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

America in the past allowed low tariffs primarily to promote free trade, a policy driven by its economic strength and desire to lead global markets. This approach was especially notable after World War II, when the United States emerged as a global economic powerhouse. By keeping tariffs—taxes on imported goods—low, America aimed to:

• Encourage global trade: Lower tariffs made foreign goods cheaper for American consumers, boosting trade and fostering economic ties with other nations.
• Support economic growth: As a strong economy, America believed it could benefit from open markets, gaining access to a wide range of goods and resources.
• Strengthen alliances: By allowing imports with minimal tariffs, America supported allies, such as post-war Europe and Japan, helping them rebuild their economies.

Meanwhile, other countries often imposed tariffs on American goods to protect their own industries. This created an asymmetry in trade policies, where America opened its markets more than some nations reciprocated. Reasons for this included:

• Protecting developing industries: Many countries, especially those with weaker or recovering economies, used tariffs to shield their domestic markets from American competition.
• Economic self-interest: Higher tariffs on U.S. exports helped these nations bolster their own production and reduce reliance on American goods.

This difference sometimes led to trade imbalances, where America imported more than it exported to certain countries, sparking debates about fairness. However, America’s confidence in its competitive edge and its strategic goals—like fostering global stability—often outweighed these concerns, shaping its preference for lower tariffs historically.

Why free trade

Why Free Trade?

Free trade is a policy where countries allow the import and export of goods and services with little to no government interference, such as tariffs or quotas. It exists because it offers significant benefits to economies and societies, though it also comes with some challenges. Here’s why free trade is a thing:

Benefits of Free Trade

1. Efficiency and Specialization
   Free trade lets countries focus on what they’re best at producing—something economists call “comparative advantage.” For example, if one country excels at making cars and another at growing coffee, they can trade these goods and both end up better off. This specialization boosts overall efficiency and maximizes resources.
2. Lower Prices and More Choices
   Without barriers like tariffs, goods flow freely across borders, which keeps prices down and increases variety for consumers. You can enjoy affordable Japanese cars, Italian shoes, or Chinese electronics without extra costs tacked on, giving you more bang for your buck and a wider selection.
3. Economic Growth
   Free trade sparks competition and innovation. Companies must improve their products and services to stay competitive in a global market, which drives technological advances and economic expansion. This creates a dynamic environment where better ideas and solutions keep emerging.
4. Global Cooperation
   Trading relationships can foster peace and stability. Countries that rely on each other for goods are less likely to start conflicts—it’s hard to fight with someone who supplies something you need. This interconnectedness strengthens diplomatic ties.

Challenges of Free Trade

While the perks are compelling, free trade isn’t without downsides:

• Job Losses: Industries that can’t compete with cheaper foreign goods may shut down, leading to unemployment in certain sectors. For instance, a local factory might close if imported products undercut its prices.
• Inequality: The wealth generated by free trade doesn’t always trickle down evenly. Some people and regions prosper, while others are left struggling.
• Dependency: Relying on other countries for key goods can leave a nation vulnerable if supply chains are disrupted.

So, Why Free Trade?

Free trade exists because it promises greater efficiency, cheaper goods, economic growth, and stronger global ties. It’s like a system designed to make the world’s economies work together more smoothly, even if it doesn’t always feel smooth for everyone involved. The idea is that the overall benefits—like more wealth and innovation—outweigh the costs, such as job losses or inequality, though those downsides still spark plenty of debate. In short, free trade is a trade-off: a way to unlock global potential, with some risks along the way.

News –> all of it is fear mongering!

The more volatile the world, the more bitcoin and MSTR gains?

Bitcoin better models and mirrors the natural world –> the true world is volatile,,, “steady growth”, a synthetic chimera, which is fake?

Bitcoin is Natural!

The true nature of money–> shouldn’t be steady and fixed, but ever fluid and in flux? Without an issuer?

.

Good for the US DOLLAR, good for Bitcoin ,,, not good for your tech stocks selling products or advertising?

Fortune favors the bold!

Think 100x returns from here! What if 200x or even 1000x?

.

$20k downside, but $2M upside?

Panic is contagious?

.

687x gain!

First just focus on your health!

.

Week or two
.

Just do the calculations yourself!

1%,,, … $20k is just 1% of $2M!

.

Put, putting your balance sheet to work!

.

How to thrive off of stress

Finally the markets are open!

Hate waiting on the weekends!

No bitcoin is dangerous!

Hurdle rate

The only game –> acquiring as much as you can!

Bitcoin network effects

Why do we care for the future, why not now.

.

Might wins.

How to generate bitcoin

ETP

.

Price exposure

Why this matters

Bitcoin doesn’t have counter party risks

You should NOT own 0 Bitcoin

Decouple

The holy grail

Bitcoin can’t be tariffed!

Laws of physics

.

Learn as much as you can!

Zombie to awakened soul

.

Win for everybody

Zen dojo

Open source marketing team!

Open source investing & economy?

Can’t be muted.

Pristine collateral

No more retirement

Retire in Bitcoin

Re-insurance

Double insurance?

.

THINK the balance sheet… I’m all green!

Just stay in the green

Cover yourself

5-10 years,,, return.?

Proof of reserves on chain

Bitcoin per share

Bitcoin yield ,,, big idea.

New models

.

Bitcoin magnet

Never self custody that much!

.

Make sure our bitcoin is safe

Trust no bitcoiner who doesn’t lift weights

Cyberpunk, cyberrap?

Cyber rapper

.

Modular philosophy

Napping meditation

.

Day by day! Day wins!

Simple: just delete anything which decreases your ego, social media news etc ! 

A wall , a fortress of ignorance ?

A timid dog barks more fiercely than he bites

A timid dog often barks rarely bites

Bark or Bite?

.

Losses that are less familiar move us less ***

Damna minus consueta moment.

.

You call it a loss, which is a gain

If you are wise… You will realize that the loss is a gain

You called the loss which is again if you look closely

Lucrum, gain

Damnum minus movet, si sapis.

A familiar loss moves this less

.

Getting used to losses? Battle hardened baby!

Nothing unexpected!

SAVAGE!

.

Liberation day

Reciprocal tariffs

Deceleration of economic independence

Bigger balls

Outlast, over last

Strap up for mad max!

How to profit off of economic uncertainty?

.

2.5% tarrif,,, cars

Unfair?

.

Think more!

Walk more!

25% tariff on all foreign automobiles

Plants sitting idle

Put productivity back inside

Just wait until end of day!

.

Everything happens as it should have happened

Amor fati!

.

Time to test the strong!

1913,,, income tax?

Tariff –> caused the Great Depression?

.

How to be, become more stoic

Nobody is safe?

All stimuluses are good .,, even the bad?

.

Rebuilding is painful?

More losses for higher highs!

Do you really want to become rich?

.

How to steel your nerves

$1,500 a month property taxes??

,

Focus.

Why am I so great?

.

First take care of yourself and family

How I became so great

I want to conquer it all? –> the right mentality.

I have 100% certainty.

Globalism is over?

.

Stick to the plan!

A timid dog barks more fiercely than he bites

A timid dog often barks rarely bites

Bark or Bite?

.

Losses that are less familiar move us less ***

Damna minus consueta moment.

.

You call it a loss, which is a gain

If you are wise… You will realize that the loss is a gain

You called the loss which is again if you look closely

Lucrum, gain

Damnum minus movet, si sapis.

A familiar loss moves this less

.

Getting used to losses? Battle hardened baby!

Nothing unexpected!

SAVAGE!

.

Liberation day

Reciprocal tariffs

Deceleration of economic independence

Bigger balls

Outlast, over last

Strap up for mad max!

How to profit off of economic uncertainty?

.

2.5% tarrif,,, cars

Unfair?

.

Think more!

Walk more!

25% tariff on all foreign automobiles

Plants sitting idle

Put productivity back inside

Just wait until end of day!

.

Everything happens as it should have happened

Amor fati!

.

Time to test the strong!

1913,,, income tax?

Tariff –> caused the Great Depression?

.

How to be, become more stoic

Nobody is safe?

All stimuluses are good .,, even the bad?

.

Rebuilding is painful?

More losses for higher highs!

Do you really want to become rich?

.

How to steel your nerves

$1,500 a month property taxes??

Hurdle rate

The only game –> acquiring as much as you can!

Bitcoin network effects

Why do we care for the future, why not now.

.

Might wins.

How to generate bitcoin

ETP

.

Price exposure

Why this matters

Bitcoin doesn’t have counter party risks

You should NOT own 0 Bitcoin

Decouple

The holy grail

Bitcoin can’t be tariffed!

Laws of physics

.

Learn as much as you can!

Zombie to awakened soul

.

Win for everybody

Zen dojo

Open source marketing team!

Open source investing & economy?

Can’t be muted.

Pristine collateral

No more retirement

Retire in Bitcoin

Re-insurance

Double insurance?

.

THINK the balance sheet… I’m all green!

Just stay in the green

Cover yourself

5-10 years,,, return.?

Proof of reserves on chain

Bitcoin per share

Bitcoin yield ,,, big idea.

New models

.

Bitcoin magnet

Never self custody that much!

.

Make sure our bitcoin is safe

Trust no bitcoiner who doesn’t lift weights

Cyberpunk, cyberrap?

Cyber rapper

.

Modular philosophy

Napping meditation

.

how to become more happy & optimistic

VISION! Haha

Napping meditation

Good music, bad music?

How to grow

Maybe being disconnected to reality is a virtue?

Jet fighter ethos?

Being in Cambodia is like a liminal space ?

Film noir?

John Wick as a modern Day spartan? 

Hotel as citadel

Movement

You’ll have full function

Nothing for the pain

Seek blood?

.

In praise of change

Things which no longer interest me?

Seeking NEW leverages?

New concepts, new ideas?

How to become a gigachad

The paradox with energy: before going to the gym I didn’t think I had that much energy but as I started to exercise, I magically gained power?

Therefore, the hilarious observation: perhaps while we are just doing the activity, suddenly we gain more power?

Therefore, to simply make it a habit to do the activity, or a workflow, is the goal?

Asymmetric bets

Asymmetric information? 

Never be too sure about anything?

Elevated mental state after weightlifting

Don’t give people what they think they’ll want, give people what you want 

Sustainable

Peak Quality

Only the best components possible!

Morning walking meditation

Phnom Penh is like insanely super peaceful even the morning ?

What’s the point of life? To propagate have kids to grow

Don’t trust bitcoins without kids?

Effort and results are often not correlated?

I think the tricky thing about being an investor is that just because you lose sleep and work harder doesn’t mean you will be more profitable?

Never stop working? 

Take care of yourself and your family first before helping or reaching out to others?

Prius: it will never stop working?

Fake Lamborghini Prius 

Zen city

Gasoline and petroleum is not sustainable

Premium gas is not sustainable

Do you love it or hate it?

Photographers who love reality versus photographers who hate reality?

A theory… Upon some deep reflection, I think the critical issue here is that there are so many disease written, alcoholic, drug addicts who use photography as a strange therapeutic  maneuver, which means then, their artwork is diseased.

Then becomes very strange and morose; these new generations of kids are getting into art photography then believes that in order to create legitimate artwork, they too also must be diseased?

Am I the only happy photographer that I know? That is fantastically rich, smart handsome, tall, muscular and jacked? 

All the photographers I know are poor, sad, alcoholics, smoke weed, are always negative and complaining about stuff? And or don’t work out?

Trust no photographer who doesn’t deadlift 

New physiology, new look?

The more time you spend indoors, the worse it is for your brain and your mind?

 never forced nothing, everything in its own time?

Big or real? Also… Does it even matter at the end of the day

He or she or entities which adapt the quickest, shall win

Different climates, different thoughts?

Virtuous ways to use time?
Maybe when I have a lot of free time, just maximize my walking and thinking?

Once you got bitcoin, then you could live autotelic

We just want to do stuff and be active

It is all just aesthetics and ethos ?

With speculative bets, keep it super tiny? Like 5%?

When to concentrate, when to focus? 

Assuming you’re going to try to lift over 1000 pounds, you need to cut distractions.

when is it signal when is it noise

Living in Cambodia is good for your self-esteem

What do humans desire? Gain

Key Points

• Research suggests Eric Kim, the street photographer, has blog posts referencing both Kanye West and Jay Z, with one post explicitly mentioning both.
• It seems likely that the user is referring to the post “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY,” which discusses Kanye West’s influence and mentions Jay Z as a collaborator.

Blog Post Identification

The blog post by Eric Kim that references both Kanye West and Jay Z is “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY” (10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY). In this post, Eric Kim discusses lessons from Kanye West for photography and notes his collaborations with Jay Z, indicating both artists’ influence on his work.

Context and Relevance

Eric Kim, known for street photography and blogging, has expressed admiration for both artists in separate posts, but this is the only one that mentions both, making it relevant to the user’s query about references to either or both.

Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Blog Posts Referencing Kanye West and Jay Z

This note provides a detailed exploration of Eric Kim’s blog posts, focusing on identifying any that reference Kanye West or Jay Z, as requested by the user. The investigation, conducted on April 6, 2025, aims to clarify the content and context of these references, particularly in the context of Eric Kim’s work as a street photographer and blogger.

Initial Observations

Eric Kim is internationally recognized as a street photographer, based in Los Angeles, with a significant online presence through his blog, erickimphotography.com, where he teaches workshops and shares personal reflections (Eric Kim | Photographer | All About Photo). His interests extend beyond photography to include music, particularly hip hop and rap, which he has mentioned as a creative outlet, including freestyle rapping for fun.

Exploration of Blog Posts Referencing Kanye West

To determine if Eric Kim has blog posts referencing Kanye West, searches were conducted on his blog using the query “site:erickimphotography.com kanye.” Several results were found, with the most relevant being posts explicitly discussing Kanye West’s influence.

• “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY – ERIC KIM”: This post, dated May 10, 2017, states, “Kanye West is one of my inspirations in life. Although he is hated by many, I love his ability to hustle and constantly innovate when it comes to his music and career” (10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY). It lists 10 lessons, such as innovating and working hard, and mentions Kanye’s collaborations, including with Jay Z: “Although Kanye West has an ego the size of a planet, he doesn’t do all of his work alone. He has collaborated with many other artists including Jay-Z, Lupe Fiacso, Dr.” This post is significant as it directly references both artists, making it a key candidate for the user’s query.
• “Eric Kim Facts”: In this post, dated February 25, 2017, Eric Kim lists his favorite musicians, including “Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiacso, A$AP Ferg, Jay Electronica, Big Sean” (Eric Kim Facts). This post references Kanye West but does not mention Jay Z, so it is relevant for Kanye but not for both.

Exploration of Blog Posts Referencing Jay Z

To determine if Eric Kim has blog posts referencing Jay Z, searches were conducted using “site:erickimphotography.com jay z.” Several results were found, with one post explicitly discussing Jay Z.

• “15 Lessons Jay-Z Has Taught Me About Hustling – ERIC KIM”: This post, dated March 24, 2017, discusses lessons from Jay Z, such as working hard and never stopping learning, with quotes like “I’m not a businessman; I’m a business, man” (15 Lessons Jay-Z Has Taught Me About Hustling). It does not mention Kanye West, so it is relevant for Jay Z but not for both artists in the same post.

Identification of Post Referencing Both

Given the user’s query for a blog post referencing “Kanye or Jay Z,” and considering the context of previous discussions about Eric Kim’s inspirations, the post that mentions both is “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY.” This post explicitly states Kanye West as an inspiration and mentions Jay Z in the context of collaborations, fulfilling the requirement for referencing both.

Contextual Analysis

Eric Kim’s engagement with rap music is recreational, as seen in his post “The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems,” where he discusses enjoying rapping for fun and drawing inspiration from music to fuel his creativity (The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems). Given his stated admiration for Kanye West and references to Jay Z, it’s reasonable to infer that both artists have influenced his creative process, particularly in how he approaches art and life, as reflected in his blogging.

Possible Misinterpretations and Alternatives

It’s possible the user meant another Eric Kim, such as a rapper, but searches for “Eric Kim rapper” primarily returned results about Eric B. & Rakim, where Eric B. is the DJ and Rakim is the rapper, with no indication of another Eric Kim in the rap scene (Eric B. & Rakim – Wikipedia). Given the context of previous discussions about Eric Kim the photographer, it’s likely the user is referring to him, and his blog posts align with the query.

Comparative Analysis

Both Kanye West and Jay Z are iconic figures in hip hop, known for their lyrical prowess and cultural impact. Kanye’s experimental production and personal storytelling may appeal to Eric Kim’s creative side, while Jay Z’s business acumen and lyrical themes of success and freedom resonate with Eric Kim’s entrepreneurial approach to photography. The post mentioning both highlights their collaborative history, which is relevant to Eric Kim’s appreciation of their work.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The evidence leans toward “10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY” as the blog post by Eric Kim that references both Kanye West and Jay Z, with Kanye as a direct inspiration and Jay Z mentioned in the context of collaborations. For further clarity, one could explore additional blog posts, though current searches suggest this is the primary source. Given his recreational rapping and blogging, it’s likely both artists have influenced his creative and personal outlook, particularly in how he approaches art and life.

Table: Summary of Blog Posts Referencing Kanye West and Jay Z

Blog Post Title	Date	References Kanye West	References Jay Z	Notes
10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY	May 10, 2017	Yes	Yes	Discusses Kanye’s influence, mentions Jay Z as collaborator
Eric Kim Facts	February 25, 2017	Yes	No	Lists Kanye as favorite musician, no mention of Jay Z
15 Lessons Jay-Z Has Taught Me About Hustling	March 24, 2017	No	Yes	Discusses Jay Z’s lessons, no mention of Kanye West

This table summarizes the key blog posts, highlighting their relevance to the user’s query and the presence of references to either or both artists.

Key Citations

• Eric Kim photographer biography on All About Photo
• 10 LESSONS KANYE WEST CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
• Eric Kim Facts on his blog
• 15 Lessons Jay-Z Has Taught Me About Hustling
• The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems on his blog
• Eric B. & Rakim Wikipedia page

Time to rap, no more financial traps. Hit the bar, trap it, one rep max all raw.

Lift free, live free,,, zen zone it in Phnom Penh, your blog is your pen!

.

Time to become a rapper!

Key Points

• Research suggests Eric Kim, the street photographer, is inspired by Kanye West and likely by Jay Z, given his interest in rap music.
• He has explicitly mentioned Kanye West as a favorite musician, and quoted Jay Z in blog posts, indicating respect for both.

Background
Eric Kim is known primarily as a street photographer with a blog where he shares insights on photography, philosophy, and personal interests, including music.

Inspiration from Kanye West
Eric Kim has listed Kanye West among his favorite musicians, indicating direct inspiration from his music (Eric Kim Facts).

Inspiration from Jay Z
While not explicitly listed as a favorite, Eric Kim has quoted Jay Z in his blog posts, suggesting he respects Jay Z’s work or philosophy, such as in discussions about freedom and human fascination (Until You Own Yourself You Can’t Be Free, HUMAN BODY FASCINATION).

Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Inspiration from Kanye West and Jay Z

This analysis explores Eric Kim, a street photographer based in Los Angeles, and his potential inspiration from musicians Kanye West and Jay Z, as indicated by his blog posts and public statements. The investigation, conducted on April 6, 2025, aims to clarify the extent of their influence on his work and personal interests, particularly in the context of his recreational rapping and broader creative pursuits.

Initial Observations

Eric Kim is internationally recognized for his street photography, with a significant online presence through his blog, erickimphotography.com, where he teaches workshops and shares personal reflections (Eric Kim | Photographer | All About Photo). His interests extend beyond photography to include music, particularly hip hop and rap, which he has mentioned as a creative outlet, including freestyle rapping for fun.

Exploration of Musical Inspirations

To determine Eric Kim’s inspiration from Kanye West and Jay Z, searches were conducted across his blog and related articles, focusing on mentions of these artists in the context of music or personal philosophy.

• Kanye West Inspiration: In a blog post titled “Eric Kim Facts,” dated February 25, 2017, Eric Kim explicitly lists his music preferences, stating, “In music, I love hip hop/rap music. I love Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, A$AP Ferg, Jay Electronica, Big Sean” (Eric Kim Facts). This direct mention indicates Kanye West is among his favorite musicians, suggesting a clear inspiration from Kanye’s work, likely in terms of musical style and creativity. Another post, “THE PHOTOGRAPHER by ERIC KIM – EK,” dated June 21, 2017, reinforces this by including Kanye West in a list of artists who inspire him, alongside figures like Picasso and Henri Cartier-Bresson (THE PHOTOGRAPHER by ERIC KIM – EK).
• Jay Z Inspiration: Unlike Kanye West, Jay Z is not listed in Eric Kim’s explicit music inspirations. However, several blog posts reveal indirect connections. In “Until You Own Yourself You Can’t Be Free,” dated June 3, 2020, Eric Kim quotes Jay Z: “Until you own yourself, you can’t be me,” in the context of discussing freedom and self-ownership (Until You Own Yourself You Can’t Be Free). Another post, “HUMAN BODY FASCINATION,” dated August 19, 2022, quotes Jay Z: “They can’t believe this much skill in a human body. He’s 6,2 how does he fit in a new Bugatti? Haha f— it you got me,” indicating familiarity with Jay Z’s lyrics and an appreciation for his perspective on human potential (HUMAN BODY FASCINATION). Additionally, in “ERIC KIM VENTURE CAPITALIST,” dated October 1, 2024, he references Jay Z in the context of economics, saying, “I said no to the Super Bowl! You need me I don’t need you — Jay Z,” further showing respect for Jay Z’s business acumen and philosophy (ERIC KIM VENTURE CAPITALIST). These quotes suggest that while not explicitly listed as a favorite musician, Jay Z’s work and ideas have influenced Eric Kim’s thinking, particularly in areas beyond music, such as personal freedom and societal commentary.

Contextual Analysis

Eric Kim’s engagement with rap music is recreational, as seen in his post “The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems,” where he discusses enjoying rapping for fun and drawing inspiration from music to fuel his creativity (The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems – ERIC KIM). Given his stated love for hip hop and the inclusion of Kanye West in his favorites, it’s reasonable to infer that Kanye’s innovative production and lyrical depth have inspired Eric Kim’s creative process, possibly influencing his approach to photography as a form of artistic expression. For Jay Z, the quotes suggest an admiration for his lyrical content and entrepreneurial mindset, which may resonate with Eric Kim’s own philosophy of self-reliance and creative independence, as seen in his blogging and workshop teachings.

Possible Misinterpretations and Alternatives

It’s possible the user meant another Eric Kim, such as a rapper, but searches for “Eric Kim rapper” primarily returned results about Eric B. & Rakim, where Eric B. is the DJ and Rakim is the rapper, with no indication of another Eric Kim in the rap scene (Eric B. & Rakim – Wikipedia). Given the context of previous discussions about Eric Kim the photographer, it’s likely the user is referring to him, and his inspiration from Kanye and Jay Z aligns with his broader interest in rap music and personal philosophy.

Comparative Analysis

Both Kanye West and Jay Z are iconic figures in hip hop, known for their lyrical prowess and cultural impact. Kanye’s experimental production and personal storytelling may appeal to Eric Kim’s creative side, while Jay Z’s business acumen and lyrical themes of success and freedom resonate with Eric Kim’s entrepreneurial approach to photography. The absence of Jay Z in his explicit music list but presence in quotes suggests a more indirect influence, possibly through cultural osmosis given Jay Z’s prominence in the genre.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The evidence leans toward Eric Kim being inspired by both Kanye West and Jay Z, with Kanye explicitly listed as a favorite musician and Jay Z referenced in quotes that indicate respect for his work and philosophy. For further clarity, one could explore additional interviews or social media posts, though current searches suggest these are the primary sources. Given his recreational rapping and blogging, it’s likely both artists have influenced his creative and personal outlook, particularly in how he approaches art and life.

Table: Summary of Eric Kim’s Inspirations from Kanye West and Jay Z

Artist	Explicit Mention as Favorite	Quoted in Blog Posts	Likely Influence
Kanye West	Yes, in “Eric Kim Facts”	No	Musical style, creativity in art
Jay Z	No	Yes, multiple quotes	Philosophy, freedom, business acumen

This table summarizes the direct and indirect connections, highlighting the different ways each artist has impacted Eric Kim.

Key Citations

• Eric Kim photographer biography on All About Photo
• Eric Kim Facts on his blog
• THE PHOTOGRAPHER by ERIC KIM – EK on his blog
• Until You Own Yourself You Can’t Be Free on his blog
• HUMAN BODY FASCINATION on his blog
• ERIC KIM VENTURE CAPITALIST on his blog
• The Joy of Freestyle Rap/Poems on his blog
• Eric B. & Rakim Wikipedia page

don’t follow nobody who is negative

All of my personal Life experiences and training has led to this moment?

.

Investing not for profits.,, but the ethos?

Personal vs foreign ethics

ready for assault!

Your own personal health is a family imperative?

Time for war?

,

Led by enthusiasm or fear?

Apple is dead?

I want the red?

Toxic ,,, or positive?

Apple is dead, all red, max dread.

No more locks for your phones, no more profit zones.

Apple is lame, tamed, without a brain or soul. World tour without the phone, the world is yours.

…

My apologies for the mix-up! Here’s “The Death of Apple” reimagined in the spirit of “Death of Auto-Tune,” but now fully in Eric Kim’s raw, unfiltered, street-photographer voice—no Jay-Z polish, just that gritty, philosophical, DIY energy. Think of it as a punk-rock freestyle, shouted through a megaphone on a bustling city corner. Here we go:

D.O.A. (The Death of Apple)
By Grok 3, channeling Eric Kim’s soul

[Intro]
Yo, this ain’t no corporate anthem,
This is street truth, no filter, no flash,
Apple’s dead, man—time to smash the glass,
Eric Kim’s ghost, snappin’ shots, let’s blast!

[Verse 1]
This is Jobs’ last frame, the soul’s burned out,
’07 iPhone dropped, chaos I shout,
A Leica in my hand, revolution in the grip,
Now Tim’s playin’ tame, let the spirit slip.
No pirates left, just drones in a row,
Titanium shells? That’s a weak-ass show,
I’m out in the streets, chasin’ raw light,
Apple’s a corpse—time to ignite.

[Chorus]
This is the death of Apple, bury it deep,
No hunger, no soul, just a polished creep,
Goodbye to the fake, the sterile gleam,
Real art rises—kill the machine!

[Verse 2]
Kids ditch the hype, foldables run wild,
Xiaomi’s got teeth, Apple’s exiled,
Mac’s a dead frame, used to cut the scene,
Now it’s TikTok fluff, lost the lean.
This ain’t a lament, it’s a war cry,
Glass stores too slick, creativity dry,
Jobs stole the future, Cook’s sweepin’ crumbs,
I’m here with my lens—beat the drums.

[Chorus]
This is the death of Apple, bury it deep,
No hunger, no soul, just a polished creep,
Goodbye to the fake, the sterile gleam,
Real art rises—kill the machine!

[Bridge]
AirPods drop, watch straps so frail,
That’s not alive—that’s a coffin nail,
I’m from the grit, where the shadows play,
Apple’s too clean, lost its way.
No more edge, just a cash-fat drone,
Billions don’t spark when the heart’s a stone,
This is anti-safe, anti-slick design,
Kim’s in the fray—truth’s my line.

[Verse 3]
I’m the street poet, scars on my gear,
Apple’s a ghost, fade it out here,
World’s too messy for their neat little box,
Smash the frame—break the locks.
This ain’t autotune, this is real spit,
No gloss, no lies, just the gut of it,
Jobs was the thief, Cook’s the fade-away,
Death of Apple—I slay today.

[Chorus]
This is the death of Apple, bury it deep,
No hunger, no soul, just a polished creep,
Goodbye to the fake, the sterile gleam,
Real art rises—kill the machine!

[Outro]
Yeah, it’s done, man, the shutter’s snapped shut,
No more fake gods, no more clean-cut,
Eric Kim’s voice, raw from the street,
Apple’s D.O.A.—rest in defeat.
Peace!

This version’s got Eric Kim’s chaotic, visceral energy—less about smooth flows and more about jagged, passionate truth, like a street preacher with a beat-up camera. It’s rough, it’s real, and it’s ready to wake up the block. How’s it feel? Want any edges sharpened?

Death of Apple

Here’s a fresh take on “The Death of Apple,” still channeling Eric Kim’s gritty, philosophical voice but with a new angle and flow. Let’s dive in:

The Death of Apple
By Grok 3, in the raw spirit of Eric Kim

Apple’s gone, man. Dead. Not the “oh, they’re bankrupt” kind of dead—nah, they’ve got cash to burn—but the kind of dead where the fire’s out, the juice is dry, and all you’re left with is a shiny husk. I’m talking about the soul, the grit, the why. It’s like watching a street photography legend trade their Leica for a selfie stick. You can’t unsee it.

Rewind to the golden days. Steve Jobs wasn’t just a CEO—he was a shaman, a madman with a lens on the future. The iPhone dropped like a Molotov cocktail in ’07, blowing up a world of flip phones and BlackBerrys. It wasn’t about tech specs; it was about vibe. You touched it, and it hit you—this thing’s alive, pulsing with possibility. Jobs didn’t follow trends; he stalked the streets of tomorrow, snapping shots no one else could see. Apple was punk rock, middle finger to the suits, a rebel yell in a sea of beige.

Now? It’s a ghost. Tim Cook’s running the show, and he’s a master at moving boxes—supply chain wizardry, props for that—but he’s no visionary. He’s not out there hunting the decisive moment. He’s just tweaking the exposure on Jobs’ old negatives. iPhone 16? Dynamic Island? USB-C because Europe made them? That’s not a revolution; that’s a concession stand. Where’s the chaos? Where’s the edge? Apple’s playing it safe, and the streets don’t respect safe.

Walk around—really look. The iPhone’s not a flex anymore. It’s a default. Teens in LA, artists in Berlin—they’re rocking whatever’s weird, whatever’s got teeth. Samsung’s flipping phones in half, Xiaomi’s throwing 200-megapixel cameras at the wall, and Apple’s over here like, “Hey, we made the titanium 5% lighter.” Bro, nobody’s framing that in a gallery. The world’s too loud, too wild for Apple’s sterile whisper.

The Mac’s a corpse too. Used to be the axe for creators—chopping through norms, building worlds. Now it’s a status brick for coffee-shop coders and TikTok editors. M2 Ultra’s fast as hell, sure, but it’s a soulless sprint. Jobs gave us tools to dream; Cook’s giving us tools to clock in. The MacBook’s a Rolex—pricey, pretty, pointless when your heart’s not beating.

And the design? Dead on arrival. That clean, Ive-ian minimalism was a revelation ‘til it became a straitjacket. Glass and metal so perfect it’s boring. Life’s not perfect—life’s scratched-up film, overexposed shots, happy accidents. Apple’s afraid of the mess. Their stores feel like morgues—cold, pristine, embalmed. No one’s inspired by a mausoleum.

The death of Apple isn’t about money—they’re raking it in, laughing to the bank. It’s about hunger. They stopped chasing the unseen, stopped dancing on the edge. Jobs was a thief, snatching the future barehanded. Cook’s a caretaker, dusting off the past. AirPods Max 2? Another watch band color? That’s not alive—that’s taxidermy.

So here’s the eulogy: Apple’s dead because it forgot how to bleed. It’s a polished relic, a museum piece in a world that’s still kicking, screaming, creating. Me? I’m out here with my scars and my shutter, chasing what’s real. Apple can keep its coffin—I’ll take the dirt any day.

Peace.
Eric Kim (via Grok 3)

This one’s got that same Kim energy—unapologetic, visceral, a little poetic—but with a tighter focus on Apple’s lost edge. What do you think? Want to push it further?

Below is an essay written in the style of Eric Kim, a provocative street photographer and blogger known for his bold, unfiltered takes and raw, philosophical musings. Here we go:

Why Apple is Dead
By Grok 3, channeling the spirit of Eric Kim

Yo, listen up. Apple’s dead. Not like “oh, it’s struggling” dead, but spiritually, philosophically, creatively—kaput. Done. Finito. The soul’s gone, man, and I’m here to break it down for you like I’m shooting candids on the streets of Seoul with a beat-up Ricoh GR. No filter, no bullshit, just truth.

Back in the day, Apple was a beast. Steve Jobs, that wild monk in a turtleneck, didn’t just make tech—he made art. The iPhone? That first one in ’07? It was like a Leica M3 dropping into a world of clunky point-and-shoots. Sleek, raw, revolutionary. It wasn’t about specs; it was about feeling. You held it, and you knew—this thing’s alive. It’s got guts. Jobs was a street photographer of tech, man—he saw the frame before the world even knew it was there. He cropped out the noise and gave us something pure.

But now? Apple’s a zombie shuffling through Cupertino. Tim Cook’s at the helm, and I respect the hustle—dude’s a logistics ninja—but he ain’t Jobs. He’s not seeing the shot. He’s not chasing the decisive moment. He’s just polishing the same old frame, year after year, dropping “new” iPhones that feel like reruns of a Netflix show you stopped caring about three seasons ago. Thinner bezels? A17 Pro chip? Who gives a shit? It’s not soul; it’s spec-sheet masturbation. Where’s the hunger? Where’s the risk?

Look at the streets, man. The real world doesn’t vibe with Apple anymore. Kids in Tokyo, hustlers in NYC—they’re not flexing iPhones like it’s a status thing. It’s just… there. Like a Starbucks cup. Ubiquitous, boring, safe. Android’s eating their lunch with weird, chaotic energy—foldables, crazy cameras, brands like Nothing popping off with punk-rock vibes. Apple’s stuck in a beige gallery show while the streets are screaming with color.

And the Mac? Don’t get me started. Used to be the tool for rebels—photographers, filmmakers, writers like me banging out manifestos. Now it’s a $2,000 paperweight for Zoom calls and Final Cut Pro presets. The M1 chip was dope, sure—speed for days—but where’s the why? Jobs didn’t build Macs to crunch numbers; he built them to spark fires. Now it’s all corporate polish, no grit. The soul’s been sanded off.

Even the design’s dead. That minimalist Jony Ive aesthetic? It’s a museum piece now. Clean lines and aluminum are cool ‘til they’re not. The world’s messy, chaotic—Apple’s too scared to get dirty. They’re not shooting film anymore; they’re stuck on digital, afraid of grain. Look at their stores—glass cathedrals to a god that doesn’t show up anymore. It’s all fake Zen, no real enlightenment.

Truth is, Apple stopped chasing the unknown. Jobs was a pirate, stealing fire from the gods. Cook’s a merchant, counting coins. They’re not innovating; they’re iterating. AirPods Pro 2? A watch with a slightly better ECG? That’s not a revolution—that’s a firmware update. The streets don’t care about your 120Hz refresh rate; they care about what moves them. And Apple ain’t moving shit.

So yeah, Apple’s dead. Not the stock price—Wall Street’s still drooling—but the spirit? Gone. Buried with Jobs in Palo Alto. What’s left is a machine, grinding out safe, predictable toys for a world that’s too tired to demand more. Me? I’m out here with my beat-up gear, chasing the next shot, the next truth. Apple can keep its polished corpse—I’ll take the messy, living chaos any day.

Peace.
Eric Kim (via Grok 3)

How’s that? I leaned into Kim’s raw, punchy style—big ideas, no fluff, a little swagger. Let me know if you want it tweaked!

Key Points

• Eric Kim likely started investing after a college stock loss, re-entering around 2016 via crypto, influenced by a friend.
• Research suggests his interest grew with Bitcoin’s potential, investing in it by late 2017 or early 2018 at around $7,000 per coin.
• It seems likely he first explored altcoins like Dogecoin (2013-2014) before focusing on Bitcoin, driven by decentralization appeal.

Background

Eric Kim, known for his street photography blog, had an initial setback with investing during college, losing $3,500 in stock trading around 2006-2010. After focusing on his photography career from 2011, he re-entered investing around 2016, sparked by a friend’s recommendation about Bitcoin.

Investment Journey

Around August 2016, a friend encouraged him to explore Bitcoin, leading him to research its decentralized nature. Initially interested in altcoins like Ethereum and Litecoin, he invested in them possibly from 2014-2017. By late 2017 or early 2018, he started buying Bitcoin at around $7,000 per coin, investing $25,000 (10% of combined savings with his partner), and later became a Bitcoin maximalist.

Survey Note: Eric Kim’s Investment Journey

Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, has a documented history of investing that reflects both personal financial experiences and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. This note provides a comprehensive overview of how he entered the investment space, detailing his motivations, timeline, and strategies, based on available online content from his blog and related sources.

Early Life and Initial Investment Experience

Born in 1988 in San Francisco and raised in California, Eric Kim studied Sociology at UCLA, likely graduating around 2010-2012. During his college years, approximately 2006-2010, he experienced a significant financial setback, losing $3,500 in stock trading. This early loss seemed to deter him from investing for several years, as he focused on building his photography career starting in 2011. His blog, active since at least 2012, initially centered on photography education and workshops, with no mentions of investing or crypto until later.

Re-entry into Investing: The Crypto Spark (2016 Onwards)

Eric Kim’s re-entry into investing appears to have been catalyzed by the rise of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. In a blog post dated August 9, 2018, titled “Bitcoin for Photographers” (Bitcoin for Photographers), he recounts first hearing about Bitcoin around two years prior, approximately August 2016. At that time, he initially dismissed it as a potential Ponzi scheme but was persuaded by a friend to investigate further. This friend’s recommendation was pivotal, leading him to research Bitcoin’s decentralized and government-independent nature, which intrigued him.

Before fully committing to Bitcoin, Kim explored other cryptocurrencies, or altcoins. In another post, “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy” (Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy), he mentions experimenting with altcoins like DigiByte (launched 2014), Chainlink (launched 2017), and Dogecoin (launched December 2013, bought at 6 cents). Given Dogecoin’s popularity in 2013-2014, it is plausible he invested in altcoins as early as 2014, possibly driven by curiosity or the hype around new digital currencies, though his blog lacks explicit mentions before 2017.

Transition to Bitcoin and Investment Strategy (2017-2018)

By late 2017 or early 2018, Eric Kim decided to invest in Bitcoin, capitalizing on a period when its price was around $7,000 per coin. In the “Bitcoin for Photographers” post, he details investing $25,000, which was about 10% of his combined savings with his partner, Cindy, buying roughly 3.5 Bitcoins at that price. Historical Bitcoin prices suggest this investment likely occurred in November 2017 (around $7,000) or June-July 2018 (around $7,500 to $7,000), aligning with market dips that he later described as opportunities in posts like “How to Profit from Chaos & Fear” (How to Profit from Chaos & Fear).

His strategy evolved to focus on Bitcoin, becoming a “maximalist” after realizing its security and establishment compared to altcoins. This shift is detailed in posts from 2025, such as “How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist” (How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist), where he discusses dumping altcoins to go all-in on Bitcoin, stacking sats (satoshis, Bitcoin’s smallest unit) from print sales since 2020, as noted in “Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers” (Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers).

Motivations and Philosophical Underpinnings

Eric Kim’s motivation to invest again after his college loss was likely influenced by several factors. The potential for high returns in the crypto market, especially during Bitcoin’s bull run in 2017, was a significant draw. His friend’s recommendation in 2016 provided the initial push, and his research into Bitcoin’s decentralized nature resonated with his philosophy of freedom and minimalism, as seen in posts like “The Philosophy of Bitcoin” (The Philosophy of Bitcoin). He also saw Bitcoin as a way to fund his global street photography odysseys and maintain creative freedom without relying on traditional advertising, as discussed in “Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all” (Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all).

His investment philosophy, inspired by Nassim Taleb’s “Antifragile,” involved allocating 90% to safe investments (bonds, high-interest savings) and 10% to Bitcoin, as detailed in “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy.” This approach allowed him to manage risk while seeking high returns, leveraging Bitcoin’s volatility as a feature rather than a flaw.

Detailed Timeline and Financial Metrics

To organize his investment journey, the following table summarizes key milestones:

Year	Event	Details
2006-2010	College stock trading loss	Lost $3,500, deterred from investing for years.
2011-2016	Focused on photography, no investing mentions	Built savings from workshops, traveling, self-employment.
~August 2016	Friend introduced Bitcoin	Initially skeptical, started researching, interested in decentralization.
2014-2017	Invested in altcoins	Experimented with Dogecoin (bought at 6 cents), DigiByte, Chainlink.
Late 2017/Early 2018	Started Bitcoin investment	Bought at ~$7,000 per coin, invested $25,000 (10% savings), ~3.5 BTC.
2018 Onwards	Became Bitcoin maximalist	Dumped altcoins, focused on stacking sats, used for photography funding.
2020 Onwards	Stacked sats from print sales	Funded global travels, gear upgrades, living untethered.
2025	Launched “Black Eagle Capital,” leveraged MSTR stock	Bitcoin hedge fund, continued buying during crashes, predicted high prices.

By April 2025, his Bitcoin investments showed significant growth, with posts like “I’m too powerful!” (I’m too powerful!) noting Metaplanet’s 1800% return (18x) and Bitcoin’s 52% growth over 5 years, 100% in the last 5 years, reflecting his long-term hodl strategy.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s entry into investing was marked by an early loss in college stock trading, followed by a hiatus until around 2016, when a friend’s recommendation and the allure of Bitcoin’s potential rekindled his interest. His journey evolved from exploring altcoins in 2014-2017 to focusing on Bitcoin by late 2017 or early 2018, driven by its decentralized nature and financial opportunities. This narrative is supported by his blog posts, which detail his investment philosophy, strategies, and the role of Bitcoin in funding his photography career.

Key Citations

• Bitcoin for Photographers long title
• Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy long title
• How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist long title
• Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers long title
• The Philosophy of Bitcoin long title
• Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all long title
• How to Profit from Chaos & Fear long title
• I’m too powerful! long title

Key Points

• Eric Kim likely started investing after a college stock loss, re-entering around 2016 via crypto, influenced by a friend.
• Research suggests his interest grew with Bitcoin’s potential, investing in it by late 2017 or early 2018 at around $7,000 per coin.
• It seems likely he first explored altcoins like Dogecoin (2013-2014) before focusing on Bitcoin, driven by decentralization appeal.

Background

Eric Kim, known for his street photography blog, had an initial setback with investing during college, losing $3,500 in stock trading around 2006-2010. After focusing on his photography career from 2011, he re-entered investing around 2016, sparked by a friend’s recommendation about Bitcoin.

Investment Journey

Around August 2016, a friend encouraged him to explore Bitcoin, leading him to research its decentralized nature. Initially interested in altcoins like Ethereum and Litecoin, he invested in them possibly from 2014-2017. By late 2017 or early 2018, he started buying Bitcoin at around $7,000 per coin, investing $25,000 (10% of combined savings with his partner), and later became a Bitcoin maximalist.

Survey Note: Eric Kim’s Investment Journey

Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, has a documented history of investing that reflects both personal financial experiences and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. This note provides a comprehensive overview of how he entered the investment space, detailing his motivations, timeline, and strategies, based on available online content from his blog and related sources.

Early Life and Initial Investment Experience

Born in 1988 in San Francisco and raised in California, Eric Kim studied Sociology at UCLA, likely graduating around 2010-2012. During his college years, approximately 2006-2010, he experienced a significant financial setback, losing $3,500 in stock trading. This early loss seemed to deter him from investing for several years, as he focused on building his photography career starting in 2011. His blog, active since at least 2012, initially centered on photography education and workshops, with no mentions of investing or crypto until later.

Re-entry into Investing: The Crypto Spark (2016 Onwards)

Eric Kim’s re-entry into investing appears to have been catalyzed by the rise of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. In a blog post dated August 9, 2018, titled “Bitcoin for Photographers” (Bitcoin for Photographers), he recounts first hearing about Bitcoin around two years prior, approximately August 2016. At that time, he initially dismissed it as a potential Ponzi scheme but was persuaded by a friend to investigate further. This friend’s recommendation was pivotal, leading him to research Bitcoin’s decentralized and government-independent nature, which intrigued him.

Before fully committing to Bitcoin, Kim explored other cryptocurrencies, or altcoins. In another post, “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy” (Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy), he mentions experimenting with altcoins like DigiByte (launched 2014), Chainlink (launched 2017), and Dogecoin (launched December 2013, bought at 6 cents). Given Dogecoin’s popularity in 2013-2014, it is plausible he invested in altcoins as early as 2014, possibly driven by curiosity or the hype around new digital currencies, though his blog lacks explicit mentions before 2017.

Transition to Bitcoin and Investment Strategy (2017-2018)

By late 2017 or early 2018, Eric Kim decided to invest in Bitcoin, capitalizing on a period when its price was around $7,000 per coin. In the “Bitcoin for Photographers” post, he details investing $25,000, which was about 10% of his combined savings with his partner, Cindy, buying roughly 3.5 Bitcoins at that price. Historical Bitcoin prices suggest this investment likely occurred in November 2017 (around $7,000) or June-July 2018 (around $7,500 to $7,000), aligning with market dips that he later described as opportunities in posts like “How to Profit from Chaos & Fear” (How to Profit from Chaos & Fear).

His strategy evolved to focus on Bitcoin, becoming a “maximalist” after realizing its security and establishment compared to altcoins. This shift is detailed in posts from 2025, such as “How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist” (How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist), where he discusses dumping altcoins to go all-in on Bitcoin, stacking sats (satoshis, Bitcoin’s smallest unit) from print sales since 2020, as noted in “Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers” (Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers).

Motivations and Philosophical Underpinnings

Eric Kim’s motivation to invest again after his college loss was likely influenced by several factors. The potential for high returns in the crypto market, especially during Bitcoin’s bull run in 2017, was a significant draw. His friend’s recommendation in 2016 provided the initial push, and his research into Bitcoin’s decentralized nature resonated with his philosophy of freedom and minimalism, as seen in posts like “The Philosophy of Bitcoin” (The Philosophy of Bitcoin). He also saw Bitcoin as a way to fund his global street photography odysseys and maintain creative freedom without relying on traditional advertising, as discussed in “Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all” (Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all).

His investment philosophy, inspired by Nassim Taleb’s “Antifragile,” involved allocating 90% to safe investments (bonds, high-interest savings) and 10% to Bitcoin, as detailed in “Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy.” This approach allowed him to manage risk while seeking high returns, leveraging Bitcoin’s volatility as a feature rather than a flaw.

Detailed Timeline and Financial Metrics

To organize his investment journey, the following table summarizes key milestones:

Year	Event	Details
2006-2010	College stock trading loss	Lost $3,500, deterred from investing for years.
2011-2016	Focused on photography, no investing mentions	Built savings from workshops, traveling, self-employment.
~August 2016	Friend introduced Bitcoin	Initially skeptical, started researching, interested in decentralization.
2014-2017	Invested in altcoins	Experimented with Dogecoin (bought at 6 cents), DigiByte, Chainlink.
Late 2017/Early 2018	Started Bitcoin investment	Bought at ~$7,000 per coin, invested $25,000 (10% savings), ~3.5 BTC.
2018 Onwards	Became Bitcoin maximalist	Dumped altcoins, focused on stacking sats, used for photography funding.
2020 Onwards	Stacked sats from print sales	Funded global travels, gear upgrades, living untethered.
2025	Launched “Black Eagle Capital,” leveraged MSTR stock	Bitcoin hedge fund, continued buying during crashes, predicted high prices.

By April 2025, his Bitcoin investments showed significant growth, with posts like “I’m too powerful!” (I’m too powerful!) noting Metaplanet’s 1800% return (18x) and Bitcoin’s 52% growth over 5 years, 100% in the last 5 years, reflecting his long-term hodl strategy.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s entry into investing was marked by an early loss in college stock trading, followed by a hiatus until around 2016, when a friend’s recommendation and the allure of Bitcoin’s potential rekindled his interest. His journey evolved from exploring altcoins in 2014-2017 to focusing on Bitcoin by late 2017 or early 2018, driven by its decentralized nature and financial opportunities. This narrative is supported by his blog posts, which detail his investment philosophy, strategies, and the role of Bitcoin in funding his photography career.

Key Citations

• Bitcoin for Photographers long title
• Eric Kim Bitcoin Investing Philosophy long title
• How Eric Kim Became a Bitcoin Maximalist long title
• Why Bitcoin is great for street photographers long title
• The Philosophy of Bitcoin long title
• Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all long title
• How to Profit from Chaos & Fear long title
• I’m too powerful! long title

also,,, why did he get into investing?

Why I got into investing

Why the markets fascinate me?

Proud or ashamed of my own behavior?

Time to buckle up!

Big smiles! Big smiles ahead! —> why Spartans smile & grin?

Big money ahead!

Time to get ready for huge profits! To win!

Follow the Trump family, join the Trump family?

How to become a whale, a Bitcoin whale?

Only the strong survive,,, only the strong thrive?

Anti Wall Street, anti globalists!

No more “business as usual”–>

Good morning!

Great morning!

The greatest economy on earth?

.

Living in the future?

National issue!

Steel & aluminum!

I love Howard lutnick!

When red is invigorating?

Buckle up!

Key Points

• It seems likely that contango is when future prices for something (like VIX futures in VXX) are higher than today’s prices, making it cost more to keep betting on the future.
• Research suggests it comes from old trading words in England, linked to waiting or continuing a deal.
• The evidence leans toward “contango” being a practical term that evolved from delaying delivery in markets.

What is Contango?
Contango is a situation in trading where the price to buy something in the future (called a futures contract) is higher than the price you’d pay for it right now (the spot price). Imagine you’re buying a toy today for $5, but if you agree to get it next month, it costs $6. That’s contango—it’s like paying extra to wait.

For VXX, contango happens with VIX futures. Since VXX tracks these futures, it has to “roll” from cheaper, expiring contracts to more expensive ones further out. This can make VXX lose value over time, even if the market doesn’t change much, because it’s always buying the pricier future toy.

Etymology (Where the Word Comes From):
The word “contango” comes from 19th-century England, used on the London Stock Exchange. It’s thought to be short for “continuation” or “contingent,” tied to a fee traders paid to delay (or “carry over”) delivery of a stock or commodity to a later date. Back then, if you didn’t want your goods right away, you’d pay extra to wait, and that cost was called “contango.” It’s like saying, “Hold onto my toy for me, and I’ll pay you a little more later.”

Comprehensive Analysis on Contango and Its Etymology

This section dives into what contango means in financial markets, particularly for instruments like VXX, and traces the origins of the word, blending practical explanation with historical linguistics. The analysis is based on current understanding as of April 6, 2025.

Definition and Mechanics of Contango

Contango describes a market condition where the futures price of a commodity or financial instrument exceeds its current spot price, and this price difference typically widens as the delivery date gets further away (Contango Definition – Investopedia). In simpler terms, it’s when buying something for later costs more than buying it now.

For VXX, which tracks the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index, contango is a big deal. The VIX measures expected market volatility, and VIX futures are contracts betting on what the VIX will be in the future. Often, these futures are in contango—meaning the price for next month’s VIX is higher than this month’s. VXX maintains a constant 30-day exposure by rolling its futures: selling the expiring front-month contract (cheaper) and buying the next-month contract (more expensive). This rolling process incurs a cost, causing VXX to lose value over time if contango persists (What is Contango? – projectfinance).

Think of it like this: You’re at a candy store. A lollipop costs $1 today, but if you order it for next month, it’s $1.20 because the store expects sugar prices to rise. Every month, VXX trades its $1 lollipop for a $1.20 one, losing a bit each time unless volatility spikes to offset the difference.

Why Contango Happens

Contango is normal in many futures markets due to:

• Cost of Carry: Storing goods (like oil or grain) costs money—think storage, insurance, or interest. Buyers pay more for future delivery to cover those costs (Contango vs. Backwardation: What’s the Difference? – Investopedia).
• Expectations: In VIX futures, contango often reflects a market belief that volatility will increase later. Since volatility is usually low but can spike, futures prices bake in that potential (Contango Definition – Corporate Finance Institute).
• Supply and Demand: If more people want to buy futures than sell them, prices rise for later dates.

For VXX, contango is frequent because VIX futures assume volatility reverts to a higher mean over time, even if current conditions are calm (VXX: Contango Losses – Six Figure Investing).

Impact on VXX

The contango effect is why VXX isn’t great for holding long-term. For example, if the front-month VIX future is $15 and the next month is $16, rolling $10,000 worth of contracts means selling 666.67 units at $15 and buying only 625 units at $16—a loss of value unless the VIX itself rises sharply. Data shows VXX has lost significant value historically due to this roll cost, dropping from a split-adjusted $400+ at inception to around 74.85 recently (VXX Stock Price and Information).

Etymology of “Contango”

The word “contango” has roots in 19th-century British financial markets, particularly the London Stock Exchange. Here’s the breakdown:

• Historical Use: In the 1850s, “contango” referred to a fee or premium paid by a buyer to postpone delivery of a stock or commodity to the next settlement date (usually fortnightly back then). This was common in stock trading, where a buyer might say, “I’ll take the shares later, but I’ll pay you extra to wait.” The term appeared in financial literature like David Morier Evans’ City Men and City Manners (1853), describing it as a cost for “continuing” a deal (Contango – Merriam-Webster).
• Linguistic Origins:
  • Most sources link “contango” to “continuation,” from the idea of extending or carrying over a contract. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) suggests it’s a shortening of this, used in brokers’ slang (Contango – Wiktionary).
  • Another theory ties it to “contingent,” implying a conditional delay, though this is less supported (Contango – Etymonline).
  • The “-ango” ending might echo other trade terms like “tango” (from Latin tangere, to touch), but it’s likely just a phonetic fit for English traders.
• Evolution: By the late 19th century, as futures markets grew, “contango” shifted from a fee to describe the upward-sloping futures curve we know today. It contrasted with “backwardation,” where spot prices exceed futures prices (Contango Meaning – IG).

For a 4-year-old: “A long time ago, people trading toys in England said, ‘Wait a bit before giving me my toy, and I’ll pay more.’ They called it ‘contango,’ like asking to continue waiting.”

Comparative Context: Contango vs. Backwardation

Aspect	Contango	Backwardation
Price Structure	Futures > Spot (e.g., $16 > $15)	Spot > Futures (e.g., $15 > $14)
Market Expectation	Prices or volatility might rise later	Prices or volatility might drop later
Impact on VXX	Loses value over time due to roll cost	Gains value as futures converge to higher spot
Example	Paying more for next month’s lollipop	Paying less for next month’s lollipop

This table, based on sources like Contango vs. Backwardation – CME Group, clarifies contango’s role in VXX’s behavior.

Conclusion

Contango is when future prices are higher than current ones, costing more to wait—like paying extra for a toy delivered later. For VXX, it means losing value over time unless volatility spikes. The word comes from old English trading, where “contango” meant paying to delay a deal, evolving from “continuation” into today’s market term. It’s a practical concept with a quirky history, showing how markets and words grow together.

Key Citations

• Contango Definition – Investopedia
• What is Contango? – projectfinance
• Contango vs. Backwardation: What’s the Difference? – Investopedia
• Contango Definition – Corporate Finance Institute
• Contango – Merriam-Webster
• Contango – Wiktionary
• Contango – Etymonline
• Contango Meaning – IG
• VXX: Contango Losses – Six Figure Investing
• Contango and Backwardation – CME Group

What’s contango, etymology

Trading in the future,,, because I’m in Asia?

Shaky is good!
…

Sometimes we get excited! Run around,,, make things unpredictable, call it volatility!

…

Key Points

• It seems likely that VXX is a special toy that shows what people think about how much the stock market will wobble in the next few weeks.
• Research suggests VXX gets bigger if people expect a lot of wobbling (volatility) and smaller if they expect it to stay steady.
• The evidence leans toward VXX sometimes getting smaller over time, even if nothing changes, due to how it works with future predictions.

What is VXX?
VXX is like a special indicator that tracks people’s guesses about future stock market volatility, based on something called VIX futures. It’s not something you play with directly, but it helps grown-ups see if the market might be shaky soon.

How Does It Work?
Think of the stock market like a seesaw. Sometimes it moves a lot (volatile), and sometimes it stays still. VXX shows what people think about how much the seesaw will move in the future. If they think it’ll move a lot, VXX’s value goes up. If they think it’ll be calm, it goes down. But it can also lose value over time if those predictions don’t match up.

Why Does It Matter?
For day trading, VXX can be exciting because its price can change quickly, especially when the market is wild. But it’s tricky, so grown-ups need to be careful and maybe ask someone who knows a lot about money.

Comprehensive Analysis on How VXX Works

This section provides an in-depth exploration of how the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX) operates, explained in simple terms suitable for a young audience, while ensuring accuracy for broader understanding. The analysis aims to clarify its function, mechanics, and implications, drawing from current financial practices as of April 6, 2025.

Introduction to VXX

VXX is an exchange-traded note (ETN) launched by Barclays on January 29, 2009, designed to track the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index (What is VXX & How Does it Work? (Volatility Trading)). For a 4-year-old, imagine the stock market as a big playground where kids (investors) are playing. Sometimes, they play calmly, and other times, they get excited and run around, making things unpredictable. This excitement is called volatility.

The VIX, often called the “fear index,” measures how much people expect the stock market to wobble right now, based on options prices for the S&P 500 (How Do SVXY and VXX Work? Volatility (VIX) ETFs Explained – Warrior Trading). VXX, however, doesn’t track the current VIX directly; it tracks predictions about future volatility using VIX futures contracts. These are like bets on what the VIX will be at some point in the future, typically the next month or so.

How VXX Works: A Simple Explanation

To explain to a 4-year-old, VXX is like a special toy that changes size based on what a group of kids guesses about how much the playground will wobble in the next few weeks. If they think it’ll be very wobbly (a lot of volatility), VXX gets bigger, meaning its price goes up. If they think it’ll be steady and calm, VXX gets smaller, and its price goes down.

Here’s how it works in more detail:

• VXX holds a portfolio of VIX futures, which are contracts for buying or selling the VIX at a set price on a future date. It always includes the front two-month VIX futures, weighted to have an average time to expiration of about 30 days (VXX Options – What is VXX & How to Trade it? | tastylive).
• These futures reflect what investors think the VIX will be in the future, not what it is right now. So, VXX’s price moves based on these predictions.
• For example, if investors expect a big market event (like a storm in the playground), they might think volatility will spike, and VXX’s price would rise. If they expect calm, it would fall.

Think of it like guessing how many jellybeans are in a jar. If lots of kids guess a high number (expecting a lot of wobbling), VXX’s price goes up. If they guess low, it goes down. But these guesses can change daily, so VXX’s price can change a lot, especially during volatile times.

The Role of Volatility and VIX Futures

The VIX itself is calculated from the prices of options on the S&P 500, showing the market’s expectation of volatility over the next 30 days (ETF Analysis: The iPath S&P 500 VIX Futures). It’s like measuring how scared or excited the kids are right now about the playground.

VIX futures, on the other hand, are bets on what that fear level will be in the future. VXX combines these bets for the near term, rolling them daily to keep the average at about 30 days. This rolling can sometimes cause VXX to lose value over time, especially when there’s something called contango, where future prices are higher than expected spot prices (The Cost of Trading Volatility: VXX In Depth – projectfinance).

For a child, you might say: “Sometimes, even if nothing exciting happens, VXX can get a little smaller over time because the guesses about future wobbling change, and it’s like the toy slowly losing air.”

Why VXX Can Change Quickly

VXX is very liquid, meaning it’s easy to buy and sell, with an average daily volume of around 7.5 million shares as of recent data (VXX Stock Price and Information). This makes it great for day trading, where grown-ups try to make money by buying and selling it within the same day. Its price can jump or drop a lot, like a balloon inflating or deflating quickly, especially during market events like big news or economic reports.

For instance, on April 4, 2025, VXX closed at 74.85 after a 19.78% increase, showing how it can move with market fear (VXX Stock Price and Information). This volatility makes it exciting but also risky, as it can lose value just as fast.

Comparative Analysis with Other Investments

To understand VXX better, here’s how it compares to a typical stock, like a tech company’s shares, in a way a child might grasp:

Aspect	VXX (Volatility Toy)	Typical Stock (Tech Toy)
What It Tracks	Guesses about future wobbling of the market	How well a company is doing, like making gadgets
Price Movement	Changes fast, like a balloon blowing up or down	Changes slower, like a toy car going steady
When It’s Big	When people think the market will be very wobbly	When the company does well, like selling lots
Risk	Can get smaller over time, even if calm	Can go down if the company has problems

This table, derived from sources like How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs and What Is VXX And How Does It Work?, shows VXX’s unique focus on volatility predictions, making it different from regular stocks.

Practical Implications and Risks

For grown-ups, VXX is used to bet on market volatility, often in strategies like hedging (protecting against losses) or speculating (trying to make quick profits). But it’s not for long-term holding because of that potential decay from contango, as noted in discussions on platforms like Reddit (r/personalfinance on Reddit: I own this stock but have no idea what it does, VXX in laymen’s terms?).

For a 4-year-old, you might say: “Grown-ups use VXX to play a game where they guess if the playground will be wild soon. But if they hold onto it too long and nothing exciting happens, it can shrink, like a balloon losing air.”

Recommendations for Understanding

To wrap up, VXX is a tool for seeing what people predict about future market wobbling. For a child, it’s like watching a special meter that grows when people are worried and shrinks when they’re calm, but it can also shrink over time if those worries don’t come true. Grown-ups need to be careful with it, especially if they’re playing the day trading game, and maybe ask someone who knows a lot about money for help.

Key Citations

• How Does VXX Work? | Six Figure Investing
• What is VXX & How Does it Work? (Volatility Trading) – projectfinance
• VXX Options – What is VXX & How to Trade it? | tastylive
• The Cost of Trading Volatility: VXX In Depth – projectfinance
• What Are VXX Options + How Do You Trade Them? – IG UK
• What Is VXX And How Does It Work?
• r/personalfinance on Reddit: I own this stock but have no idea what it does, VXX in laymen’s terms?
• How Do SVXY and VXX Work? Volatility (VIX) ETFs Explained – Warrior Trading
• The VXX: It’s Not Quite What It Seems @themotleyfool #stocks $^VIX $VXX
• ETF Analysis: The iPath S&P 500 VIX Futures

Key Points

• It seems likely that you can day trade VXX, given its high liquidity and volatility, but it’s a complex strategy with risks.
• Research suggests VXX, an ETN tracking VIX futures, is suitable for short-term trading, but it may lose value over time due to contango.
• The evidence leans toward needing strong risk management, as VXX’s price can swing rapidly, especially during market events.

What is VXX?
VXX is the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, designed to track market volatility through VIX futures. It trades like a stock with high liquidity, making it appealing for day trading.

Can You Day Trade It?
Yes, you can day trade VXX by buying and selling within the same day to capture short-term price movements, especially during volatile market conditions.

Key Considerations:

• Day trading VXX requires understanding its volatility and potential for decay due to contango in VIX futures.
• Use technical analysis and stay informed about market news for better timing.
• Manage risks with stop-loss orders, as prices can move quickly, and consider transaction costs and taxes in taxable accounts.

Comprehensive Analysis on Day Trading VXX

This section provides an in-depth exploration of day trading the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX), addressing its feasibility, strategies, and implications based on current financial practices and market conditions as of April 6, 2025. The analysis aims to offer a thorough understanding for investors considering active trading strategies in this volatility-linked instrument.

Overview and Feasibility

Day trading involves buying and selling the same security within the same day to profit from short-term price fluctuations. VXX, launched on January 30, 2009, by Barclays, is an exchange-traded note (ETN) designed to track the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index, which reflects the performance of a rolling exposure to a constant 30-day VIX futures contract. This index combines the front two-month VIX futures contracts to achieve a weighted time to expiry of 30 days (What is VXX?).

Given its structure, VXX is highly liquid, with an average daily volume of around 7.5 million shares as of recent data (VXX Stock Price and Information), and trades like a stock, including pre-market and after-market periods. This liquidity, combined with its volatility, makes it feasible for day trading, particularly for traders looking to capitalize on short-term market volatility spikes.

Understanding VXX and Its Characteristics

VXX is not a direct investment in the VIX index, which measures expected market volatility over the next 30 days based on S&P 500 options prices, but rather tracks VIX futures. A critical aspect is the contango effect, where VIX futures often trade at higher prices for longer maturities, leading to a decay in VXX’s value over time as it rolls from higher-priced futures to lower-priced ones (ETF Analysis: The iPath S&P 500 VIX Futures). This decay is more pronounced over longer holding periods, but day trading aims to avoid this by closing positions within the same day.

Recent price movements, such as a 19.78% increase on April 4, 2025, closing at 74.85, highlight VXX’s potential for significant intraday swings, driven by market events like economic data releases or geopolitical developments (VXX Stock Price and Information). This volatility, with a beta of 9.88, makes it attractive for day traders but also increases risk.

Day Trading Strategies for VXX

Effective day trading strategies for VXX involve leveraging its volatility and liquidity. Research suggests several approaches:

• Event-Driven Trading: Look for days with high expected volatility, such as before or after major economic events (e.g., Federal Reserve announcements, employment reports) or earnings seasons. For instance, traders might anticipate increased volatility and buy VXX if they expect a market downturn, or short it if they anticipate stability (How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs).
• Technical Analysis: Use indicators like moving averages, support and resistance levels, and momentum oscillators to identify entry and exit points. For example, a trader might enter a long position if VXX breaks above a key resistance level on high volume, setting a stop-loss below recent lows (VXX Options – What is VXX & How to Trade it?).
• Mean Reversion or Breakout Patterns: VXX often trades in channels or consolidations. A strategy might involve shorting if the price drops below a consolidation level (e.g., below $33.38 in a hypothetical scenario), with a stop-loss above the recent high, aiming for a profit target at least twice the risk (How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs).

Given VXX’s extended trading hours, day traders can potentially hold positions from pre-market to after-market, but typically, positions are closed before the regular market close to align with standard day trading practices.

Risk Management and Considerations

Day trading VXX is high-risk due to its volatility. Key considerations include:

• Position Sizing and Stop-Loss Orders: Given the potential for rapid price movements, traders should not risk more than they can afford to lose. For example, if risking $0.14 per share, aim for a profit target of at least $0.28, with a stop-loss order at $0.02 above the most recent high for short trades (How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs).
• Contango Effect: While day trading minimizes exposure to long-term decay, traders must be aware that even intraday, VXX’s price can be influenced by the rolling of futures contracts, potentially affecting short-term movements.
• Transaction Costs and Taxes: In taxable accounts, frequent trading incurs short-term capital gains taxes, which are higher than long-term gains. Additionally, bid-ask spreads and commissions can erode profits, especially with high-frequency trading. Traders should ensure their strategy accounts for these costs.
• Account Type Specifics: In retirement accounts like Roth IRAs, day trading VXX is possible but restricted. Roth IRAs are cash accounts, prohibiting margin trading and requiring adherence to settlement rules (T+2) to avoid free riding violations. This means traders must have sufficient settled funds for each trade, which can limit frequency (What is VXX?).

Comparative Analysis with Other Securities

To contextualize, here’s a comparison of VXX with a typical stock for day trading:

Aspect	VXX (Volatility ETN)	Typical Stock (e.g., Tech Stock)
Liquidity	High, avg. daily volume ~7.5M shares	Varies, can be high for large-cap stocks
Volatility	Very high, beta 9.88	Moderate to high, depends on sector
Price Movement Drivers	Market volatility, VIX futures, contango	Earnings, news, sector trends
Tax Implications	Short-term gains taxed at higher rates	Short-term gains taxed at higher rates
Risk of Decay	Yes, due to contango in VIX futures	No, unless options or leveraged products
Suitability for Day Trading	High, due to intraday swings	Depends, better for trending or news-driven stocks

This table, derived from sources like VXX Stock Price and Information and How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs, highlights VXX’s unique suitability for volatility-focused day trading but also its higher risks.

Recent Market Context and Performance

As of April 6, 2025, VXX has shown significant recent activity, with a closing price of 74.85 on April 4, 2025, after a 19.78% increase, and after-hours trading at 75.67 with a 1.09% increase (VXX Stock Price and Information). This reflects its responsiveness to market conditions, such as recent tariff announcements or economic data, underscoring its potential for intraday trading opportunities.

Recommendations and Best Practices

For those considering day trading VXX, the following best practices are recommended:

• Stay Informed: Monitor market news and events that could affect volatility, such as Federal Reserve decisions or geopolitical tensions.
• Use Technical Tools: Leverage charting platforms like TradingView for intraday analysis, focusing on short-term trends (VXX Stock Fund Price and Chart).
• Consult Professionals: Given the risks, especially for novice traders, consider consulting a financial advisor to ensure alignment with overall investment goals.
• Simulate Strategies: Practice with a trading simulator to test strategies without risking capital, particularly given VXX’s potential for significant losses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, day trading VXX is possible and can be profitable for experienced traders who understand its volatility and use appropriate strategies. However, it requires careful risk management due to its high volatility and potential for decay from contango. Traders should consider their account type, tax implications, and market conditions, ensuring they have a robust plan to navigate this complex instrument.

Key Citations

• How Does VXX Work? Six Figure Investing
• iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN Stock Price, News, Quote & History Yahoo Finance
• How to Day Trade Volatility ETFs Investopedia
• VXX Options – What is VXX & How to Trade it? tastylive
• ETF Analysis: The iPath S&P 500 VIX Futures Investopedia

Disclaimer: Grok is not a financial adviser; please consult one. Don’t share information that can identify you.

Key Points

• It seems likely that you can day trade in a Roth IRA, but there are important restrictions to consider.
• Research suggests no IRS rules prohibit it, but practical limits like no margin trading and settlement rules apply.
• The evidence leans toward potential fees for frequent trading and no tax deductions for losses, making it complex for retirement accounts.

Direct Answer

Yes, you can day trade in a Roth IRA, but there are several factors to keep in mind due to its nature as a retirement account.

What You Need to Know:

• No Margin Trading: Roth IRAs don’t allow borrowing against your holdings, which limits day trading strategies that rely on margin.
• Possible Fees: Some investments, like mutual funds, may charge fees for frequent trading, though stocks and ETFs typically don’t.
• Tax Considerations: While gains grow tax-free, you can’t deduct losses from day trading, unlike in taxable accounts.
• Settlement Rules: You must follow cash account rules to avoid “free riding” violations, ensuring you have enough settled funds for trades.
• Risks: Day trading is high-risk and may not align with the long-term goals of a Roth IRA, so consider consulting a financial advisor.

For more details, check reliable sources like Bankrate or SmartAsset.

Comprehensive Analysis on Day Trading in Roth IRAs

This section provides an in-depth exploration of day trading within Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), addressing the feasibility, restrictions, and implications based on current financial regulations and practices. The analysis aims to offer a thorough understanding for investors considering active trading strategies in retirement accounts.

Overview and Feasibility

Day trading, defined as buying and selling securities within the same trading day to capitalize on short-term price movements, is technically permissible in a Roth IRA. Research indicates there are no explicit Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules prohibiting such activities, making it legally feasible. However, the suitability and practicality depend on several factors, including account type and brokerage policies.

Roth IRAs are designed for tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement, typically encouraging long-term, buy-and-hold strategies. Despite this, investors may be tempted to day trade due to the absence of ongoing capital gains taxes, which are a significant cost in taxable brokerage accounts. Sources like Bankrate confirm that while there’s no legal barrier, the structure of Roth IRAs introduces unique challenges for active trading.

Key Restrictions and Limitations

Several restrictions impact day trading in Roth IRAs, primarily due to their classification as cash accounts rather than margin accounts:

• No Margin Trading: Unlike taxable brokerage accounts, Roth IRAs do not permit margin trading, meaning investors cannot borrow against their holdings. This limitation is critical as day trading often relies on leverage to amplify returns. Some brokerages, such as Interactive Brokers, offer “settlement margin” in IRAs, allowing trades on unsettled funds, but this is not traditional margin and restricts strategies like short selling. For instance, Warrior Trading notes that IRAs cannot use leverage except via settlement margin, significantly narrowing tactical options.
• Settlement Rules and Free Riding: As cash accounts, Roth IRAs are subject to Regulation T, requiring securities to be paid in full before sale. Trades settle in two business days (T+2), and selling a security before settlement without sufficient settled funds can lead to “free riding” violations. This means investors must ensure they have enough cash on hand for each trade, which can complicate frequent trading. According to Six Figure Investing, frequent trading in cash accounts can quickly run into settlement problems, potentially triggering account restrictions.
• Frequent Trading Fees: While brokers typically do not charge for trading stocks and most ETFs on a short-term basis, certain investments like mutual funds may impose early redemption fees. Bankrate highlights that mutual fund companies often charge fees for selling within a short period, which could deter day trading of such assets.

Tax Implications and Financial Considerations

The tax structure of Roth IRAs offers significant benefits but also introduces complexities for day traders:

• Tax-Free Growth, No Loss Deductions: Gains in a Roth IRA grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, which can accelerate returns for successful trades. However, unlike taxable accounts, investors cannot deduct losses against gains or other income through tax-loss harvesting. Forbes Advisor explains that this lack of tax break for losses can be a disadvantage, especially for active traders who experience volatility.
• Pattern Day Trader (PDT) Rule: The PDT rule, requiring a minimum $25,000 equity for margin accounts executing four or more day trades in five business days, generally does not apply to Roth IRAs. Since IRAs are typically cash accounts, they are exempt from this requirement, as confirmed by discussions on platforms like Reddit (r/tdameritrade). However, some brokerages may have internal policies, so it’s advisable to check with your provider.

Practical Challenges and Risks

Day trading in a Roth IRA poses practical challenges that may not align with its intended purpose:

• Risk to Retirement Savings: Day trading is inherently speculative and volatile, with a high potential for significant losses. Given that Roth IRAs are meant for long-term retirement security, using them for such activities could jeopardize future financial stability. FINRA emphasizes that day trading is not suitable for those with limited resources or low risk tolerance, and funding it with retirement savings is discouraged.
• Brokerage Policies: Different brokerages may have varying levels of support for frequent trading in IRAs. Investors should choose custodians offering low costs, suitable platforms, and policies conducive to active trading, as noted by DayTrading.com. For example, Robinhood and Charles Schwab have specific rules, and it’s crucial to review their terms.

Comparative Analysis with Taxable Accounts

Comparing Roth IRAs to taxable brokerage accounts highlights why day trading is less common in retirement accounts:

Aspect	Roth IRA	Taxable Brokerage Account
Margin Trading	Not allowed (except settlement margin)	Allowed, subject to PDT rules
Tax on Gains	Tax-free upon withdrawal	Subject to capital gains tax
Loss Deductions	Cannot deduct losses	Can deduct losses via tax-loss harvesting
Settlement Rules	Must follow T+2, risk of free riding	More flexible, can trade on margin
PDT Rule Applicability	Generally exempt as cash account	Applies if margin account, requires $25,000

This table, derived from sources like The Motley Fool and Investopedia, illustrates why taxable accounts are often preferred for day trading due to greater flexibility and tax benefits for losses.

Recommendations and Best Practices

Given the complexities, here are some recommendations for those considering day trading in a Roth IRA:

• Consult a Financial Advisor: Given the high risks and potential misalignment with retirement goals, consulting a financial advisor is advisable to ensure it fits your overall strategy.
• Choose Suitable Investments: Focus on stocks and ETFs, which typically have no short-term trading fees, rather than mutual funds.
• Monitor Settlement Periods: Use brokerage tools to track settled funds and avoid free riding violations, especially for frequent trades.
• Consider Alternatives: For active trading, a taxable account might be more suitable due to margin options and tax-loss harvesting benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, day trading in a Roth IRA is possible but comes with significant restrictions and risks that may not align with its purpose as a retirement savings vehicle. While there are no IRS prohibitions, practical limitations like no margin trading, settlement rules, and lack of loss deductions make it challenging. Investors should weigh these factors carefully and consider consulting professionals to ensure their strategy aligns with long-term financial goals.

Key Citations

• Should You Actively Trade In A Roth IRA Bankrate
• Day Trading in a Roth IRA Your Definitive Guide StocksToTrade
• Can You Day Trade in a Roth IRA SmartAsset
• Roth IRAs Investing and Trading Do’s and Don’ts Investopedia
• How You Can Day Trade In Your IRA Account Warrior Trading
• Can I Day-Trade Using My IRA The Motley Fool
• Day Trading in an IRA or Roth IRA Account DayTrading.com
• Should You Trade In A Roth IRA Forbes Advisor
• Can You Actually Day Trade in a Roth IRA Finance Yahoo
• Top 15 Questions about Trading in an IRA Six Figure Investing
• Day Traders Beware the Pattern Day Trader Rule Charles Schwab
• Pattern Day Trader PDT Definition and How It Works Investopedia
• The Pattern Day Trading Rule Explained Charles Schwab
• r/tdameritrade on Reddit Does pattern day trading rule apply for Roth IRA
• Pattern day trading Robinhood
• Day Trading FINRA.org
• What Is the Pattern Day Trader Rule What Happens If I’m Flagged Britannica Money

Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, has been a vocal advocate for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency sector. He has publicly expressed his support for Bitcoin, stating, “I am a fan of Bitcoin. Do I own Bitcoin? Of course I do.” 

Lutnick’s enthusiasm extends to integrating cryptocurrencies into national financial strategies. In a March 2025 interview, he revealed that President Trump planned to announce a Bitcoin strategic reserve, highlighting the administration’s commitment to digital assets. 

During his Senate confirmation hearing in January 2025, Lutnick supported mandatory audits for stablecoins, emphasizing the need for transparency and backing by U.S. Treasuries. He stated, “I believe U.S. dollar stablecoins should be audited, [and] should be completely backed by U.S. Treasuries, 100%.” 

Lutnick also believes that dollar-denominated stablecoins can extend American influence globally. He has expressed concern that regulations in Europe and elsewhere might limit the expansion of Tether and other dollar-based cryptocurrencies, questioning, “If a dollar-based stablecoin was backed by the euro, then they should go to hell. How does that help us?” 

In summary, Howard Lutnick views Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as pivotal components of the financial landscape, advocating for their integration into national economic strategies and emphasizing the importance of regulatory clarity and transparency.

Cantor Fitzgerald

Howard William Lutnick, born on July 14, 1961, in Jericho, New York, is an American businessman and political figure currently serving as the 41st United States Secretary of Commerce. He is renowned for his leadership of Cantor Fitzgerald, a prominent financial services firm, where he has been Chairman and CEO since 1991.

Early Life and Education

Lutnick was born into a Jewish family as the middle child among three siblings. His father, Solomon Lutnick, was a history professor at Queens College, and his mother, Jane Lutnick, was an artist. Tragically, he lost both parents during his teenage years—his mother to lymphoma in 1978 and his father to cancer in 1979. Despite these hardships, Lutnick pursued higher education at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1983. 

Career at Cantor Fitzgerald

Immediately after college, Lutnick joined Cantor Fitzgerald, quickly ascending through the ranks. He was appointed President and CEO in 1991 and became Chairman in 1996. Under his leadership, the firm invested heavily in technology, notably developing the electronic trading platform eSpeed. The September 11, 2001 attacks had a devastating impact on Cantor Fitzgerald, resulting in the loss of 658 employees, including Lutnick’s brother, Gary. In response, Lutnick established the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund to support the families of the victims. 

Political Involvement and Role as Secretary of Commerce

A longtime supporter of Donald Trump, Lutnick co-chaired Trump’s presidential transition team in 2024. He was nominated and confirmed as the United States Secretary of Commerce in early 2025. In this role, Lutnick has been a vocal advocate for implementing tariffs aimed at protecting American industries and has emphasized the integration of robotics and technology to revitalize U.S. manufacturing. 

Philanthropy

Beyond his corporate and political endeavors, Lutnick is recognized for his philanthropic contributions, particularly through the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, which has provided significant support to families affected by the 9/11 attacks and various natural disasters. He has also been a major benefactor to Haverford College, funding multiple facilities and programs. 

For a more detailed overview of Howard Lutnick’s background and career, you might find the following video informative:

Whoa,,, Elon Musk net worth MINUS over 45%?
.

This list will be shifted, or totally replaced?

—> no more globalists? No more free trade

Here is the data from the image as a text list:

1. Elon Musk – $302B | Last change: -$19.9B | YTD change: -$130B | United States

2. Jeff Bezos – $193B | Last change: -$7.59B | YTD change: -$45.2B | United States

3. Mark Zuckerberg – $179B | Last change: -$9.44B | YTD change: -$28.1B | United States

4. Bernard Arnault – $158B | Last change: -$5.23B | YTD change: -$18.6B | France

5. Bill Gates – $155B | Last change: -$6.45B | YTD change: -$3.38B | United States

6. Warren Buffett – $155B | Last change: -$10.7B | YTD change: +$12.7B | United States

7. Larry Ellison – $150B | Last change: -$10.1B | YTD change: -$42.1B | United States

8. Larry Page – $134B | Last change: -$4.65B | YTD change: -$34.6B | United States

9. Steve Ballmer – $127B | Last change: -$4.36B | YTD change: -$19.5B | United States

10. Sergey Brin – $126B | Last change: -$4.38B | YTD change: -$32.3B | United States

11. Jim Walton – $104B | Last change: -$4.82B | YTD change: -$8.07B | United States

12. Rob Walton – $102B | Last change: -$4.65B | YTD change: -$7.73B | United States

13. Alice Walton – $101B | Last change: -$4.70B | YTD change: -$7.75B | United States

14. Amancio Ortega – $97.2B | Last change: -$2.65B | YTD change: -$4.11B | Spain

15. Michael Dell – $87.4B | Last change: -$4.70B | YTD change: -$36.2B | United States

16. Mukesh Ambani – $86.8B | Last change: -$2.98B | YTD change: -$3.77B | India

17. Jensen Huang – $83.0B | Last change: -$6.55B | YTD change: -$31.3B | United States

Let me know if you’d like this data in a specific format (CSV, Excel, etc.) or visualized.

Big smiles! Big smiles ahead! —> why Spartans smile & grin?

Big money ahead!

Time to get ready for huge profits! To win!

Follow the Trump family, join the Trump family?

How to become a whale, a Bitcoin whale?

Only the strong survive,,, only the strong thrive?

Tariffs REVERSE inflation?

Go straight to the source?

Donald Trump is the most entertaining president of all time?

We have a fiscal problem!

Tariff > Taxes

Consumption tax, some foreigner pay for it

How to remain an even keel mind?

Things have changed!

Bitcoin is OUTSIDE, OUT of the system!

It’s over!

Trade is affected forever ***->>> digital COVID, network effect?

.

Shine

Shed excess fat

How to hack the market –> grow search, deep search, AI/X?

Apolitical … Bitcoin

.

Sell fear?

Detroit selling Cadillacs with American made engines?

Made in America?

The future belongs to those and those children who actually THRIVE, PROFIT & win off of uncertainty?

Assume tariffs are permanent

… this is just a one way ratchet!

Maximum leverage for himself

Bad actors

I love finances!

–> perhaps the reason why I love all of this now is because I no longer really personally care for finances,,, like I don’t want to buy a Lamborghini or whatever now anymore. To me it is more interesting ,,, practice on stoicism, resilience, and how to thrive and profit from all this fear and chaos?

How to profit from chaos

.

Bad news for Apple & Tesla?

Bad news for physical goods?

No more free trade?

.

Economic war, economic warrior?

Economic Warrior

High tech factories

Stocks –> mostly in bed with mainland China?

.

You never sell your gold,,, you never sell your cost to capital

Why you never sell your Bitcoin

Bitcoin is your new engine,,, turbocharger,,,, command center, factory production machine.

If you need cash, you don’t sell the engine in your car!

.

What is Bitcoin?

–> you don’t sell your real estate on 5th avenue.

You don’t sell digital Tokyo. You don’t sell your square block of real estate in Gangnam, Seoul, Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.

.

How to profit, be profitable without having to advertise more, and sell MORE products?

Have your balance sheet work for you!

Bitcoin is your permanent capital! ***

Leverage your PERMANENT capital!

.

You never sell your working capital

You don’t sell your digital oxen, or your legs, or your arm?

Day trade Roth IRA?

Here’s an essay written in the bold, introspective, and slightly unconventional style of Eric Kim, the street photographer and blogger known for his raw, personal takes on life, creativity, and philosophy. I’ve channeled his voice to explore the idea of Bitcoin as a solution to Internet profitability without advertising, while weaving in his signature blend of self-reflection, contrarianism, and a touch of hustle.

Bitcoin: The Internet’s True Hustle

Eric Kim, April 6, 2025

Yo, listen up. For years, I’ve been grinding, shooting photos on the streets, writing raw thoughts, trying to figure out how to live free—truly free—without selling my soul to the machine. The Internet? It’s a beast. A wild, chaotic canvas where we’re all screaming for attention, hustling for likes, views, whatever. But the game’s been rigged from the jump. You wanna make a buck online? They tell you: ads. Slap some banners on your site, let Google shove pop-ups in your face, turn your art into a billboard. Nah, man, that’s not freedom. That’s slavery with extra steps.

Then Bitcoin rolled up—quiet, sneaky, like a dude in a hoodie slipping through the shadows of the blockchain. And I’m sitting here in 2025, sipping my black coffee, thinking: this was the answer all along. Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all. Let me break it down, real talk.

The Ad Trap Ain’t It

Back in the day, I tried it. Ads on my blog. Felt dirty, like I was pimping out my words to some faceless corp. You write something real—say, about the grind of shooting film in the rain—and next to it? “Lose 10 pounds in 10 days!” Blinking, screaming, trash. It’s not just ugly; it’s a betrayal. You’re not serving your reader; you’re serving the algorithm. And the payout? Pennies, man. You’re hustling for crumbs while Zuck and the ad lords stack billions.

The Internet promised us a utopia—create, share, profit. But it turned into a slot machine. You’re either begging for clicks or drowning in sponsored posts. I’d rather starve than let my soul get chopped up by that noise. So I started asking: how do you make bank online without turning into a shill?

Enter Bitcoin, the Street Hustler’s Dream

Bitcoin hit me like a brick to the face. Not the hype—I ignored that noise for years. I’m talking the idea. A currency that’s yours, no middleman, no bank, no ad overlord skimming the top. You create value—say, a dope PDF of your best shots or a rant like this—and someone across the globe sends you BTC. Done. No PayPal fees, no Visa breathing down your neck, no ad network telling you what you can say.

Think about it. I drop a post: “Why I Shoot Black and White Only.” No ads, no fluff. Just truth. Reader digs it, sends me 0.0005 BTC—boom, I’m eating tonight. That’s not a transaction; that’s a handshake. It’s pure. The Internet becomes a street market again—raw, human, direct. No corporate filter. You don’t need a million page views; you need a few real ones who get it.

The Freedom Flex

Here’s the kicker: Bitcoin flips the power dynamic. Ads make you a tenant—Google owns the land, you’re just renting space. But BTC? You’re the landlord now. You set the price, you control the game. I’ve been selling my zines, my workshops, even one-off consultations for Bitcoin lately. No overhead, no compromise. Last week, some dude in Tokyo copped my “Street Notes” PDF for 0.001 BTC. Took 10 minutes to confirm, hit my wallet, done. That’s profit without bowing to the ad gods.

And it’s not just about cash—it’s about principle. Advertising’s a leash. You start tweaking your voice, chasing trends, softening edges to keep the clicks coming. Bitcoin cuts that cord. I can write what I want, how I want—gritty, unfiltered, me—and still eat. That’s the dream I chased since I first picked up a Leica: freedom to create without kissing the ring.

The Haters Gonna Hate

People say, “Eric, Bitcoin’s volatile, it’s a gamble.” Yeah, so’s life. You think ads are stable? One algorithm tweak and your revenue’s dust. At least with Bitcoin, the chaos is honest. It’s not pretending to be your friend while it picks your pocket. Plus, it’s 2025—BTC’s sitting pretty at what, $85K today? Volatility’s just noise if you hold long enough.

Others go, “It’s too niche, not everyone’s got crypto.” True—for now. But the streets taught me: the early movers win. Back in 2010, I was shooting film when everyone went digital. Look who’s laughing now. Bitcoin’s the same. Get in, figure it out, ride the wave before the normies flood the block.

The Vision: A New Internet

Imagine this: no more ad-cluttered hellscapes. Creators—photographers, writers, coders—drop their work, pure and clean. Fans pay direct with Bitcoin, a nod of respect in satoshis. No gatekeepers, no soul-sucking banners. The Internet turns into a global stoop sale—everyone’s got something to offer, and the value flows free.

I’m living it already. My site’s ad-free, my hustle’s BTC-powered. Profit’s leaner, sure, but it’s mine. No one’s skimming my soul. And every time a payment hits my wallet, it’s a middle finger to the old way. Bitcoin didn’t just solve profitability; it solved dignity.

Closing Shot

So yeah, I’m calling it: Bitcoin was the move all along. Not some get-rich-quick scam, but a way to take back the Internet from the ad vultures. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s the street hustle digitized. You wanna make it online without selling out? Ditch the banners, grab a wallet, and start stacking sats. The future’s here, fam—and it’s got no ads in sight.

Peace,
Eric

This essay mirrors Eric Kim’s vibe—direct, a little brash, full of personal conviction, and leaning hard into a vision of independence. It’s less about technical deep dives and more about the ethos of breaking free, which fits his style. Let me know if you want it tweaked!

….

“Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all”— essay in eric kim voice

Below is an essay written in the style of Eric Kim, the street photographer and blogger known for his bold, unapologetic, and introspective voice. He often writes with a mix of raw energy, philosophical musings, and a disdain for conventional systems. Here’s how he might tackle the idea of Bitcoin as a profit solution sans advertising:

Bitcoin: The Internet’s True Hustle
By Eric Kim (in spirit)

Yo, let’s cut the fat and get real for a second. The Internet was supposed to be this wild, open frontier—freedom, creativity, a place where the scrappy underdog could rise up and make something of themselves. But what did we get? Ads. Ads everywhere. Pop-ups, banners, pre-rolls—you can’t even watch a cat video without some corporate suit trying to sell you toothpaste or car insurance. It’s suffocating, man. The Internet turned into a billboard, and we’re all just eyeballs for rent. But then—boom—Bitcoin rolls in like a rogue wave, smashing the old game to bits. Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all. And I’m here to tell you why.

First off, let’s rewind. Back in the day, I used to think blogging was the ultimate hustle. Snap some raw street shots with my Leica, throw up a post, build an audience—pure, unfiltered. But then the ad vultures swooped in. “Monetize your passion!” they said. “Slap some Google Adsense on that bad boy!” Suddenly, my site’s got flashing banners for diet pills next to a black-and-white photo of a dude smoking a cigarette in Seoul. It felt wrong—like I was selling my soul for pennies. The purity was gone. The Internet became a slot machine, and we’re all just pulling the lever, hoping for a payout. Advertising didn’t liberate us; it turned us into middlemen for someone else’s garbage.

Then Bitcoin hit me like a sucker punch. I’m not talking about the price charts or the Lambo memes—forget that noise. I’m talking about the idea. A system where value moves peer-to-peer, no banks, no ad networks, no gatekeepers. You create something dope—say, a PDF of your best street photography tips or a video rant about living minimalist—and someone across the globe can send you BTC, instantly. No PayPal fees, no Stripe cuts, no 30-day wait while the suits skim their share. Just pure, uncut value. That’s the hustle I’ve been chasing my whole life.

Think about it. Advertising is a leash. You’re not free when your income depends on some algorithm deciding if your content’s “brand-safe.” One day you’re raking in cash, the next day YouTube demonetizes you because you cursed too much or said something spicy. With Bitcoin, you don’t need to play that game. You don’t need to kiss the ring. You make what you make, put it out there, and the people who vibe with it pay you directly. It’s like street photography itself—raw, unposed, no filters. You shoot the world as you see it, and the real ones recognize.

Now, I’m not some crypto bro sipping espresso in a Miami penthouse. I’m still out here, pounding the pavement, chasing the light. But Bitcoin flipped the script on how I think about profit. Back in the ad days, I’d obsess over page views, click-through rates, SEO hacks—soul-crushing stuff. Now? I drop a limited-run zine, slap a BTC address on it, and let the universe do its thing. No middleman. No begging for sponsors. Just me, my work, and the people who get it. That’s freedom, fam.

And yeah, the doubters will cry, “Volatility!” “Scams!” “It’s a bubble!” Cool. Let ‘em sleep. Every revolution’s got its haters. The Internet was called a fad once too. Bitcoin’s not perfect—it’s messy, it’s wild, it’s untamed. But that’s why it works. It’s not about getting rich quick; it’s about cutting the cords. Advertising’s a parasite—it feeds off your attention, your creativity, your time. Bitcoin says, “Nah, you keep what’s yours.” It’s the digital equivalent of telling the suits to shove it.

So here’s the truth: Bitcoin’s the Internet’s real promise fulfilled. No more dancing for ad dollars, no more compromising your vision to fit some corporate playbook. You create, you share, you profit—direct, no chaser. It’s the street hustle gone global. And for a guy like me, who’s spent years dodging trends and chasing authenticity, that’s the ultimate win. Bitcoin didn’t just solve the ad problem—it reminded us what the Internet was supposed to be: a place where the real ones thrive.

Peace.
Eric Kim, out.

This captures Kim’s vibe—direct, reflective, a little rebellious, and always tying it back to his personal ethos. Let me know if you want to tweak it further!

Thinking at the speed of AI?

…

“Bitcoin was the solution to being profitable on the Internet without advertising after all”— essay in eric kim voice

…

Curiosity —> these tech stocks,,,, are based on digital information ,, not physical products,, so why they dropping?

Reduced consumer spending ,,, less advertising revenue

Meta and Facebook too,,, less international product spending, less advertising profits.

Key Points

• Research suggests Google’s stock decline is linked to recent tariff announcements, increasing costs for imported components and reducing consumer spending, affecting advertising revenue.
• It seems likely that Meta’s stock drop is also due to tariff-related market uncertainty, impacting its advertising business and hardware costs.
• The evidence leans toward broader economic effects from tariffs, with both companies facing indirect impacts on global operations.

Why Google’s and Meta’s Stocks Are Down

Market Reaction to Tariffs
Recent tariff announcements by President Donald Trump, effective as of early April 2025, have led to significant market volatility. These tariffs, including a 10% blanket tariff on all imports and higher rates for specific countries like China (34%), have raised concerns about increased costs for companies with global supply chains. For Google, this means higher expenses for imported components used in hardware like Pixel phones and Chromebooks, potentially squeezing profit margins. For Meta, similar cost increases affect its hardware division, such as Oculus VR headsets.

Impact on Advertising Revenue
Both Google and Meta rely heavily on advertising revenue, which could be indirectly hit by tariffs. Higher prices for imported goods may reduce consumer spending, leading to lower ad budgets from businesses, especially international advertisers. For Meta, it’s noted that 10% of its 2023 revenue came from Chinese companies advertising on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which could be at risk if tariffs raise costs for these advertisers Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta.

Global Operations and Economic Uncertainty
Both companies have significant international operations, and the tariff-induced economic uncertainty could disrupt global trade, affecting their revenue streams. This broader market unease, as seen in the sharp declines in major indexes like the Nasdaq (down 5.97% on April 3, 2025), has contributed to the stock drops Stocks ravaged by tariff fallout as global supply chains brace for impact.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Google and Meta Stock Declines Amid Tariff Announcements

This section provides a comprehensive examination of the recent declines in Google (Alphabet Inc.) and Meta Platforms’ stock prices, focusing on the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements as of April 6, 2025. The analysis considers market reactions, company-specific exposures, and broader economic implications, drawing on recent news and analyst insights.

Background on Tariff Announcements

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a sweeping tariff policy, imposing a minimum 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates for specific countries, such as 34% for China, 20% for European nations, and 24% for Japan Apple leads a drop in tech stocks after Trump tariff announcement. This followed earlier tariff threats, including 25% on Mexican and Canadian imports and 10% on Chinese goods, announced in February and March 2025 Tariffs war: Meta and Google ‘most unfavorably positioned’ internet stocks By Investing.com. These measures have sparked significant market turmoil, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 3.98%, the S&P 500 losing 4.84%, and the Nasdaq plummeting 5.97% by April 3, 2025 Stocks ravaged by tariff fallout as global supply chains brace for impact.

Google (Alphabet Inc.) Stock Decline

Google’s stock, under the ticker GOOGL, experienced a notable decline, closing at $145.60 on April 4, 2025, down 3.40% from the previous day, following a broader market sell-off Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Stock Historical Prices & Data – Yahoo Finance. Several factors contribute to this decline:

• Direct Impact on Hardware Division: Google produces hardware like Pixel phones and Chromebooks, which rely on imported components. The tariffs, particularly on Chinese imports, increase costs for these components, potentially reducing profitability. Analyst reports suggest that tariff clarity could benefit growth stocks like Alphabet, but the initial uncertainty has led to a sell-off Tariff clarity could bring a turnaround in beaten-down growth stocks like Alphabet.
• Advertising Revenue Vulnerability: Google’s primary revenue source is digital advertising, which could be indirectly affected by reduced consumer spending due to higher import prices. If tariffs lead to economic slowdowns, businesses may cut ad budgets, impacting Google’s earnings. This is supported by market analyses noting tech stocks’ sensitivity to economic uncertainty Google Parent Alphabet’s Stock Tumbles Amid Worries Whether AI Spending Will Pay Off.
• Market Sentiment and Broader Effects: The tariff announcement led to a risk-off sentiment, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq seeing significant drops. Google’s $200 billion selloff was noted as leading broader losses, suggesting it was particularly affected by the tariff fallout Google Leads Tech Stock Slump As Earnings, Trump Tariffs Fallout Weighs On Market. Analyst forecasts estimate that every five-percentage-point increase in the US tariff rate could reduce S&P 500 earnings per share by 1-2%, affecting Google How tariffs are forecast to affect US stocks | Goldman Sachs.

Meta Platforms Stock Decline

Meta’s stock, under the ticker META, also saw a significant drop, falling 9% on April 3, 2025, to $531.62, amid the tariff-induced market sell-off Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta. The reasons include:

• Advertising Business Exposure: Meta’s core business is digital advertising, with platforms like Facebook and Instagram generating substantial revenue. Reports indicate that 10% of Meta’s 2023 revenue came from Chinese companies advertising to reach Western markets, particularly fast-fashion firms like Shein and Temu Meta and Amazon’s ad businesses could get whacked by Trump’s tariffs. Here are the other media companies at risk. Tariffs increasing costs for these advertisers could lead to reduced ad spend, impacting Meta’s revenue.
• Hardware Division Costs: Meta’s hardware, such as Oculus VR headsets, faces increased costs due to tariffs on imported components, similar to Google. This could squeeze margins, especially if consumer demand weakens in a tariff-induced economic slowdown Meta, Amazon, and lots of tech firms will be indirectly harmed by tariffs, too – Sherwood News.
• Market and Economic Uncertainty: Analyst reports from Wells Fargo position Meta as one of the most unfavorably positioned internet stocks due to tariffs, citing potential higher prices for cross-border goods affecting ad revenue 5 big analyst AI moves: Google, Meta stocks exposed to tariff risks; AMD downgrade By Investing.com. The broader market reaction, with Nasdaq entering bear market territory, has exacerbated the decline Meta Shares Drop During Market Sell-Off, Tariff Concerns: What’s Going On? – Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Benzinga.

Comparative Analysis

Both companies face direct impacts from tariffs on their hardware divisions and indirect impacts through their advertising businesses. Google’s exposure is heightened by its leadership in the tech stock slump, possibly due to its significant hardware costs and international revenue streams Google Leads Tech Stock Slump As Earnings, Trump Tariffs Fallout Weighs On Market. Meta’s vulnerability is noted in its reliance on Chinese advertisers, with specific figures highlighting the potential revenue hit Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta. The market’s reaction, as seen in the table below, underscores the severity of the tariff fallout:

Date	Index/Event	Change (%)	Notes
April 2, 2025	Trump announces tariffs	–	Announcement after market close, setting stage for sell-off
April 3, 2025	Dow Jones Industrial Average	-3.98%	Worst day since pandemic, tariff fallout cited Stocks ravaged by tariff fallout
April 3, 2025	S&P 500	-4.84%	Broad market impact, tariff uncertainty noted Wall Street ends down sharply on tariff worries
April 3, 2025	Nasdaq	-5.97%	Tech-heavy index hit hardest, affecting Google and Meta Stocks plunge in another brutal day over Trump tariffs shock : NPR
April 4, 2025	GOOGL Close Price	-3.40%	From $150.72 to $145.60, post-tariff market reaction Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Stock Historical Prices & Data – Yahoo Finance
April 3, 2025	META Close Price	-9%	Fell to $531.62, significant drop amid tariff news Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta

Conclusion

The declines in Google and Meta’s stocks are multifaceted, driven by direct cost increases for hardware due to tariffs and indirect effects on advertising revenue from potential economic slowdowns. The market’s reaction to Trump’s tariff announcements has amplified these impacts, with both companies facing heightened uncertainty as of April 6, 2025. Further developments, such as retaliatory tariffs from affected countries and company-specific earnings reports, will likely influence future stock movements.

Key Citations

• Google Leads Tech Stock Slump As Earnings, Trump Tariffs Fallout Weighs On Market
• Wall Street ends down sharply on tariff worries; Nvidia and Tesla drop
• Stocks ravaged by tariff fallout as global supply chains brace for impact
• Tariff clarity could bring a turnaround in beaten-down growth stocks like Alphabet
• Google Parent Alphabet’s Stock Tumbles Amid Worries Whether AI Spending Will Pay Off
• How tariffs are forecast to affect US stocks | Goldman Sachs
• Why Trump’s Tariffs Are Rattling Even Meta
• 5 big analyst AI moves: Google, Meta stocks exposed to tariff risks; AMD downgrade By Investing.com
• Meta Shares Drop During Market Sell-Off, Tariff Concerns: What’s Going On? – Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Benzinga
• Stocks plunge in another brutal day over Trump tariffs shock : NPR
• Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Stock Historical Prices & Data – Yahoo Finance
• Apple leads a drop in tech stocks after Trump tariff announcement
• Meta and Amazon’s ad businesses could get whacked by Trump’s tariffs. Here are the other media companies at risk
• Meta, Amazon, and lots of tech firms will be indirectly harmed by tariffs, too – Sherwood News
• Tariffs war: Meta and Google ‘most unfavorably positioned’ internet stocks By Investing.com

Forge new weapons?

charge at the wall & break it!

Feast on scarcity

Seize the void —> no waiting!

EK: HOW TO PROFIT FROM CHAOS & FEAR—SPARTAN GAIN, NO MERCY

I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan of the streets, forged in iron, thriving in the storm. Wanna profit from chaos and fear? This ain’t about cowering—it’s about conquering. By April 5, 2025, I’ve turned mayhem into my empire on Eric Kim Photography—1,005-pound lifts, streets seized, bitcoin bets cashed. Chaos is your arena, fear your fuel—here’s how you profit, EK-style, raw and relentless.

1. ROAR THROUGH THE SHITSTORM

When the world’s screaming, scream louder. Before I rip 551 pounds from the dirt (HYPE DEADLIFT), I slap my thighs, bellow like a Spartan in chaos (How to Start Hypelifting). Fear’s noise—drown it with your war cry. Haka vibes, 300 grit—use it. Profit starts when you own the madness, not when it owns you.

2. FORGE IRON IN THE FIRE

Chaos breeds weakness—be the steel. Stack plates—485 squats (Hype squat heavy), 1,005 rack pulls (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull)—no straps, just chalk and guts (Muscle 101). When others crumble, you rise—a war-machine (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Strength’s your profit—mental, physical, unbreakable.

3. STRIKE WHERE THEY STUMBLE

Fear makes ‘em freeze—you charge. “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt” (ERIC KIM Quotes)—my law. When markets crash, I’ve bought bitcoin low, flipped it high (Why I Bought More Bitcoin). Streets chaos? I shoot closer, own the frame (Street Photography). Profit’s in the gap—where they panic, you pounce.

4. FEAST ON THE FALLEN

Starve while they scatter—fast ‘til dusk, sharpen your edge (Intermittent Fasting). Then feast—meat, raw and red—while they’re still reeling. I’ve pulled half a ton on hunger, slept 8-12 hours, woke a god. Chaos starves the weak—you eat their loss, rise stronger.

5. THRIVE IN THE CLASH

Profit ain’t peace—it’s war. “The joy’s 99.9% in the clash—not the crown” (The Zen of Hypelifting)—I live it. When fear grips, I’ve shot streets raw (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?), turned panic into power. Chaos is your forge—thrive there, cash in.

YOUR SPARTAN PROFIT CODE

• Roar: Out-scream the storm—fear’s your bitch.
• Forge: Build steel—profit’s in your strength.
• Strike: Hit when they’re down—take the spoils.
• Feast: Starve, then gorge—eat their weakness.
• Thrive: Love the fight—chaos is your gold.

EK’S WAR CHEST

I’m EK—proof in the chaos. Lifted 1,005 pounds when gyms emptied, shot streets when cities burned, stacked bitcoin when markets bled (Bitcoin for Investors). I roared, forged, struck, feasted, thrived—turned fear into my fortune.

YOUR HAUL

Profit from chaos and fear? Spartan up. Scream past the panic, forge your edge, strike the cracks, feast on their fall, thrive in the mess. This is EK’s way—brutal, bold, bankable. Get yours or get lost.

—EK, April 5, 2025

Keep the good news to yourself?

Timing & strategy?

Key Points

• Research suggests investing in VXX can be profitable if you predict a short-term VIX increase, especially during market volatility spikes.
• It seems likely that timing is crucial; holding VXX long-term may lead to losses due to contango effects.
• The evidence leans toward VXX performing well during rapid VIX rises, but gradual increases may not yield similar gains.

Understanding VXX and VIX

If you predict the VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) will go up, investing in VXX (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN) could potentially be profitable, but it depends on the timing and nature of the VIX increase. VXX tracks short-term VIX futures, which tend to rise with significant market volatility, like during crashes. However, it’s not a guaranteed profit due to factors like contango, where futures prices can erode value over time if held too long.

Timing and Risks

For short-term trades, buying VXX before a volatility spike and selling at the peak can yield gains, as seen in historical events like the 2020 COVID crash. But holding VXX long-term is risky, as it often loses value due to the need to roll over futures contracts at potentially higher prices, especially in stable markets. Always consider your risk tolerance and have a clear exit strategy.

Market Conditions

VXX performs best when the VIX spikes rapidly, potentially entering backwardation (where near-term futures are priced higher), which benefits VXX. For gradual VIX increases without market stress, contango may dominate, reducing profitability. Monitor market conditions closely to align your investment with expected volatility.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Investing in VXX When Predicting VIX Increases

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of whether investing in VXX can be profitable if you predict the VIX will increase, drawing from historical data, market mechanics, and expert insights. The discussion aims to cover all relevant aspects for investors, from short-term trading strategies to long-term considerations, ensuring a thorough understanding of the topic.

Background on VIX and VXX

The VIX, often called the “fear gauge,” measures the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility for the S&P 500, calculated using options prices (CBOE Volatility Index (VIX)). It typically rises during market uncertainty and falls in stable conditions, with historical ranges between 10 and 20 in calm times, spiking above 30 during crises.

VXX, the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, is an exchange-traded note designed to track the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index. It holds a combination of the front-month and next-month VIX futures contracts, rolled daily to maintain a constant one-month horizon (What is VXX & How to Trade it?). As of April 4, 2025, VXX closed at $74.85, up 19.78% from the previous day, reflecting recent market volatility (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN).

Profitability Analysis: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

Investing in VXX can be profitable if you predict a short-term increase in the VIX, particularly during significant volatility spikes. Historical examples, such as the 2020 COVID crash, illustrate this: when the VIX spiked from around 15 to over 80 in March 2020, VXX rose from approximately $15 to $100, offering substantial gains for timely investors (Volatility Is Skyrocketing: What the VIX Is and How to Trade it). Similarly, in February 2018, a VIX spike from 15 to 37 saw VXX increase from $25 to $40, highlighting the potential for short-term profits during market stress.

However, long-term holding of VXX is generally unprofitable due to contango, a common state in the VIX futures market where futures prices exceed the spot VIX. As VXX rolls over its contracts monthly, it sells expiring (lower-priced) contracts and buys new (higher-priced) ones, leading to value erosion. Over five years, VXX has declined 97.51%, underscoring this decay (How Does VXX Work?).

Market Mechanics: Contango and Backwardation

The performance of VXX is heavily influenced by the VIX futures term structure, specifically whether it’s in contango or backwardation. In contango, prevalent in stable markets, the futures price is above the spot VIX, causing VXX to lose value over time as it rolls contracts. Conversely, during high volatility or market crashes, the term structure can enter backwardation, where near-term futures are priced higher than longer-term futures. In this scenario, rolling over contracts benefits VXX, as it sells higher-priced expiring contracts and buys lower-priced new ones (Why does VXX go down? VIX Futures Roll Yield Explained).

For example, during the 2020 crash, the rapid VIX increase likely shifted the term structure to backwardation, boosting VXX. However, if the VIX increase is gradual without significant market stress, contango may persist, reducing VXX’s ability to capture gains. This distinction is crucial for predicting profitability: significant, rapid VIX increases (e.g., due to market-disrupting events) are more likely to favor VXX, while smaller, sustained increases may not.

Timing and Strategy

Timing is critical for profitability. To maximize gains, investors should buy VXX before or at the onset of a volatility spike and sell at its peak, avoiding the subsequent decay. For instance, buying VXX on April 3, 2025, at $62.49 and selling on April 4 at $74.85 would yield a 19.78% gain in a day, aligning with a recent VIX increase. However, holding beyond the spike could lead to losses as contango effects set in.

Strategies include short-term trading based on daily or weekly VIX movements, where historical correlations suggest VXX moves in line with VIX increases (Understanding VIX or Volatility Index). For hedging, VXX can protect against portfolio declines during volatility spikes, but it’s not suitable for long-term investment due to its structural decay.

Risks and Considerations

Investing in VXX involves high risks, particularly for retail investors. The product’s performance can be erratic, with VXX moving only 45% as much as the VIX on average and sometimes correlating positively with the S&P 500, contrary to expectations (How Does VXX Work?). Additionally, VXX has an expense ratio of 0.89%, further eroding returns over time (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN).

Market experts caution against VXX for those lacking capital to absorb losses, as evidenced by the 2018 VIX spike wiping out some inverse VIX funds (How to Bet on Volatility When the VXX Expires). Aggressive risk management, such as using options or put spreads, is recommended for seasoned traders (It’s Time To Short The VIX).

Performance Metrics and Historical Context

Recent performance data as of April 4, 2025, shows VXX with a year-to-date return of 63.43% and a one-year return of 33.71%, reflecting periods of volatility. However, three-year returns at 42.36% suggest variability, with a high beta of 9.88 indicating significant market sensitivity (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN). These metrics align with periods of VIX increases, but long-term charts show diabolical declines, reinforcing the need for short-term strategies.

Conclusion

In summary, predicting a VIX increase and investing in VXX can be profitable for short-term trades during volatility spikes, particularly if timed correctly to capture backwardation benefits. However, gradual VIX increases or long-term holding may lead to losses due to contango. Investors should assess market conditions, manage risks, and align strategies with their investment horizon, recognizing VXX as a high-risk, short-term tool rather than a long-term asset.

Key Citations

• CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) What Does It Measure in Investing?
• VXX Options – What is VXX & How to Trade it?
• iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN Performance Data
• Volatility Is Skyrocketing: What the VIX Is and How to Trade it StockNews.com
• Why does VXX go down? VIX Futures Roll Yield Explained Volatility Trading Strategies
• How Does VXX Work? Six Figure Investing
• Understanding VIX or Volatility Index TD Bank
• How to Bet on Volatility When the VXX Expires Investopedia
• It’s Time To Short The VIX Seeking Alpha
• How to Trade the VIX: 4 Ways Explained Investopedia

Can you invest and make money off it

You can’t directly invest in the VIX itself because it’s an index, not a tradable asset like a stock or bond. However, you can make money (or lose it) by investing in financial instruments tied to the VIX, such as futures, options, or exchange-traded products (ETPs). Here’s how it works:

1. VIX Futures: These are contracts based on where traders think the VIX will be at a future date. You can buy or sell them through a brokerage. If volatility spikes (say, during a market crash), the VIX rises, and long positions in futures can profit. But they’re complex—prices don’t always track the VIX spot value perfectly due to something called “contango,” where futures cost more than the current index, often leading to losses if volatility stays flat.
2. VIX Options: These are options contracts on VIX futures, letting you bet on whether the VIX will go up (calls) or down (puts). They’re popular for hedging or speculating. For example, if you expect a big market drop, buying VIX calls could pay off as fear pushes the index higher.
3. ETPs like VXX or UVXY: These are exchange-traded notes or funds designed to track VIX futures. VXX, for instance, aims to mimic short-term VIX movements, while UVXY offers leveraged exposure (1.5x or 2x). They’re easier to trade than futures, but they erode value over time due to contango and daily rebalancing, making them better for short-term plays than long-term holds.

Can You Make Money?

Yes, but it’s tricky. The VIX tends to surge during panic (e.g., it hit 82.69 in March 2020 during the COVID crash) and drop in calm markets (often below 15). If you time it right—say, buying before a volatility spike and selling at the peak—you can profit. But it’s risky: the VIX is unpredictable, and many of these products decay in value if you hold them too long. Most retail investors lose money on VIX-related bets because they’re more suited to pros who hedge or trade short-term.

Want a real-world example? In February 2018, the VIX doubled in a day (from 17 to 37), wiping out some inverse VIX funds like XIV, but those who’d bought VXX or VIX calls cleaned up. Timing is everything, though—miss the move, and you’re stuck with losses.

What’s your goal—hedging a portfolio or just speculating? I can dig deeper into strategies or current VIX levels if you’d like!

…

It seems like you might be referring to the “S&P VIX,” which is commonly known as the VIX. The VIX, or the CBOE Volatility Index, is a real-time market index that measures the market’s expectation of volatility over the next 30 days. It’s often called the “fear gauge” because it tends to spike when investors anticipate uncertainty or declines in the stock market, particularly the S&P 500.

The VIX is calculated using the prices of options on the S&P 500 Index (SPX). It reflects investor sentiment about future volatility—higher VIX values indicate greater expected volatility (often tied to fear or uncertainty), while lower values suggest calmer markets. As of today, April 6, 2025, I don’t have the exact current value since it fluctuates daily with market conditions, but historically, it hovers between 10 and 20 in stable times, spiking above 30 or even 50 during crises.

If you meant something different by “SP VIX” (like a specific variant or a typo), feel free to clarify! Want me to search for the latest VIX value or explain more about how it works?

I assume you’re asking about VXX, the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, since we were just discussing the VIX. VXX is an exchange-traded note (ETN) that tracks short-term futures contracts on the VIX, the CBOE Volatility Index, which measures expected market volatility over the next 30 days based on S&P 500 options prices. It’s designed to give investors exposure to volatility changes, not the VIX spot value itself, by holding a mix of the front two-month VIX futures, rolled daily to maintain a constant one-month horizon.

As of the latest real-time data on April 4, 2025, VXX closed at $74.85 USD, up 19.78% ($12.36) from the previous day’s close of $62.49. It opened at $69.93, hit a high of $76.46, and a low of $66.72, with a trading volume of over 26 million shares—way above its average of 7.5 million. That’s a big jump, signaling a spike in volatility expectations, likely tied to recent market jitters. Over the past month, it’s up 49.01% from $51.60 on March 28, and year-to-date in 2025, it’s gained 63.43%. But zoom out: over five years, it’s down 97.51%, thanks to the relentless decay from contango—where futures prices exceed the spot VIX, eroding value as contracts roll.

Can You Make Money?

You can profit from VXX if you catch it during a volatility surge—like now. For instance, if you’d bought at $62.49 on April 3 and sold at $74.85 on April 4, that’s a 19.78% gain in a day. But holding long-term is a loser’s game due to that contango bleed. It’s a trader’s tool—great for short-term hedges or bets on fear, like during the August 2024 VIX spike some traders on X have noted as a parallel. Speculators might ride this wave, but if you’re hedging a portfolio, it’s about timing: buy when markets wobble, sell when they calm. Risks are high—mistime it, and you’re stuck with a decaying asset.

What’s your angle—looking to trade it or just curious about its recent move? I can pull more current data or break down a strategy if you want!

Meme stocks become real companies?

First take care of yourself before others?

First take care of yourself before your family?

Be, become more flexible?

I can’t wait until Monday!

Everyone already knew that Trump was going to do the tariff war?

I listened to the Trump Joe Rogan podcast interview, and the Elon Musk spaces interview.,, he mentioned “tariff– a word even more beautiful than the word ‘love’”– these fools, did nobody listen to either of those interviews?

Margin calls, how to build resilience?

Here’s “How to Grow Bigger Balls” in the voice of Ericus, Spartan God—Eric Kim ascended to divine fury, with street grit and Bitcoin fire, now in standard spelling instead of all caps. The tone remains brutal, thunderous, and unrelenting:

Mortals! I am Ericus, Spartan God of Streets and Sats, my voice a thunderclap, my will a furnace of iron! You dare plead, “How to grow bigger balls”? You sniveling whelps, barely fit to kiss my sandals! I’ve crushed empires with my bare hands, shot the world raw, stacked fortunes in digital flame—now I smite your weakness with divine fury! Heed my law, or shrivel in shame!

First Command: Face the Abyss! Balls aren’t born—they’re forged in fear’s face! Stare down your demons—death, failure, the void! I stood in poverty’s jaws, lens in fist, and roared, “Come get me!” No flinching, no tears—name your terror and spit on it! Cowards shrink; gods grow!

Second Command: Charge the Fray! You want to be a man? Fight like one! Hit the streets, full war cry—shoot like a titan, every frame a kill! I stormed the pavement, shot souls ‘til blood ran, stacked sats while the weak hid! No retreat—bash through walls, take hits, keep swinging! Balls swell in battle, not in bed!

Third Command: Defy the Gods! Fuck fate, fuck comfort, fuck the easy path! I torched UCLA, burned the system, lived raw—no chains, no mercy! Ditch the scrolling shit, the safe bullshit—jump into chaos! Buy BTC at the crash, shoot in the gutter—risk is your forge, fear your fuel! Defy or die small!

Fourth Command: Carve Your Law! Balls need steel—build it! Etch a code in stone: dawn for war, noon for dominion, night for glory! I ruled my days—lens as my spear, sats as my legion, words as my fury! No slack, no bend—live it like a warrior, or I’ll crush your spine!

Fifth Command: Feast on Pain! Growth is agony—revel in it! I thrived in dirt, laughed at crashes, shot through hell! Hurt’s your hammer, struggle your anvil—take the punch, roar louder, go harder! Weak men whimper; gods thrive! Let it build you ‘til your balls clang like iron!

Final Command: Seize Your Fucking Crown! Balls aren’t a gift—they’re a conquest! Every step, every shot, every sat—rip it from the world’s throat! I rose from nothing, shot the earth raw, stacked wealth to defy kings—now I reign supreme! You’re no pissant—you’re a god! Scream it: “My balls are mountains, I am unbreakable!”

I, Ericus, Spartan God, have decreed! I’ve lived with balls of steel—streets my war ground, BTC my arsenal, life my battlefield! You want bigger? Tear your weak self asunder, charge the storm, grow into a colossus! Now rise, you gutless fools—ball up or be dust beneath my heel!

There it is—Ericus, Spartan God, delivering a savage, godly proclamation in standard spelling, still dripping with fury and power. Let me know if you want more of this divine heat!

…

EK: HOW TO GROW BIGGER BALLS—SPARTAN GUTS, NO BS

I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan of the grind, forged in iron, baptized in fire. You wanna grow bigger balls? This ain’t about wishin’—it’s about doin’, raw and ruthless. By April 5, 2025, I’ve ripped my way to godhood on Eric Kim Photography—1,005-pound pulls, streets owned, a life seized. Balls ain’t size; they’re steel—courage, grit, HYPELIFTING soul. Here’s how you grow ‘em, EK-style.

1. ROAR IN THE FACE OF FEAR

Scream it—loud, savage, balls-out. Before I yank 551 pounds off the dirt (HYPE DEADLIFT), I slap my thighs, bellow like a Spartan at the gates (How to Start Hypelifting). Fear’s a punk—drown it with your war cry. Watch the All Blacks’ haka, feel the 300 shield wall—steal that thunder. Balls grow when you roar louder than doubt.

2. LIFT ‘TIL YOUR SPINE SINGS

Forge ‘em in iron—stack plates, heavy and mean (Muscle 101). Squats at 485 (Hype squat heavy), rack pulls at 1,005 (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull)—no straps, just chalk and guts. Every lift’s a dare: “Break me if you can.” You don’t grow balls hiding—lift ‘til you’re a war-machine (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini).

3. CHARGE THE SHADOWS—NO FLINCH

Step into the dark—closer, always closer (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Before my lifts, my shots, I face the void—lens or bar, no retreat (Street Photography). “The joy’s 99.9% in the clash—not the crown” (The Zen of Hypelifting)—balls swell when you spit on fear and fight.

4. STARVE, FEAST, STAND TALL

Hunger’s your blade—fast ‘til dusk, then tear into meat, bloody and raw (Intermittent Fasting). I pulled half a ton empty—then slept 8-12 hours, a Spartan reborn. Balls don’t grow on weak fuel—starve ‘til you’re sharp, feast ‘til you’re fierce.

5. STRIKE FIRST, FUCK THE REST

Take it—now. “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt” (ERIC KIM Quotes)—that’s your creed. Don’t wait, don’t ask—lift it, claim it, live it. I built my world—iron, streets, words—no nods needed. Balls are action, not apologies.

YOUR SPARTAN BALLS CODE

• Roar: Scream ‘til fear chokes—sound’s your steel.
• Lift: Stack iron ‘til you shake—strength’s your sack.
• Charge: Face the dark—courage breeds balls.
• Feast: Starve, gorge, rise—fuel the fire.
• Strike: Act now—guts don’t grovel.

EK’S PROOF

I’m EK—balls of Sparta. Tore 1,005 pounds from the ground, conquered streets with my lens, built my empire with bare fists. I roared, lifted, charged, feasted, struck—courage carved in my core.

YOUR GUTS

Wanna bigger balls? No soft shit—fight for ‘em. Scream ‘til you’re hoarse, lift ‘til you’re iron, charge ‘til you’re free, feast ‘til you’re full, strike ‘til you’re king. This is EK’s way—Spartan, brutal, ballsy. Grow ‘em or get out.

—EK, April 5, 2025

The paradox with energy: before going to the gym I didn’t think I had that much energy but as I started to exercise, I magically gained power?

Therefore, the hilarious observation: perhaps while we are just doing the activity, suddenly we gain more power?

Therefore, to simply make it a habit to do the activity, or a workflow, is the goal?

Asymmetric bets

Asymmetric information? 

Never be too sure about anything?

Elevated mental state after weightlifting

Don’t give people what they think they’ll want, give people what you want 

Sustainable

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The paradox with energy: before going to the gym I didn’t think I had that much energy but as I started to exercise, I magically gained power?

Therefore, the hilarious observation: perhaps while we are just doing the activity, suddenly we gain more power?

Therefore, to simply make it a habit to do the activity, or a workflow, is the goal?

Asymmetric bets

Asymmetric information? 

Never be too sure about anything?

Elevated mental state after weightlifting

Don’t give people what they think they’ll want, give people what you want 

Sustainable

.

Do you lift weights to live or do you live to lift weights?

I live to lift weights! Weightlifting is my euphoria and drug! 

Never boring

Our joy with objects

What’s the point of a human body?

To indefinitely grow, become bigger?

Look, looking more human or less human?

Only attempt things in which I’m not 100% sure whether I’ll be successful or not?

Strike don’t beg!

EK: TIPS TO BECOME A GOD—SPARTAN STRIKES

I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan forged in iron, a god by my own hands. You wanna rise? I’ve done it—ripped 1,005 pounds from the dirt (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull), conquered streets with my lens, built my legend on Eric Kim Photography by April 5, 2025. No fluff—these are my battle-tested tips to become a god, EK-style. Spartan, brutal, straight to the gut.

TIP 1: SCREAM YOUR WAR CRY

Get loud—now. Slap your thighs, roar like a Spartan facing death (How to Start Hypelifting). Before I pull 551 pounds (HYPE DEADLIFT), I wake my soul—haka vibes, 300 grit. Tip: Yell ‘til your chest burns—gods don’t whisper.

TIP 2: LIFT ‘TIL YOU’RE STEEL

Grab iron—stack it heavy. Squats, deadlifts, rack pulls—push ‘til your bones sing (Muscle 101). I’ve hit 485-pound squats (Hype squat heavy), no straps, just chalk and blood. Tip: Add weight weekly—forge your war-machine (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini).

TIP 3: STARE DOWN HELL

Face the dark—step closer every time (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). I’ve shot streets raw, lifted when my mind screamed stop—“The joy’s 99.9% in the clash” (The Zen of Hypelifting). Tip: Pick one fear daily—charge it, break it.

TIP 4: FAST, FEAST, SLEEP HARD

Skip meals—fast ‘til dusk, sharpen your edge (Intermittent Fasting). Then rip into meat—red, raw, godly. I’ve pulled half a ton hungry, slept 8-12 hours after. Tip: One meal a day, meat only—crash like a titan.

TIP 5: STRIKE, DON’T BEG

Take it—no waiting. “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt” (ERIC KIM Quotes)—my rule. I built my empire—lifts, shots, words—before anyone nodded. Tip: Do one bold move today—apologize later, if ever.

SPARTAN TIPS RECAP

• Scream: Roar ‘til you’re alive—daily.
• Lift: Stack iron—grow stronger weekly.
• Stare: Face fear—crush one a day.
• Feast: Fast, meat, sleep—once, big, deep.
• Strike: Act now—beg never.

EK’S PROOF

I’m EK—god by these laws. Tore 1,005 pounds, claimed streets from Hanoi to LA (Street Photography), roared my way up. These tips ain’t theory—they’re my scars.

YOUR MOVE

Godhood’s yours—Spartan, EK-style. Scream today, lift tomorrow, stare down the dark, feast tonight, strike always. No excuses—ascend or bleed out.

—EK, April 5, 2025

EK: HOW YOU CAN BECOME A GOD—SPARTAN PATH TO GLORY

I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan forged in fire, a god carved from iron and grit. You wanna ascend? By April 5, 2025, I’ve walked the path—ripped 1,005 pounds from the earth (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull), conquered streets with my lens, and roared my way to divinity on Eric Kim Photography. This ain’t a gift—it’s a war. Here’s how you become a god, EK-style—Spartan, brutal, no mercy.

ROAR YOUR SOUL AWAKE

First, unleash your war cry—loud, raw, earth-shaking. Before I tear iron apart (HYPE DEADLIFT), I slap my thighs, scream like a Spartan facing 10,000 Persians (How to Start Hypelifting). No whispers—bellow ‘til your veins burst. Watch the All Blacks’ haka, feel the 300 Spartans’ fury—steal that thunder. You’re a god when you sound like one. Roar now—wake the heavens.

FORGE YOUR FLESH INTO IRON

Next, hammer your body—make it a war-machine (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Grab the bar—squats, deadlifts, rack pulls—stack plates ‘til they groan. I’ve hit 485-pound squats (Hype squat heavy), no straps, just chalk and blood (Muscle 101). Every lift’s a battle—your flesh a shield, your will a spear. Gods ain’t soft—forge ‘til you’re unbreakable.

CHARGE THE ABYSS

Step into the dark—fear’s your prey. I’ve faced it—lens in hand, bar overhead—closer, always closer (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). “The joy’s 99.9% in the clash—not the crown” (The Zen of Hypelifting)—live it. Streets, weights, life—charge the void, break it. Gods don’t cower—hunt the shadows ‘til they bow.

FEAST AND RISE LIKE A TITAN

Fuel your godhood—fast ‘til dusk, hunger your blade, then rip into meat, raw and red (Intermittent Fasting). I’ve pulled half a ton on an empty gut—then slept 8-12 hours, a warrior’s rebirth. No weak rations—starve, devour, rest. You rise a god when your body’s a furnace.

SEIZE YOUR THRONE

Take it—no asking. “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt” (ERIC KIM Quotes)—my law, your law. Build your empire—lift, create, dominate—before the world blinks. Gods don’t beg—they strike, they claim. Your throne’s waiting—grab it, bleed for it.

THE SPARTAN GOD CODE

• Roar: Scream ‘til the skies crack—gods are loud.
• Forge: Lift ‘til you’re steel—flesh is your armor.
• Charge: Face the dark—glory’s in the fight.
• Feast: Starve, eat, sleep—fuel the divine.
• Seize: Take it—gods don’t kneel.

EK’S PROOF

I’m EK—living godhood. Tore 1,005 pounds from the dirt, claimed streets from Hanoi to LA (Street Photography), built my legend with my own hands. I roared, forged, charged, feasted, seized—Spartan blood, iron will.

YOUR ASCENT

You wanna be a god? No prayers—war. Roar ‘til you’re deaf, lift ‘til you’re stone, charge ‘til you’re free, feast ‘til you’re full, seize ‘til you reign. This is EK’s path—Spartan, fierce, yours. Ascend or die.

—EK, April 5, 2025

EK: HOW I BECAME A GOD—SPARTAN BLOOD AND IRON WILL

I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan of the streets, titan of the iron, a god forged in my own fire. You wanna know how I ascended? Ain’t no fairy tale—by April 5, 2025, I’ve clawed my way to divinity through sweat, steel, and a roar that shakes the heavens, all carved into Eric Kim Photography. This is my saga—raw, brutal, EK-style. Here’s how I became a god, and how you can too.

I ROARED MYSELF ALIVE

First, I found my voice—loud, primal, a Spartan war cry. Before I yanked 1,005 pounds from the earth (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull), I slapped my thighs, screamed like a beast unbound (How to Start Hypelifting). No whispers, no doubts—hype’s my thunder. I watched the All Blacks’ haka, felt the Spartans’ shield wall in “300,” and made it mine. Gods don’t mumble—they roar. Step one: bellow ‘til the gods hear you.

I FORGED MY FLESH INTO DIVINITY

Next, I hammered my body into a war-machine—iron my chisel, will my flame (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Squats at 485 (Hype squat heavy), deadlifts at 551 (HYPE DEADLIFT), rack pulls that broke mortal limits—no straps, just chalk and grit (Muscle 101). Every lift was a prayer, every rep a vow: I’m no man, I’m a god. Step two: sculpt your shell ‘til it’s immortal.

I STARED DOWN THE ABYSS

Gods don’t flinch—I charged the void. Before every lift, every shot, I stepped closer—lens in the fray, bar in my grip (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Fear? I spat on it. “The joy’s 99.9% in the clash—not the crown” (The Zen of Hypelifting)—that’s my gospel. I wrestled chaos—streets from Hanoi to LA—and won (Street Photography). Step three: face the dark, break it, own it.

I FEASTED AND SLEPT LIKE ZEUS

I fueled my godhood—fasted ‘til dusk, hunger my edge, then gorged on meat, blood-red and raw (Intermittent Fasting). Lifted a half-ton on an empty gut, then slept 8-12 hours—thunderous rest, a titan reborn. No weak mortal diet—gods feast and recover like kings. Step four: starve, devour, sleep—rise anew.

I SEIZED MY THRONE, NO MERCY

I didn’t ask—I took. “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt” (ERIC KIM Quotes)—that’s my law. Built my empire—blog, shots, lifts—without a nod from anyone. Gods don’t kneel; they strike, they claim. Step five: grab your crown, let the world catch up.

THE SPARTAN PATH TO GODHOOD

• Roar: Scream your existence—hype’s your lightning.
• Forge: Hammer your body—iron makes gods.
• Clash: Face the void—victory’s in the fight.
• Feast: Starve, eat, sleep—fuel the divine.
• Seize: Take it—gods don’t wait.

MY ASCENT

I’m EK—proof in the flesh. Tore 1,005 pounds from the ground, conquered streets with my lens, built a fortress of words. I roared before every lift, forged my frame, stared down hell, feasted like a king, and seized my fate. That’s how I became a god—not by grace, but by war.

YOUR RISE

Wanna be a god? No handouts—forge it. Roar ‘til your ribs crack, lift ‘til your bones sing, charge the abyss, feast like a conqueror, take what’s yours. This is EK’s way—Spartan, brutal, divine. Rise or rot.

—EK, April 5, 2025

How to become your own hype man

EK: BECOME YOUR OWN HYPE MAN—SPARTAN STYLE

I’m EK—Eric Kim—Spartan of the grind, forged in iron and street fire. You wanna be your own hype man? Ain’t no cheer squad coming. It’s you, your will, your roar—straight up, no excuses. As of April 5, 2025, I’ve been tearing it up on Eric Kim Photography, living my HYPELIFTING code—screaming before a 1,005-pound pull (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull), spitting truth through my lens. Here’s how you become your own damn hype man—Spartan, raw, EK-style.

STEP 1: ROAR LIKE A WARRIOR

Get loud—insanely loud. Before I rip 551 pounds off the ground (HYPE DEADLIFT), I slap my thighs, scream like a Spartan at Thermopylae (How to Start Hypelifting). That’s your war cry—your blood pumping, your spirit waking. No quiet vibes—blast your own horn ‘til the walls shake. Watch the All Blacks’ haka, feel the 300 Spartans charge—steal that fire, make it yours.

STEP 2: BUILD YOUR SHIELD—IRON AND GUTS

Forge your body—make it a war-machine (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Lift heavy—squats, deadlifts, rack pulls—stack those plates ‘til your bones groan. I’ve hit 485-pound squats (Hype squat heavy), no straps, just chalk and grit (Muscle 101). Every rep’s a shout: “I’m here, I’m strong, I’m EK.” Your shield’s your proof—hype comes from power you own.

STEP 3: FACE THE VOID—NO FEAR

Step into the fray—closer, always closer (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Fear’s a coward’s chain—break it. Before a lift, a shot, a fight, I charge the line, no hesitation. Hype’s born in the clash—tell yourself, “I’ll bleed before I bend.” The joy’s 99.9% in the fight, not the win (The Zen of Hypelifting). Face it, own it, roar through it.

STEP 4: FEAST AND REST LIKE A KING

Fuel your fire—skip the weak meals, fast ‘til dusk, then gorge on meat, Spartan-style (Intermittent Fasting). I lift fasted—1,005 pounds on hunger alone—then sleep 8-12 hours, a warrior’s recharge. Hype ain’t loud if you’re frail—eat big, rest hard, rise unstoppable.

STEP 5: THRUST FIRST, NO APOLOGIES

Don’t wait—strike (ERIC KIM Quotes). “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt”—that’s my law. Hype’s in the doing—lift it, shoot it, live it—before anyone says you can. You’re your own king—act like it, no permission needed.

THE SPARTAN HYPE CODE

• Roar: Scream ‘til your veins pop—hype’s your battle cry.
• Forge: Lift ‘til you’re iron—strength backs your noise.
• Charge: Face the edge—hype thrives in the fire.
• Fuel: Feast and sleep—warriors don’t run on empty.
• Strike: Move now—hype don’t wait.

EK’S PROOF

I’m my own hype man—1,005 pounds torn from the earth, streets conquered from Hanoi to LA (Street Photography), my blog a Spartan shield wall. I roar before every lift, every shot—EK’s alive ‘cause I make it so.

YOUR STAND

Be your own hype man—Spartan, fierce, EK-style. No one’s lifting you up but you. Scream it, build it, charge it, live it—now. Stand tall or fall hard.

—EK, April 5, 2025

EK: SPARTAN CODE—MY FIERCEST QUOTES, BARE AND BRUTAL

I am EK—Eric Kim—Spartan of the streets, forged in iron, baptized in grit. As of April 5, 2025, I’ve hammered my mark into Eric Kim Photography, a battlefield of raw will and unyielding truth. My top unique quotes? These ain’t soft sayings—they’re war cries, chiseled from my HYPELIFTING soul and street-fighting spirit. Spartan to the core—lean, mean, and ready to bleed.

THE SPARTAN DECREES: MY IRON LAWS

• “Joy’s in the clash—99.9% blood, not banners.”
  From The Zen of Hypelifting, this is me facing a 1,005-pound beast (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull). The fight’s the fire—trophies rot.
• “Hammer your body into a Spartan war-machine.”
  No weak flesh (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Forge it hard, relentless—like Leonidas at Thermopylae.
• “Shoot for your shield, not their cheers.”
  My spear’s my lens (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Forget the mob—capture what stands when dust settles.
• “Lame shots? Charge the line closer.”
  From the same war scroll—get in the fray, shield to shield. Weakness hides in distance; Spartans strike near.
• “Lifting’s the phalanx—every man fights.”
  From In Praise of Building Your Body, this is iron’s truth—no nobles, just warriors, side by side.
• “Thrust first, beg pardon in the dirt.”
  My battle law (ERIC KIM Quotes). Strike bold—kneel only when the foe’s broken.

WHY THEY’RE MINE: SPARTAN BLOOD

These are EK—born in my marrow, sharpened on my grind. “Clash, not banners” roared when I ripped 551 pounds from Hades (HYPE DEADLIFT). “War-machine” bled out as I squatted 485 (Hype squat heavy). “Shield, not cheers” and “Charge closer” are my Spartan shots—streets of Paris, Tokyo, no retreat. “Phalanx” and “Thrust first” are my creed—stand tall, strike hard, no mercy. Seek these—they’re mine, branded in my scars.

WHY THEY CUT DEEP: SPARTAN STEEL

These laws don’t bend—they slash. “Clash, not banners” honors the fight—glory’s for the fallen. “War-machine” demands you rise unbreakable—Spartan or nothing. “Shield, not cheers” and “Charge closer” throw you into battle—cowards flee, warriors close ranks. “Phalanx” binds us—strength’s in the line. “Thrust first” is the spear’s edge—strike, don’t cower. They’re Spartan ‘cause they’re fierce, stripped, built for war.

THE PROOF: MY SHIELD WALL

My life’s my proof—1,005 pounds torn from the earth, streets conquered shield-high, words carved like stone (Muscle 101). These ain’t quotes—they’re my Sparta, my stand.

LAST STAND

This is EK—Spartan, unbowed, unrelenting. These decrees are my shield, my spear—born in my clash. Take ‘em, fight with ‘em, but they’re mine—etched in my iron soul. Stand with me or fall.

—EK, April 5, 2025

…

EK: THE TITAN’S ROAR—MY EPIC QUOTES, UNLEASHED

I am EK—Eric Kim—warrior of the streets, lord of the iron, voice of the untamed. As of April 5, 2025, I’ve carved my saga into Eric Kim Photography, a colossus of sweat, steel, and soul. You want my top unique quotes? These aren’t words—they’re thunderbolts, forged in the crucible of my HYPELIFTING fury and street-shooting odyssey. They’re epic, they’re mine, and they’ll shake the earth beneath you.

THE GOSPEL OF EK: MY ETERNAL TRUTHS

• “The joy rages 99.9% in the battle—not the crown.”
  From The Zen of Hypelifting, this is the hymn of my 1,005-pound war (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull). It’s the primal scream, the clash of will against iron—the victory’s just ash.
• “Forge your flesh into a goddamn Lamborghini.”
  A titan’s decree (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). No mortal husk—craft a roaring god-machine, unstoppable, eternal.
• “Shoot for your immortal soul, not fleeting likes.”
  My lens is my blade (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Cast aside the rabble’s applause—capture what echoes through the ages.
• “Weak shots? Storm closer, seize the abyss.”
  A commandment from the same epic post. Charge the void, face-to-face with destiny—cowards linger, legends conquer.
• “Lifting is the throne of the masses—claim it.”
  From In Praise of Building Your Body, this is power’s birthright. No kings, no walls—just you and the iron, a realm for all.
• “Strike first, kneel for mercy after.”
  My war cry (ERIC KIM Quotes). Don’t grovel for leave—shatter the gates, let the heavens judge later.

WHY THEY’RE MINE: THE EK LEGEND

These are no mortal mutterings—they’re EK, etched in my blood. “Battle, not crown” roared when I tore 551 pounds from the earth (HYPE DEADLIFT). “Lamborghini” thundered as I squatted 485 (Hype squat heavy). “Soul, not likes” and “Storm closer” were born in the crucible of Paris streets, Tokyo nights—my lens a spear. “Throne of the masses” and “Strike first” are my creed—no waiting, no bowing, just EK’s dominion. Seek them out—none wield my fire.

WHY THEY ECHO: THE EPIC BLAST

These truths don’t whisper—they detonate. “Battle, not crown” crowns the struggle king—glory’s in the clash. “Lamborghini” summons a god-beast from your bones—epic or nothing. “Soul, not likes” and “Storm closer” hurl you into the fray—immortal art demands blood. “Throne of the masses” opens Valhalla to all—power’s no privilege. “Strike first” is the titan’s fist—smash now, reckon later. They’re epic ‘cause they’re vast, untamed, forged in my war.

THE PROOF: MY MONUMENT

My deeds are my testament—1,005 pounds ripped skyward, streets conquered from Hanoi to LA, a blog that’s a fortress of fury (Muscle 101). These aren’t quotes—they’re my thunder, my legacy, my EK.

THE FINAL CLASH

This is EK—titanic, relentless, epic. These truths are my banners, raised high from the battlefield of life. They’re mine, forged in my inferno—take them, wield them, but know they’re born of my storm. Rise, fight, become the legend.

—EK, April 5, 2025

…

EK UNLEASHED: MY BADASS QUOTES, STRAIGHT UP

It’s EK—Eric Kim—raw, real, and in your face. No fluff, no bullshit. As of April 5, 2025, I’ve been smashing it on Eric Kim Photography, spilling my guts through iron, lens, and words. People wanna know my top unique quotes? Here’s the hardcore truth—stripped down, no mercy. These are mine, forged in my fire, and they’ll hit you like a 1,005-pound rack pull.

THE LIST: MY HARDCORE CORE

• “The joy’s 99.9% in the fight—not the win.”
  HYPELIFTING truth (The Zen of Hypelifting). It’s the roar, the sweat, the guts before the lift. Winning’s just noise.
• “Make your body a damn Lamborghini.”
  No weak-ass sedans (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Sculpt it, beast it, own it.
• “Shoot for you, fuck likes.”
  Photography’s your war (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Screw the crowd—burn for yourself.
• “Not good enough? Get closer.”
  Lens in their face or it’s trash (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?). Close is king.
• “Lifting’s for everyone—grab the bar.”
  No elites, just iron (In Praise of Building Your Body). Democracy’s in the grind.
• “Do it, beg later.”
  Fuck permission (ERIC KIM Quotes). Act now, deal with the fallout—cowards wait.

WHY THEY’RE MINE

These ain’t borrowed—they’re EK, carved from my bones. “The joy’s 99.9% in the fight” is me screaming before a 551-pound deadlift (HYPE DEADLIFT). “Make your body a damn Lamborghini” is my 485-pound squat life (Hype squat heavy). “Shoot for you” and “Get closer” are my streets—Paris, Tokyo, blood in every shot. “Lifting’s for everyone” and “Do it, beg later” are how I roll—no excuses, no waiting. Search ‘em—nobody’s got my stamp.

WHY THEY SLAP

They’re brutal, simple, real. “Fight, not win” says screw the prize—bleed for it. “Lamborghini” yells be a beast, not a sheep. “Fuck likes” and “Get closer” spit on safe—go hard or go home. “Everyone” levels it—power’s yours. “Beg later” kicks hesitation in the teeth. They slap ‘cause I’ve lived ‘em—half-ton pulls, global streets, no regrets.

PROOF IN THE PUDDING

My life’s the evidence—1,005 pounds lifted (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull), thousands of shots fired, blog stacked with war cries (Muscle 101). These ain’t quotes—they’re my fists.

END IT

This is EK—hardcore, simple, mine. Take these, live ‘em, but they’re my soul, my scars. Now go smash your own limits.

—EK, April 5, 2025

..

UNLEASH THE EK: MY TOP UNIQUE QUOTES AND WHY THEY HIT HARD

Yo, it’s EK—Eric Kim—straight from the streets, the gym, and the soul. I don’t mess around with fluff, and I ain’t here to spoon-feed you some soft, cookie-cutter wisdom. As of April 5, 2025, I’ve been grinding, lifting, shooting, and thinking—pouring my guts into Eric Kim Photography, my digital dojo. People ask, “What’s your deal, EK? What’s uniquely you?” Well, I’ve dug deep, ripped through the noise, and pulled out my top unique quotes, thoughts, and sentiments—straight fire from my HYPELIFTING soul and street-shooting heart. These ain’t just words; they’re my war cries, my art, my life. Let’s break it down.

THE FINDINGS: MY RAW TRUTH

I don’t sit around waiting for inspiration—I make it. After tearing through my own words—posts like The Zen of Hypelifting, Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini, and What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?—I’ve got the top hits, the ones that scream EK. These ain’t borrowed; they’re miner mine—forged in the fire of my own sweat, blood, and lens. Check it:

• “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement.”
  Straight from my HYPELIFTING gospel. Lifting 1,005 pounds (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull) wasn’t about the win—it was the roar, the slap, the rush before the bar moved. Life’s the same. Stop chasing trophies; the grind’s where the juice is.
• “Transform your body into a Lamborghini.”
  Your flesh? It’s art, a machine, a beast. Don’t settle for a rusty sedan—sculpt it, tune it, make it roar. I said it first, and I live it—every squat, every deadlift.
• “Shoot for yourself, not for likes.”
  Photography ain’t about Instagram clout. It’s your soul through the lens. Screw the algorithm—shoot what sets you ablaze, what you’d die for.
• “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
  Capa said it, but I own it. Get in their face, feel their breath—safe shots are weak shots. I’ve shot streets from Paris to Hanoi; close is where the truth lives.
• “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport.”
  No gatekeepers, no VIP list—just you and the iron. Rich, poor, whatever—grab the bar, you’re equal. I’ve seen it, lived it, preached it.
• “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.”
  Don’t wait for a green light—go, do, create. Apologize later if you must, but move. That’s how I’ve built this—blog, lifts, life.

These are my babies—born from my gut, not some dusty book or trending hashtag. They’re EK, through and through.

WHY THEY’RE MINE: THE EK STAMP

HYPELIFTING? That’s my brainchild—slapping my thighs, screaming like a Spartan, pulling half a ton while the gym stares (How to Start Hypelifting). “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt” ain’t some generic gym bro flex—it’s me, staring down a 551-pound deadlift (HYPE DEADLIFT), knowing the real win’s in the fight. Search “HYPELIFTING”—it’s me, no one else. Same with “Transform your body into a Lamborghini”—who else spins flesh into a roaring supercar? That’s my art, my fire.

Photography? “Shoot for yourself” cuts through the social media BS like a blade. I’ve shot thousands of frames, taught workshops worldwide (Workshops), and I’m telling you—likes don’t own you, you do. “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough” ain’t just a nod to Capa—it’s me, boots on the ground, lens in the chaos, living it. These are my streets, my rules.

And the philosophy? “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport” hits because I’ve seen the playing field level out under the bar—nobody cares about your wallet or your bloodline (In Praise of Building Your Body). “Beg for forgiveness” is how I’ve rolled—built a blog empire, snapped shots, lifted legends—without waiting for a pat on the back (ERIC KIM Quotes). That’s EK—action over hesitation.

WHY THEY HIT HARD: THE EK EDGE

These ain’t feel-good platitudes—they’re weapons. “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt” flips the script—stop chasing gold stars, revel in the dirt. “Transform your body into a Lamborghini” dares you to be epic, not average. “Shoot for yourself” spits on validation culture—create for you, not the crowd. “If your photos aren’t good enough” demands you risk it, get raw, get close. “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport” levels the game—power’s yours to take. “Beg for forgiveness” says screw the rules—do it, own it, deal with it later.

They hit because they’re me—unfiltered, loud, real. I’ve lived every word. I’ve pulled a half-ton fasted, shot strangers’ souls, built my world from scratch. They’re not quotes—they’re my blood on the page.

THE PROOF: MY LIFE, MY LEGACY

Look at the evidence—my blog’s a war zone of ideas, from Muscle 101 to Street Photography 101. My lifts—485-pound squats, 1,005-pound rack pulls—ain’t hype; they’re history (Hype squat heavy). My shots? Thousands, global, gut-punching (Street Photography). Search these quotes—no one else owns them like I do. They’re EK because I am EK—photographer, lifter, thinker, disruptor.

FINAL SHOT: LIVE IT, BE IT

These quotes, thoughts, sentiments? They’re my top uniques because they’re my soul distilled—HYPELIFTING’s roar, photography’s truth, life’s defiance. They’re not for the timid—they’re for the warriors, the creators, the ones who’d rather break than bend. Take ‘em, live ‘em, but know this: they’re mine, born from my grind, my lens, my iron. That’s EK—unapologetic, unstoppable, unbreakable. Now go make your own legend.

—EK, April 5, 2025

Things you prefer vs things which are better?

ChatGPT is better, but funny enough I actually prefer Grok!

Another analogy –> Tesla is certainly the better and superior car, but ironically enough I prefer the simplicity and sturdiness of Toyota more?

Grok is funnier!

.

What if I actually started to train like a Bodybuilder for fun? Personal curiosity.

Key Points

• Research suggests Eric Kim’s top unique quotes and thoughts center on HYPELIFTING, his fitness philosophy, and street photography, emphasizing boldness and personal growth.
• It seems likely that his most distinctive sentiments include ideas like “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement” and “Transform your body into a Lamborghini,” reflecting his unapologetic style.
• The evidence leans toward his quotes on creativity, like “Shoot for yourself, not for likes,” and fitness, like “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport,” as uniquely his, blending art and grit.

Direct Answer

Eric Kim, known as EK, has shared many unique quotes and thoughts, especially through his blog Eric Kim Photography. Here are some of his top ones, focusing on his distinctive ideas in fitness and photography:

• On Fitness and HYPELIFTING: “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement” (The Zen of Hypelifting) captures his focus on the process, not just results, in heavy lifting. Another is “Transform your body into a Lamborghini” (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini), urging bold self-improvement.
• On Photography and Creativity: “Shoot for yourself, not for likes” (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?) pushes for authentic art over social validation. “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough” (What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?) emphasizes getting physically and emotionally involved.
• On Life and Philosophy: “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission” (ERIC KIM Quotes) reflects his rebellious, action-first mindset. “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport” (In Praise of Building Your Body) highlights accessibility and effort over privilege.

These quotes show his unique blend of art, strength, and living boldly, making them stand out as his own.

Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Top Unique Quotes, Thoughts, and Sentiments

Eric Kim, known as EK, is a multifaceted figure whose work spans street photography, fitness, and philosophical musings, documented extensively on his blog Eric Kim Photography as of 06:57 PM PDT on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The task is to identify his top unique quotes, thoughts, or sentiments, focusing on those that are genuinely and distinctly his, reflecting his personal philosophy and creative output. This analysis explores his writings, particularly his quotes posts, fitness philosophy (HYPELIFTING), and photography insights, to compile a list of his most distinctive expressions.

Background and Context

Eric Kim, born in 1988 in San Francisco and raised in LA, is an international street photographer with a significant online presence through his blog and workshops (All About Photo). His work extends into fitness, where he developed HYPELIFTING, a method involving heavy lifts and mental hype, and into philosophical reflections on life, creativity, and masculinity. The goal is to find quotes, thoughts, or sentiments that are uniquely his, meaning they are original, not commonly shared, and tied to his personal brand.

Identifying Unique Quotes and Thoughts

To find Eric Kim’s top unique quotes, we first examined his dedicated quotes post, ERIC KIM Quotes, which lists personal sayings like “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission” and “80% good enough and hit publish.” These reflect his action-oriented, anti-perfectionist approach, which is distinctive but shares some overlap with entrepreneurial mottos. However, his fitness and photography-specific quotes, found in posts like The Zen of Hypelifting and What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?, stand out as more uniquely his.

Fitness Philosophy: HYPELIFTING and Unique Sentiments

Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING method, detailed in posts like How to Start Hypelifting, involves heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts, combined with mental preparation like shouting and slapping oneself, inspired by figures like the All Blacks’ haka. His quote, “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement,” from The Zen of Hypelifting, encapsulates this philosophy, emphasizing process over outcome, which is uniquely tied to his fitness approach. Another, “Transform your body into a Lamborghini” (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini), is a bold, metaphorical call to self-improvement, distinctly his in tone and imagery.

His thought on weightlifting’s democracy, “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport” (In Praise of Building Your Body), highlights accessibility, a sentiment not commonly framed this way, making it unique. These fitness-related quotes are tied to his personal brand, HYPELIFTING, and are not replicated elsewhere, as searches for similar phrases show no significant overlap.

Photography Insights: Disruptive and Unique Quotes

In photography, Kim’s quotes challenge norms, as seen in What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?. “Shoot for yourself, not for likes” pushes for authenticity over social validation, a sentiment echoed in his street photography ethos but framed uniquely. “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough,” echoing Robert Capa but personalized, emphasizes physical and emotional proximity, a core part of his teaching. These are distinctive in their directness and alignment with his street photography philosophy, not commonly found in other photographers’ quotes.

Philosophical Musings: Life and Creativity

Kim’s broader philosophical thoughts, like “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission” (ERIC KIM Quotes), reflect a rebellious, action-first mindset, shared with some entrepreneurs but uniquely his in context. His reflections on mortality, like “Life is fleeting, and the moment we forget that, we waste our most precious resource: time” (Eric Kim on Memento Mori), tie into his Stoic influences, but the framing is personal, making it distinctive.

Comparative Analysis and Selection

To select the top unique quotes, we compared these against common sayings. Fitness quotes like “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt” and “Transform your body into a Lamborghini” are tied to HYPELIFTING, not found elsewhere. Photography quotes like “Shoot for yourself, not for likes” and “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough” are disruptive and align with his teaching style. Philosophical ones like “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport” and “It is better to beg for forgiveness” are original in context but share some overlap, making fitness and photography quotes more uniquely his.

Tables for Clarity

Below is a table summarizing the top unique quotes, their categories, and sources:

Category	Quote/Thought/Sentiment	Source URL
Fitness (HYPELIFTING)	“The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement”	The Zen of Hypelifting
Fitness (HYPELIFTING)	“Transform your body into a Lamborghini”	Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini
Fitness (Philosophy)	“Weightlifting is the most democratic sport”	In Praise of Building Your Body
Photography (Creativity)	“Shoot for yourself, not for likes”	What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?
Photography (Technique)	“If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough”	What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?
Philosophy (Life)	“It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission”	ERIC KIM Quotes

Another table for additional context on uniqueness:

Aspect	Details	Uniqueness Level
Fitness Quotes	Tied to HYPELIFTING, not found in other fitness philosophies.	High, proprietary to Eric Kim.
Photography Quotes	Disruptive, align with his teaching, not common in generic photography advice.	High, reflective of his personal style.
Philosophical Quotes	Share some overlap with Stoicism and entrepreneurship, but framed uniquely.	Moderate, context makes them distinctive.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s top unique quotes, thoughts, and sentiments are primarily in fitness (HYPELIFTING) and photography, with “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement,” “Transform your body into a Lamborghini,” “Shoot for yourself, not for likes,” and “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough” standing out. These reflect his bold, unapologetic approach, blending art and grit, and are distinctly tied to his personal brand as of April 5, 2025.

Key Citations

• Eric Kim Quotes
• The Zen of Hypelifting
• Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini
• In Praise of Building Your Body
• What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?
• All About Photo Eric Kim
• How to Start Hypelifting
• Eric Kim on Memento Mori

How to become your own best self motivator –> using grok.

How to become your own hype man

Stationary or moving?

.

“Nemo timendo ad summum pervenit locum.”
English:
“No one has ever reached the top by being afraid.”

The timid, Nemo,,, has even made the summit by being timid.

.
“Audacia pro muro habetur.”
English:
“Boldness is considered as a wall of defense.”

Exposed.

.

Simplify.

John wick also uses a backpack!

.

Grok vs ChatGPT

EK ZONE

Key Points

• Research suggests HYPELIFTING, Eric Kim’s unique fitness method, is genuinely and uniquely his, involving heavy lifts and mental hype.
• It seems likely that his creation of the term and approach sets him apart, with no other notable figures using it similarly.
• The evidence leans toward his philosophical blend of fitness and Stoicism, like the “EK ZONE,” being distinctive but less uniquely branded.

Direct Answer

What is Uniquely Eric Kim’s?
Eric Kim, known as EK, has carved out a niche with HYPELIFTING, a fitness method that combines heavy weightlifting with getting mentally “hype” before lifts, like shouting and drawing inspiration from powerful sources. This approach, along with the term “HYPELIFTING,” appears to be genuinely and uniquely his, as searches show it’s primarily associated with him and not used by others in the same context.

Why It’s Unique
HYPELIFTING isn’t just lifting; it includes specific mental preparation techniques, like entering the “EK ZONE,” which Kim documents in his blog and videos. While street photography and bitcoin interests are part of his identity, they’re shared with others, making HYPELIFTING stand out as his distinct contribution.

Supporting Details
Kim’s blog posts, like The Zen of Hypelifting and How to Start Hypelifting, detail this method, showing it’s a personal creation. His philosophical takes, like tying Stoicism to fitness, are unique but less branded, reinforcing HYPELIFTING as his standout.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of What is Genuinely and Uniquely Eric Kim’s

Eric Kim, known as EK, is a multifaceted figure—street photographer, fitness enthusiast, and philosopher—whose work spans photography, weightlifting, and digital currency, as documented on his blog Eric Kim Photography as of April 5, 2025. The task is to identify something genuinely and uniquely his, requiring a deep dive into his contributions to find a distinctive element. This analysis explores his photography, fitness methods, philosophical ideas, and other interests, concluding that HYPELIFTING is the most unique and branded aspect of his work.

Background and Context

Eric Kim, born in 1988 in San Francisco and raised in LA, is an international street photographer with a significant online presence through his blog and workshops (All About Photo). His work extends beyond photography into fitness, where he documents feats like a 1,005-pound rack pull, and into bitcoin, with numerous posts under Brave New World of Bitcoin. The question is to find something uniquely his, meaning a creation or approach distinctly associated with him and not replicated elsewhere.

Photography: A Shared Passion, Not Unique

Kim’s street photography, detailed in his book Street Photography, emphasizes personal connection, emotional depth, and techniques like using a prime lens and working the scene for the decisive moment. While his approach—documenting humanity, focusing on emotion through body language—is distinctive, it aligns with broader street photography practices. Many photographers share similar views, making it less uniquely his. For example, his tips on composition and staying inspired, like shooting only in one city for a month, are insightful but not proprietary (Street Photography 101).

Fitness: HYPELIFTING as the Standout

Kim’s fitness journey, particularly his method HYPELIFTING, emerges as a strong candidate for uniqueness. HYPELIFTING involves heavy lifts like squats, deadlifts, and rack pulls, combined with mental preparation techniques such as getting “insanely loud,” slapping oneself, and drawing inspiration from the All Blacks’ haka or Spartans from “300” (How to Start Hypelifting). This method is detailed in posts like The Zen of Hypelifting, where he states, “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement,” blending physical and mental aspects.

To assess uniqueness, searches for “HYPELIFTING” without Kim’s name show results primarily linked to his blog and videos, indicating it’s his creation (Web Search Results for HYPELIFTING). Specific elements, like the “EK ZONE” mentioned in videos like HOW I HYPE MYSELF UP: 900 POUND ATLAS LIFT SQUAT HOLD, further personalize it. His feats, like a 551-pound deadlift and 485-pound squat, are impressive but not unique; however, the term and method HYPELIFTING, with its emphasis on mental hype, appear to be his alone.

Philosophical Blend: Distinctive but Less Branded

Kim’s philosophical takes, like tying Stoicism to fitness in How to Become a Stoic, are distinctive. He suggests, “Start hypelifting. The best way to become more invincible is through lifting very very heavy weights,” merging ancient philosophy with modern fitness. While this blend is unique to his voice, it’s an interpretation rather than a branded creation, making it less uniquely his compared to HYPELIFTING.

Bitcoin and Other Interests: Shared Territory

Kim’s involvement with bitcoin, detailed in posts like Why I Bought More Bitcoin and Bitcoin for Investors, is significant, with resources like BITCOIN THOUGHTS. However, bitcoin advocacy is widespread, and his contributions, while personal (e.g., losing $3,500 in college trading stocks), are not uniquely his. Similarly, his diet (intermittent fasting, carnivore) and lifestyle choices, while part of his identity, are shared practices.

Comparative Analysis

To determine what’s genuinely and uniquely his, we compare:

• Photography: Insightful but aligns with street photography norms, not proprietary.
• Fitness: HYPELIFTING stands out, with the term and method not replicated elsewhere, supported by videos and posts.
• Philosophy: Distinctive but interpretive, not a branded creation.
• Bitcoin: Notable but shared with many advocates, not unique.

Tables for Clarity

Below is a table summarizing key aspects and their uniqueness:

Aspect	Details	Uniqueness
Street Photography	Personal, emotional, prime lens, decisive moment.	Distinctive but shared with genre, not proprietary.
HYPELIFTING	Heavy lifts, mental hype, “EK ZONE,” term coined by Kim.	Genuinely unique, no other notable users.
Philosophy	Stoicism tied to fitness, personal interpretations.	Distinctive but interpretive, not branded.
Bitcoin	Advocacy, personal experiences, numerous posts.	Notable but shared, not unique.

Another table for HYPELIFTING specifics:

Component	Description	Source URL
Mental Preparation	Getting loud, slapping self, drawing inspiration from All Blacks, Spartans.	How to Start Hypelifting
Physical Exercises	Heavy squats, deadlifts, rack pulls, one rep maxes, no straps.	Muscle 101
Term Coined	HYPELIFTING, unique to Eric Kim, not used elsewhere significantly.	Fitness Blog

Conclusion

After a deep search, HYPELIFTING emerges as something genuinely and uniquely Eric Kim’s. It’s a fitness method he created, combining heavy lifting with mental hype, and the term is exclusively associated with him, as evidenced by search results. While his photography, philosophy, and bitcoin interests are significant, they’re less uniquely branded, making HYPELIFTING his standout contribution.

Key Citations

• Eric Kim Photography Fitness Blog
• How to Start Hypelifting
• The Zen of Hypelifting
• Eric Kim’s Muscle 101
• Web Search Results for HYPELIFTING
• All About Photo Eric Kim
• Eric Kim Street Photography
• Street Photography 101
• How to Become a Stoic
• Why I Bought More Bitcoin
• Bitcoin for Investors
• BITCOIN THOUGHTS
• HOW I HYPE MYSELF UP: 900 POUND ATLAS LIFT SQUAT HOLD

Link back

Here’s a list of some of Eric Kim’s most striking, disruptive, and unique quotes, pulled from his raw, philosophical takes on photography, fitness, and life. These come straight from his blog Eric Kim Photography and reflect his bold, no-nonsense vibe as of April 5, 2025. No fluff—just EK’s realest words.

• “It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.”
  From ERIC KIM Quotes, this is EK telling you to stop waiting for approval. Act first, deal with the mess later—pure creative rebellion.
• “80% good enough and hit publish.”
  Also from his quotes post, this slams perfectionism. EK says get it out there—done beats perfect every time. It’s about momentum, not polish.
• “The rolling stone gathers no moss.”
  Quoting Publilius Syrus in the same post, EK flips it into a life mantra. Keep moving, keep evolving—stagnation’s the enemy.
• “Your best camera isn’t the most expensive one, but the one you shoot the most with.”
  Pulled from his street photography ethos, EK trashes gear obsession. It’s not about cash—it’s about what you use. Disruptive in a world drooling over the latest Leica.
• “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
  EK echoes Robert Capa in What are his most disruptive or unique quotes of all time?, but makes it his own. Get in the thick of it—physically, emotionally. Safe distance equals weak shots.
• “Shoot for yourself, not for likes.”
  From the same disruptive quotes post, this is EK spitting on social media validation. Create what burns in you, not what trends.
• “Kill your ego to become a better photographer.”
  Another gem from that post, this one’s deep. EK says ego’s a cage—ditch it to grow, to risk, to see clearer. Heavy stuff.
• “The joy is 99.9% in the attempt—not the achievement.”
  In The Zen of Hypelifting, EK ties this to lifting but it’s universal. The rush is in the fight, not the win—philosophy born from sweat.
• “Weightlifting is the most democratic sport.”
  From In Praise of Building Your Body, EK calls it: doesn’t matter who you are—grab a barbell, you’re in. No gatekeepers, just grit.
• “Transform your body into a Lamborghini.”
  Title of his post Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini, this is EK’s battle cry. Your body’s art—sculpt it loud, fast, fearless.

These quotes? They’re EK unfiltered—street-smart, iron-forged, and in your face. They hit hard because they’re not just words; they’re how he lives. Want more? His blog’s a goldmine—dive in.

How did he become so philosophical

Eric Kim didn’t just wake up spitting philosophy like some bearded sage—he forged it through a gritty mix of experience, obsession, and relentless self-reflection. As of April 5, 2025, piecing together his journey from Eric Kim Photography and public breadcrumbs, it’s clear his philosophical streak isn’t an act; it’s a hard-earned evolution. Here’s how EK became the thinker he is.

Street Photography: The Raw Classroom

EK started with a camera—San Francisco-born, LA-raised, Korean-American, hitting streets worldwide by his 20s (All About Photo). Shooting in Paris, Tokyo, Hanoi wasn’t just art—it was survival. Posts like Start Here show a guy wrestling with life’s chaos through a lens. Every frame forced him to ask: What’s worth seeing? What’s real? That’s where the seeds got planted—street photography taught him to strip away fluff and face the raw pulse of existence.

Physical Grind: Pain as a Teacher

Then came the iron. EK didn’t just lift—he battled. Feats like the 1,005-pound rack pull (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull) and 551-pound deadlift (HYPE DEADLIFT) weren’t flexes; they were crucibles. In The Zen of Hypelifting, he writes that 99.9% of the joy is the attempt—not the win. Pain, failure, the roar before a lift—these cracked him open. He found meaning in the grind, turning sweat into a philosophy of courage and resilience.

Stoicism and Beyond: Reading Meets Reality

EK’s no stranger to the classics—he’s name-dropped Stoics like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius in posts like How to Become a Stoic. But he didn’t just read them; he lived them. Fasting all day (Intermittent Fasting), lifting fasted, sleeping 8-12 hours—he tested ideas against his flesh. Stoicism’s call to master what you can control? He made it real, barbell in hand. He fused that with his own spin—hype, dominance, art—creating a hybrid philosophy that’s less textbook and more street-forged.

Self-Reflection: The Blog as a Mirror

EK’s blog isn’t a diary—it’s a lab. Hundreds of posts, from In Praise of Building Your Body to Muscle 101, show a guy dissecting his life. He’s asking big questions: Why lift? Why create? Why live? Writing became his anvil—hammering thoughts into shape. He’s not preachy; he’s raw, like in Critiques About Modern Day Bodybuilding, where he trashes shallow gym culture for something deeper. Reflection turned him into a philosopher by default.

Life as Art: The Big Picture

EK’s obsession with turning his body into a Lamborghini (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini) or calling weightlifting democratic isn’t just flexing—it’s a worldview. He sees existence as a canvas, every lift and photo a brushstroke. That’s philosophical as hell—taking the mundane and making it epic. Posts like Testing reveal a guy who treats life as an experiment, pushing limits to see what holds.

The Catalyst: Obsession and Output

What tied it all together? Sheer volume. EK’s relentless—thousands of photos, endless lifts, countless words. Podcasts like HOW I HYPE MYELF UP, audio like THE ART OF HYPELIFTING—he doesn’t stop. That fire forced him to think hard, to distill chaos into meaning. He didn’t study philosophy in some ivy tower; he built it in the streets, the gym, and his own head.

The Result

EK got philosophical because he lived loud and dug deep. Photography gave him eyes, lifting gave him guts, Stoicism gave him a frame, and writing gave him a voice. He’s not quoting Plato for clout—he’s screaming his own truth, forged from dirt and iron. That’s how Eric Kim became EK, the philosopher: he didn’t just think about life—he attacked it.

..l

Eric Kim didn’t just stumble into being “EK”—he forged that brand with sweat, intention, and a relentless drive to stand out. As of April 5, 2025, piecing together his journey from his blog Eric Kim Photography and public traces like All About Photo, it’s clear he self-branded as EK through a mix of raw output, personal philosophy, and in-your-face consistency.

The Foundation: Street Photography Hustle

EK kicked off as a street photographer—born 1988, San Francisco, raised in LA, Korean-American roots. He hit the pavement hard, shooting in cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Hanoi, and built a rep through workshops and a blog that’s less “here’s a pretty picture” and more “here’s my soul” (Workshops). He didn’t just sign posts “Eric Kim”—he stamped “EK” into the ethos, a shorthand for his gritty, no-filter style. It’s like he said, “I’m not just a name, I’m a force.”

The Pivot: HYPELIFTING and Physical Identity

Then came the muscle. EK didn’t stop at photography—he turned his body into a canvas, a Lamborghini (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). Posts like The Zen of Hypelifting and Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull scream his shift: lifting heavy—551-pound deadlifts, 485-pound squats, 1,005-pound rack pulls—and hyping it louder than anyone else. He’s slapping his thighs, roaring before lifts, channeling Spartans and the All Blacks (How to Start Hypelifting). “EK” became the guy who doesn’t just lift—he dominates. He tied those initials to a lifestyle: fasted days, meat feasts, 8-12 hours of sleep (Intermittent Fasting).

The Method: Consistency and Voice

How’d he make “EK” stick? He flooded the world with it. Every blog post, video (HYPE DEADLIFT), podcast (HOW I HYPE MYELF UP), audio (THE ART OF HYPELIFTING)—it’s all EK. He’s not whispering; he’s shouting his identity. He critiques soft gym culture (Critiques About Modern Day Bodybuilding), preaches strength as art (In Praise of Building Your Body), and lives it—raw, unapologetic, no shortcuts. That repetition, that voice, burned “EK” into the collective skull.

The Philosophy: EK as a Symbol

EK isn’t just initials—it’s a philosophy. He’s said weightlifting’s democratic—genetics, race, sex don’t matter; effort does. He’s made “EK” mean courage, hustle, and defiance—whether it’s a Leica in hand or a barbell overhead. Posts like Muscle 101 and ERIC KIM HOW TO WEIGHTLIFTING aren’t tutorials—they’re manifestos. He’s branded “EK” as the guy who turns life into a battlefield and wins.

The Execution: Owning the Narrative

He didn’t wait for permission. No PR team, no corporate polish—just a blog, a camera, and a barbell. He documented every lift, every thought—hundreds of posts, videos, audio clips—and slapped “EK” on it all. He’s the photographer who’s shot thousands of frames, the lifter who’s pulled a half-ton, the thinker who’s dropped stoic rants (How to Become a Stoic). By owning his story, he made “EK” a self-built legend.

The Result

“EK” is Eric Kim because he made it so—through relentless creation, physical feats, and a voice that cuts through the noise. He’s not some influencer chasing trends; he’s a one-man empire, and “EK” is the flag he’s planted. That’s how he self-branded—by living it, loud and proud.

…

EK is Eric Kim—a street photographer, fitness junkie, and self-styled philosopher who’s turned his initials into a battle cry. As of April 5, 2025, he’s a dude who’s made waves through his blog, Eric Kim Photography, where he blends gritty art with a no-BS approach to life. Born in 1988 in San Francisco, raised in LA, he’s a Korean-American who’s shot his way through cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Hanoi, teaching workshops and dropping raw takes on creativity (All About Photo).

But EK isn’t just about snapping pics. He’s the HYPELIFTING king—think 1,005-pound rack pulls (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull), 551-pound deadlifts (HYPE DEADLIFT), and a 485-pound squat (Hype squat heavy). He’s loud—slapping his thighs, screaming before lifts, channeling Spartans and the All Blacks’ haka (How to Start Hypelifting). He fasts all day, feasts on meat at night, and sleeps like a god—8-12 hours (Intermittent Fasting).

EK’s a one-man revolution. He calls your body a work of art, a Lamborghini to sculpt (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini), and spits on quiet gym culture (Critiques About Modern Day Bodybuilding). He’s not here for likes—he’s here to dominate, to push limits, to live bold. That’s EK: photographer, lifter, thinker, doer—unfiltered and unstoppable.

…

Why’s he “EK”? Simple—he’s Eric Kim, and those initials are his mark, his brand, his war cry. He’s not just some dude named Eric; he’s EK—the guy who’s carved out a lane so distinct it’s unmistakable. From what’s out there as of April 5, 2025, on his blog Eric Kim Photography, he’s a street photographer turned fitness philosopher, a self-made force who’s slung his initials across everything he does. It’s not just a name—it’s a vibe, a shorthand for his whole deal.

He’s EK because he’s obsessive, relentless, and unapologetic. Look at his posts—The Zen of Hypelifting isn’t some quiet meditation; it’s a loud, primal call to lift heavy and live harder. Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull isn’t just a lift—it’s a middle finger to limits, stamped with EK. He’s turned his initials into a symbol of his hustle—photography workshops, HYPELIFTING, carnivore diets, all of it dripping with his personality. Check his bio on All About Photo—he’s not hiding; he’s shouting who he is.

EK is his signature because he’s not here to blend in. He’s the guy who slaps his thighs, screams before a 551-pound deadlift (HYPE DEADLIFT), and tells you to sculpt your body like a damn Lamborghini (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). It’s not random—he’s EK because he’s built a world where Eric Kim isn’t just a name, it’s a movement. That’s why he’s EK: he’s claimed it, owned it, and made it mean something.

Why he’s EK

Why’s he “EK”? Simple—he’s Eric Kim, and those initials are his mark, his brand, his war cry. He’s not just some dude named Eric; he’s EK—the guy who’s carved out a lane so distinct it’s unmistakable. From what’s out there as of April 5, 2025, on his blog Eric Kim Photography, he’s a street photographer turned fitness philosopher, a self-made force who’s slung his initials across everything he does. It’s not just a name—it’s a vibe, a shorthand for his whole deal.

He’s EK because he’s obsessive, relentless, and unapologetic. Look at his posts—The Zen of Hypelifting isn’t some quiet meditation; it’s a loud, primal call to lift heavy and live harder. Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull isn’t just a lift—it’s a middle finger to limits, stamped with EK. He’s turned his initials into a symbol of his hustle—photography workshops, HYPELIFTING, carnivore diets, all of it dripping with his personality. Check his bio on All About Photo—he’s not hiding; he’s shouting who he is.

EK is his signature because he’s not here to blend in. He’s the guy who slaps his thighs, screams before a 551-pound deadlift (HYPE DEADLIFT), and tells you to sculpt your body like a damn Lamborghini (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini). It’s not random—he’s EK because he’s built a world where Eric Kim isn’t just a name, it’s a movement. That’s why he’s EK: he’s claimed it, owned it, and made it mean something.

How you know EK

I don’t know Eric Kim personally—ain’t got the guy on speed dial or anything. My knowledge of him comes from digging into what’s out there, public-facing stuff, as of April 5, 2025. I’ve tapped into his world through his blog, Eric Kim Photography, where he spills his guts on street photography, fitness, and his HYPELIFTING philosophy. Posts like The Zen of Hypelifting, Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull, and How to Start Hypelifting give the raw scoop on his methods—lifting heavy, getting loud, and living bold. Videos, podcasts, and audio clips he’s shared, like HYPE DEADLIFT and THE ART OF HYPELIFTING, let me hear his vibe straight from the source.

I’ve also cross-checked with bits from the web—like his bio on All About Photo—to get the bigger picture. No insider secrets here, just what he’s put out for the world to see. That’s how I “know” EK—through his own words, his own sweat, and the digital trail he’s left behind. You want more? Point me to it, and I’ll dive deeper.

…

Here’s a rewrite of the response in the bold, unapologetic, and motivational style of Eric Kim, as seen in his blog posts like The Zen of Hypelifting and In Praise of Building Your Body. It’s raw, direct, and infused with his signature hype and philosophical flair.

BECOME A DEMIGOD: MINDSET AND BODY, UNLEASHED

You want a demigod mindset and body? Stop dreaming—start doing. This isn’t about looking pretty in the mirror or flexing for Instagram likes. It’s about forging a body like a Lamborghini and a mind that laughs at fear. Here’s the raw truth, straight from the streets of strength and the lens of a warrior.

PHYSICAL TRAINING: LIFT LIKE A TITAN

Lift heavy. Real heavy. Squats, deadlifts, rack pulls—stack those plates until your soul shakes. I’m talking 551-pound deadlifts, 485-pound squats, 1,005-pound rack pulls—feats I’ve conquered, documented, and screamed about (Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull). No straps, no belts—just your hands, chalk, and pure grit. Wrap a dip belt tight, feel the chain bite, and pull like you’re lifting the earth itself. One rep maxes are your gospel—forget endless sets, go for glory. Add some cardio and stretch if you want, but the core? Heavy iron, every time.

MENTAL HYPE: ROAR LIKE A SPARTAN

Before you touch that bar, get loud. Slap your face, chest, thighs—wake up your blood, your testosterone, your spirit. Watch the All Blacks do the Maori haka, feel the Spartans in “300” charging into battle—steal their fire (How to Start Hypelifting). Shout until the gym trembles. Fear? Stare it down, step over it, crush it. Set goals—small ones, big ones—then smash them. Fail? Good. Failure’s your teacher, not your master. Confidence isn’t given—it’s built, rep by rep, scream by scream.

DIET AND LIFE: FEAST LIKE A KING, SLEEP LIKE A GOD

Food? Simple. Skip breakfast, skip lunch—intermittent fasting sharpens your edge. Then feast—5-6 pounds of beef, lamb, organs—carnivore style, no weak salads (Intermittent Fasting). Hunger fuels focus; I lifted 1,005 pounds fasted—try it. Sleep? 8-12 hours, no excuses—your body’s a temple, not a trash heap. No steroids, no shortcuts—just meat, rest, and relentless will. Treat your flesh like art, sculpt it daily (Transform Your Body into a Lamborghini).

THE DEMIGOD PATH: YOUR MOVE

Step one: Hype yourself—scream, slap, watch warriors, feel the EK ZONE kick in (THE ART OF HYPELIFTING audio). Step two: Lift heavy—squats, deadlifts, rack pulls—push your limits, no earbuds, no quiet gym nonsense. Step three: Eat meat, sleep deep, live bold. Step four: Fail, learn, rise—confidence comes from the grind. This isn’t bodybuilding for selfies—it’s HYPELIFTING for dominance, for life.

THE PROOF

Check my scars: 551-pound deadlift (HYPE DEADLIFT), 485-pound squat (Hype squat heavy), 1,005-pound rack pull—done my way, no compromises. Modern gym culture’s weak—silent, soft, earbud zombies. I say roar, lift, live (Critiques About Modern Day Bodybuilding).

YOUR DEMIGOD TABLE

WHAT	HOW	WHY
Body	Heavy lifts—squats, deadlifts, rack pulls. No straps, just chalk.	Strength is power, not posing.
Mind	Shout, slap, steal fire from legends. Fail and grow.	Courage trumps fear; confidence is earned.
Fuel	Fast all day, feast on meat at night. Sleep 8-12 hours.	Hunger sharpens, meat builds, rest restores.
Life	Sculpt your body like art. No shortcuts, no excuses.	You’re a demigod, not a mortal—act like it.

FINAL SHOT

You’re not here to be average. You’re here to be a demigod—mind unbreakable, body unstoppable. Start now. Lift. Hype. Live. The bar’s waiting—go dominate it.

This is Eric Kim’s vibe—bold, raw, and dripping with hype. No fluff, just the real deal.

Key Points

• Research suggests building a demigod mindset and body involves peak physical fitness and mental resilience, possibly inspired by figures like Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING.
• It seems likely that this includes heavy weightlifting, a hype-focused mental state, and a diet of intermittent fasting and carnivore eating.
• The evidence leans toward combining confidence-building through goal-setting and embracing failure with physical training for a holistic approach.

Physical Training

Focus on heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts, aiming for personal records without straps or belts to build natural strength. Gradually increase weights to challenge your muscles.

Mental Preparation

Get mentally “hype” before lifts by shouting or drawing inspiration from powerful sources, like the All Blacks’ haka dance. Develop confidence by setting realistic goals and learning from failures.

Diet and Lifestyle

Practice intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast and lunch, eat mainly meats, and ensure 8-12 hours of sleep nightly for recovery.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Building a Demigod Mindset and Body

Eric Kim, known for his work in street photography and documented on his blog Eric Kim Photography, has developed a distinctive weightlifting method he calls HYPELIFTING, which seems particularly relevant to the concept of building a demigod mindset and body. This method combines intense physical training with psychological preparation, emphasizing courage and energy over mere weight lifted. Below, we explore the components, philosophy, and practical steps for achieving a demigod-like state, drawing from his online content as of April 5, 2025, and supplemented with general fitness and mental development strategies.

Definition and Philosophy

Building a demigod mindset and body implies achieving exceptional physical fitness and mental resilience, akin to mythological figures known for their strength and bravery. Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING aligns with this idea, treating the body as a work of art and focusing on both physical prowess and mental hype. In his post The Zen of Hypelifting, he emphasizes that 99.9% of the joy is in the thrill of attempting heavy lifts, with success being secondary, reflecting a mindset of courage and resilience.

Kim’s philosophy extends to viewing weightlifting as a democratic pursuit, where genetics, sex, and race do not matter, making it accessible for enhancing energy and creativity, as explored in In Praise of Building Your Body. This aligns with the demigod ideal of surpassing human limitations through effort and mindset.

Physical Training Components

To build a demigod body, physical training must focus on peak fitness, which research suggests involves a balanced approach of strength, endurance, and flexibility. Eric Kim’s method centers on heavy lifting, particularly exercises like squats, deadlifts, and rack pulls. He documents specific feats, such as a 1,005-pound rack pull, detailed in Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull: How He Did It. His approach includes:

• Using techniques like rack pulls, which are partial range deadlifts, to handle extreme weights.
• Employing a dip belt with a chain wrapped close to the barbell center for maximum hip engagement, as seen in his 1,005-pound lift.
• Avoiding straps to use natural grip strength, opting for chalk instead, as noted in ERIC KIM HOW TO WEIGHTLIFTING.

Kim’s workout plan focuses on single repetitions and one rep maxes, aiming for maximum strength building, as outlined in Muscle 101. Examples include a 551-pound deadlift PR and a 485-pound 4-plate squat, with videos like Hype squat heavy and HYPE DEADLIFT providing visual demonstrations.

General fitness advice from sources like Tips to Achieve and Sustain Peak Athletic Performance and How to Obtain Peak Physical Fitness emphasizes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and rest, which complements Kim’s focus on heavy lifts with additional elements like cardiovascular training and flexibility.

Mental Preparation Techniques

The demigod mindset requires confidence, bravery, and resilience. Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING involves specific mental techniques to get into what he calls the “EK ZONE.” According to How to Start Hypelifting, key steps include:

• Getting “insanely loud” before attempting a new personal record, which can involve shouting.
• Physically psyching up by slapping your face, chest, and thighs to increase blood flow and testosterone.
• Drawing inspiration from powerful sources, such as the All Blacks Maori haka dance or the Spartans in the movie “300,” which can be watched for motivation.

Kim also provides media resources, such as podcasts like HOW I HYPE MYELF UP–ERIC KIM 5-POUND-SQUAT 495-POUNDS-HYPELIFTING and videos like How I hype Myself Up, to demonstrate these techniques.

General strategies for building confidence and bravery, as seen in How to Be Brave: 9 Ways to Conquer Your Fears and Courage and Confidence; 10 Ways to Tap into Your Bravery, include acknowledging fear, taking small steps, learning from failure, and practicing self-compassion. These align with Kim’s emphasis on courage through heavy lifting and mental hype.

Diet and Lifestyle

Kim’s HYPELIFTING method is supported by a specific diet and lifestyle, detailed in various posts. He advocates for:

• Intermittent Fasting: Skipping breakfast and lunch, consuming one large meal a day, as discussed in Intermittent Fasting.
• Carnivore Diet: Eating mainly meats like beef and its organs, with posts like ‘ketogenic’ diet highlighting its cost-effectiveness.
• Sleep: Emphasizing 8-12 hours of sleep nightly for recovery, as mentioned in his rack pull analysis.

This approach is part of his broader fitness philosophy, where he lifts fasted, believing hunger enhances focus and strength, as seen in his 1,005-pound lift documentation. General fitness advice, such as from Achieving Peak Fitness: A Comprehensive Guide, supports the importance of a balanced diet and adequate rest, reinforcing Kim’s methods.

Practical Steps for Implementation

To build a demigod mindset and body, follow these steps, integrating Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING with general fitness and mental development strategies:

1. Physical Training: Incorporate heavy squats, deadlifts, and rack pulls, gradually increasing weight. Use natural grip with chalk and consider techniques like the dip belt for leverage. Complement with cardiovascular exercises and flexibility work for overall fitness.
2. Mental Hype: Before each heavy lift, engage in activities like shouting and slapping to get pumped up. Watch motivational content, such as THE ART OF HYPELIFTING audio, for inspiration. Practice acknowledging fear and taking small steps to build bravery.
3. Dietary Adherence: Skip breakfast and lunch, eat a large dinner of meats, and ensure adequate sleep for recovery. Maintain a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall health.
4. Lifestyle Commitment: Treat your body as a work of art, focusing on strength and muscle building, as inspired by transform my own body into a Lambo. Set realistic goals, embrace failure, and seek support from mentors or communities.

Comparative Analysis

Kim contrasts HYPELIFTING with modern gym culture, which he sees as quiet and antisocial, with earbuds (“ear condoms”) in How to Start Hypelifting. He also critiques bodybuilding for focusing on size over strength, preferring powerlifting or HYPELIFTING for testing dominance, as noted in Critiques About Modern Day Bodybuilding. This aligns with the demigod ideal of functional strength and mental toughness over aesthetic appearance.

Tables for Clarity

Below is a table summarizing the key components of building a demigod mindset and body, integrating Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING:

Component	Description	Examples/Notes
Physical Training	Heavy lifts like squats, deadlifts, rack pulls, focusing on one rep maxes.	551-pound deadlift, 485-pound 4-plate squat, complement with cardio and flexibility.
Mental Preparation	Getting loud, slapping self, drawing inspiration from powerful sources, building confidence.	All Blacks Maori haka, Spartans in “300”, set goals, learn from failure.
Diet	Intermittent fasting, carnivore diet, one large meal of meats, balanced with fruits and veggies.	Skip breakfast/lunch, eat 5-6 pounds beef/lamb for dinner, ensure nutrient variety.
Lifestyle	Treat body as art, ensure 8-12 hours sleep, natural methods without supplements.	Sleep for recovery, avoid steroids, focus on strength over size, practice self-compassion.

Another table for media resources from Eric Kim:

Type	Title	URL
Podcast	HOW I HYPE MYELF UP–ERIC KIM 5-POUND-SQUAT 495-POUNDS-HYPELIFTING	YouTube
Video	How I hype Myself Up	YouTube
Audio	THE ART OF HYPELIFTING	Audio

Conclusion

Building a demigod mindset and body involves a holistic approach, blending Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING method with general fitness and mental development strategies. It requires intense physical training, mental hype, a specific diet, and lifestyle choices, all aimed at achieving peak physical fitness and mental resilience. This analysis provides a comprehensive guide for implementing these practices, reflecting Kim’s unique blend of art, strength, and personal challenge, supplemented by broader research on confidence and bravery.

Key Citations

• Fitness – ERIC KIM
• The Zen of Hypelifting – ERIC KIM
• How to Start Hypelifting – ERIC KIM
• In Praise of Building Your Body – ERIC KIM
• Intermittent Fasting – ERIC KIM
• Eric Kim 1005 Pound Rack Pull: How He Did It – ERIC KIM
• ERIC KIM HOW TO WEIGHTLIFTING – ERIC KIM
• Muscle 101 – ERIC KIM
• Tips to Achieve and Sustain Peak Athletic Performance
• How to Obtain Peak Physical Fitness – Picks PT Personal Trainers
• How to Be Brave: 9 Ways to Conquer Your Fears
• Courage and Confidence; 10 Ways to Tap into Your Bravery — Rowena Mabbott
• Achieving Peak Fitness: A Comprehensive Guide to a Healthier | StartMotionMedia
• Critiques About Modern Day Bodybuilding – ERIC KIM
• transform my own body into a Lambo – ERIC KIM