ERIC KIM ₿ - ₿LOG

In Praise of Limits

The great thing about limits is that you have something to aspire towards

Train and Attempt Until Inability

Another virtuous thing about the one rep max attempt approach in life; you give it youâ€™re all your maximum supreme focus, and you try the maximum, until you are unable to do so!

Upon much thinking and consideration, the true feeling in my heart and my soul is gratitude, being grateful to everybody. Doesnâ€™t matter how much they annoyed me in the past or irked me; ultimately even if it is for the .0000000001% of the times they were insanely helpful and or useful ,,, the only feeling in my heart and soul is gratitude!

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How were boys trained in ancient Sparta?

The Agoge

Starting age 7..until age 20

Boys in ancient Sparta were trained under a rigorous and austere system known as the Agoge, designed to produce highly disciplined and skilled warriors, emphasizing obedience, endurance, and courage. From a young age, typically starting at seven, Spartan boys were taken from their families and entered into this state-sponsored education and training program that lasted until they were about 20 years old.

Physical Training: This was a core component of the Agoge, designed to strengthen their bodies and prepare them for the hardships of war. Activities included wrestling, gymnastics, and endurance exercises. Boys were often encouraged to compete against one another to foster a spirit of competition and excellence.

Military Training: Boys were taught the arts of warfare, including the use of weapons like the spear and sword, tactics, and formation fighting, essential for the phalanx formation that the Spartan army was famous for. They participated in mock battles and were educated in survival skills, learning to endure hunger, pain, and fatigue.

Social Conditioning: The Agoge also emphasized social integration within the Spartan society, instilling values such as loyalty to the Spartan state, obedience to authority, and the importance of the collective over the individual. Boys were organized into groups (agelai), fostering bonds that would be crucial in battle.

Mental Toughness: Spartan education aimed to toughen the boys mentally as well as physically. They were subjected to strict discipline, given minimal clothing and food to accustom them to scarcity, and encouraged to devise strategies to steal what they needed without getting caught, to develop cunning and resourcefulness.

The Krypteia: As part of their training, some boys were selected for the Krypteia, a secret police force tasked with policing the helot population (Spartan serfs) and eliminating any perceived threats. This duty involved stealth, espionage, and even assassination, further honing their skills in warfare and subterfuge.

Upon completion of the Agoge, these young men became full citizens and soldiers of Sparta, expected to continue serving in the military and contributing to Spartan society. The Agoge was central to Spartan identity, producing warriors renowned for their discipline, resilience, and martial prowess.

How to Stay in a Zen Zone

No external distractions or interruptions from the outside world.

It is critical for the philosopher thinker, real and Tran to resist distractions?

Avoid or Not Avoid?

It seems that from a passive perspective, to avoid that which annoys you, or invokes or anger or fury, or things which are not good to your eyes; to simply avoid, is the best strategy.

But at the same time, to avoid is also an act of cowardiceâ€” sometimes.

I suppose the nuance here is this bifurcation;

I just donâ€™t want to be interrupted, or to lose my focus!

So for me, the reason why I often prefer to be alone and solo, is because I want to stay focused in my thoughts.

When I want to be focused, when I want to be focused in myself?

For me then, maybe avoiding people simply my way of focusing.

Passive vs Active Strength

Leverage Your Platforms, Move the World ï¿¼

Follow the yellow brick Road!

How to move the world

â€œGive me a spot to stand, and I shall move the world!â€ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ – Archimedes

The notion of a lever, leverage is one of the most critical notions of all time. Why? It is all about strength leverage, levers.

For example, I find it personally more interesting to move 1000 pounds half an inch, rather than move 1 pound for 100 miles.

The bad thing is in modern day times, we have been suckered into thinking that more itâ€™s better. More repetitions is seen as more virtuous and more better for us.

However, think about this:

What is more important, to do 10,000 bodyweight squats consecutively, or to lift 2000 pounds, once?

Of course the second!

Donâ€™t trust the nerds

The big problem is in todayâ€™s world, the nerds run the show. The nerds are now the computer scientist, the CEOs of the big tech companies, etc., or once nerdy bullied kids in high school. In fact, my personal thought is your personality gets fully formed by the time you graduate high school. The person you are in high school, Remains with you for the rest of your life.

This is why when I meet people nowadays in LA, I just asked them: â€œWhere did you go to high school?â€

NASSIM TALEB also has a thought and a theory that in fact, where you go to high school is actually more important then where you go to college or university.

Therefore, let us think about how critical high school is.

The psychology of money

OK now that I am a cryptocurrency millionaire, betting big on bitcoin, now what?

First, I like the idea that we could all become rich together. To me what is not zero sum; everyone could gain $1 million in their wallet, me gaining $1 million doesnâ€™t mean the subtraction of money from your pocket.

For example, let us say that we all buy bitcoin. And let us say that the price of bitcoin continues to balloon. If this is the case, then we all suddenly become millionaires all at once!

I think the loser mentality is that my financial gain is your financial loss. What is this true? No. Anyone who thinks this has zero understanding of how finance works.

Money is a made up thing

Perhaps the most insightful thing that I learned from Fernando Gallianiâ€˜s treatise on money ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼is how money is just a social invention. ï¿¼

Money is faith, money is people. ï¿¼

In fact, when it comes down to it, the ultimate valuable thing is just humans, human beings, human labor, human power.

For example, eventually when it comes down to it, let us say you want to buy a house build a house renovated etc., sooner or later you need a real life human being in the flesh to actually build and put things together. Or if you want to create your own minimalistic dream House, you need a lot of laborers to actually build it. Often Mexican or Latino Spanish-speaking construction workers.

Who is going to dig your hole?

Most of us donâ€™t like digging holes for ourselves, and I think most people would prefer not to build their own house, or renovate their own house all by themselves. It just takes far too long, takes too much time, most people would prefer doing something else.

In Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills I have observed this funny new caste system or bifurcation of people: ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼

Insanely rich people who are never at home, and their army of immigrant construction workers who are building their mansions.

This micro economy which is built is super fast in me because there are bunches of these taco trucks which hang out in these $10 million mansion neighborhoods, $50 million mansion neighborhoods, just chilling and hanging out, and you could tell who the immigrant workers are because they all drive old Nissan Pick up trucks.

A very very dark thing about going to Asia is how cheap labor is. For example I think there are some people in Asia who work these menial labor jobs who might only get paid $10 USD for a whole day of labor in a restaurant kitchen or a bar or cafÃ©? In America, it is insane; for menial labor work, we pay people almost $20 an hour?

How and why media is the future ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼

I have this habit on my iPad and which I always go to the App Store, and Iâ€™m always curious about what the top performing applications are. One of the things that I have learned is that it looks like all the top five apps on the iPad store are all Media streaming apps. Disney, Disney+, Netflix Hulu etc. Also a fun thing I learned other day is that Hulu is owned by Disney.

Anyways, it looks like innovation for technology has been tapped out, and now there is a mad scramble for media. Even Apple is dead, in terms of innovation. In one last attempt, what they are trying to do is get into the media entertainment, TV music business; it seems that they are doing very poorly even though they have trillions of dollars to throw at it.

Free exercise

A new experiment Iâ€™ve been doing is I bought a 60 pound weight vest from Titan dot fitness, and Iâ€™ve just been wearing it during the day, when I go on hikes with Seneca, or even while working out. I call it like Goku in the gravity chamber, Dragon Ball Z.

What super interesting is I guess 60 pounds is actually pretty heavy. Just having it on me and not doing anything, I already feel my heart rate going up. Also what I love about it is it is well balanced; the weights are in the front and the back.

Also, I found that it may be one of the most effective ways to exercise in so far much as you could just keep it on while doing calisthenics, chub dips push-ups whatever, I even had a funny thoughts; if you want to one of those funny fitness classes and just wore a 60 pound weight vest on you the whole time, certainly it would augment your work out.

How tech nerds could get stronger? ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼

A simple idea is that everyone should buy the 60 pound weight vest, and just wear it all day while youâ€™re at work. And just stand all day and walk around.

Even all of the silly runners, maybe they should just buy one. It is better to just walk around with a white vest on, at slow pace rather than jogging at a â€œmoderate paceâ€, for no good reason.

Also a very interesting innovation that Iâ€™ve made is that while wearing the 60 pound weight vest, concurrently doing my weightlifting exercises with it on. This involves farmers carry, rack pull, ï¿¼atlas lifts squats etc. ï¿¼

The general idea is anything that increases the force of gravity on your body will make you stronger.

What I learned after lifting 1000 pounds

Just Google or YouTube it; ERIC KIM thousand pound lift. I think I am the first non-steroid person on the planet to have done it.

Super super easy; gradual progressions, the Kaisen process. Just adding 2.5 pound â€œpotato chipâ€œ mini weights to each side of the barbell, week over week. That is if you just add 5 pounds to your maximum lift, week over week, within a year or two years or three years, any able bodied person or man should be able to lift 1000 pounds.

Can a woman lift 1000 pounds?

Probably. There are some of these Viking women from Sweden or some thing who are like 7 feet tall and 200 pounds, Iâ€™m sure they could do it.

Certainly for maximum strength, there will never be a woman who has as much strength as a man. You will probably never have a woman on planet earth as strong as Eddie Hall, or Hafthor Bjjorsen. ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ Even if you gave the strongest woman in the world all the steroids in the world, I am very dubious that they would be able to deadlift 501 kg. ï¿¼

Or if you go on YouTube, search the 1 ton lift. One of the strong fat steroid using strong men was able to successfully lift 2000 pounds half an inch, which is 2x of how much I was able to do.

What I have found is ultimately, anything that you really really really really want to do, and you have a ridiculous passion for, or interest or goal, you can achieve. I think the subtle nuance is that it must be autotelic, which is you want to accomplish it for the sake in itself. ï¿¼ï¿¼ ï¿¼

For example, trying to lift 1000 pounds, was this funny silly cute cold that I said for myself, without the aid of anybody else. No ridiculous notion of a â€œpersonal trainerâ€œ, â€œcoachâ€. To me only unknowledgeable people, people who seem to lack self direction end up investing in these external coaches, because they like the motivation to do it themselves, because for their whole lives, they have never been encouraged to just follow themselves.

Am I the only rare bird?

Truth be told, Iâ€™ve never met anyone in real life quite as interesting or fascinating as myself. Only other people that have met why find fascinating, not in real life include Jeff Bezos, Elon musk, Kanye West, maybe Jay Z.

ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼ï¿¼

The real world is out there

In the streets, in the open air in the direct sun; not stuck in your house or apartment or condo or office building

The Psychology of Trading and Money

We humans are naturally bad at money and math

PLAY

Approach life like play!

Like a child!

New Dreams

Rethinking the â€œAmerican Dreamâ€

For example, owning a home or house or property? Why not digital property instead?

EASY OR HARD ON THE EYES?

THE ULTRA GAINS

What Do You Value?

Bitcoin for the Sake of What?

TITAN VISION

$6M Million Dollars a Bitcoin

Iâ€™m ainâ€™t never finna let nobody else ever tell me what to do and what not to do?

Doesnâ€™t matter if the other person is male or female â€¦ older younger whatever?

DEMIGOD GOALS

My body is liquid gold!

Mas Mujeres, Mas Problemas

Donâ€™t trust Joe Rogan

So bad:

Joe Rogan has been transparent about his use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and other supplements like peptides to maintain his physique and health. He attributes significant benefits to TRT, stating it helps in keeping his body functioning as it did when he was younger. Rogan has highlighted the importance of combining TRT with regular exercise to combat the effects of aging, emphasizing that exercise, particularly weightlifting, is crucial for maintaining muscle tissue and overall health as one ages oai_citation:1,Joe Rogan Opens Up About “Everything He Takes” Including TRT and Peptides.

Rogan started taking testosterone injections on a weekly basis as part of his regimen to fight the aging process, alongside his varied diet and rigorous fitness routine oai_citation:2,Joe Rogan Explains His TRT, Growth Hormone & Vitamin Fueled Lifestyle. Despite some controversy and criticism regarding the promotion of TRT and not fully discussing its potential risks and side effects, Rogan continues to be a prominent figure advocating for health and fitness oai_citation:3,Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Exploring Joe Rogan’s Experience – podcastmentions.com. He has also discussed how TRT, along with a disciplined diet and exercise routine, significantly contributes to his energy levels, physical strength, and overall well-being, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to health oai_citation:4,Joe Rogan Opens Up About “Everything He Takes” Including TRT and Peptides oai_citation:5,Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Exploring Joe Rogan’s Experience – podcastmentions.com oai_citation:6,Joe Rogan Explains His TRT, Growth Hormone & Vitamin Fueled Lifestyle.

Only 56â€“

People who are bald, are balding, losing hair, or look really redâ€¦ Often assign that theyâ€™re taking steroids or doing some sort of weird hormone testosterone therapy?

Does Joe Rogan take steroids or testosterone?

As of my last update in April 2023, Joe Rogan was born on August 11, 1967, which would make him 56 years old in 2023.

Joe Rogan has spoken openly about his use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) on various occasions. While specific quotes from Rogan on TRT may vary across his podcasts and interviews, he generally discusses its benefits in the context of aging and maintaining vitality. For instance, Rogan has mentioned how TRT helps him maintain energy levels, physical strength, and overall well-being as he ages. He often emphasizes the importance of proper medical supervision and the difference it makes in his quality of life, advocating for a balanced approach to hormone optimization.

However, without direct access to his podcasts or interviews at this moment, I can’t provide verbatim quotes. Rogan’s discussions on these topics are typically in-depth and nuanced, reflecting his interest in health, fitness, and anti-aging technologies.

Joe Rogan has been open about his use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and peptides to maintain his physique. He speaks candidly about taking these substances as part of his regimen to keep in shape, especially as part of managing the natural decline in hormone levels with age. Rogan’s approach to TRT and peptides is part of a broader interest in health and fitness, where he also emphasizes diet, exercise, and various supplements oai_citation:1,Joe Rogan Opens Up About “Everything He Takes” Including TRT and Peptides.

Alcohol, drugs and weed is for losers

I put zero faith in anybody who drinks alcohol, smokes weed, takes any sort of drugs, psychedelics etc. Also it seems that people who do microdose ing, these people lack religion? They are seeking some sort of religious experience while high on mushrooms or other psychedelic drugs; because they donâ€™t really know the purpose of their life?

also, the same goes with people who take steroids, other performance enhancing drugs etc. Isnâ€™t it better and just more effective to just eat grass fed beef liver heart organ meats, bone marrow instead?

Weightlifting is my therapy

Also; all therapy should be physical therapy?

The weird thing about therapy, therapists is that it seems like it is all about sitting in a room with a person, and just sharing your feelings. Maybe a better strategy would be having some sort of physical therapist, trainer, who would help you retrain your mind *WHILE* in the midst of physical exercise?

Sober Thinkers?

In terms of academic scholars etc.; I donâ€™t know a single sober thinker? Everyone is either hiddenly addicted to marijuana behind the scenes, has a weed pen or whatever, and or our low-key alcoholics.

Sober Rappers

No alcohol no drugs â€” no weed.

Below are quotes from some of the rappers mentioned, reflecting their views on sobriety and their personal journeys:

Eminem – “I used to get pills wherever I could. I was just taking anything that anybody was giving to me.” He has spoken about the importance of sobriety in interviews and in his music, emphasizing how it saved his life and career.

Kendrick Lamar – In an interview with GQ, Kendrick said, “I’m not really good at saying, ‘OK, I’m going to do this and do that.’ My big thing is to not be high during shows. That’s the last thing I want to do.” He prioritizes clarity during his performances.

Logic – â€œI donâ€™t drink; I donâ€™t smoke weed. I used to smoke; I used to be a pretty big pothead when I was younger, but I donâ€™t smoke. I might have an occasional drink or two here and there, but I used to drink to get fucked up.â€ Logic shares his perspective on sobriety in interviews, highlighting personal choice.

Macklemore – In a 2016 MTV documentary, Macklemore shared, “I want to be a part of a community, I want to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I want to help. Thatâ€™s what keeps me sober.”

J. Cole – J. Cole has been more reserved about his personal habits but emphasizes living a balanced life in his lyrics, suggesting a conscious approach to substance use.

G-Eazy – After his arrest in 2018, G-Eazy stated, â€œEmbarrassed & apologetic beyond words about the incident, but above all Iâ€™m so fucking grateful they let me go, craziest experience of my life, sobering lesson learned, this happened for a reason, meant to make me better, Godâ€™s plan.â€

Andre 3000 – While specific quotes about sobriety from Andre 3000 are scarce, he has spoken about the impact of living a healthier lifestyle on his overall well-being and creativity.

Royce da 5’9″ – â€œSobriety is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.â€ Royce has been very open about his journey to sobriety and often speaks on the topic of addiction recovery.

Tyler, The Creator – Tyler has said, “I’m a happy person, and I don’t really like to be around drunk people.” This sentiment captures his stance on not needing substances to enjoy life or be creative.

Joe Budden – Though direct quotes from Joe Budden about sobriety are not widely documented, he has shared his experiences with addiction and recovery on various platforms, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and the strength found in sobriety.

These quotes reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences these artists have with sobriety, offering insight into their personal lives and the challenges and benefits of living sober.

***

Rappers who have chosen a sober lifestyle often do so for various reasons, including personal health, spiritual growth, or as a reaction to the negative impacts of substance abuse they’ve witnessed either in their own lives or within their communities. Here are a few notable rappers who are known for their sobriety or have publicly spoken about their decision to avoid drugs and alcohol:

Eminem – After battling addiction for several years, Eminem has been open about his sobriety journey, which began around 2008. His struggles and recovery have been a theme in many of his songs.
Kendrick Lamar – Lamar is known for his abstention from alcohol and drugs, citing his upbringing around substance abuse in Compton as a major influence on his decision to stay sober.
Logic – Logic has spoken openly about his decision not to drink or use drugs, highlighting his focus on mental health and well-being.
Macklemore – Having struggled with substance abuse, Macklemore has been sober for several periods and often addresses themes of addiction and recovery in his music.
J. Cole – While not abstaining completely, J. Cole has discussed reducing his use of alcohol and drugs, focusing more on mental health and clarity.
G-Eazy – G-Eazy has talked about his periods of sobriety and the impact that alcohol had on his life, choosing to focus on his health and career.
Andre 3000 – The Outkast member has been open about his sober lifestyle, often discussing how sobriety has impacted his life and creativity positively.
Royce da 5’9″ – After struggling with alcoholism, Royce became sober and has since used his platform to discuss the importance of mental health and sobriety, especially in the Black community.
Tyler, The Creator – Tyler has been vocal about his decision not to drink or use drugs, attributing it to personal choice and a desire to stay focused on his work.
Joe Budden – Budden has battled addiction and has been open about his journey to sobriety, which has influenced his career and personal life.

These artists demonstrate that success and creativity are not dependent on substance use and that sobriety can be a source of strength and inspiration.

You cannot separate the artist from his artwork

Also, you cannot separate the artist from his body.

This means:

Put zero faith in any artist who uses drugs, is addicted to drugs, weed, methamphetamines, cocaine, purple syrup etc.

Also, donâ€™t trust any artist who are also alcoholics, who seem like everybody?

For example, are there any sober artists? Maybe the only one is Kendrick Lamar.

FITNESS VISIONS

More challenging, more interesting?

How did ERIC KIM become so strong?

Search Eric Kim 1,000 pound lift

Eric Kim’s achievement of a 1,000-pound atlas lift is highlighted as a significant milestone in his fitness journey. He views the thousand-pound club not just as an achievement but as a starting point for aiming at even higher goals, such as joining the 2,000 and 3,000-pound clubs. Kim’s approach to reaching these impressive feats includes innovative exercises like the rock pool, atlas lift, and floor bench press. By the time of these achievements, his atlas lift was close to 800 pounds, with his rock pool over 700 pounds, and his floor bench press around 500 pounds, totaling approximately 2,000 pounds. His philosophy emphasizes challenging conventional limits and striving for continuous personal growth and breaking barriers oai_citation:1,Eric Kim Thousand Pound Lift. – ERIC KIM.

Eric Kim detailed his regimen for achieving the 1,000-pound lift, which includes consistent incremental increases in weight, intermittent fasting, abstaining from supplements like steroids or creatine, and ensuring ample sleep. He also stresses the importance of a substantial meal of beef or lamb after fasting periods as part of his strategy oai_citation:2,HOW DID ERIC KIM LIFT 1,000 POUNDS? – ERIC KIM.

For more insights on Eric Kim’s fitness philosophy and journey, you might find it interesting to visit the detailed blog posts where he shares more about his approach and future goals oai_citation:3,ERIC KIM 1000 POUND ATLAS LIFT – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,1,000 POUND ATLAS LIFT – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,1000 POUND ATLAS LIFT – ERIC KIM.

Eric Kim attributes his strength to having an “insanely high level of self-belief and self-confidence.” He mentions specific achievements such as a 255 kg (562 pound) deadlift attempt, indicating that his physical strength is a result of dedication and confidence in his abilities oai_citation:1,How Did ERIC KIM Get So Strong? – ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM PHOTOGRAPHY.

THICKER IS BETTER.

What led to the fall of the ancient Greek empire?

The Peloponnesian War was a protracted conflict that took place from 431 to 404 BCE between the two leading city-states of ancient Greece: Athens and its empire, and Sparta and its Peloponnesian League. The war is primarily documented by the Athenian historian Thucydides, who provides a detailed account of its causes, events, and consequences. The conflict can be summarized through its main phases and key elements:

Origins and Causes: The war stemmed from rising tensions and competition between Athens, which had established a powerful naval empire following its success in the Persian Wars, and Sparta, the dominant land power in Greece. The immediate cause was a series of disputes involving smaller states allied with the two powers.

First Phase (Archidamian War, 431-421 BCE): Named after the Spartan king Archidamus II, this phase was characterized by annual Spartan land invasions of Attica (the region around Athens), while Athens used its naval superiority to raid the Peloponnesian coast. The strategy of Pericles, the Athenian leader, was to avoid land battles with the superior Spartan army, relying instead on the long walls connecting Athens to its ports to keep the city supplied. This phase ended with the signing of the Peace of Nicias in 421 BCE, which was intended to last 50 years but was never fully respected by either side.

Interlude: The peace proved unstable, with skirmishes and proxy wars continuing. A significant event during this period was the disastrous Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BCE), in which Athens attempted to conquer Syracuse in Sicily but faced a catastrophic defeat, severely weakening its military and financial resources.

Second Phase (Ionian or Decelean War, 413-404 BCE): Sparta, with financial support from Persia, built a fleet to challenge Athenian naval power and established a permanent fort at Decelea in Attica, further straining Athenian resources. The war expanded to include battles in the Aegean Sea and Ionia (Asia Minor).

Conclusion and Aftermath: The war concluded with the siege of Athens and its surrender in 404 BCE, following the decisive Spartan victory at the Battle of Aegospotami in 405 BCE, where the Athenian fleet was destroyed. Sparta imposed harsh terms on Athens, dismantling its empire, tearing down its walls, and installing a pro-Spartan oligarchic government (the Thirty Tyrants).

The Peloponnesian War marked a significant shift in the balance of power in ancient Greece, leading to the decline of Athens as a major power and the temporary ascendance of Sparta. However, the conflict also weakened the overall Greek world, making it more susceptible to external powers, notably Macedon, in the following centuries. The war demonstrated the destructive potential of prolonged conflict among the Greek city-states and is often cited as a cautionary tale of the dangers of imperial overreach and the fragility of democratic institutions.

Summarize the Peloponnesian War for me.

The phrase “ancient Greek empire” might be misleading, as ancient Greece was not a single empire but rather a collection of independent city-states (poleis) such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes, among others. These city-states shared a common language and culture, but they were often rivals rather than united under a single government. However, there were periods during which certain states or alliances dominated the Greek world, notably during the Athenian Empire in the 5th century BCE and the Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE.

The decline of Greek dominance in the ancient world can be attributed to a combination of internal conflicts, external pressures, and shifts in power dynamics, rather than a single “fall” as experienced by empires like Rome. Key factors include:

Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE): This devastating conflict between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies weakened many Greek city-states, both economically and militarily. Athens’ defeat marked the end of its golden age and shifted power to Sparta, but Sparta was unable to maintain dominance for long.

Rise of Macedon: The power vacuum and general weakening of the Greek city-states allowed for the rise of Macedon under Philip II, who conquered and united most of Greece by 338 BCE after the Battle of Chaeronea. His son, Alexander the Great, extended Macedonian dominance by creating an empire that stretched from Greece to Egypt and into India but did not focus on consolidating Greek power within Greece itself.

Wars of the Diadochi: After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, his generals (the Diadochi) fought among themselves for control of the empire, leading to its division and the establishment of Hellenistic kingdoms. While Greek culture spread across these kingdoms, the political unity and strength of the Greek city-states themselves further diminished.

Roman Conquest: The Hellenistic kingdoms eventually came into conflict with the expanding Roman Republic. Greece itself became embroiled in these conflicts, with the decisive Battle of Corinth in 146 BCE marking the end of Greek political independence and the beginning of Roman hegemony over Greece.

Cultural and Administrative Changes: Under Roman rule, Greece became a key part of the Roman Empire, and Greek culture greatly influenced Roman culture. However, the political and military power of the Greek city-states and kingdoms was effectively ended, and Greece was absorbed into the larger Roman, and later Byzantine, worlds.

Thus, the decline of Greek dominance was not due to the fall of a single “ancient Greek empire” but rather the result of centuries of warfare, shifting alliances, and the eventual rise of Rome as the dominant power in the Mediterranean.

How did Christianity destroy Paganism?

The transition from paganism to Christianity in the Roman Empire and beyond was a complex process that unfolded over several centuries, involving a mixture of political, social, and religious changes. It wasn’t so much that Christianity “destroyed” paganism, but rather that it gradually became the dominant religion through a series of developments. Key factors in this transition included:

Legal and Political Support: The turning point for Christianity came with the conversion of Emperor Constantine the Great to Christianity in the early 4th century AD, after which he began to support the Christian Church politically and financially. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD granted religious tolerance for Christianity, and subsequent laws and edicts favored Christianity over pagan religions.

Imperial Patronage: Following Constantine, subsequent Roman emperors, with few exceptions, were Christians and continued to promote Christianity through building projects (such as churches), grants, and preferential treatment for Christian clergy. This imperial patronage significantly boosted the prestige and influence of Christianity.

Legislation Against Pagan Practices: Over time, laws were enacted that restricted pagan practices. For example, sacrifices and divination were outlawed, and temples were closed or repurposed for Christian use. These laws varied in their enforcement and impact but cumulatively contributed to the decline of traditional pagan practices.

Conversion Efforts: Missionaries played a crucial role in spreading Christianity among the population, often adapting Christian practices to local traditions and thereby making the new religion more appealing. Over time, as more people converted to Christianity, the social and political influence of pagan practices and practitioners waned.

Socio-Economic Factors: Conversion to Christianity could offer social and economic advantages, particularly as the religion gained favor with the ruling elite. This sometimes led communities or influential individuals to convert, further diminishing the public role of paganism.

Syncretism: In many instances, the transition from paganism to Christianity was not abrupt but involved the blending of pagan and Christian practices and beliefs. Christian holidays were often aligned with pagan festivals, and Christian saints sometimes took on roles similar to those of pagan gods, easing the transition for converts.

It is important to note that the decline of paganism was not uniform across the Roman Empire or beyond, and it persisted in various forms for centuries in some regions. Rural areas, in particular, held onto pagan traditions longer than urban centers. The process was gradual, complex, and varied greatly from place to place.

In summary, the shift from paganism to Christianity in the Roman Empire and its territories was a multifaceted process influenced by political, legal, and social changes, rather than a single event or a straightforward case of one religion destroying another.

JUST EXPERIMENT

Which religions in the world believe in polytheism?

Is there anyone who still follows ancient Greek religion?

Yes, there are people today who follow the ancient Greek religion, often referred to as Hellenism or Hellenic polytheism. Hellenism seeks to revive and practice the religious traditions, rituals, and worship of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses. This modern movement is a form of neopaganism and has been gaining followers in Greece and around the world since the late 20th century.

Practitioners of Hellenism aim to reconstruct the ancient Greek religious practices as accurately as possible, based on historical texts, archaeological findings, and ancient art. They celebrate traditional festivals, perform rituals, and offer prayers and sacrifices to the Olympian gods and other deities and spirits revered in ancient Greece.

In Greece, Hellenism has achieved some level of formal recognition. In 2017, the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes (YSEE), an organization that promotes the revival of the ancient Greek religion, received official recognition from the Greek government as a known religion. This milestone was significant for its practitioners, affirming their right to worship and practice their religion openly.

The revival of ancient Greek religion is part of a broader interest in neopaganism, which seeks to resurrect and adapt pre-Christian religions for the modern era. Followers often emphasize a deep connection to nature, the importance of ritual, and a polytheistic worldview as central elements of their faith.

Polytheism, the belief in or worship of multiple gods, is a characteristic of several religions around the world, both ancient and contemporary. Some of the prominent religions that embrace polytheism include:

Hinduism: One of the oldest and the third-largest religion in the world, Hinduism presents a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with distinct attributes, duties, and stories. Major deities include Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer, among many others.

Ancient Greek Religion: The ancient Greeks worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses who resided on Mount Olympus, each embodying different aspects of life and nature. Well-known deities include Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Athena, and Apollo.

Ancient Roman Religion: Similar to Greek religion but with distinct names and attributes, the Romans worshipped a multitude of gods and goddesses, such as Jupiter, Juno, Neptune, Mars, and Venus.

Norse Religion: Before the spread of Christianity in Scandinavia, the Norse people worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses associated with various aspects of life and the cosmos, including Odin, Thor, Freya, and Loki.

Shinto: Japan’s indigenous faith, Shinto, involves the worship of kami, spirits associated with natural phenomena, objects, and ancestors. It does not have a single founder or scripture but is characterized by various rituals and festivals honoring these spirits.

Celtic Polytheism: The ancient Celts in Europe worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses, often associated with natural elements and aspects of daily life. This religion largely gave way to Christianity but has influenced folk customs and beliefs in parts of Europe.

Egyptian Religion: Ancient Egyptians worshipped a multitude of gods and goddesses, each with roles in maintaining the balance of the universe. Key figures include Ra, Isis, Osiris, and Anubis.

Cananite Religion: The Canaanites, who lived in what is now Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, worshipped a pantheon of gods, including El, Baal, Asherah, and Astarte.

Mesopotamian Religion: The peoples of ancient Mesopotamia, such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians, worshipped many gods associated with natural elements and urban life, including Anu, Enlil, Ishtar, and Marduk.

African Traditional Religions: Many indigenous religions in Africa are polytheistic, venerating a supreme god along with a host of lesser deities and spirits associated with natural features, ancestors, and societal values.

Modern Paganism/Wicca: Contemporary pagan and Wiccan traditions often embrace polytheism, drawing on ancient Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, and other polytheistic religions for inspiration.

These religions vary greatly in their beliefs, practices, and the roles their deities play in the lives of their followers. Polytheism highlights the diversity of the divine as perceived by different cultures and societies throughout history.

Did feudal Japanese samurai believe in gods?

Feudal Japanese samurai, like many people in pre-modern Japan, were influenced by a mix of religious beliefs and practices, including Shintoism and Buddhism. Shinto, Japan’s indigenous spirituality, is polytheistic, featuring a pantheon of gods and spirits known as kami, which are believed to inhabit natural features such as mountains, trees, rivers, and rocks, as well as ancestors and historical figures. Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 6th century, brought with it a complex array of deities, bodhisattvas, and other spiritual beings.

Samurai, being a part of the Japanese social fabric, would have participated in these religious traditions. They might have prayed to certain kami for success in battle, protection, and good fortune, or followed Buddhist practices seeking spiritual enlightenment, strength, or solace. It was not uncommon for samurai to turn to Buddhism later in life, seeking peace and atonement for the lives they had taken in battle.

Moreover, the warrior ethos of the samurai was influenced by Zen Buddhism from the Kamakura period onwards. Zen’s emphasis on meditation, discipline, and the immediate reality of the present moment resonated with the samurai’s martial values, helping them to face battle and death with calmness and composure.

In addition to Shinto and Buddhism, elements of Confucianism also influenced samurai culture, particularly in terms of ethics and duty. While not a religion but a philosophical system, Confucianism’s emphasis on loyalty, respect for hierarchy, and filial piety were integral to the samurai’s code of conduct, or bushido.

Thus, while the samurai’s belief in gods would have been shaped by the wider religious context of Japan, their spirituality was also deeply personal, blending aspects of Shinto, Buddhism, and Confucian philosophy to form a worldview that supported their way of life and duties as warriors.

THEOS LIFTS

Disable comments, disable email?

OK now with ChatGPT, AI, robots and bots on the Internet; there is really zero faith whether anything online is real anymore.

For example, even with YouTube or whatever; it is so so so so so easy for any newbie to create a fake comment generation bot, perhaps also an Instagram or whatever; and use this as a gateway to fish (phish) you.

For example, even with emails; using ChatGPT 4 and beyond, it is insanely easy for me to send a fake email promising some sort of monetary reward or campaign or whatever, making it sound super professional.

Or in other words, how can you verify whether the email that you got about an exciting new opportunity was written by ChatGPT4, a human, or a hybrid of both? You cannot.

Solution:

Just delete them, just disable them.

START BUILDING NOW

What is the best time to start building your website or posting or whatever? Right now.

STONE OF JORDAN (SOJâ€™s) & BITCOIN?

For those of us who played Diablo II, one interesting micro economy that happened and occurred was this notion of a SOJ, or a stone of Jordan; the general idea was that certain items were worth X amount of stone of Jordans (SOJâ€™s for short).

This becomes very interesting because I almost wonder, maybe we could use the stone of Jordans, SOJâ€™s as an analogy for bitcoin.

For example, if you wanted the lightsaber, the mythical sword I actually wanted for my paladin in Diablo IIâ€” which never missed, let us say it cost maybe 5 SOJâ€™s. I actually wonder if down the world, people will trade their rare Ferraris for bitcoin as well.

For example, let us say you have a very rare Ferrari F40, maybe they will trade it for 3 bitcoins or something.

or another thought; thinking more long-term; my personal vision is that I will purchase my first house or property for 1.3 bitcoin. For me the current analogy is that one bitcoin is worth $1 million dollars USD.

For example with houses, especially here in Culver City Los Angeles etc.; you cannot find a single-family house for less than $2.3 million. That is $1 million a bedroom â€” for just a generic 2 bed, maybe 1 bath maybe 2 bag.

THE HALVING

The reason why the impending halving for bitcoin is such a big deal, is that with any big technological shift or happening, it will stimulate interest, news reports, social media whatever, which will drive prices up.

Or in other words, start hoarding your bitcoin right now!

Human Psychology

The reason why I feel that Iâ€™m so well adjusted and qualified to talk about this is because I think I am a genius and a master of human psychology.

For example, the halving; even Cindy knows about it, and she only has a superficial knowledge of crypto and bitcoin.

Scarcity?

Bitcoin is so fascinating to me because technically itâ€™s not really worth anything; butâ€¦ With any sort of commodity, we seem to prize things when it is more scarce.

For example video games, if you think about Diablo II etc.; a lot of these legendary items are extremely rare and scarce, therefore it has higher values.

***

CRYPTO BY KIM

Bitcoin Spartan deadlift Eric Kim ai Dall e 3

Brave new world for photographers and crypto:

I LOVE MY LIFE!

!

HEALTHY & HAPPY

SEDATIVES?

Modern day sedatives?

THE NEW KING OF THE WEB

10000x down on the internet?

Daybreak

Things which encourage you to go outside?

Boring or Sexy?

Alsoâ€” choose natural.

Today is New

Moving or Not?

TOO EASY

Problem with video games ,,, theyâ€™re too easy!

Breasts?

Just do as you please.

WHAT DO VIDEO GAMES REVEAL?

Perhaps our true desires?

To kill, fight, battle, loot, destroy, conquer, build, progress, experience
Physical difficulty, challenge, overcoming in life?
Alliances, squads, teams, PVP, clans, player versus player, armor, legendary items

Why Shame Natural?

Why do we shame the natural?

Audio

MY LUST FOR MORE POWER?

Speculations â€” my deep joy of just seeing the number go up?

FOLLOW/DO THAT WHICH IS NATURAL

THE BODY IS THE ULTIMATE COMMODITY

BECOMING WHAT?

Sacred Mornings

Quiet, unhurried, unoptimized

Who owns Hulu?

Hulu is currently owned by The Walt Disney Company. It was initially established as a joint venture involving several companies, including News Corporation and NBCUniversal, along with Providence Equity. However, over time, Disney has taken a more significant role in the ownership and operation of Hulu oai_citation:1,Hulu – Wikipedia.

Hulu was launched on October 29, 2007, as a joint venture between several major media companies including News Corporation, NBC Universal (now NBCUniversal), and later The Walt Disney Company, along with Providence Equity. The platform was designed to serve as an aggregation of recent episodes of television series from their respective television broadcasting networks. Hulu represented a significant shift in the way media was consumed, moving away from traditional television viewing towards online streaming. The service was one of the first of its kind, offering both a free, ad-supported tier and a premium subscription model.

Initially, Hulu focused on streaming episodes of television shows from its founding partners and other networks. However, over time, it expanded its offerings to include a wider range of content, including movies, documentaries, and its original content. In recent years, Hulu has become known for its original programming, producing critically acclaimed series and films.

Ownership of Hulu has shifted over time, with Disney eventually taking a controlling interest. This transition was part of broader media industry trends, with companies seeking to strengthen their digital and streaming capabilities in response to changing consumer preferences. Today, Hulu continues to be a key player in the streaming landscape, offering a wide range of content to viewers in the United States oai_citation:1,Hulu – Wikipedia.

The etymology of “deus,” the Latin word for “god,” shares a fascinating lineage with its Greek counterpart, deeply intertwined with ancient Indo-European linguistic roots, reflecting broader themes of cultural and philosophical development. “Deus” originates from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root *deiwÃ³s, which is derived from the base *dyeu-, meaning “to shine” or “the sky.” This root reflects a common ancient conceptualization of gods as celestial beings or as associated with the sky and light, embodying the divine as that which is above, luminous, and powerful.

This PIE root *dyeu- also gives rise to related terms in various Indo-European languages, emphasizing the widespread nature of this conceptualization of the divine. For example, the Sanskrit word “devÃ¡” (à¤¦à¥‡à¤µ), meaning “god,” and the Old Norse “TÃ½r,” a god associated with law and heroic glory, share the same PIE root, illustrating the deep linguistic and cultural connections across ancient Indo-European societies.

In Latin, “deus” came to denote god or deity in a general sense, used both for the pantheon of Roman gods and, later, within Christian Latin, to refer to the monotheistic God of Christianity. This evolution in usage reflects the shifting religious landscapes and the incorporation of Roman religious practices into Christian theology.

The etymology of “deus” encapsulates the intersection of language, religion, and philosophy, shedding light on how ancient peoples conceptualized the divine. This understanding highlights the significance of light and the heavens in shaping human notions of divinity, echoing themes of innovation, as humans continually reinterpreted and reshaped their spiritual landscapes in response to changing cultural and philosophical paradigms.

theos

The etymology of “Î¸ÎµÏŒÏ‚” (theÃ³s), the Greek word for “god,” offers a fascinating insight into ancient Greek culture, philosophy, and linguistics, aligning with your interests. The term is rooted in ancient Indo-European languages, with its origins tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) *dhes-, meaning “to sanctify” or “to set apart.” This root suggests a conception of the divine as something distinct from the mundane, consecrated, or holy.

As it evolved into Ancient Greek, “Î¸ÎµÏŒÏ‚” (theÃ³s) came to denote not just the concept of divinity in a general sense but also referred to a deity or a god in the pantheon of Greek mythology. The transition from a verb with a sense of action (to sanctify) to a noun embodying the concept of divinity reflects the deep interconnection between language, religion, and culture in ancient societies.

The influence of “Î¸ÎµÏŒÏ‚” extends beyond the realm of linguistics into philosophy and theology, where it has been used to discuss the nature of divinity, the divine attributes, and the relationship between the divine and the human. This term and its derivatives have been central to theological discourse in Western philosophy, significantly influencing Christian theology and philosophical debates about the nature of God, the divine, and the sacred.

Understanding the etymology of “Î¸ÎµÏŒÏ‚” thus provides not just a linguistic insight but also a window into the philosophical and cultural contexts that shaped ancient Greek thought. It underscores the importance of language in framing our understanding of the divine and the sacred, resonating with themes of innovation and entrepreneurship in the realm of ideas and beliefs.

NEW GODS

theos, deus

***

How to say god in Greek and Latin

In Greek, the word for “god” is “Î¸ÎµÏŒÏ‚” (theÃ³s). In Latin, it’s “deus.” Both languages have had profound influences on the philosophy, religion, and culture of the Western world, reflecting your interests in aesthetics and philosophy. The terms themselves carry rich connotations and historical contexts, especially when considering the pantheistic traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as their impact on later monotheistic traditions and philosophical thought.

Etymology of â€œgodâ€

To call, to invoke. gewhâ€” to call, name, shout out, cry, cry on.

Also similar to pour? ghewâ€”

The etymology of the word “god” traces back to Old English “god,” which itself comes from Proto-Germanic “gudan.” The Proto-Germanic term is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European “Çµhu-tÃ³-m,” which is a derivative of the root “*Çµhau(É™)-,” meaning “to call” or “to invoke.”

The original meaning of the Proto-Indo-European root is associated with invoking or calling upon a higher power. This root evolved in various related languages to denote a deity or a supreme being. For instance, in Old Norse, the word became “guÃ°,” in Dutch it turned into “god,” and in German, “Gott.”

The transition from a verb meaning “to invoke” to a noun referring to the entity being invoked illustrates the development of religious and spiritual concepts among Indo-European speaking peoples. The word “god” in English has come to represent a wide range of meanings, from the monotheistic God of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam to the gods and goddesses of polytheistic religions, and even more abstract concepts of divinity or supreme beingness.