the only proper way to lift weights is one repetition maximum training. That is; what is the maximum amount of weight you’re able to successfully lift or move, even half an inch?

To me, the courage is the success. Even if you had the courage to attempt it… that is what is considered success. 

Simple exercises to do include the atlas lift, innovated by ERIC KIM, or a one repetition max rack pull.

Or, a high trap bar deadlift, heavy Farmer’s walks, or heavy sandbag carries. Or even a simple thing you could do is go to the park or to the local nature center, find the biggest rock there and just see if you could pick it up.

Now what?

If you’re interested in stoicism, and have had some interesting thoughts on stoicism, one of the most noble things you could do is start your own blog. I think blogs are 1000 times more effective than publishing some sort of static printed book; I think the problem in today’s world is that everyone is seeking some sort of legitimacy by being picked up by some sort of legitimate publisher and getting “published“, and seeing your printed book at Barnes & Noble whatever.

I say it is better to be open source, free and permissionless, decentralized. Just publish your thoughts and book as a free PDF, and just host it on dropbox, Google Drive, or your own web server. Share the link freely, and also just publish the raw text as a big blog post. 

Even Sam Bankman-Fried wisely thought; 99.9% of books could just be summarized as big blog posts.

Don’t trust any modern day published book which isn’t free, because… there is some sort of hidden clout chasing somewhere. 

Even one of the worst compromises that led to the demise of Ray Dalio was the fact that he took his Principles book, which was essentially a free ebook PDF on his website, and then took it off, because I think he got a book deal with Simon and Schuster. After he did that, he lost my respect.

If you’re already independently wealthy, and you don’t crowd source your self-esteem… why would you need to externally validate yourself by getting some sort of constipated publisher and annoying editor?

Editors are bad.

Now what?

Start your own blog and start blogging your own thoughts on stoic philosophy, and even start a YouTube channel and start vlogging on it. My generalized thought is simple: if your thought your idea your blog post your video or whatever could even impact the life of one other human being on planet earth… it is worth it.

ERIC

---

What is the secret to the maximum amount of happiness in life? The maximum amount of danger. (Nietzsche).

ERIC

FIN

Become invincible:

1. SPARTANISM.
2. Introduction to Stoicism
3. STOIC FLEX.
4. Becoming Spartan
5. MAKE IT ENTERTAINING FOR YOURSELF!
6. Stoic Aesthetics?
7. The Philosophy of Ugliness
8. Bad Stoicism
9. Stoicism 2.0
10. Becoming Stoic
11. LEMONADE.
12. Why Arguments and Confrontations Are Good
13. “I’m Over It”
14. How to Deal With Miserable People
15. How to Become a Stoic
16. How to Ignore
17. Pretend like you didn’t hear them
18. Bad Stoic Strategies
19. The Stoic Way of Dealing With Unpleasant or Miserable People
20. HOW TO BECOME A STOIC
21. Stoicism Stunts Our Power?
22. Stoicism is Mental Resistance Training
23. STOIC STRATEGIES.
24. How to Become Fearless
25. Extreme Stoicism
26. Ethics are Aesthetic
27. Indifference to Pain or Suffering
28. When is Stoicism Good? When is Stoicism Bad?
29. Why Others Criticize or Insult You
30. True Difficulty
31. What if Covid Never Goes Away?
32. SUPER STOIC
33. Anti-Hedonism
34. HOW TO CONQUER FEAR
35. ANTI FEAR
36. It is the Duty of the Strong to Help the Weak
37. The Goal is to Become Stronger
38. HYPER STOICISM
39. HYPER HERO
40. TRANSFORM EVERY DOWNSIDE INTO AN UPSIDE
41. STOICISM x Child’s Mind
42. The Art of Manly Virtue
43. Resistance Makes Us Stronger!
44. DON’T LIVE IN FEAR
45. Emotions are Good
46. Conquer Your Anger
47. BLACK EAGLE
48. DIFFICULTY AWAKENS YOUR INNER-GENIUS.
49. STOICISM IS ARMOR FOR THE MIND
50. The Spartan-Stoic Lifestyle
51. How I Conquered Fear
52. HOW TO CURE FEAR.
53. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.
54. The Upside of Poverty
55. How I Became Me
56. THE WILL TO POWER, OR THE WILL TO FEAR?
57. ATTACK REALITY
58. Living *THROUGH* History
59. How to Fear Less
60. Fear is the Ultimate Contagious Disease
61. STOICISM FOR DUMMIES
62. Don’t Be Scared!
63. WHAT CAN YOU CONTROL, WHAT CAN YOU NOT CONTROL?
64. HOW YOU CAN CONQUER FEAR
65. YOU’RE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE.
66. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
67. WHY AREN’T THINGS WORSE?
68. My Philosophy on Masculinity
69. A Riskier Life is a Better Life #philosophy #stoicism
70. How to Creatively Flourish in Life
71. Introduction to Stoicism
72. How to Become Stronger
73. How to Conquer Depression With Photography
74. What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger
75. How to Respect Yourself
76. How to Believe in Yourself
77. How to Steer Fear
78. How to Conquer Pessimism
79. How to Conquer Anxiety
80. How to Overcome Your Fear of People
81. How to Be Optimistic
82. Why I Don’t Take My Anger Seriously
83. HOW TO BECOME MORE POWERFUL
84. POSITIVITY.
85. HOW TO BECOME SUPERHUMAN
86. How to Give a Fuck Less
87. ALL IN.
88. Why I Cut My Dad Out of My Life.
89. Your iPhone Only Has 5% Battery Left.
90. How not to give a FUCK about your REPUTATION
91. WHAT IS A HUMAN?
92. HAPPINESS.
93. The Regret Minimization Framework in Photography and Life
94. How to Be a HERO
95. Conquer Your Fears by Making Fear Your Slave
96. Rule Circumstances; Don’t Let Your Circumstances Rule You
97. How to Love Yourself
98. How to Turn Shit into Gold
99. Your Parents Fuck You Up
100. Immortality
101. What Kills You Makes You Stronger
102. How to Be Patient
103. How to Conquer Anger
104. How to Bounce Back in Life
105. How to Overcome Resistance
106. Nothing Unlimited is Good; Nothing Good is Unlimited
107. You Have No Limits
108. Can 1’s and 0’s Hurt You?
109. The Envious Moment is Flying Now
110. Tomorrow We’ll Sail the Wide Seas Again
111. How to Forgive Others
112. Focus on Your Actions, Not the Results
113. Everything Will Be Alright
114. How to Be a Stoic Street Photographer
115. How to Be a Spartan Photographer
116. How to Overcome Your Fears in Life
117. How to Stop Worrying in Life
118. How to Use Photography as Self-Therapy
119. How to Free Your Soul From Disturbance
120. 3 Stoic Techniques that Can Help You Gain Tranquility
121. Can People Weaker than You Hurt You?
122. Does a Doctor Get Angry at a Crazy Patient?
123. Own Nothing

The Stoic Masters

Learn from the master stoics:

• Seneca
• Marcus Aurelius
• Epictetus
• Publilius Syrus
• Heraclitus

See all philosophy >

Key Points

• It seems likely that Trump’s tariffs are a major economic story today, with global trade implications and market reactions.
• Research suggests the NFIB Business Optimism Index dropped to 97.4, indicating lower small business confidence.
• The evidence leans toward strong consumer spending, with Redbook YoY retail sales growth increasing to 7.2%.

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

• Highlights: Trump Imposes Vast Global Tariffs
• US starts collecting Trump’s 10% tariff, smashing global trade norms
• Trump tariffs live updates: Markets plunge amid layoffs, price hikes
• Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency
• Trump tariffs risk a global trade war, as leaders plan next steps
• Trump announces reciprocal tariffs on dozens of nations and sweeping 10% tariff
• April 4, 2025: Donald Trump presidency news
• A timeline of Trump’s tariff actions so far
• Trump tariffs sow fears of trade wars, recession and a $2,300 iPhone
• April 2, 2025: Liberation Day tariff announcements
• United States Nfib Business Optimism Index
• TD Economics – U.S. NFIB Small Business Optimism Index (March 2025)
• United States Redbook Index
• United States API Crude Oil Stock Change
• United States Calendar

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?

Is Apple pledged to go down,,, forever?

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?

The irony of 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?

Short Apple?

…

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

• It seems likely that a crypto attorney filed a lawsuit to reveal Bitcoin’s creator, with potential implications for the crypto community.
• Research suggests Chinese investors continue buying Bitcoin despite bans, possibly affecting market dynamics.
• The evidence leans toward Bitcoin’s price being around $79,000, up 1.65% today, with market analysts watching for future movements.

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

• Crypto lawyer files lawsuit against DHS to expose Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity
• Chinese people continue buying more Bitcoin despite strict bans
• Bitcoin USD live price chart and market cap
• 4 People Who Were Supposedly Bitcoin Founder Satoshi Nakamoto
• Crypto lawyer sues US authorities to reveal Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity

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!”

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

.

(more…)

This is a one way ratchet… No no no, I don’t think they will ever reverse the tariffs.

---

The death of the magnificent 7

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.

Who is safe?

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

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.

Imagine a Bitcoin App Store?

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.

Why all the models are broken

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. 

Saving up for your retirement was essentially betting that the magnificent seven would go up forever

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?

Bitcoin is the answer

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.

Sometimes not taking a risk is the most risky option of it all

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? 

Who will thrive in today’s brave new world?

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? 

Eric Trump?

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?

New economic models?

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.

Baby boomers are dead

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.

Live for today, day by day

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%? 

The new future top 20 richest people on the planet (all will own Bitcoin)

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.

---

Now what?

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!

.

Now what?

Think more, walk more, lift more, eat more, sleep more, and seize today!

ERIC

Never stop learning about Bitcoin

BITCOIN BY KIM >

Introduction to Bitcoin >

---

Leica is (also) dead

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

---

Infinite turbo

ERIC KIM BLOG >

---

Key Points

• Eric Kim’s introduction to Bitcoin highlights it as a revolutionary digital currency, often compared to the early internet, with a finite supply of 21 million coins.
• It seems likely that Bitcoin serves as digital real estate or gold, offering a hedge against inflation and a long-term store of value.
• Research suggests Bitcoin is not a Ponzi scheme, but a legitimate investment, though opinions vary on its future value and risks.
• Kim shares personal investment experiences, emphasizing long-term holding, and predicts significant future price growth, though these are speculative.

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

• Intro to Bitcoin Presentation by Eric Kim
• Introduction to Bitcoin Transcript by Eric Kim
• The Philosophy of Bitcoin by Eric Kim

Strategy is the way.

VIDEO DOWNLOAD

This is a runway ratchet… No no no, I don’t think they will ever reverse the tariffs.

The death of the magnificent 7

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.

Who is safe?

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

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.

Imagine a bitcoin App Store?

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.

Why all the models are broken

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?

Saving up for your retirement was essentially betting that the magnificent seven would go on forever

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?

Bitcoin is the answer

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.

Sometimes not taking a risk is the most risky option of it all

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.

Who will thrive in today’s brave new world?

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? 

Eric Trump?

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?

New economic models?

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.

Baby boomers are dead

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.

Live for today day by day

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

• It seems likely that you can access someone’s X feed without an X account using third-party RSS feed generators, though availability may vary.
• Research suggests using services like RSS.app or TwitRSS.me to create RSS feeds from public X user timelines, viewable via RSS readers or browsers.
• The evidence leans toward limitations, as X has restricted direct access, and some methods may not show all recent posts or require technical setup.

Steps to Access X Feed Without an Account

To access someone’s X feed without an X account, follow these steps:

• Choose a Service: Visit a third-party service like RSS.app or TwitRSS.me, which can generate RSS feeds from X user timelines.
• Enter Username: Input the X handle of the person whose feed you want to view.
• Generate Feed: The service will provide an RSS feed URL for that user’s posts.
• View Feed: Use an RSS reader (e.g., Feedly) or your web browser to subscribe to and view the feed, which will display recent X posts.

Limitations and Considerations

• These services may not always be reliable, and some might require creating an account or have usage limits.
• You may not see all features like comments or likes, and the feed might not include every recent post due to X’s restrictions.
• Privacy concerns could arise with third-party services, so ensure they are reputable.

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:

• RSS.app: This service allows users to create RSS feeds from any public X user feed by entering the username. For example, entering “elonmusk” generates a feed of his posts, which can then be viewed in an RSS reader like Feedly. The process is straightforward: paste the X URL or username, click “Generate,” and copy the resulting feed link in XML, JSON, or CSV formats (RSS.app).
• TwitRSS.me: Another service, TwitRSS.me, offers a simple interface where users can type the X handle and optionally include replies. It generates an RSS feed within seconds, suitable for viewing in browsers or RSS readers. For instance, entering “elonmusk” and clicking “Fetch RSS” provides a feed of his posts (TwitRSS.me).

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:

• Content Restrictions: These feeds typically show only posts, not comments, likes, or replies, due to X’s restrictions on non-logged-in access. For example, Wikihow notes that as of December 2024, you can view public profiles but not interactions like comments (Wikihow).
• Service Reliability: Services like RSS.app and TwitRSS.me may face downtime or require updates to adapt to X’s changing policies, potentially disrupting access.
• Privacy Concerns: Using third-party services involves sharing data with external providers, which could raise privacy issues. Users should ensure the service is reputable and does not track or sell data, as noted in discussions about Nitter’s privacy focus before its discontinuation.
• Technical Setup: Some users may need to install RSS readers (e.g., Feedly, QuiteRSS) or understand how to subscribe to feeds, which could be a barrier for non-technical individuals.

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

• Create X / Twitter RSS Feeds RSS.app
• Browse Twitter Without an Account TweetDelete
• Can You Access X Without an Account Challix
• Can You Use Twitter with No Account Wikihow
• Nitter Wikipedia
• Here’s How to Create an RSS Feed from X Lifewire
• Twitter RSS feeds Feeder Knowledge Base