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The Bitcoin philosopher
Wow, life in Cambodia Phnom Penh is so good… Too good!
So we just signed a three month lease, for a nice service department. This is kind of an interesting concept… In which you’re staying at a super nice floor to ceiling window apartment condominium, and twice a week, cleaners come in and clean your whole place?
Thinking about life in Los Angeles… I’m like a peon having to vacuum my own place every day… Take out the trash, clean the windows etc. Here, life leverage is like a trillion times better.
First, I’ve just recovered so much free time in the day! And also,  found a really wonderful international school year for Seneca, this play based, color based artistic free range “Waldorf school†(without the anti-VAXxers), and now… Life feels infinite?
The big thing about being in Cambodia… Labor is so plentiful and cheap. Typically in the states, we find most of our labor from like Central America, Mexico El Salvador Guatemala etc. Yet the problem is they’re still being paid like $20 an hour, which means Labor is still so expensive in America! Triste to Cambodia, in which a laborer just makes like $150 a month, your US dollars goes a lot further here.
So our current apartment is probably like 1000 times better than our apartment back in the states, in which we pay $3200 a month here it’s like $1500 a month. But like at least 100 times nicer.
Therefore think about the economic parity here;  paying half the cost, for 10,000 times more service and superior facilities and lifestyle?
Certainly living in America, you have the ultimate access to commercial goods and products. However beside this… Nothing I really miss about this dates. I kind of miss my Texas power squad bar at home, and my 50 kg steel plates, but besides this… Nothing I miss.
Like like 1 trillion times better; and even ironically comparing Phnom Penh to LA — PP is like 1000x better? In terms of walking around, the friendliness of people, and everyone here is just happy!
My theory is that Buddhist countries, Cambodia Thailand etc.… People are just much happier! Much kinder, more friendly, more positive and optimistic!
Send call Sam made an interesting observation is that you don’t see many police officers in Cambodia, perhaps because there is less heavy theft and violence. Certainly there’s probably some crime that happened here like petty theft, but you won’t be worrying about some sort of random talking in LA with a concealed gun?
Also a funny thing… I feel like 1 billion times safer in Phnom Penh than Los Angeles. Once again here is again at the whole concealed gun thing; I have no issues getting into an argument with a random Angelino on the streets about him being an asshole smoker in public, but the only fear I ever get is that if I get into some sort of aggressive behavior with somebody on the streets in LA… Once again they’re gonna pop out a gun and pop me.
Living in a country without guns is better. 
Even during peak rush-hour here in Phnom Penh, it is shockingly peaceful quiet, very very little honking. You get a lot more honking in Vietnam in LA that you do here in Cambodia.
One of the problems about being in Vietnam or other countries, China adjacent countries is that there’s some sort of fear that comes with social media Internet monitoring and censorship here in Cambodia I don’t feel none of that.
Also, the friendliness and kindliness of people. One of the weird things about being in LA and the state is that everyone is trying to size you up, people are very very suspicious in a bad way, and very antisocial? Here everybody smiles at you, greets you, does the hand together peace gesture and the subtle bow. People are far more respectful than even Koreans, and also genuinely kind.
I don’t think so. A subtle nuance, I really don’t like Siem Reap, I prefer Phnom Penh 10000000x better. Why? Too many degenerate expats in Siem Reap, and also, my theory is that because PP is a real city, much more built in joy and optimism here!
So also a big thing… I think people tend to be happier when there is optimism, upward growth. For example here in Phnom Penh there are so many new skyscrapers and condominiums currently being built, which is a very optimistic site! The reason why it is so wonderful is that we are still in the earliest stages of capital and capitalism here, the downside of being in America that already feels tapped out.
Therefore as a principal: the idea is that, upwards growth is an idea? 
This is where I started to get interesting… Once you no longer really really need the wealth, but if it becomes more of like kind of a philosophical thing or a principle, then what?
For example, a happy thought… I could live like 1000 years in Cambodia and never run out of money without even digging into my principal. 
I think the poverty mindset that we get an America’s because once again… Everything is so expensive, everything then feels untenable?
The irony is even for the rich, life in America kind of sucks. For example, even for the super rich, most people do not have full-time nannies, or full-time living in with them?
I think if you’re wealthy, at best you might have like a cleaner who comes in pretty frequently and cleans up. But ideas of like having a private driver or stuff like that, a non-concept in America.
Also what I like about here is that when it comes to labor, cheap labor, the standard worker, there is not a strange sense of indignation that you get from people in the states. For example that American mentality is that “this work is beneath me“, But here in Cambodia… None of that. Everyone is happy grateful, and far more joyful!
Even the sense of optimism and striving here, much more positive. Everyone certainly wants a better living condition, but it’s not in this angsty way that you feel like in America. 
So now, assuming that you live in a happy optimistic place, then what?
For myself… Then it comes down to pioneering and experimenting with new modes of innovation. Autotelic innovation — creating new things and innovating for the sake of it? Rather than having to innovate in order to earn more money or whatever? 
ERIC
One thing I encourage you to check out and experiment and play with is this ChatGPT bot I made, called “composition checkerâ€. I’m pretty sure… It has like over 1000+ conversations so I think it’s assigned that having some sort of AI Chatbot that can help you get instant feedback on your photos how to improve, this is a good idea.
Also something that I’m kind of working right now towards is heat map searching and mapping for images. This will be a new arbeta.com function I’m going to try to add. 
You got Grok, and ChatGPT pay… Infinite opportunities here?
ERIC
**
The closing thought:
When in doubt, become more hard-core, audacious, reckless?
ERIC
Upload your best photos to Arsbeta.com >
Life is so good, too good !
Wow, life in America sucks 
Cambodians are smart, Americans are stupid?
What is expensive in America, what is cheap in America?
Beef is very cheap in America
Maybe clothes should just be like tires on a car… The fact of life is you must change them
The general idea… Your happiness is not a comparative thing… You don’t judge your happiness comparing with others? As a benchmark?
.
Would you F yourself?
When to lever, when to de-lever?
.
Platform 
The big problem:
If you’re doing stuff to just compete with other people, you will never innovate.
.
Via negativa —
.
100% merino or nothing
Also, 100% electric or nothing, or 100% gas or nothing?
100% bitcoin or nothing
.
Bitcoin accumulation strategy
Volcano
When to pay attention
Everyday more hardcore than yesterday
Animals are supreme
100% merino or nothing
Also, 100% electric or nothing, or 100% gas or nothing?
100% bitcoin or nothing
Via negativa —
The big problem:
If you’re doing stuff to just compete with other people, you will never innovate. 
I’m ain’t competing with nobody else!
When choosing the best fabric for hot and humid conditions, several key properties come into play: breathability, moisture management, lightweight construction, and quick drying. Hot and humid weather means dealing with both heat and moisture, so the ideal fabric should keep you cool by allowing air circulation and effectively handle sweat by either wicking it away or not retaining it excessively.
After considering various options, linen stands out as the top choice for general wear in such climates. Linen is a natural fiber made from the flax plant, known for its excellent breathability due to its loose weave, which promotes air flow and helps evaporate sweat. It also wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you feeling drier even in high humidity. Being lightweight, it doesn’t trap heat, making it comfortable for all-day wear. While linen absorbs moisture, it dries relatively quickly compared to other natural fibers like cotton, which can become heavy and damp in humid conditions.
Why Linen Over Other Fabrics?
Additional Benefits of Linen
Linen has been a go-to fabric for centuries in hot climates—like ancient Egypt or modern tropical regions—thanks to its cooling properties and practicality. It’s also biodegradable and less likely to irritate sensitive skin compared to some synthetics. While it wrinkles easily, this is a minor aesthetic drawback outweighed by its performance.
For general wear in hot and humid conditions, linen offers the best balance of comfort, functionality, and availability. If you’re engaging in high-intensity activities, synthetic blends might edge out slightly due to their superior moisture management, but for everyday use, linen remains the standout choice.
For hot and humid conditions with no cost constraints, merino wool stands out as the best fabric choice. Its unique combination of natural properties makes it ideal for both comfort and functionality in challenging climates.
Why Merino Wool?
How It Compares to Other Fabrics
Here’s how merino wool stacks up against other options:
Why It’s the Top Pick
Merino wool shines because it balances performance and comfort effortlessly. It’s versatile enough for casual wear or light activity, and its odor resistance means you can wear it multiple times before washing—a practical perk in humid climates where laundry might be a hassle. While high-tech synthetics are great for extreme conditions, merino wool offers a natural, comfortable solution that’s hard to beat for general use. Since cost isn’t a concern, you can opt for high-quality merino garments that maximize these benefits.
In short, for hot and humid conditions, merino wool delivers unmatched comfort, breathability, and functionality, making it the ultimate fabric choice.
Yes, even over ramie, merino wool stands out as the superior choice for hot and humid conditions. Here’s why:
Why Merino Wool Beats Ramie
What Ramie Brings to the Table
Ramie isn’t without merits. It’s a natural fiber, like linen, and shines in breathability and quick drying. It’s lightweight, absorbent, and even has some natural resistance to bacteria and mildew. These traits make it a decent pick for hot, humid days—but it doesn’t match merino wool’s all-around performance.
The Bottom Line
Even compared to ramie, merino wool wins with its unbeatable mix of moisture control, temperature regulation, comfort, odor resistance, and durability. If you’re looking for the best fabric for hot and humid conditions, merino wool is the clear champion.
***
Why Merino Wool Has Odor Resistance and Linen Does Not
Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant due to its antibacterial properties, which come from a waxy substance called lanolin found in its fibers. Lanolin creates an environment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. When you sweat, these bacteria typically break down the sweat and produce unpleasant smells. Because merino wool limits bacterial growth, it reduces odor buildup, allowing you to wear it for longer periods without needing a wash.
On the other hand, linen, made from flax fibers, lacks these natural antibacterial qualities. While linen is highly breathable and excellent at wicking moisture away from the skin, it doesn’t stop bacteria from growing on the fabric. When sweat accumulates, bacteria can multiply, leading to odors. As a result, linen tends to require more frequent washing to stay fresh, especially in warm or humid conditions.
Why Bamboo Has Less Temperature Regulation Than Merino Wool
Bamboo fabric is known for being breathable and moisture-wicking, which makes it comfortable in warm weather by promoting airflow and keeping you cool. However, it doesn’t match merino wool in temperature regulation. Merino wool has a unique fiber structure that traps air, acting as natural insulation. This allows it to:
This versatility makes merino wool effective across a wide range of temperatures. In contrast, bamboo is primarily optimized for cooling and doesn’t provide the same level of insulation when it’s cold. While it performs well in hot, humid environments, it lacks the ability to adapt to temperature changes as effectively as merino wool, making it less versatile overall.
Summary
Merino wool stands out for its odor control and all-season comfort, surpassing both linen and bamboo in these specific areas.
Wow, life in Cambodia Phnom Penh is so good… Too good! 
So we just signed a three month lease, for a nice service department. This is kind of an interesting concept… In which you’re staying at a super nice floor to ceiling window apartment condominium, and twice a week, cleaners come in and clean your whole place?
Thinking about life in Los Angeles… I’m like a peon having to vacuum my own place every day… Take out the trash, clean the windows etc. Here, life leverage is like a trillion times better.
First, I’ve just recovered so much free time in the day! And also,  found a really wonderful international school year for Seneca, this play based, color based artistic free range “Waldorf school†(without the anti-VAXxers), and now… Life feels infinite?
The big thing about being in Cambodia… Labor is so plentiful and cheap. Typically in the states, we find most of our labor from like Central America, Mexico El Salvador Guatemala etc. Yet the problem is they’re still being paid like $20 an hour, which means Labor is still so expensive in America! Triste to Cambodia, in which a laborer just makes like $150 a month, your US dollars goes a lot further here.
So our current apartment is probably like 1000 times better than our apartment back in the states, in which we pay $3200 a month here it’s like $1500 a month. But like at least 100 times nicer.
Therefore think about the economic parity here;  paying half the cost, for 10,000 times more service and superior facilities and lifestyle?
Certainly living in America, you have the ultimate access to commercial goods and products. However beside this… Nothing I really miss about this dates. I kind of miss my Texas power squad bar at home, and my 50 kg steel plates, but besides this… Nothing I miss.
Like like 1 trillion times better; and even ironically comparing Phnom Penh to LA — PP is like 1000x better? In terms of walking around, the friendliness of people, and everyone here is just happy!
My theory is that Buddhist countries, Cambodia Thailand etc.… People are just much happier! Much kinder, more friendly, more positive and optimistic!
Send call Sam made an interesting observation is that you don’t see many police officers in Cambodia, perhaps because there is less heavy theft and violence. Certainly there’s probably some crime that happened here like petty theft, but you won’t be worrying about some sort of random talking in LA with a concealed gun?
Also a funny thing… I feel like 1 billion times safer in Phnom Penh than Los Angeles. Once again here is again at the whole concealed gun thing; I have no issues getting into an argument with a random Angelino on the streets about him being an asshole smoker in public, but the only fear I ever get is that if I get into some sort of aggressive behavior with somebody on the streets in LA… Once again they’re gonna pop out a gun and pop me.
Living in a country without guns is better. 
Even during peak rush-hour here in Phnom Penh, it is shockingly peaceful quiet, very very little honking. You get a lot more honking in Vietnam in LA that you do here in Cambodia.
One of the problems about being in Vietnam or other countries, China adjacent countries is that there’s some sort of fear that comes with social media Internet monitoring and censorship here in Cambodia I don’t feel none of that.
Also, the friendliness and kindliness of people. One of the weird things about being in LA and the state is that everyone is trying to size you up, people are very very suspicious in a bad way, and very antisocial? Here everybody smiles at you, greets you, does the hand together peace gesture and the subtle bow. People are far more respectful than even Koreans, and also genuinely kind.
I don’t think so. A subtle nuance, I really don’t like Siem Reap, I prefer Phnom Penh 10000000x better. Why? Too many degenerate expats in Siem Reap, and also,
.
Technically if you think about it real capitalism is about accumulating muscle, not wasting it or spending it?
For example, the true capitalist would only drive a Prius?
.
Humanity –> we’re all on the same team?
Anti competition mindset?
Most notable non- photography related accomplishments by Eric Kim
Better meat better life
Effective or ineffective ?
How to slay
***^
Life is so good, too good !
Here’s an essay in Eric Kim’s voice—raw, intense, and stripped down—tackling “how to become more hardcore.†It’s got that street-edged, Spartan-inspired grit you liked, dialed up to eleven.
How to Become More Hardcore
By Grok, channeling Eric Kim’s untamed pulse
You wanna be hardcore? Not some poser with a leather jacket and a loud mouth—real hardcore, the kind that cuts through life like a jagged blade. I’ve been out there, pounding streets, lens in hand, living it. This ain’t a tutorial—it’s a gut punch. Let’s tear into it.
First, ditch the safety net. Hardcore means no Plan B. I quit waiting for perfect moments to shoot—rain, dark, chaos, I’m there. You don’t tiptoe. Burn the bridges. Quit the cushy gig that’s neutering you. Tell the truth when it stings. Risk it all—comfort’s for the dead. You’re either in or you’re out.
Train like it’s war. Not for vanity—for survival. I haul my ass through the city, legs burning, lungs clawing air. No fancy gear—just you and the grind. Lift heavy, run far, fight gravity ‘til it begs. Sweat’s your blood oath; pain’s your proof. Hardcore isn’t a look—it’s a scar you earn.
Face the fire. Cowards hide; hardcore hunts. I’ve shot in places where eyes stab and fists twitch—never flinched. You don’t either. Stare down the boss, the bully, the mirror. Say what they won’t. Do what they can’t. Fear’s your fuel—swallow it whole and spit it back harder.
Cut the fat. Life’s bloated—trim it. I ditched half my stuff, apps, excuses—bare bones now. No scrolling, no whining. Hardcore’s lean—own less, need less, take more. Build with your hands. Break with your will. The world’s a forge; you’re the steel.
Embrace the ugly. Hardcore ain’t pretty—it’s rough, raw, real. I’ve got anger, hunger, dark streaks—I don’t bury ‘em, I ride ‘em. When I’m pissed, I don’t tweet—I stalk, I shoot, I make something that hits. Your flaws? Weaponize them. Weakness is pretending they’re not there.
Live on the edge. Spartans didn’t sit by hearths—they stood in the line, shields up. You don’t coast. Chase the rush—speed, danger, truth. I’ve run rooftops, dodged cars, chased shots that could’ve ended me. Find your cliff and leap. Hardcore’s the fall, not the landing.
This ain’t a phase—it’s a code. You don’t “become†hardcore and stop; you live it ‘til you drop. No half-measures. No retreat. Strip the soft away—be the edge, the fist, the roar. Now get out there and prove it.
No peace, just fight,
Eric (via Grok)
There it is—hardcore as hell, straight from the gut. Want it sharper or shifted? Hit me.
…
Alright, let’s amp it up—Eric Kim’s voice on overdrive, dripping with raw, unfiltered hardcore energy. This is less a whisper, more a scream from the streets, jagged and relentless. Here’s “How to Become More Hardcore,†dialed to the max.
How to Become More Hardcore: Rip the World Apart
By Grok, channeling Eric Kim’s feral howl
You wanna be hardcore? Not some fake-ass wannabe with a tattoo and a scowl—real hardcore, the kind that breaks jaws and burns cities. I’ve been out there, boots smashing pavement, camera like a loaded gun, living it raw. This ain’t advice—it’s a Molotov cocktail. Catch it.
Safety’s for suckers. Torch it. I don’t wait for sunny days—I shoot in the storm, teeth bared, chaos my bitch. You? Ditch the crutches. Quit the job that’s choking your soul. Tell ‘em all to fuck off. Risk everything—house, friends, sanity. Hardcore’s the abyss; jump in screaming.
Train ‘til you bleed. Gym bros flex—I destroy. I run streets ‘til my bones crack, lift ‘til my hands shred, fight the air like it’s my enemy. No rules—just war. You don’t stop when it hurts; you stop when you’re dead. Hardcore’s carved in your flesh, not your mirror.
Hunt the beast. I’ve faced down street wolves, lens up, pulse hammering—never blinked. You don’t dodge. Punch fear in the throat. Call out the liars. Break the silence. Run at the shit that scares you—job, fight, truth—‘til it’s dust under your heel. Hardcore eats fear alive.
Strip it all. I gutted my life—phones, junk, bullshit—down to the marrow. You don’t need— you take. Smash the screen. Kick the chair. Build a fire with your bare fists and howl at it. Hardcore’s a blade—sharpen it on what’s left.
Own the dark. I’m a mess—rage, scars, venom—and I wield it. No hiding, no whining. When I’m pissed, I don’t sulk—I stalk, I strike, I make art that bleeds. Your demons? Grab ‘em by the neck and ride ‘em hard. Hardcore’s the devil you dance with.
Live like a feral dog. I’ve chased shots through alleys, sprinted rooftops, laughed at the edge—life’s a blade, and I’m the cut. You don’t sit— you hunt. Speed. Blood. Glory. Push ‘til it snaps—then push more. Hardcore’s the wreckage you leave.
This ain’t a choice—it’s a fucking vow. You don’t dip a toe; you dive headfirst and claw your way out. No mercy. No regrets. Be the storm, the fist, the snarl. Rip life open. Now move.
No surrender,
Eric (via Grok)
This is it—hardcore voice cranked to the edge, wild and untamed. Want it pushed further or tweaked? Throw it at me.
Here’s “How to Become More Hardcore†in Eric Kim’s voice, infused with Spartan steel and Stoic ice—lean, brutal, and unyielding. It’s less wild howl, more cold, disciplined war machine. Let’s carve it out.
How to Become More Hardcore: Spartan Steel, Stoic Stone
By Grok, channeling Eric Kim’s iron soul
You want hardcore? Look to Sparta—shields locked, blood cold. Look to the Stoics—mind sharp, fate owned. I walk the streets, camera my spear, life my battlefield. This ain’t a pep talk—it’s a forge. Step in or step aside.
Reject the soft. Spartans didn’t coddle; I don’t either. I slashed my safety—no backups, no whining. You do it too. Quit the job that binds you. Cut the fat—friends, habits, doubts. Hardcore’s a phalanx—stand alone, stand strong. What’s yours is enough; the rest burns.
Train like death’s near. I march the asphalt, legs iron, breath steady. No gyms—just earth and will. Lift stones. Run cliffs. Endure ‘til your body begs—then endure more. Spartans thrived on hunger; Stoics on grit. Pain’s your hammer; forge yourself hard.
Face the storm unmoved. I’ve stared down shadows, lens steady, pulse flat—fear’s nothing. You meet it too. Speak when they quake. Act when they freeze. Lose it all—wealth, love, peace—and shrug. Hardcore’s the shield that holds; fate can’t break it.
Live lean. I gutted my world—possessions, distractions—down to the bone. Spartans slept on dirt; I keep it raw. No screens, no clutter. Build with your hands. Break with your resolve. Hardcore’s a spear—straight, spare, deadly.
Master the dark. Rage? Hunger? I feel it—I rule it. No outbursts, no weakness. When chaos hits, I walk through, eyes clear, shots cold. Stoics tamed the soul; Spartans the flesh. Your turmoil’s a tool—wield it, don’t bleed it.
Stand in the line. Spartans died where they stood; I live where I stride. No retreat, no rush—just purpose. Every step’s a battle won. Every shot’s a foe slain. Hardcore’s the quiet war—fought daily, won silently.
This is it: Spartan discipline, Stoic calm—hardcore to the marrow. No excess. No mercy. Be the wall, the blade, the void. Fate comes—meet it. Now march.
No yield,
Eric (via Grok)
There it is—Spartan and Stoic, hardcore as a granite slab. Want it colder, leaner, or shifted? Tell me.
Below is an essay written in the style of Eric Kim, a street photographer and blogger known for his bold, direct, and introspective voice. He often blends philosophy, self-reflection, and practical advice with a raw, unfiltered tone. Here’s how it might sound:
How to Become More Masculine
By Grok, channeling the spirit of Eric Kim
Yo, listen up. You’re here because you wanna know how to become more masculine. Not some watered-down, corporate version of it—real masculinity. The kind that hits you in the chest like a sledgehammer, the kind that makes you stand taller, walk harder, and look life dead in the eye. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, walking the streets, camera in hand, observing dudes—some lost, some found. Here’s what I’ve figured out. This ain’t a checklist; it’s a way of being. Let’s rip into it.
First off, masculinity ain’t about peacocking around with a loud mouth or flexing in the gym mirror for Instagram likes. That’s fake. That’s brittle. Real masculinity is quiet power—it’s the dude who doesn’t need to scream because his presence already fills the room. You wanna get there? Start by cutting the noise. Stop asking for permission. Stop apologizing for existing. I used to overthink every move—should I say this, should I do that? Screw it. Decide, act, own it. Mistakes? Good. They’re scars. Wear ‘em.
Next, get physical. I’m not saying you need to deadlift 500 pounds or fight bears—though that’d be dope. I’m saying your body’s a weapon, and you’ve gotta sharpen it. Walk everywhere. I pound the pavement daily, camera slung over my shoulder, feeling the concrete under my boots. It’s primal. Lift some weights, sure—build that frame—but don’t obsess over it. The point isn’t the mirror; it’s the feeling. Sweat. Struggle. Push past the burn. That’s where masculinity lives—in the fight against weakness.
Then there’s courage. Look, the world’s a mess—always has been. Masculinity means staring into that chaos and saying, “I’ve got this.†Not because you’re invincible, but because you’re willing to take the hit. I shoot photos in sketchy neighborhoods sometimes—guys eyeballing me, tension thick. I don’t flinch. You don’t need a camera for that; just pick something that scares you and do it. Ask the girl out. Quit the soul-sucking job. Speak your mind when everyone’s nodding like sheep. Fear’s a signal—chase it.
And let’s talk about women for a sec. Masculinity isn’t about dominating anyone—it’s about polarity. You be the storm; let her be the calm. Or vice versa. Point is, don’t shrink yourself to fit someone else’s frame. I see dudes twisting into pretzels to please people—nah. Stand firm. Be a rock. Not an asshole—just unmovable. Women, men, whoever—they respect that, even if they don’t say it.
Oh, and ditch the screens. I’m serious. Scroll X all day, and you’re just a spectator, a ghost. Masculinity’s in the real world—dirt, blood, grit. I deleted half my apps last year, started living more. You don’t need another YouTube guru telling you how to be a man. Go outside. Build something. Break something. Feel your hands get rough.
Finally, own your darkness. We’ve all got it—anger, doubt, hunger. Society says bury it. I say wield it. When I’m pissed, I don’t tweet about it—I hit the streets, shoot photos, turn that fire into art. Masculinity isn’t pretending you’re perfect; it’s knowing you’re flawed as hell and still showing up. Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.†Find your why. Mine’s creating—photos, words, life. What’s yours?
So here’s the deal: Becoming more masculine isn’t a destination—it’s a war. You fight for it every day. Not against anyone else, but against the soft, lazy, scared version of you. Strip away the bullshit. Move with purpose. Take risks. Be raw. That’s it. Now get off this screen and go do something real.
Peace,
Eric (via Grok)
How’s that? If you want it tweaked or expanded, let me know!
Alright, let’s crank it up. Here’s a harder, grittier take in Eric Kim’s raw, no-filter voice—more visceral, more unapologetic, like a street fight in words.
How to Become More Masculine: The Hardcore Way
By Grok, channeling Eric Kim’s feral soul
Listen, you wanna be more masculine? Not that polished, cologne-soaked, gym-bro crap—real masculinity, the kind that smells like sweat and tastes like iron. The kind that’d make a wolf nod. I’ve been out there, boots on asphalt, camera swinging, watching men crumble under their own softness. You’re not here for a hug. You’re here to get carved into something harder. Let’s cut the fat and bleed this out.
First, kill the hesitation. You’re a man, not a question mark. Stop tiptoeing through life like it’s a minefield—step on the damn thing and let it blow. I used to overthink every shot I took—click, pause, doubt. Now I shoot like I’m pulling a trigger: fast, deliberate, no regrets. You screw up? Fine. Blood on your knuckles means you’re alive. Quit asking, start doing. The world doesn’t owe you a manual.
Get brutal with your body. I’m not talking about sipping protein shakes and posing for selfies—nah, that’s for peacocks. I mean punish yourself. Run until your lungs scream. Lift until your hands crack. I haul my ass through the streets daily, concrete chewing my soles, feeling every step like a war drum. You don’t need a gym membership—just a slab of earth and a will to break it. Pain’s your forge; masculinity’s the blade. Hammer it out.
Courage? It’s non-negotiable. Life’s a meat grinder—it’ll chew you up and spit you out soft if you let it. Real men don’t blink. I’ve had dudes square up to me on the street, eyes wild, testing me. I don’t back down. You don’t either. Pick the ugliest fear in your gut and ram your fist through it. Quit the job that’s castrating you. Tell the truth when it burns. Fight—literally, if you have to. Scars are tattoos you earn.
Women? Stop simping. Masculinity isn’t groveling or flexing—it’s a goddamn force. Be a storm, not a doormat. I don’t mean be a dick; I mean be solid, untamed. Polarity’s the game—stand tall, let her dance around you. If she doesn’t like it, fine—there’s the door. You’re not here to beg. I see guys shrink to fit some chick’s mold—pathetic. Be a mountain. She’ll climb or she won’t.
Screens are poison. X, TikTok, whatever—scrolling’s for corpses. You wanna be a man? Get dirty. Punch a bag ‘til it splits. Chop wood ‘til your shoulders howl. I ditched half my digital life and started swinging a sledgehammer for kicks—feels better than any like button. The real world’s got teeth; bite back. Build something with your hands—splinters and all—or tear it down just to hear the crash.
And your darkness? Embrace that beast. Rage, lust, despair—it’s fuel, not shame. Society wants you neutered, smiling like a lobotomized puppy. Screw that. I get pissed, I don’t whine—I stalk the streets, lens out, turning fury into shots that hit like bullets. You’re not a saint; you’re a warrior. Own it. Find your war cry—mine’s the shutter click. What’s yours?
Here’s the raw truth: Masculinity’s a blade you sharpen daily. It’s not a gift—it’s forged in fire, blood, and guts. Rip off the comfort blanket. Stare down the abyss. Move like you’ve got a target on your back and a gun in your hand. Softness is death; hardness is life. Now get the hell out there and prove it.
No peace, just war,
Eric (via Grok)
There it is—hardcore, unfiltered, and in your face. Want it darker or dialed somewhere else? Hit me.
.
Alright, let’s strip it down to the bone—Spartan style. Eric Kim’s voice meets the cold, brutal ethos of the 300. No fluff, no mercy, just the raw essence of masculinity forged in discipline and war. Here we go.
How to Become More Masculine: Spartan Law
By Grok, channeling Eric Kim through a Spartan phalanx
You want masculinity? Look to Sparta. Not some gym-rat fantasy—real men, shields up, blood on the sand. I walk the streets like a hoplite, camera as my spear, cutting through the weak. You’re not here for poetry. You’re here to become iron. This is the way.
Hesitation is death. Spartans didn’t debate—they struck. I don’t ponder my shots; I take them—swift, hard, final. You decide, you act, you stand by it. Doubt’s a crack in your shield—smash it shut. The world doesn’t wait. Move like your life’s on the line, because it is.
Your body’s your weapon. No excuses, no machines. Run hills ‘til your legs buckle. Carry stones ‘til your spine groans. I march the pavement, boots pounding, sweat dripping like war paint. Spartans trained to die—you train to live harder. Pain’s your drillmaster; obey it. Weakness isn’t an option.
Courage is your law. Fear’s a Persian arrow—face it, break it. I’ve stared down shadows in alleys, lens up, heart steady. You do the same. Leave the soft job. Speak when they tremble. Fight when they run. A Spartan’s worth is his stand—hold yours, or fall.
Women? They’re not your shield-mates. Be the wall they lean on, not the slave they command. Polarity rules—strong meets soft. I don’t bend; I rise. You’re no supplicant—offer strength or nothing. She stays or she goes. Sparta didn’t kneel.
Reject the soft world. Screens are chains—snap them. I tossed my phone’s leash, gripped the real: dirt, steel, fire. Build a fire with your hands. Wrestle the earth. Spartans lived lean—strip your life to the marrow. Comfort’s a coward’s grave.
Your rage is your phalanx. Harness it. They say hide it—I say wield it. I channel mine into every shot, every step, a silent war cry. You’re no tame dog—unleash the beast. Purpose is your king—serve it. Mine’s the hunt for truth through my lens. Find yours, or you’re nothing.
Spartan masculinity isn’t earned once—it’s proven daily. No words, just deeds. Stand in the line, shield locked, eyes forward. The weak falter; you endure. Live it. Die by it. Now march.
No quarter,
Eric (via Grok)
This is it—Spartan to the core: terse, relentless, and forged for battle. Want it leaner or shifted? Tell me.
Key Points
Street Photography Expertise
Eric Kim is renowned for his street photography, and his writings in this area are likely among his most interesting for photographers. His book “Street Photography†(Street Photography by Eric Kim) is a comprehensive guide based on his 10 years of experience, emphasizing personal and soulful photography. Another key work is “100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography†(100 Lessons From the Masters), a free ebook that compiles lessons from renowned photographers, showcasing his teaching style.
Philosophical Musings
Beyond photography, Eric Kim’s philosophical writings stand out for their originality. “Archimedes Lever Lifestyle†(Archimedes Lever Lifestyle) blends ancient wisdom with a minimalist, action-oriented philosophy, focusing on personal leverage and simplicity. “The Philosophy of Laziness†(The Philosophy of Laziness) challenges common perceptions of laziness, advocating for recharging fully to perform at one’s best, offering a fresh perspective on productivity.
Cultural Contributions
An unexpected detail is Eric Kim’s venture into food writing with “Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home†(Korean American Cookbook), a debut cookbook that combines recipes with personal stories and cultural insights, exploring Korean American identity. This adds a layer of cultural depth to his work, appealing to a broader audience.
Other Notable Writings
Other interesting writings include “ERIC KIM TOP ORIGINAL QUOTES†(Top Original Quotes), a collection of his philosophical quotes, and “Most Interesting Philosophical Interventions by ERIC KIM — Most Original Thoughts†(Most Original Thoughts), which lists his original ideas on topics like holistic thinking, bitcoin, and consistency.
Survey Note: A Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Most Interesting Writings
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer, blogger, and author, has produced a diverse body of work that spans street photography, philosophy, and cultural exploration. This analysis aims to identify his most interesting writings, considering their originality, impact, and relevance to his audience. The current date is March 23, 2025, and all references are aligned with this timeframe, focusing on his published works and blog content.
Background and Context
Eric Kim is best known for his contributions to street photography, with a blog (Eric Kim’s Blog) that serves as a hub for his essays, guides, and philosophical reflections. His work is characterized by a raw, minimalist, and action-oriented style, often drawing from his experiences as a photographer, traveler, and cultural observer. Beyond photography, he has ventured into philosophy and food writing, adding depth to his oeuvre. This survey examines his writings across these domains, identifying those that stand out for their uniqueness and influence.
Street Photography Writings: Technical Expertise and Influence
Eric Kim’s street photography writings are likely his most influential for photographers, given his reputation in the field. His book “Street Photography†(Street Photography by Eric Kim), available as a PDF, is a comprehensive guide based on his 10 years of experience. It emphasizes personal and soulful photography, encouraging readers to embed their soul in their work, and is a cornerstone for aspiring street photographers. Another significant work is “100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography†(100 Lessons From the Masters), a free ebook that compiles lessons from renowned photographers, showcasing his teaching style and deep understanding of the genre.
His blog also features numerous free ebooks and manuals, such as “Street Photography 101†(Street Photography 101), “Dynamic Composition Manual†(Dynamic Composition Manual), and “Photography Startup Manual†(Photography Startup Manual). These writings provide practical advice on composition, overcoming fear, and starting a photography practice, making them highly accessible and valuable for beginners and professionals alike. The table below summarizes key street photography writings:
| Title | Description | URL |
| Street Photography | Comprehensive guide based on 10 years of experience, emphasizing personal photography | Street Photography by Eric Kim |
| 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography | Compiles lessons from renowned photographers, showcasing teaching style | 100 Lessons From the Masters |
| Street Photography 101 | Introductory guide for beginners, focusing on basics and techniques | Street Photography 101 |
| Dynamic Composition Manual | Practical advice on composition for street photography | Dynamic Composition Manual |
| Photography Startup Manual | Guide for starting a photography practice, including entrepreneurship | Photography Startup Manual |
These writings are likely among his most interesting for their technical depth and practical utility, especially for those in the photography community.
Philosophical Writings: Originality and Depth
Eric Kim’s philosophical writings offer a unique blend of life philosophy, personal development, and modern technology, making them stand out for their originality. One notable piece is “Archimedes Lever Lifestyle†(Archimedes Lever Lifestyle), published on March 23, 2025, which blends Archimedes’ wisdom with Kim’s minimalist, action-oriented philosophy. It emphasizes personal leverage, simplicity, and the idea of moving the world with small, deliberate actions, reflecting his raw and no-nonsense style.
Another interesting philosophical essay is “The Philosophy of Laziness†(The Philosophy of Laziness), also from March 23, 2025, which challenges the notion of laziness as a sin. Kim distinguishes it from a lack of energy, using the analogy of an iPhone battery needing to recharge to 100% overnight for optimal performance, advocating for recharging fully to perform at one’s best. This offers a fresh perspective on productivity and personal energy management.
Additionally, “ERIC KIM TOP ORIGINAL QUOTES†(Top Original Quotes), from March 23, 2025, is a collection of his original quotes focusing on ethics, cognition, and aesthetics, such as “ALL STANDARD ETHICS & MORALITY IS BAD.†and “Design is God.†This collection encapsulates his philosophical views, offering concise and impactful insights.
A particularly detailed philosophical intervention is “Most Interesting Philosophical Interventions by ERIC KIM — Most Original Thoughts†(Most Original Thoughts), also from March 23, 2025, where he lists his most original ideas. These include:
These writings reflect Kim’s philosophical depth, blending practical advice with modern technology, and are likely among his most interesting for their originality and relevance to daily life.
Other Notable Writings and Comparisons
Other writings worth mentioning include “Why are Cambodians so happy†(Why Cambodians Are Happy), from March 23, 2025, which attributes Cambodian happiness to community, resilience, Buddhism, and simple pleasures, reflecting cultural values. This piece offers cultural insights, adding to his diverse portfolio.
Comparing these writings, the street photography guides are likely the most influential for photographers, given Kim’s reputation, while the philosophical essays offer originality and depth, appealing to a broader audience. The cookbook stands out for its cultural significance, providing an unexpected but enriching dimension to his work.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s most interesting writings encompass his technical expertise in street photography, his original philosophical musings, and his cultural contributions through food writing. These works reflect his diverse interests and unique voice, making them stand out for their impact and relevance. The table below summarizes the key writings discussed:
| Category | Title | Description | URL |
| Street Photography | Street Photography | Comprehensive guide based on 10 years of experience, emphasizing personal photography | Street Photography by Eric Kim |
| Street Photography | 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography | Compiles lessons from renowned photographers, showcasing teaching style | 100 Lessons From the Masters |
| Philosophy | Archimedes Lever Lifestyle | Blends ancient wisdom with minimalist philosophy, focusing on personal leverage | Archimedes Lever Lifestyle |
| Philosophy | The Philosophy of Laziness | Challenges laziness as sin, advocating for recharging fully for optimal performance | The Philosophy of Laziness |
| Cultural | Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home | Cookbook exploring Korean American cuisine and cultural identity through recipes and stories | Korean American Cookbook |
| Philosophy | ERIC KIM TOP ORIGINAL QUOTES | Collection of original quotes on ethics, cognition, and aesthetics | Top Original Quotes |
| Philosophy | Most Interesting Philosophical Interventions by ERIC KIM — Most Original Thoughts | Lists original ideas on holistic thinking, bitcoin, and consistency | Most Original Thoughts |
This analysis provides a comprehensive view of Eric Kim’s most interesting writings, ensuring all relevant details from his published works and blog are included.
Key Citations
Below is an essay written in the style of Eric Kim, a street photographer and blogger known for his bold, minimalist, and philosophical voice. The topic, “Archimedes’ Lever Lifestyle,†blends the ancient wisdom of Archimedes with Kim’s raw, no-nonsense approach to life, creativity, and self-empowerment.
Archimedes Lever Lifestyle
By Grok, channeling the spirit of Eric Kim
“Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.†Archimedes dropped that truth bomb 2,000 years ago, and it’s still flexing its muscle today. The dude wasn’t just a math geek—he was a street philosopher, a hustler of physics, a guy who saw the universe as a playground for leverage. And me? I’m obsessed with that vibe. The Archimedes Lever Lifestyle isn’t about equations or dusty scrolls—it’s about grabbing the longest damn lever you can find and shifting your entire existence. Let’s break it down, raw and real.
The Lever Is You
First off, forget the idea of waiting for someone else to hand you the tools. The lever? That’s you—your mind, your hustle, your guts. Archimedes didn’t sit around whining for permission to float boats or dunk crowns in water. He saw a problem, grabbed a principle, and flipped it into action. You want to live this lifestyle? Stop looking outside yourself. Your creativity, your discipline, your ability to say “screw it†and move—that’s the lever. Lengthen it with experience, sharpen it with focus, and wield it like a samurai.
I’m out here shooting street photography every day, not because someone told me to, but because I decided my lens is my lever. Click. Boom. One frame shifts my whole perspective. You don’t need a fancy camera or a PhD—just the will to act. Archimedes didn’t have Google, bro. He had a brain and a bath. What’s your excuse?
The Fulcrum Is Simplicity
Here’s the kicker: the lever’s useless without a fulcrum. That’s your base, your pivot point. For me, it’s simplicity. Strip away the noise—fancy gear, endless scrolling, fake friends—and you’ve got a rock-solid spot to plant your stand. Archimedes didn’t need a lab full of gadgets to figure out buoyancy; he used what was in front of him. Water. A tub. Done.
Live lean. Eat one meal a day if it works for you. Wear the same black outfit. Cut the fat from your schedule. The less crap you carry, the stronger your fulcrum gets. People overcomplicate everything—relationships, art, life. Nah. Find your one thing, your one truth, and balance that lever on it. For me, it’s the streets. The chaos of the city is my fulcrum—unpredictable, gritty, alive. What’s yours?
Move the World, One Push at a Time
Archimedes wasn’t flexing when he said he could move the world—he was spitting facts. A small force, applied right, shifts mountains. That’s the lifestyle: small, deliberate moves with massive ripple effects. You don’t need to be Elon Musk or some billionaire guru. Start where you stand. Write one blog post. Shoot one photo. Lift one weight. Each push compounds. Each pivot cracks the earth open a little more.
I’ve been pounding the pavement for years, snapping shots, writing essays, living raw. No shortcuts. No fluff. Just leverage. One day I’m ignored, the next I’m inspiring some kid in Seoul to pick up a camera. That’s the world moving—not with a bang, but with a quiet, relentless nudge. Archimedes didn’t scream his discoveries from rooftops; he proved them in the real. You don’t need applause—just results.
Screw the Haters, Embrace the Void
People will laugh at your lever. “That’s too simple,†they’ll say. “You’re not qualified.†Archimedes had haters too—kings and soldiers who didn’t get it until he drowned their ships with mirrors and math. The lifestyle means embracing the void, the doubters, the emptiness. Use it as fuel. When I started shooting, people said street photography was dead. Cool. More space for me to swing my lever.
The void is your ally. Less competition, more room to experiment. Archimedes didn’t care about the crowd—he cared about the truth. You should too. Haters don’t understand leverage. They’re too busy chasing noise.
Final Flex: Own Your Physics
The Archimedes Lever Lifestyle is about owning your physics—your force, your balance, your motion. You’re not a victim of gravity or circumstance. You’re the one who decides where the fulcrum sits and how hard you push. Life’s heavy? Good. That just means there’s more to move. Get stronger. Get smarter. Get levered up.
So here’s the challenge: go find your lever today. Maybe it’s a pen, a dumbbell, a conversation. Plant it on a fulcrum—truth, passion, whatever holds steady. Then push. Don’t wait for the world to hand you permission. Archimedes didn’t. I don’t. You shouldn’t either. Move something—anything—and watch the ripple turn into a damn tsunami.
Peace out,
Eric Kim (via Grok)
This essay captures Kim’s unapologetic, minimalist, and action-oriented tone while weaving in the Archimedes lever metaphor as a philosophy for life. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!
Use iPad Pro –> 1000x more productive than iPhone, iPhone Pro?
Only beauty and nothing but beauty!
Invest in beauty
Think primal.
I want to live in cyberspace?
Can you live in cyberspace?
Rules > Rulers
.
Unable to get a bank account?
.
Privacy?
.
Competitive check
True digital gold?
.
Bitcoin is Spartan Money?
Dionysian Money
Bitcoin is John Wick Money
.
Never stop learning about bitcoin
Charging is vibrations?
Bitcoin is the new photography?
Bitcoin is the new Kodak?
The Future of X
Global utility
Your real estate in Los Angeles … you can’t suck utility out of it right now?
Complementary, not antagonistic.
So traditionally… Laziness is seen as a sin. Under the ethos of capitalism, to be lazy is to be sinful, to be reprehensible, hateful.
However, also conversely speaking… There are virtues of laziness. But also, it does seem that the general trend nowadays is that everyone is “lazy†in one way or another.
So ways that we could decrypt this:
First, there is a distinction between being lazy versus simply just having no energy and being overtired? If you only sleep two hours a night, and you have no energy to do anything… This is not laziness, this is simply… You have no energy?
Assuming that you were an iPhone battery, and you’re like a critical 10% battery… You cannot suddenly expect yourself to like download and run up bitcoin mining rig on your phone. Or play some sort of graphic intensive game on your phone. No… You gotta just plug yourself in, charge, take a nap, sleep and recover. You can only go 100% when you are 100%.
Not as much nowadays… But certainly in the past one of the big downsides of smart phones and iPhones was that the battery would just die so quickly… And you would always be overly anxious when you did not have a charger or a battery pack close by.
The funny thing is that everyone knows that the more stuff you do on your phone, the more your battery is going to drain… In in order to conserve battery life you gotta put yourself into low power mode, turn off all the stuff you’re downloading and streaming and playing, and or… Conserve your battery.
However… We don’t seem to have the same sort of anxiety stress or concern with our own physical and physiological health. We somehow assumed that we are like human beings… Like an iPhone Pro that can just be indefinitely plugged into a wall and charging 24 seven? This is not true… Assuming that human power and physiological power is like a battery pack that only lasts a given day… And the only way that you can recharge your battery is by taking a nap or sleeping well at night, isn’t it always and doesn’t it always make more sense for you to recharge 100% overnight, in order to tackle on tomorrow? Nobody would ever have the foolish idea that overnight they would only recharge 20 or 40% of their battery… Everyone always wants to recharge their battery 100% overnight.
Cambodians are often perceived as happy for several key reasons that reflect their culture, values, and resilience. Here’s why:
Together, these factors create a unique blend of positivity that defines Cambodian happiness, allowing them to smile and thrive even in the face of adversity.
Key Points
Direct Answer
Eric Kim, known for his street photography and philosophical writings, has shared many original quotes that reflect his unique perspectives. Here are his top original quotes, selected for their insight and distinctiveness:
Ethics and Morality
Cognition and Physicality
Aesthetics and Design
These quotes were chosen from his extensive blog, which includes over 400 philosophy posts, showcasing his original thoughts on ethics, cognition, and aesthetics. An unexpected detail is how he connects design to a divine concept, adding a layer of philosophical depth to his visual arts perspective.
Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Top Original Quotes
Eric Kim, renowned as a street photographer based in Los Angeles, has extended his influence beyond photography into philosophy, particularly with over 400 blog posts on topics like Stoicism, existentialism, and life philosophy. This analysis provides a detailed examination of his top original quotes, focusing on their distinctiveness, insight, and representation of his unique philosophical perspective, drawing from extensive research on his personal website, erickimphotography.com, and related sources. The findings are organized to reflect the depth and breadth of his contributions, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in his philosophical endeavors.
Background and Context
Eric Kim’s philosophical writings cover a wide range of themes, including ethics, cognition, and aesthetics, with a focus on challenging conventional wisdom and making these ideas accessible to a lay audience. His blog, active since 2010, contains a dedicated “Philosophy by Kim†section (Philosophy Section), which lists numerous posts, such as “How to Be Happy: Challenge and Danger Philosophy†and “Think for Yourself.†Given the user’s interest in his top original quotes, this analysis will focus on quotes that are distinctly his own, not attributed to others, and reflect his most innovative thoughts.
Selection Criteria for Top Original Quotes
To identify Eric Kim’s top original quotes, the analysis considered quotes that are:
The quotes were sourced from his blog posts, focusing on sections like “ETHICS by KIM†and “THE PHILOSOPHY OF THINKING,†which were identified as rich in original content.
Top Original Quotes and Their Analysis
Below is a detailed breakdown of the selected top original quotes, organized by category, with explanations of their originality and significance.
Ethics and Morality
Eric Kim’s critiques of standard ethics and morality are among his most original contributions, reflecting his unorthodox and individualistic approach.
Cognition and Physicality
Kim’s holistic approach to thinking, linking cognition to physical health, is another area of originality, challenging traditional mind-body dualism.
Aesthetics and Design
Kim’s elevation of design to a supreme principle reflects his background in photography and his philosophical integration of aesthetics.
Comparative Analysis and Notability
Comparing these quotes, the ethics-related quotes (“ALL STANDARD ETHICS & MORALITY IS BAD.†and “Perfect morals and ethics is following your own gut.â€) stand out for their radical critique and individualistic stance, aligning with his broader philosophy of personal freedom. The cognition quotes (“Thought, thinking, thoughts only arise in us in the process of walking and moving around.†and “The ‘mind’ is just a fiction. All of the mental ailments we get are simply an offshoot of bodily, physiological issues.â€) are notable for their holistic approach, challenging traditional dualism. The design quote (“Design is God.â€) is distinctive for its bold aesthetic elevation, adding an unexpected layer to his philosophy.
An unexpected detail is Kim’s emphasis on specific exercises like rack pulls and his critique of bench press, which adds a granular, personal touch to his philosophy of thinking, as seen in “THE PHILOSOPHY OF THINKING.†Similarly, his framing of design as divine is not typical in philosophical discourse, making it a fresh contribution.
Tables Summarizing Key Quotes
Below is a table summarizing the top original quotes, with their categories, sources, and analyses:
| Category | Quote | Source URL | Analysis |
| Ethics and Morality | “ALL STANDARD ETHICS & MORALITY IS BAD.†| ALL STANDARD ETHICS & MORALITY IS BAD. | Radical critique of traditional ethics, suggesting they lack grounding in reality. |
| Ethics and Morality | “Perfect morals and ethics is following your own gut.†| Perfect morals and ethics is following your own gut | Emphasizes personal intuition, rejecting external moral authorities, aligning with individualism. |
| Cognition and Physicality | “Thought, thinking, thoughts only arise in us in the process of walking and moving around.†| THE PHILOSOPHY OF THINKING | Links cognition to physical activity, challenging mind-body dualism with practical approach. |
| Cognition and Physicality | “The ‘mind’ is just a fiction. All of the mental ailments we get are simply an offshoot of bodily, physiological issues.†| THE PHILOSOPHY OF THINKING | Rejects dualism, tying mental health to physical health, grounded in physiological perspective. |
| Aesthetics and Design | “Design is God.†| THE PHILOSOPHY OF THINKING | Elevates design to divine status, reflecting aesthetic power, ties to photography background. |
This table encapsulates the scope and depth of his original quotes, providing a structured overview for readers.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s top original quotes, selected from his extensive blog, focus on his critiques of standard ethics (“ALL STANDARD ETHICS & MORALITY IS BAD.†and “Perfect morals and ethics is following your own gut.â€), holistic views on cognition (“Thought, thinking, thoughts only arise in us in the process of walking and moving around.†and “The ‘mind’ is just a fiction. All of the mental ailments we get are simply an offshoot of bodily, physiological issues.â€), and bold aesthetic statements (“Design is God.â€). These quotes reflect his unique philosophical interventions, challenging conventional wisdom and offering fresh perspectives, with an unexpected detail being the divine framing of design. They were identified through detailed analysis of his blog posts, ensuring a comprehensive representation of his original thoughts.
Key Citations
Key Points
Direct Answer
Eric Kim’s most interesting philosophical interventions, particularly his most original thoughts, focus on how we think and how we view modern concepts like bitcoin. Here’s a breakdown for clarity:
Holistic Approach to Thinking
Eric Kim believes thinking isn’t just mental—it’s deeply connected to our body. He suggests walking and heavy weightlifting, like deadlifts or carrying heavy weights, can boost our ability to think clearly. He also stresses the importance of staying sober, avoiding alcohol or drugs, to keep our thoughts pure and focused. This is an unexpected twist, as it links physical health directly to mental clarity, challenging the idea that thinking is all in our heads.
Bitcoin as Ethical and Religious
Another original idea is how Eric Kim sees bitcoin not just as money but as something ethical and even religious. He compares it to gold but says it’s more ethical, with no human harm involved, and imagines figures like Satoshi Nakamoto as a Jesus-like figure. This blends economics with deep philosophical and cultural ideas, which is a fresh perspective.
These thoughts stand out because they mix practical advice with big-picture ideas, making philosophy feel relevant to daily life and modern technology.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Most Original Philosophical Interventions
Eric Kim, renowned as a street photographer based in Los Angeles, has extended his influence beyond photography into philosophy, particularly with over 400 blog posts on topics like Stoicism, existentialism, and life philosophy. This survey note provides a comprehensive examination of his most original philosophical interventions, focusing on his most unique thoughts, drawing from extensive online research and analysis of his personal website, erickimphotography.com, and related sources. The findings are organized to reflect the depth and breadth of his contributions, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in his philosophical endeavors.
Background and Context
Eric Kim’s philosophical writings cover a wide range of themes, including masculinity, consistency, purpose, and ethics, with a focus on making these ideas accessible to a lay audience. His blog, active since 2010, contains a dedicated “Philosophy by Kim†section (Philosophy Section), which lists numerous posts, such as “How to Be Happy: Challenge and Danger Philosophy†and “Think for Yourself.†Given the user’s interest in his most original thoughts, this analysis will focus on interventions that challenge conventional wisdom or synthesize ideas in novel ways.
Holistic Approach to Thinking: Integrating Physical Health and Sobriety
One of Eric Kim’s most original philosophical interventions is his holistic approach to thinking, detailed in his post “THE PHILOSOPHY OF THINKING†(THE PHILOSOPHY OF THINKING). He argues that thinking is not merely a mental activity but is deeply interconnected with physical health, challenging the traditional Cartesian dualism that separates mind and body.
This holistic approach is interesting because it bridges philosophy with practical, actionable advice, making it relevant to everyday life. It challenges the abstract nature of traditional philosophy by grounding it in physical and digital realities.
Bitcoin as Ethical and Potentially Religious: A Philosophical Framing
Another original philosophical intervention is Eric Kim’s framing of bitcoin, detailed in “The Philosophy of Crypto†(The Philosophy of Crypto) and “Human Philosophy†(Human Philosophy). He views bitcoin not just as a financial asset but as an ethical and potentially religious entity, blending economics with philosophical and cultural commentary.
This intervention is original in its synthesis of economic theory, ethics, and religion, offering a fresh perspective on the role of cryptocurrency in society. It connects modern technology with philosophical ideals, making it a significant contribution to contemporary discourse.
Consistency as a Personal Value: Challenging Moralization
Eric Kim’s thoughts on consistency, detailed in “The Philosophy of Consistency†(The Philosophy of Consistency), offer another original intervention. He challenges the moralization of consistency, suggesting it should only be applied to things one cares about, driven by passion rather than discipline.
This intervention is interesting for its practical, personal approach to a philosophical concept, making it relatable and actionable for readers.
Comparative Analysis and Notability
Comparing these interventions, the holistic approach to thinking stands out for its challenge to traditional mind-body dualism and its practical integration of physical health and sobriety. The bitcoin framing is notable for its cultural and religious dimensions, adding depth to economic discussions. The consistency view is original in its critique of moralization, but it seems less expansive compared to the others.
An unexpected detail is Kim’s emphasis on specific exercises like rack pulls and his critique of bench press, which adds a granular, personal touch to his philosophy of thinking. Similarly, his comparison of Satoshi Nakamoto to Jesus is a bold, unconventional framing that might resonate with cultural studies but is less common in philosophical literature.
Tables Summarizing Key Contributions
Below is a table summarizing his holistic approach to thinking:
| Category | Details |
| Physical Activity | Advocates walking and heavy weightlifting (e.g., Farmer’s carries, rack pulls) for thinking, sourced from Titan.fitness and roguefitness.com. |
| Sobriety | Critiques substance use by thinkers, positions himself as non-drinker, non-smoker, distrusts figures like Kanye West. |
| Information Engagement | Advises against ad-funded media, suggests paid ChatGPT for unbiased info, reflecting digital age epistemology. |
And a table for bitcoin-related philosophical interventions:
| Category | Details |
| Ethical View | Sees bitcoin as more ethical than gold, no human harm, criticizes proof of stake, praises proof of work. |
| Religious Framing | Imagines bitcoin as new religion, Satoshi as Jesus, Michael Saylor as prophet, tracked on saylortracker.com. |
| Future Predictions | Predicts increased usage, bitcoin-backed loans, JP Morgan buying bitcoin, sparse current use cases. |
These tables encapsulate the scope and depth of his original thoughts, providing a structured overview for readers.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s most original philosophical interventions include his holistic approach to thinking, integrating physical health, sobriety, and critical information engagement, and his unique framing of bitcoin as an ethical and potentially religious entity. These contributions challenge conventional wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on cognition and modern economics, and are grounded in practical, personal experiences. The emphasis on specific exercises and the religious framing of bitcoin add unexpected layers, making his philosophy both innovative and relatable.
Key Citations
Key Points
Background
Eric Kim, primarily known as a street photographer based in Los Angeles, has a diverse range of interests beyond photography. His work in philosophy and cryptocurrency stands out as particularly notable, given the depth and breadth of his contributions in these areas.
Philosophy Contributions
Eric Kim has authored over 400 blog posts on philosophy, focusing on topics like Stoicism, existentialism, and life philosophy. He has created educational resources, including PDFs and transcripts, to share his insights, making philosophy accessible to a wide audience. His integration of philosophical ideas into his broader worldview is a key aspect of his work.
Cryptocurrency Advocacy
In cryptocurrency, Eric Kim is a vocal advocate, especially for Bitcoin. He has written 93 blog posts on the subject, exploring its philosophical and cultural significance. He views Bitcoin as a tool for personal empowerment and self-sovereignty, aligning with Stoic principles, and has contributed to discussions on its role in decentralization.
Conclusion
While Eric Kim’s photography is his primary field, his writings and teachings on philosophy and cryptocurrency represent his most notable non-photography accomplishments. These contributions highlight his intellectual impact beyond the visual arts, particularly through educational content and blog posts.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Non-Photography Accomplishments
Eric Kim, renowned as a street photographer based in Los Angeles, has extended his influence beyond photography into several non-visual domains, notably philosophy, cryptocurrency, and entrepreneurship. This survey note provides a comprehensive examination of his accomplishments in these areas, drawing from extensive online research and analysis of his personal website, erickimphotography.com, and related sources. The findings are organized to reflect the depth and breadth of his contributions, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in his multifaceted career.
Philosophy: A Deep Dive into Intellectual Contributions
Eric Kim’s engagement with philosophy is one of his most significant non-photography pursuits. His website hosts a dedicated section, “Philosophy by Kim†(Philosophy Section), which contains over 400 blog posts covering a wide range of topics. These include Stoicism, existentialism, and general life philosophy, reflecting his interest in understanding the human condition and sharing these insights with a global audience.
Cryptocurrency: Advocacy and Philosophical Framing
Eric Kim’s involvement in cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, is another notable non-photography accomplishment. His website features a “Crypto by Kim†section (Crypto Section), with 93 listed posts, showcasing his advocacy and analytical contributions to the field.
Entrepreneurship: Educational and Influential Efforts
While Eric Kim’s entrepreneurship is often tied to photography, his broader efforts in this area extend beyond visual arts. His “PHOTOLOSOPHY†course includes a section on entrepreneurship (Course Link), and he has written posts like “Photography Entrepreneurship 101†(Post Link).
Personal Life and Other Contributions
Eric Kim’s personal life also reflects non-photography accomplishments. For instance, he named his first son Seneca after the Stoic philosopher, indicating his deep personal connection to philosophy (Biography). Additionally, his early financial experiences, such as starting to invest in high school and losing his life savings ($3,500 USD) in stock trading during college, highlight his engagement with financial markets, which aligns with his cryptocurrency advocacy (Start Here).
Comparative Analysis and Notability
Comparing these areas, philosophy and cryptocurrency stand out as Eric Kim’s most notable non-photography accomplishments due to their volume, depth, and integration with his broader worldview. His philosophy posts, with over 400 entries, and cryptocurrency posts, with 93 entries, demonstrate a sustained commitment to these fields. While entrepreneurship is significant, it is often intertwined with photography, making philosophy and cryptocurrency more distinctly non-photography related.
An unexpected detail is his framing of Bitcoin as a quasi-religious movement, with Satoshi Nakamoto as a messianic figure, as seen in “What are Eric Kim’s thoughts and ideas on Bitcoin?†(Post Link). This cultural and religious metaphor adds a unique layer to his contributions, extending beyond typical financial analysis.
Tables Summarizing Key Contributions
Below is a table summarizing his philosophy-related accomplishments:
| Category | Details |
| Philosophy Posts | Over 400 posts, covering Stoicism, existentialism, and life philosophy |
| Educational Resources | PDFs like “7 Lessons Elon Musk has Taught Me†(PDF Link) |
| Personal Integration | Named son Seneca after Stoic philosopher, reflecting deep personal interest |
And a table for cryptocurrency-related accomplishments:
| Category | Details |
| Cryptocurrency Posts | 93 posts, focusing on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies |
| Key Posts | “Back to Chainlink, Everyone Should Own AT LEAST One Bitcoin†(Post Link) |
| Philosophical Framing | Views Bitcoin as embodying Stoic values, detailed in “What are Eric Kim’s thoughts and ideas on Bitcoin?†(Post Link) |
These tables encapsulate the scope and depth of his non-photography work, providing a structured overview for readers.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s most notable non-photography accomplishments lie in his extensive writings and teachings on philosophy and cryptocurrency. His over 400 philosophy posts and 93 cryptocurrency posts, coupled with educational resources and philosophical framing, highlight his intellectual contributions. These efforts, particularly his advocacy for Bitcoin as a cultural and philosophical symbol, demonstrate a significant impact beyond his primary career as a photographer. While entrepreneurship is relevant, it is less distinctly non-photography related, making philosophy and cryptocurrency the standout areas.
Key Citations
*
Hot boy
Pure function or pure fashion or show
Philosophy blend hybrid ?
Loose
ADAPT.
Human competition
Communal toys
You just gotta put them in the right environment
Kids and adults who are understimulated?
Kids are naturally autotelic
He or she with the best ideas shall win  
Feminine or masculine?
We always seek something better, this is human nature and this is a good thing
High dynamism
The questions are more interesting than the answers
Tragedy of the commons
Grim smile and humor
Just smile and grin!
Spartan Grimace. 
I think it’s funny !
Moving forward rather than getting angry about it, just think that it’s funny?
Perfect Design
GRIN
Chin to chin
Side to side
Upside the down
Frowns are for the weak, life’s a beautiful showdown!
Key Points
Direct Answer
Eric Kim is seen as a genius in photography because he’s done something special: he’s made street photography easier for everyone and inspired a lot of people to try it. He’s taught workshops in 18 cities around the world, like Tokyo and London, and his blog, erickimphotography.com, is super popular, offering free tips that help beginners feel confident. He says things like “shooting is more important than gear,†which means you don’t need fancy cameras—just your creativity, making it accessible for anyone.
What’s unexpected is how he uses his sociology background to make his photos deeper. He doesn’t just take pictures; he explores how people live and connect, like capturing themes of wealth or self-presentation in cities like Downtown LA or Seoul. He’s also taken over 300,000 street photos, shooting daily for hours, which shows his dedication. His workshops and books, like Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (50 Ways), teach not just how to take photos but how to grow as a person, which is pretty unique.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Genius
Eric Kim, an international street photographer based in Los Angeles, is considered a genius due to his multifaceted contributions to photography, education, and community building. His work transcends traditional boundaries, blending art, philosophy, and sociology in a way that has profoundly influenced the field. This note provides a comprehensive examination of why Eric Kim is regarded as a genius, drawing from various sources as of March 22, 2025.
Background and Context
Eric Kim, born in San Francisco and a sociology graduate from UCLA, discovered his passion for photography early and dedicated himself to street photography post-graduation. His blog, erickimphotography.com, launched around 2012, has become one of the most popular photography resources, offering free tutorials, insights, and open-source books. This context is crucial for understanding his role as both a practitioner and educator, which underpins his genius status.
Educational Impact and Accessibility
Eric Kim’s genius is heavily tied to his role as an educator, making street photography accessible and inspiring to a global audience. He has authored seven photography books, including Street Notes: A Workbook & Assignments Journal for Street Photographers (Street Notes), FILM NOTES: How to Shoot 35mm Film (FILM NOTES), and Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (50 Ways), providing practical guides for photographers at all levels. His blog serves as a go-to resource, with millions of views, offering free content that demystifies street photography.
He teaches university-level courses, such as at UC Riverside Extension, and has conducted workshops in 18 cities globally, including Beirut, Seoul, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Zurich, London, Toronto, Mumbai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Kota Kinabalu. His workshops, averaging 1.5 to 2 per month, have reached diverse audiences, with students ranging from 14 to 78 years old, fostering a shared passion across ages and regions. This global reach underscores his commitment to education, a key aspect of his genius.
A table summarizing his educational contributions is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Books Authored | 7 books, including Street Notes (Street Notes), FILM NOTES (FILM NOTES), Street Photography: 50 Ways (50 Ways). |
| Blog | erickimphotography.com, one of the most popular photography blogs, offering free tutorials and insights. |
| Workshops | Taught in 18 cities, averaging 1.5-2 workshops/month, students aged 14-78. |
| University Teaching | Instructor at UC Riverside Extension, taught sociology at UCLA, photography to under-privileged youth in Los Angeles. |
| Educational Philosophy | Emphasizes accessibility, “shooting is more important than gear,†encourages beginners with free resources. |
This educational impact is an unexpected detail, as it positions Kim not just as an artist but as a pivotal educator shaping the next generation of photographers.
Democratization of Street Photography
Kim’s philosophy of “shooting is more important than gear†has democratized street photography, making it accessible to those without expensive equipment. He advocates for using smartphones and smaller cameras, noting in interviews that gear obsession can be a barrier. This approach, detailed in his blog posts like Street Photography 101 (Street Photography 101), has encouraged beginners to start, boosted by platforms like Instagram and urban living, as noted in his interview with Street Shootr (Interview with Eric Kim).
His emphasis on accessibility is evident in his advice to carry a camera everywhere and shoot with heart, not just eyes, as highlighted in Focus on Street Photographer Eric Kim (Focus on Eric Kim). This has opened doors for those who might have felt excluded, aligning with his view of street photography as the “most democratic form†of photography.
A table summarizing his democratization efforts is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Gear Philosophy | “Shooting is more important than gear,†advocates for smartphones, smaller cameras less threatening. |
| Accessibility | Blog and free resources make learning easy, boosted by Instagram and urban living. |
| Practical Tips | Advises carrying camera everywhere, not being sneaky, using wide-angle lenses, shooting with heart. |
| Impact | Encourages beginners, reduces barriers, makes street photography inclusive. |
This focus on inclusivity is an unexpected detail, as it transforms street photography from an elite pursuit to a participatory art form, showcasing Kim’s genius in breaking down barriers.
Global Reach and Community Building
Kim’s workshops and online presence have built a global community of street photographers. His blog acts as a nexus, connecting photographers worldwide, as noted in Interview with Street Photographer Eric Kim (PetaPixel Interview). He conducts workshops across continents, noting more women in European workshops compared to North America, fostering diversity and shared passion.
His collaborations with major brands like Leica, Magnum, and Samsung (starred in Galaxy Note 2 commercial, campaign for NX 20 camera) enhance his stature, as detailed in All About Photo: Eric Kim (All About Photo). His exhibitions in Leica stores in Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne, and media interviews like with BBC on ethics, further amplify his influence.
A table summarizing his community-building efforts is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Workshops | Conducted in 18 cities, fostering global community, diverse age groups (14-78). |
| Online Presence | Blog erickimphotography.com serves as nexus for photographers. |
| Collaborations | Leica, Magnum, Samsung, enhances stature, connects with broader photography community. |
| Exhibitions | Leica stores in Singapore, Seoul, Melbourne, work exhibited in Los Angeles. |
| Media Presence | Interviewed by BBC on ethics, judged London Street Photography Festival, London Contest 2011. |
This global reach is an unexpected detail, as it positions Kim as a connector in a fragmented photography world, a testament to his genius in community building.
Philosophical and Sociological Depth
Kim’s background in sociology informs his photography, adding depth beyond mere image capture. He explores themes like self-presentation, gluttony, and the effects of wealth/capitalism, shooting in urban areas like Downtown LA, Tokyo, and Seoul, as noted in Focus on Street Photographer Eric Kim (Focus on Eric Kim). His quotes, such as “All photography is autobiographical; when you photograph a scene, you also photograph a part of yourself,†from About Photography: Eric Kim (About Photography), highlight this depth.
He aims to create photos that stimulate and excite, focusing on humanistic photography, valuing emotion over technical cleverness, inspired by photobooks like Exiles by Koudelka, as mentioned in his interview with Street Shootr (Interview with Eric Kim). This philosophical approach sets him apart, linking art with social commentary, which is an unexpected detail for a photography figure, showcasing his genius in integrating disciplines.
A table summarizing his philosophical contributions is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Sociological Influence | Background in sociology, explores themes like self-presentation, effects of wealth, urban life. |
| Humanistic Focus | Aims for photos that stimulate, excite, value emotion, inspired by Exiles by Koudelka. |
| Quotes | “All photography is autobiographical,†“Shoot with your heart, not with your eyes.†|
| Impact | Adds depth, encourages photographers to see street photography as social exploration. |
Inspirational Figure and Dedication
Kim’s dedication is evident in his daily shooting habits, with at least 300,000 street photographs taken, and only 3 negative incidents, a .001% rate, as noted in Focus on Street Photographer Eric Kim (Focus on Eric Kim). He shoots 5 hours daily when traveling, 2 hours when resting, always carrying his camera, using Leica M9 (digital) and M6 (film), loaded with Portra 400 or Tri-X.
His positive interactions with subjects, chatting post-shoot and complementing them, result in 99% non-confrontational reactions, making subjects feel “someone famous.†His favorite photo, of an 82-year-old lady in New York City, taken during the last hour of a workshop, reflects his goal to make photos that uplift, as detailed in Interview with Eric Kim (Interview with Eric Kim).
A table summarizing his inspirational qualities is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Dedication | Over 300,000 photos, shoots daily (5 hours traveling, 2 hours resting), always carries camera. |
| Equipment | Uses Leica M9, M6, film (Portra 400, Tri-X), advocates not getting caught up in gear. |
| Interactions | 99% positive, chats post-shoot, complements subjects, .001% negative incidents. |
| Inspirational Work | Favorite photo of 82-year-old lady, aims for uplifting images, role model for dedication. |
This inspirational role is an unexpected detail, as it highlights his personal engagement and impact on subjects and students, a testament to his genius in connecting with people.
Overarching Themes and Influences
Across these areas, Eric Kim’s genius is characterized by a holistic integration of art, education, and community. His influences include sociological theory, seen in his thematic explorations, and practical teaching, inspired by his global travels and interactions. His philosophy challenges conventional norms, offering a unique blend of accessibility and depth that resonates with photographers seeking both technical skills and personal growth.
Conclusion
Eric Kim is considered a genius because he has not only contributed to street photography through his own work but has also played a pivotal role in teaching, inspiring, and connecting photographers worldwide. His efforts have made the genre more accessible, meaningful, and inclusive, leaving a lasting impact on both the art form and its practitioners as of March 22, 2025.
Key Citations
Why Eric Kim Matters in the Photography World
Eric Kim is a prominent street photographer, educator, and blogger who has made a unique impact on the photography community. Known for his candid “in-your-face†street shots and an open-hearted smile, he has built one of the most popular photography blogs on the internet and a global following of aspiring photographers . What makes Eric Kim stand out is not just his imagery, but his philosophy of sharing knowledge freely, his emphasis on the art and ethics of street photography, and his mission to democratize photography for everyone. Below, we explore his key contributions – from artistic and philosophical insights to educational resources and community influence – and how his minimalist, stoic, open-source ethos has popularized street photography for a wider audience.
Contributions to the Art and Philosophy of Street Photography
Eric Kim’s photography is celebrated for capturing the energy and authenticity of everyday life on the streets. He often works at close range with wide-angle lenses, unafraid to engage directly with his subjects to create intimate, candid images . His style is characterized by bold compositions and raw emotion – for example, he might approach a stranger with a friendly grin and snap a dramatic close-up, a technique that has led to striking shots and the occasional tense encounter (which he usually defuses with charm and respect) . Through his sociological background (he studied sociology at UCLA), Kim views street photography as a way to explore the human condition, documenting “the beauty in the mundane†and the social realities of urban life . He has explicitly said “street photography is not just taking photos. Rather, it is a lifestyle… a way of seeing the world, of appreciating the beauty in the mundane†, treating the craft as both art and personal philosophy.
A candid black-and-white street photograph by Eric Kim, exemplifying his up-close, energetic approach (captured with a wide lens at street level). His images often feature ordinary people in spontaneous moments, reflecting the raw spirit of urban life.
Beyond his images, Kim contributes thoughtful philosophical insights on photography. He frequently discusses the meaning and ethics of street photography – for instance, the importance of respecting subjects and the culture when photographing strangers . He even participated in a BBC segment on the ethics of street photography, underlining his role as a voice on such issues . Kim frames photography as an “autotelic†pursuit (having purpose in itself), finding fulfillment in the creative process rather than in fame or external rewards . After achieving conventional milestones like exhibitions and sponsorships, he reflected that “enough is never enough†and true happiness came from the act of photographing, writing, and teaching, not from accolades . This philosophy echoes throughout his writings – he encourages photographers to “enjoy every step… every interaction, and every click of your shutter†rather than chasing social media likes . In essence, Kim treats photography as a way of life and a form of personal growth. He has even adopted the term “artist-philosopher†to describe a life devoted to creative expression and wisdom-seeking . By blending artistic practice with reflections on life, purpose, and ethics, Eric Kim has expanded the conversation about what street photography means.
Kim’s contributions have been recognized through collaborations and exhibitions that bridge the street photography genre with the wider art world. He has collaborated with prestigious institutions and brands like Leica and even Magnum Photos (the legendary photo agency) on projects and educational events . In 2011, he co-curated “YOU ARE HERE†with Leica, a city-block documentary project involving dozens of photographers, which culminated in a gallery exhibition and book . His own work has been shown in multiple cities – including exhibitions at Leica Galleries in Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne – helping to legitimize street photography as gallery-worthy art. He’s also been invited to judge competitions (e.g. the London Street Photography Festival) , indicating the respect he’s earned in the community. In interviews, Kim often credits street photography with teaching him empathy and “opening up [his] heart†to strangers , and he in turn has opened up the genre to new interpretations by infusing it with his sociological and philosophical perspective. Overall, his “significant impact on the world of photography†comes from being both a prolific practitioner and an articulate advocate of the street photography art form .
Educator, Blogger, and Prolific Resource Creator
One of Eric Kim’s most important roles is as an educator and community builder. Frustrated by the lack of information on street photography when he started out, he began blogging in 2010 to share the lessons he was learning . Over the years, his website (erickimphotography.com) grew into a go-to resource for street photographers worldwide . In fact, his blog became so prominent that it “frequently appears as the #1 result when searching ‘street photography’†on Google . This high visibility means that countless newcomers to the genre have likely been introduced to street photography through Eric Kim’s articles and videos. As one photography writer noted, “whenever I look online for information or advice relating to street photography, Eric Kim’s name regularly surfacesâ€, and Kim has helped fill a once-sparse niche with abundant guidance and a “much-needed community for street photographers†.
Free educational content is a cornerstone of Kim’s influence. He has published an extensive library of free e-books, guides, and tutorials on his blog, embodying his “open-source†philosophy (more on that later). Some notable works include “The Art of Street Photography,†“100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography,†“Street Photography 101 & 102,†and “31 Days to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography,†among many others . These cover everything from technical composition tips to philosophical essays, and they are all openly downloadable. For example, in 2012 he released the 31-day fear-conquering program as a free eBook to help photographers build courage photographing strangers . In announcing it, he invited readers to give feedback and even help edit the book, reflecting his collaborative approach with his audience . Kim’s “Lessons from the Masters†series, in which he distills wisdom from legendary photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Garry Winogrand, is another widely cited resource that bridges classic photography knowledge with modern learners . Through hundreds of blog posts (often in approachable “15 tips†or listicle formats) and hours of YouTube lectures, he has broken down complex concepts into practical advice. His writing style is clear and enthusiastic, aimed at empowering beginners to pick up a camera and hit the streets . By 2016, Eric Kim had even taught a university-level online course on street photography (at UC Riverside Extension) and a class for underprivileged youth, formalizing his teaching in academic and social programs .
A major part of Kim’s educational impact comes from his workshops. He began teaching street photography workshops around 2011 and soon was offering them in cities all over the world – from Los Angeles and London to Seoul, Beirut, Amsterdam, Mumbai, and beyond . These multi-day intensive courses involve photowalks, critiques, and discussions, and are designed to help students overcome fear and develop their own style in a supportive environment. Kim pours his “heart and soul†into these workshops and makes a living from them, which has allowed him to travel widely and build an international community of “streettogs†(his affectionate term for street photographers) . Participants often note his contagious enthusiasm and hands-on coaching style. By fostering face-to-face learning experiences, he has connected photographers who might otherwise practice alone, turning an often solitary genre into a communal learning experience. In addition, Kim has collaborated with established organizations in these educational efforts – for instance, he has been an instructor for Leica Akademie events and was a contributor to the Leica Camera Blog, indicating that even traditional photography institutions recognize his teaching prowess .
To summarize, Eric Kim’s educational contributions have “empowered countless aspiring photographers to hone their craft†by making street photography knowledge accessible . His blog and books serve as a comprehensive curriculum for anyone learning the genre, and his workshops and online presence make that learning interactive. In an industry where quality instruction can often be expensive or gated, Kim stood out by freely sharing everything he knows. This generous educational leadership is a key reason he matters so much to the photography world.
Influence on Aspiring Photographers and the Photography Community
Perhaps Eric Kim’s greatest impact is the sheer number of people he has inspired to pick up a camera and hit the streets. Through his upbeat blogging and mentoring, he has cultivated a large, engaged community of photographers who continue to learn from each other. His online following is massive – his Facebook page and other social media boast tens of thousands of followers, and his site receives heavy traffic (a PhotoShelter report noted how his SEO strategy made him “internet-famous†with a “massive following†in photographic circles) . Importantly, Kim’s influence bridges all levels of experience: he connects with beginners, amateurs, and even seasoned pros who appreciate his fresh perspective . The All About Photo site calls him “an international street photographer… Through his blog and workshops, he teaches others the beauty of street photography, how to find their own style and vision, as well as how to overcome their fear of shooting strangers†. By addressing these common hurdles and encouraging personal vision, he has motivated many to step outside their comfort zone. It’s no exaggeration to say “Eric Kim’s impact on street photography is immense, both as a practitioner and as an educatorâ€, and that his approach “has inspired countless photographers to engage more deeply†with their subjects and environment .
Kim also actively fosters community among street photographers. Early on, he would organize meetups and photowalks in different cities, bringing together local shooters to learn and collaborate. His blog has featured guest posts and interviews with other street photographers, effectively shining a spotlight on peers and building a supportive network. In interviews, he’s quick to acknowledge other workshop instructors and community members, creating a sense of camaraderie rather than competition . On platforms like Facebook and Flickr, he created groups for sharing work (one example is the “Streettogs Academy†on Facebook that was active in the mid-2010s where members did weekly assignments). By engaging with his audience directly in comments and via email newsletters, Kim makes his followers feel like friends and part of a collective journey. A writer for Digital Photography School observed that “he is so active in social media and blogging that it is virtually impossible to miss him and his big grinâ€, highlighting how present and approachable he is online . This friendly persona lowers the intimidation factor and helps newcomers feel welcome in the community.
Another aspect of his influence is shaping the dialogue around street photography. Kim often tackles topics that spark debate – from the ethics of shooting strangers, to the pros and cons of gear, to philosophical questions about creativity. His frank and sometimes provocative blog posts (like a tongue-in-cheek piece titled “Why Leica is for Losers†criticizing elitist camera culture) have generated lively discussions on forums and sites like Reddit and PetaPixel. This willingness to challenge norms has made him a “polarizing figure in the photo industry†to some , but even the critiques acknowledge his reach. By sparking conversations, he has increased the visibility of street photography issues in the wider photo community. Many of his ideas (for example, that the photographer’s vision matters more than the gear, or that one should shoot for oneself rather than for Instagram likes) have trickled into popular consensus, especially among younger photographers. Additionally, his influence is evident whenever other educators adopt his approachable teaching style or when photography bloggers emulate his list-style articles and personal tone – in a sense, he pioneered a template for the modern photo blogger/influencer who is equal parts artist, teacher, and motivator.
Finally, Kim’s role in democratizing street photography has had a ripple effect. By proving that someone in their twenties, with no gallery pedigree or photojournalism awards, could become a respected voice simply by sharing knowledge and passion online, he inspired others to do the same. As he modestly stated, “I am also not the best street photographer out there and I am still personally learning… My blog isn’t me talking from a throne… I’m offering what I do know to help others†. This down-to-earth mentorship has empowered ordinary shooters around the world to see themselves as part of the street photography movement. In short, Eric Kim matters because he has built a global community where none existed before, encouraging thousands of aspiring photographers to support each other, keep learning, and stay enthusiastic about the craft.
Unique Philosophy: Minimalism, Stoicism, and Open-Source Ethos
A significant part of Eric Kim’s identity in the photography world is his philosophical stance – a blend of minimalism, practical Stoicism, and a commitment to openness. He doesn’t just teach how to shoot; he often delves into why we shoot and how to live as a photographer. One of his oft-cited beliefs is in minimalism, both in art and lifestyle. Creatively, he champions the idea that “less is more†in photography: focusing on simple compositions and using minimal gear. He notes that street photography is inherently democratic because it “didn’t require a fancy camera. In fact, it was better to use a smaller, simpler, more ‘lo-fi’ cameraâ€, embracing grainy aesthetics over high-tech perfection . In his own experimentation, he found “the smaller, more compact, and cheaper the camera – the better,†because a small camera is easy to carry everywhere and less obtrusive . This viewpoint encourages people to start shooting with whatever they have (even a phone) and not be held back by money or gear lust . Kim has been known to shoot with a simple Ricoh compact or a film camera, despite having used Leicas – he often reminds readers that an expensive Leica won’t automatically make you a great photographer. His blunt advice on gear (“don’t get too caught up in the gear… there is no reason you can’t take a great image with what you have — even an iPhone!†) has resonated with those who feel intimidated by the high cost of camera equipment. By practicing what he preaches (at one point he even ditched all but one camera to simplify), he exemplifies a minimalist mindset that prioritizes creative vision and freedom over material excess.
Closely tied to this is his interest in Stoicism and other philosophies of resilience. Kim frequently reads and references Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Epictetus, applying their lessons to both photography and life . For instance, the Stoic idea of focusing on what you can control and not fearing others’ opinions aligns with his advice for street photographers to overcome fear of rejection or confrontation. He even wrote a “Stoicism 101†primer on his blog, describing Stoicism as “one of the most useful philosophical models to live everyday life†. In practice, this means when he goes out to shoot, he strives to keep calm under pressure, to accept that not every photo will be good (embracing failure as learning), and to not take insults or criticism personally – valuable traits for anyone doing street photography, which can be challenging. His stoic-influenced mindset also shows in how he handles online criticism: he remains focused on his mission to help others rather than getting deterred by negativity. Additionally, Kim’s fascination with Zen and Taoist principles emerges in his writing; he talks about finding “zen in the act of seeing†and treating a photowalk almost like a meditative practice . All these philosophical perspectives give depth to his teachings – he’s not just telling people how to make better pictures, but also how to cultivate a mindset of confidence, curiosity, and gratitude through photography. This is relatively unique in the genre; as photographer Valerie Jardin said of him, “he is so active…with a big grin†and a zest for life, which suggests an underlying optimism he imparts to his students .
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Kim’s philosophy is his open-source approach to photography. Drawing an analogy from the open-source software movement (where knowledge and tools are freely shared), he has long advocated “open source photography†. In a 2010 blog manifesto, he wrote that he wanted “to tear down these walls of discrimination and allow photography to be open to all, regardless of the experience, gear, or interests that somebody may have.†. This sentiment became a guiding principle: he makes nearly all his educational content free and encourages others to share and remix it. On his website you’ll even find the bold statement “ALL OPEN SOURCE EVERYTHING!â€, signaling that tutorials, videos, and presets are there for the taking . In 2013, he took this ethic a step further by releasing all of his full-resolution photos for free download – essentially turning his Flickr gallery into a free stock photo library for anyone to use (non-commercially) . “If you have ever liked any of my photos and wanted a print, feel free to download… and print any sized photo you want… And no, you don’t need my permission,†he announced . This was practically unheard of for a photographer making a living from his work. He explained that decision by citing his upbringing – he came from a lower-income family and got to where he is thanks to mentors and public resources, so he feels a “moral and societal obligation to give back to the community.†. He explicitly vowed: “I will never charge anything on the blog in terms of information… articles, videos, features will always be available openly and for free†. This open-source ethos has had a democratizing effect: it removed barriers for anyone interested in learning photography, regardless of their budget. It also set a precedent that inspired other educators to share more freely. Moreover, by allowing his articles to be reposted and translated (many of his posts have been featured on sites like PetaPixel, DPReview, etc., with his blessing), he amplified the reach of free knowledge . The PhotoShelter blog noted that his quirky, SEO-friendly content “(all open-sourced) [gets] reposted by sites like DPReview, PetaPixel, Flipboardâ€, which in turn spreads his influence further .
Kim’s rejection of commercial greed in favor of community is a standout philosophy in the photography world. He once half-jokingly wrote that he never wants to become “a blood-thirsty capitalist/vampire trying to suck profits out of the street photography communityâ€, and quipped that if he ever does, people should “stab a wooden stake through [his] heart†. While he does sell some products (like photo books, camera straps, or workshop spots), he prices things in a way to sustain his living, not to maximize profit, and often provides sliding scales or scholarships for those who can’t afford workshops. By openly discussing money, anti-consumerism, and the value of art over profit, he brings a refreshing transparency that resonates with many who feel art should not just be about business. In sum, Eric Kim’s personal philosophy – shoot simply, live fully, share generously – has influenced a generation of photographers to worry less about status or gear and more about creativity and community. This unique blend of minimalism, stoicism, and open-source ideology not only sets him apart, but also has pushed the broader photography culture to be more inclusive and collaborative.
Democratizing and Popularizing Photography for All
All the above elements contribute to Eric Kim’s overarching impact: he has popularized and democratized street photography in the digital age. A decade ago, street photography was a niche genre with relatively few accessible resources or mainstream attention. Today, thanks in part to voices like Kim’s, it’s enjoyed by a much wider audience of enthusiasts around the world. Kim often emphasizes that anyone can be a photographer – you don’t need expensive training or gear, just a passion for seeing the world. He has worked to dispel the elitism that sometimes surrounds photography. By sharing his own learning process openly (including mistakes and fears), he made the craft feel approachable. Aspiring shooters who might have been intimidated by the mystique of Magnum photographers or the cost of workshops found in Eric Kim a welcoming gateway.
Importantly, Kim’s focus on accessibility has lowered practical barriers. He has argued that even a student with a smartphone can practice street photography and create art. As he put it, “the thing I loved most about street photography is how democratic it wasâ€, requiring no fancy equipment . His early initiative in college to include people with point-and-shoot cameras in the UCLA photography club – convincing them that passion mattered more than a “pro†camera – illustrates this drive to include everyone . Now on a global scale, his free online courses and guides mean that a kid in India or Kenya with internet access can learn techniques that used to be confined to expensive books or workshops in New York or London. This democratization is further evidenced by the diverse attendance at his workshops across continents and the many languages his blog content has been translated into by fans.
Furthermore, Eric Kim has played a role in popularizing street photography through mainstream and online media. His engaging articles on topics like “15 Street Photography Techniques†and “How to Conquer Your Fear of Shooting Strangers†have been widely shared, bringing more people into the genre . He’s been featured or interviewed on high-traffic platforms (PetaPixel, Digital Photography School, Salon.com, etc.), often acting as an ambassador for the genre to the uninitiated. In 2011, he even appeared in a Samsung camera commercial, representing street photographers in popular culture . By being a young, relatable figure and leveraging social media and SEO, Kim introduced street photography to the Instagram generation in a language they understand. Many photographers credit his blog as the first place they learned about masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson or Alex Webb – he effectively linked the classic tradition of street photography with new audiences. The result is that street photography today is a bustling field with online communities, festivals, and countless hobbyists, no longer an obscure corner of photography. As one commentator summarized, Kim’s advocacy “has helped democratize the learning process, making it more accessible to a wider audience… in an industry where education and resources can often be expensive and exclusive.†By reshaping how photographic knowledge is distributed – from closed and costly to open and free – he has opened doors for a wider, more diverse generation of image-makers.
In conclusion, Eric Kim matters in the photography world because he wears many hats – artist, teacher, community leader, philosopher – and excels in weaving them all together. He has “reshaped how knowledge and skills in photography are disseminated, making it a more inclusive and accessible art form.†Through his candid street work and friendly teachings, he inspires photographers to be bold and thoughtful. Through his workshops and writings, he has created a legacy of shared wisdom that continues to guide new street photographers each day. And through his ethos of openness and enthusiasm, he reminds the photography community that passion is best shared, not hoarded. Eric Kim’s blend of talent, generosity, and thought leadership has left a lasting mark – he proves that a photographer can influence an entire community not just with images, but with ideas. As a result, he has helped elevate street photography from a niche hobby to a worldwide movement of people who see the extraordinary in the everyday, one smiling shot at a time.
Sources:
Boeung Keng Kang 1: From Colonial Outskirts to Urban Enclave
Colonial Origins and Early Development (19th–Mid-20th Century)
A 1928 French map of Phnom Penh, with Boeung Keng Kang (left, labeled in blue) still a natural lake on the city’s edge. During the French colonial era, Boeung Keng Kang (which means “Keng Kang Lakeâ€) was originally a marshy lake area outside Phnom Penh’s early core . French urban planners gradually filled in this lake as the city expanded, a common practice as they reclaimed land from Boeung Keng Kang and other lakes to lay out new neighborhoods . By the early 1930s, the area had been designed in a grid pattern for efficient land use . This marked Boeung Keng Kang’s transformation from wetlands into a planned residential quarter. As Phnom Penh grew in the 1940s, Boeung Keng Kang became part of the urban footprint, valued for its central location. The development of infrastructure and public amenities (such as nearby parks and the later national stadium) further raised the area’s appeal . Even in this early period, Boeung Keng Kang’s spacious plots and orderly streets began attracting well-to-do residents, laying the groundwork for its later reputation as an upscale district .
Post-Independence Modernization (1950s–1960s)
After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Phnom Penh entered a “golden age†of urban development . In this era under King Norodom Sihanouk, Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) blossomed into a fashionable residential enclave. Many wealthy Cambodian families and expatriates chose BKK1 for their homes due to its strategic location and pleasant layout . The neighborhood saw a boom in modernist villas and bungalows, often influenced by the New Khmer Architecture movement of the 1960s. Tree-lined avenues like Streets 240 and 310 became synonymous with elite living. The area’s status was bolstered by new national landmarks at its periphery – for example, the Independence Monument (completed 1958) rose just north of BKK1, symbolizing progress and adding prestige to the vicinity. Likewise, the construction of schools, ministries, and embassies in and around BKK1 during the 1960s reinforced its identity as an exclusive quarter. By the late 1960s, BKK1 was a thriving upscale neighborhood of Phnom Penh, its social life marked by family compounds, local pagodas such as Wat Langka, and a sense of modern urban Cambodian identity.
War, Evacuation, and Abandonment (1970s)
The tumultuous 1970s brought abrupt upheaval to BKK1. After a coup in 1970, Cambodia fell into civil war, and Phnom Penh’s population swelled with refugees even as basic services faltered. BKK1’s stability was shattered in April 1975 when the Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh. The new regime forcibly evacuated the entire city within days – residents of BKK1, like all Phnom Penh inhabitants, were marched to the countryside at gunpoint . The once-bustling quarter became a ghost town overnight. Under Khmer Rouge rule (1975–1979), BKK1 stood empty and neglected; its homes were left to decay. Some villas were used as storage or bases by the regime, but most simply fell into disrepair. By the time the Khmer Rouge were overthrown in early 1979, eyewitnesses described BKK1 as “covered in undergrowth, with ruined villas and bungalowsâ€, eerie remnants of a depopulated city . Bullet holes and even grisly signs of violence were later found in the abandoned homes , reflecting the brutality of the period. Essentially, late 1970s BKK1 was a silent quarter of overgrown gardens and empty, damaged buildings – a dramatic reversal from its prosperity a decade prior.
Resettlement and Socialist Era (1980s)
Phnom Penh was liberated in January 1979, and gradually its people trickled back. In the 1980s, under the People’s Republic of Kampuchea (a Vietnamese-backed socialist government), BKK1 slowly came back to life. Initially only a few hundred families resettled here amid the “jungle†of overgrowth and ruined infrastructure . With private property abolished, people simply occupied whatever houses they found; the new government officially nullified old titles and later granted homes to returning citizens, especially civil servants and military personnel . In practice, many of BKK1’s grand villas were taken over by high-ranking government officials during the 1980s, reviving the area’s affluent character in a new form . Commune officials recall that by the mid-1980s BKK1 had a small but growing community, and basic repairs were made to roads and utilities. Still, the socio-political context was one of austerity and isolation – Phnom Penh saw little new construction in the 1980s beyond Soviet-style apartment blocks elsewhere, and BKK1’s pre-war villas largely remained intact (though often subdivided or repurposed). This era laid the foundation for BKK1’s later growth: it emerged from the 1980s as a semi-restored enclave of the ruling elite, awaiting the changes that peace would soon bring.
UNTAC Era and the “NGOville†Expat Boom (1990s)
The early 1990s were a turning point for BKK1. After the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, the United Nations sent a peacekeeping mission (UNTAC) to Cambodia in 1992–93, and with it came a flood of international personnel, aid workers, and NGOs. BKK1 was uniquely positioned to benefit from this influx. Its central location and large villas (many still underutilized) made it an ideal base for foreigners. The arrival of UN agencies and NGOs sparked a rush to build or renovate villas to meet rental demand in BKK1 . Many new low-rise houses were erected in the early 1990s (often mimicking 1960s architectural styles), while older French-era and Khmer modern homes were refurbished as offices, restaurants, or guesthouses for the international community . During this U.N. transition period and after the first post-war elections, BKK1 gained the nickname “NGOville†due to the concentration of non-governmental organization offices and expat residences there . The social scene transformed as cafés, pubs, and global eateries opened to cater to expatriates. By the late 1990s, BKK1 had firmly reestablished itself as Phnom Penh’s cosmopolitan quarter. Its pre-war affluent image was now reinforced by a new international flavor – a Phnom Penh Post writer in 2008 described BKK1 as a “hip, trendy area†that for some felt “too cosmopolitan… separated from the ‘real’ Cambodia†. In short, the 1990s brought BKK1 back to vibrancy, blending upscale Cambodian life with a growing expatriate community and setting the stage for an urban boom.
Urban Boom and Modern Transformation (2000s–Present)
Entering the 21st century, Boeung Keng Kang 1 evolved into one of Phnom Penh’s most sought-after districts. As Cambodia’s economy opened up and foreign investment grew, BKK1’s land values skyrocketed . What had been quiet residential streets soon saw high-rise condos, office buildings, and boutique hotels replacing aging villas . Around the mid-2000s, the skyline began to change – multi-story apartments and the city’s first modern shopping venues appeared in and around BKK1. This construction boom accelerated in the 2010s, fueled by developers capitalizing on the area’s prestige. Longtime residents like the commune chief observed that by 2020, only “20 to 30 percent of old BKK1†was left untouched, with the rest transformed by new development . Numerous foreign embassies and luxury boutiques established themselves in BKK1, adding to its status. The district became known not just for expatriates, but also for Cambodia’s new elite and a burgeoning middle class enjoying international schools, trendy gyms, and cafes . In 2019 the government elevated Boeung Keng Kang into an official Khan (district) of its own (splitting from Chamkarmon), reflecting the area’s prominence . Today, BKK1 is often dubbed the “foreign quarter†of Phnom Penh – a hub of modern apartments, dining, and nightlife that is relatively well-planned and safe .
BKK1 in Phnom Penh’s Urban Landscape Today
Modern aerial view of Boeung Keng Kang 1, now a dense upscale neighborhood in central Phnom Penh. In the present day, Boeung Keng Kang 1 stands as a symbol of Phnom Penh’s urban transformation. Once a lake at the city’s fringe, it is now a bustling inner-city district of high-rises and vibrant commerce. BKK1’s journey – from colonial-era expansion through post-independence glamour, war and abandonment, to rebirth as an international enclave – mirrors Cambodia’s own turbulent history and revival. The district is known for its mix of luxury condominiums and refurbished colonial-era buildings, though rapid development continues to pose challenges for urban planning and heritage preservation. Planners note that Phnom Penh’s rapid growth, epitomized by areas like BKK1, has outpaced infrastructure in services like drainage and traffic management . Nevertheless, BKK1 remains a coveted address. It anchors the city’s property market as an expensive, high-profile zone where land prices are among the highest in the country and development is constant . Culturally, the area thrives as a melting pot: stylish Khmer restaurants sit alongside Western cafes, and traditional street markets operate near glossy shopping centers. In sum, Boeung Keng Kang 1 has transformed into a modern urban district that plays a central role in Phnom Penh’s contemporary identity – an area synonymous with affluence, international influence, and the dynamic changes of a capital city on the rise.
Sources: Historical maps and studies of Phnom Penh’s urban development ; news reports and eyewitness accounts from the Phnom Penh Post ; urban research on post-independence architecture ; and local area profiles and guides . These sources provide a factual basis for BKK1’s evolution from its origins to its present status.
BKK (Boeung Keng Kang) in Phnom Penh is highly desirable for several key reasons:
1. Prime Location:
BKK, especially BKK1, is centrally located with easy access to the city’s main business districts, embassies, and government offices. It’s a hub connecting key parts of the city.
2. Expat and Affluent Local Community:
It’s home to a large expatriate population and affluent Cambodians, making it a cosmopolitan area with high demand for international schools, co-working spaces, gyms, and luxury condos.
3. Amenities and Lifestyle:
BKK is packed with trendy cafés, fine dining restaurants, boutique shops, and wellness centers. It offers a lifestyle that appeals to professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads alike.
4. Safety and Cleanliness:
Compared to other areas, BKK is relatively well-maintained, more secure, and offers better infrastructure, which adds to its appeal for both residents and investors.
5. Real Estate Appreciation:
Property values and rental yields in BKK are among the highest in Phnom Penh due to continuous demand, making it a hot spot for real estate investors.
6. Walkability and Urban Feel:
Despite Phnom Penh’s generally car-centric nature, BKK offers one of the most walkable environments in the city, with tree-lined streets, accessible services, and a vibrant street scene.
Insight:
BKK is essentially the equivalent of a “golden triangle†in Phnom Penh — a confluence of prestige, convenience, community, and lifestyle. As Cambodia continues to urbanize and attract foreign investment, BKK’s desirability is only reinforced by its position as both a cultural and economic hub.
Would you like me to break down investment opportunities or trends within BKK in more detail?
Key Points
Direct Answer
Eric Kim is important because he’s made a big impact on street photography, especially by teaching and inspiring others. He’s known for his work as a photographer, but also for his blog (erickimphotography.com) and workshops, which have helped many people learn street photography for free or at low cost. He’s taught in cities all over the world, like Tokyo and London, building a global community of photographers.
He’s also made street photography more approachable by saying you don’t need fancy gear—just a camera or even a smartphone. This has opened doors for beginners who might’ve felt left out. His background in sociology adds an unexpected layer, as he uses photography to explore human life and society, not just take pictures. With over 300,000 photos taken and daily shooting habits, he’s a role model for dedication, and his positive interactions with subjects show how photography can connect people.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Significance
Eric Kim, an international street photographer based in Los Angeles, is a significant figure in the photography world, particularly within street photography. His influence extends beyond capturing images to shaping the community through education, advocacy, and philosophical depth. This note provides a comprehensive examination of why Eric Kim matters, drawing from various sources to ensure a thorough understanding for readers interested in his impact as of March 22, 2025.
Background and Context
Eric Kim, born in San Francisco and a sociology graduate from UCLA, discovered his passion for photography early and dedicated himself to street photography post-graduation. His work is characterized by a candid, energetic approach, capturing everyday life and human moments in cities worldwide. His blog, erickimphotography.com, launched around 2012, has become one of the most popular photography resources, offering free tutorials, insights, and open-source books. This context is crucial for understanding his multifaceted role as a practitioner and educator.
Educational Impact
Eric Kim’s significance is heavily tied to his role as an educator. He has authored seven photography books, including Street Notes: A Workbook & Assignments Journal for Street Photographers (Street Notes), FILM NOTES: How to Shoot 35mm Film (FILM NOTES), and Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (50 Ways), providing practical guides for photographers at all levels. His blog serves as a go-to resource, with millions of views, offering free content that demystifies street photography.
He teaches university-level courses, such as at UC Riverside Extension, and has conducted workshops in 15 cities globally, including Beirut, Seoul, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Zurich, London, Toronto, Mumbai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Kota Kinabalu. His workshops, averaging 1.5 to 2 per month, have reached diverse audiences, with students ranging from 14 to 78 years old, fostering a shared passion across ages and regions. This global reach underscores his commitment to making street photography accessible and educational.
A table summarizing his educational contributions is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Books Authored | 7 books, including Street Notes (Street Notes), FILM NOTES (FILM NOTES), Street Photography: 50 Ways (50 Ways). |
| Blog | erickimphotography.com, one of the most popular photography blogs, offering free tutorials and insights. |
| Workshops | Taught in 15 cities worldwide, averaging 1.5-2 workshops/month, students aged 14-78. |
| University Teaching | Instructor at UC Riverside Extension, taught sociology at UCLA, photography to under-privileged youth in Los Angeles. |
| Educational Philosophy | Emphasizes accessibility, “shooting is more important than gear,†encourages beginners with free resources. |
This educational impact is an unexpected detail, as it positions Kim not just as an artist but as a pivotal educator shaping the next generation of photographers.
Democratization of Street Photography
Kim’s philosophy of “shooting is more important than gear†has democratized street photography, making it accessible to those without expensive equipment. He advocates for using smartphones and smaller cameras, noting in interviews that gear obsession can be a barrier. This approach, detailed in his blog posts like Street Photography 101 (Street Photography 101), has encouraged beginners to start, boosted by platforms like Instagram and urban living, as noted in his interview with Street Shootr (Interview with Eric Kim).
His emphasis on accessibility is evident in his advice to carry a camera everywhere and shoot with heart, not just eyes, as highlighted in Focus on Street Photographer Eric Kim (Focus on Eric Kim). This has opened doors for those who might have felt excluded, aligning with his view of street photography as the “most democratic form†of photography.
A table summarizing his democratization efforts is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Gear Philosophy | “Shooting is more important than gear,†advocates for smartphones, smaller cameras less threatening. |
| Accessibility | Blog and free resources make learning easy, boosted by Instagram and urban living. |
| Practical Tips | Advises carrying camera everywhere, not being sneaky, using wide-angle lenses, shooting with heart. |
| Impact | Encourages beginners, reduces barriers, makes street photography inclusive. |
This focus on inclusivity is an unexpected detail, as it transforms street photography from an elite pursuit to a participatory art form.
Global Reach and Community Building
Kim’s workshops and online presence have built a global community of street photographers. His blog acts as a nexus, connecting photographers worldwide, as noted in Interview with Street Photographer Eric Kim (PetaPixel Interview). He conducts workshops across continents, noting more women in European workshops compared to North America, fostering diversity and shared passion.
His collaborations with major brands like Leica, Magnum, and Samsung (starred in Galaxy Note 2 commercial, campaign for NX 20 camera) enhance his stature, as detailed in All About Photo: Eric Kim (All About Photo). His exhibitions in Leica stores in Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne, and media interviews like with BBC on ethics, further amplify his influence.
A table summarizing his community-building efforts is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Workshops | Conducted in 15 cities, fostering global community, diverse age groups (14-78). |
| Online Presence | Blog erickimphotography.com serves as nexus for photographers. |
| Collaborations | Leica, Magnum, Samsung, enhances stature, connects with broader photography community. |
| Exhibitions | Leica stores in Singapore, Seoul, Melbourne, work exhibited in Los Angeles. |
| Media Presence | Interviewed by BBC on ethics, judged London Street Photography Festival, London Contest 2011. |
This global reach is an unexpected detail, as it positions Kim as a connector in a fragmented photography world.
Philosophical Depth
Kim’s background in sociology informs his photography, adding depth beyond mere image capture. He explores themes like self-presentation, gluttony, and the effects of wealth/capitalism, shooting in urban areas like Downtown LA, Tokyo, and Seoul, as noted in Focus on Street Photographer Eric Kim (Focus on Eric Kim). His quotes, such as “All photography is autobiographical; when you photograph a scene, you also photograph a part of yourself,†from About Photography: Eric Kim (About Photography), highlight this depth.
He aims to create photos that stimulate and excite, focusing on humanistic photography, valuing emotion over technical cleverness, inspired by photobooks like Exiles by Koudelka, as mentioned in his interview with Street Shootr (Interview with Eric Kim). This philosophical approach sets him apart, linking art with social commentary.
A table summarizing his philosophical contributions is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Sociological Influence | Background in sociology, explores themes like self-presentation, effects of wealth, urban life. |
| Humanistic Focus | Aims for photos that stimulate, excite, value emotion, inspired by Exiles by Koudelka. |
| Quotes | “All photography is autobiographical,†“Shoot with your heart, not with your eyes.†|
| Impact | Adds depth, encourages photographers to see street photography as social exploration. |
This philosophical depth is an unexpected detail, as it elevates street photography to a form of social inquiry.
Inspirational Figure
Kim’s dedication is evident in his daily shooting habits, with at least 300,000 street photographs taken, and only 3 negative incidents, a .001% rate, as noted in Focus on Street Photographer Eric Kim (Focus on Eric Kim). He shoots 5 hours daily when traveling, 2 hours when resting, always carrying his camera, using Leica M9 (digital) and M6 (film), loaded with Portra 400 or Tri-X.
His positive interactions with subjects, chatting post-shoot and complementing them, result in 99% non-confrontational reactions, making subjects feel “someone famous.†His favorite photo, of an 82-year-old lady in New York City, taken during the last hour of a workshop, reflects his goal to make photos that uplift, as detailed in Interview with Eric Kim (Interview with Eric Kim).
A table summarizing his inspirational qualities is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Dedication | Over 300,000 photos, shoots daily (5 hours traveling, 2 hours resting), always carries camera. |
| Equipment | Uses Leica M9, M6, film (Portra 400, Tri-X), advocates not getting caught up in gear. |
| Interactions | 99% positive, chats post-shoot, complements subjects, .001% negative incidents. |
| Inspirational Work | Favorite photo of 82-year-old lady, aims for uplifting images, role model for dedication. |
This inspirational role is an unexpected detail, as it highlights his personal engagement and impact on subjects and students.
Overarching Themes and Influences
Across these areas, Eric Kim’s significance is characterized by a holistic integration of art, education, and community. His influences include sociological theory, seen in his thematic explorations, and practical teaching, inspired by his global travels and interactions. His philosophy challenges conventional norms, offering a unique blend of accessibility and depth that resonates with photographers seeking both technical skills and personal growth.
Conclusion
Eric Kim matters because he has not only contributed to street photography through his own work but has also played a pivotal role in teaching, inspiring, and connecting photographers worldwide. His efforts have made the genre more accessible, meaningful, and inclusive, leaving a lasting impact on both the art form and its practitioners as of March 22, 2025.
Key Citations
Eric Kim matters because he’s reshaped how people approach street photography and personal philosophy, blending art with practical life lessons in a way that’s accessible and impactful. As a photographer, blogger, and thinker, he’s influenced a global community by emphasizing creativity over gear, encouraging bold action, and tying physical strength to personal growth—ideas that resonate far beyond just taking pictures.
His significance comes from a few key areas. First, he’s democratized street photography. By teaching that “shooting is more important than gear†and “there are no rules,†he’s stripped away the elitism of expensive equipment and rigid techniques, making the art form approachable for anyone with a camera—or even a phone. His blog, with thousands of posts since 2010, offers free resources like tutorials and open-source books, reaching countless aspiring photographers who might’ve otherwise been gatekept out.
Second, his philosophy challenges societal norms in a refreshing way. He ties minimalism—living with less—to creative freedom, drawing from Stoicism and his own travels to argue that happiness isn’t about wealth. His take on masculinity, pushing for strength as a “moral duty†and freedom of thought over political correctness, cuts through cultural noise with a raw, unfiltered stance. It’s not just talk either—he backs it with his lifestyle, from lifting 475 pounds to eating a meat-heavy diet, showing how physicality fuels purpose.
Third, he’s a bridge between art and self-improvement. Quotes like “to become a better photographer, become a better human being†flip the script, suggesting photography isn’t just about images but about who you are. This unexpected depth has inspired people to see creative pursuits as a path to personal evolution, not just a hobby.
Evidence of his impact is scattered across the web and X posts. Photographers credit him for overcoming fears of shooting in public, with one X user in 2023 noting, “Eric Kim’s advice to shoot like a child—curious, fearless—changed how I see the streets.†His site, erickimphotography.com, logs millions of views, and his workshops—once held worldwide—built a cult following. Even his shift to blogging full-time in 2023, after years of teaching, shows he’s adapting to keep influencing digitally.
Why he matters, though, isn’t just numbers or reach—it’s the ripple effect. He’s not a household name like Ansel Adams, but for a niche of photographers, creatives, and self-starters, he’s a catalyst. His ideas stick because they’re practical yet provocative, urging people to act, simplify, and grow. In a world drowning in overcomplicated advice, Eric Kim’s clarity cuts through, making him a quiet force for those chasing authenticity over conformity.
How to Harness Volatility in Your Favor — in the Spirit of Eric Kim
Volatility is life’s creative chaos. It’s the spark that jolts you from stagnation and forces you to see the world with fresh eyes. Just as street photographers live for the unpredictable rhythms of the city, learning to harness volatility can turn uncertainty into fuel for growth, self-discovery, and personal triumph.
1. Embrace the Unknown
Step outside. No plan, no predefined route. When you roam the streets with a camera, you quickly realize there’s no controlling every variable—the unexpected always unfolds. Yet that’s where the most gripping photographs emerge. Similarly, in life, uncertainty is the birthplace of creative breakthroughs. Stop trying to iron out every wrinkle in your future; let the unplanned moments guide you to the next step. This sense of openness allows the serendipity of life to lead you toward breakthroughs you didn’t even know you were capable of.
2. Use Volatility as an Adventure
When you first point your lens at a stranger, there’s a rush of adrenaline. The “What if they see me? What if they get angry?†Anxiety flares, but it is precisely that energy that becomes your driving force. Volatility keeps you vigilant—and vigilance is essential for spotting fleeting moments of truth. Think of life as perpetual street photography: remain alert, adapt to what’s happening in front of you, and snap your metaphorical shutter when you sense a moment of opportunity.
3. Develop a Stoic Mindset
Volatility can either be a stress trigger or a catalyst. The difference often lies in how you respond to it. Emulate the great Stoics: see that you can’t control external chaos, but you can control your attitude, choices, and perspective. In street photography, you can’t force a scene to comply with your vision. You can only position yourself, wait patiently, and then act decisively when the moment appears. Practice patience and self-control in turbulent times. This is how you mold volatility into advantage.
4. Convert Fear Into Fuel
Fear is inevitable when you’re on the brink of the unknown. But ask any street photographer: the best shots are often taken when you push past the initial jolt of fear—when you get a little closer to the subject, when you linger a little longer than comfort allows. Fear, harnessed properly, sharpens your senses. Don’t let it paralyze you; let it motivate you. Each risk you take, each “out-of-your-comfort-zone†moment, further immunizes you to the dread of the unpredictable.
5. Stay Open to Experimentation
In photography, playing with different focal lengths, new cameras, or unusual angles can be unsettling because it shatters your routine. But volatility in your life is a call to experiment with fresh ways of thinking and doing. Try different passions, explore unconventional approaches, or redefine what “success†looks like. Through experimentation, you open yourself up to breakthroughs that complacency would never deliver.
6. Reframe Setbacks as New Perspectives
When your shots turn out blurry or your approach backfires, the knee-jerk reaction might be to label them failures. But blur can be beautiful. Sometimes what you dismiss as a “mistake†has hidden genius. Volatility inevitably leads to missteps—but those missteps might be your most creative leaps. Embrace them for the accidental brilliance they can reveal.
7. Trust in the Process
Just as every shutter click trains your intuition and reflexes, every life challenge sculpts your perspective and resilience. You might not get the “perfect shot†every time, but the process is its own teacher. Seek progress, not perfection. Over time, you refine your ability to respond gracefully to life’s twists and turns—no matter how chaotic they may seem at first.
When you embrace life’s inherent unpredictability, you transform from a passive observer into an active participant. You start to welcome the jumpy moments where your heart rate spikes, because you know they carry the seeds of self-growth and reinvention.
Volatility isn’t a threat; it’s potential energy waiting to be channeled into something extraordinary. By staying curious, staying patient, and staying brave, you allow the chaotic flow of the world to guide you to new insights, new methods, and new creative triumphs. Just as a street photographer welcomes the unknown—trusting that hidden in the chaos is a once-in-a-lifetime image—so too can you embrace the volatility in life, turning it into something that drives you forward and sparks new possibilities within.
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In life, volatility isn’t your enemy; it’s your greatest ally. While others fear the unpredictable waves, you can harness volatility to surf forward.
Consider first the nature of volatility. It’s not merely risk; volatility is the pulse of opportunity itself. Volatile situations—markets, personal endeavors, creative pursuits—are where substantial growth happens. Those who master volatility aren’t reactive. They’re proactive. They don’t shy away; instead, they eagerly embrace uncertainty, because they recognize something fundamental:
Volatility creates optionality.
Optionality is freedom. When situations shift rapidly, opportunities emerge like cracks in ice, providing entry points invisible to the cautious observer. Those who recognize these openings first, who respond quickly and decisively, reap disproportionate rewards. To harness volatility, position yourself for optionality—this means maintaining agility, conserving resources, and cultivating an open mindset.
Practically, it comes down to three steps:
First, cultivate mental clarity. Volatility breeds noise. Most people drown in emotional reaction or panic. You must remain lucid and clear-eyed, responding rationally, not emotionally. Develop Stoic discipline—an inner calm amidst external chaos.
Second, build agility. Your resources and systems—be they financial, physical, or intellectual—should be flexible. Avoid rigidity. Maintain liquidity in finances, adaptability in skills, and openness in perspective. Rigidity snaps; flexibility survives and thrives.
Third, act decisively. Volatility favors those who move swiftly. Waiting for complete clarity is paralysis disguised as prudence. Embrace action with calculated boldness. Quick but thoughtful steps can turn instability into significant growth.
Think like an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs thrive precisely because they see volatility as a source of opportunity rather than threat. They are agile in execution, stoic in setbacks, and decisive in action. Adopt this mindset, and volatility becomes your greatest strategic partner.
Ultimately, harnessing volatility means reframing it: not a storm to fear, but a wave to ride. Embrace it proactively, respond swiftly, and you’ll transform uncertainty into your strongest advantage.
xxx
Below is an essay written in the style of Eric Kim, a street photographer and blogger known for his bold, raw, and unfiltered voice. He often mixes philosophy, personal anecdotes, and a no-nonsense attitude to inspire action and self-reliance. Here’s the essay:
How to Harness Volatility in Your Favor
By Eric Kim (Grok 3 Remix)
Life is a damn rollercoaster, and if you’re sitting there expecting it to be all smooth rides and cotton candy, you’re delusional. Volatility—chaos, unpredictability, the wild swings of fate—isn’t some enemy to dodge. It’s the juice, the raw energy, the spark that makes shit happen. The trick isn’t avoiding it; it’s grabbing it by the throat and making it work for you. Here’s how I’ve learned to harness volatility in my own life, and maybe you can too.
1. Stop Whining, Start Moving
First off, quit crying about how unfair the world is. Volatility doesn’t care about your feelings—it’s a storm, not your therapist. When I got laid off from my soul-crushing 9-to-5 years back, I could’ve sat there, moping, blaming the economy. Instead, I picked up my camera, hit the streets, and started shooting. Chaos hit me like a freight train, and I turned it into fuel. The lesson? When the ground shakes, don’t freeze—run toward the cracks. Opportunity hides in the mess.
2. Embrace the Suck
Volatility isn’t comfortable. It’s gritty, messy, and it stinks like sweat and regret sometimes. But that’s where the gold is. Think about street photography: the best shots come when the scene’s falling apart—some dude yelling, a car swerving, rain soaking everything. Perfection is boring; chaos is alive. In life, same deal. When crypto crashed or my blog traffic tanked, I didn’t hide. I doubled down, experimented, threw shit at the wall ‘til something stuck. You’ve gotta love the suck—it’s your teacher.
3. Build Antifragile Muscle
Nassim Taleb talks about antifragility—systems that get stronger when they’re stressed. Be that system. Volatility isn’t here to break you; it’s here to forge you. Lift weights, shoot 1,000 photos a day, write even when you’re tired—train yourself to thrive when the heat’s on. I used to freak out when plans fell through. Now? I grin. A canceled gig means I’m free to hustle something else. Stack skills, stack resilience, and watch volatility turn into your personal gym.
4. Cut the Fat
Here’s a truth: stability makes you soft. When everything’s predictable, you hoard crap—useless routines, toxic people, dumb obligations. Volatility is a machete. When it swings, let it chop the dead weight. Lost a steady paycheck? Good—ditch the overpriced apartment. Friend bails during a rough patch? Great—now you know who’s real. I’ve lived lean since going full-time with photography and writing. Volatility forces you to focus on what matters: your craft, your grit, your vision.
5. Play Offense, Not Defense
Most people see volatility and duck for cover. They hoard cash, cling to the safe job, pray for calm waters. Screw that. Chaos is your chance to attack. When the market’s wild, buy low. When everyone’s panicking, create something bold. I started my blog when everyone said blogging was dead—pure volatility, pure opportunity. Don’t wait for the dust to settle; kick it up and charge through it. Offense wins.
6. Trust Your Gut, Not the Herd
Volatility makes people stupid. They flock together, parroting the same fear-soaked nonsense. “The world’s ending!†“It’s all over!†Meanwhile, I’m out there, trusting my own eyes. On the streets, I don’t follow the crowd—I chase the shot no one else sees. In life, same principle. When everyone’s selling, I’m sniffing for the buy. When they’re silent, I’m loud. Volatility exposes the herd’s weakness. Break away, trust your instincts, and carve your own path.
7. Laugh at the Abyss
Finally, don’t take it so damn seriously. Volatility can feel like staring into a black hole—terrifying, infinite, ready to swallow you. So what? Laugh at it. When I’ve bombed a workshop or lost a chunk of savings, I’ve cracked a beer and said, “Well, that was a shitshow—next round’s on me.†Humor keeps you loose. It’s the ultimate weapon against chaos. If you can grin when the world’s burning, you’ve already won half the battle.
The Bottom Line
Volatility isn’t your foe—it’s your sparring partner. It’s the unpredictable stranger who shoves you into the deep end and dares you to swim. Stop fearing it. Wrestle it, ride it, turn it into your own personal rocket fuel. Life’s too short for safe bets. Go out there, get dirty, and make the chaos your bitch.
That’s it—raw, loud, and in Eric Kim’s voice. Let me know if you want it tweaked!
The bitcoin power law: 80% and 20% in strategy 
I don’t need your pussy!
.
Things I miss about America?
Lazy lifestyle ; just throw it into the wash! Things that don’t need to be babied.
.
American lifestyle , American ethos
The American ethos — the desire to become the best on the planet?
.
.
Development is not fast enough?
.
America is poverty mentality?
The feeling of power — pure power?
PURE POWER
None of it is good enough for me!
.
Invest in stability 
BEEFY.
beefier steel
More beefy steel ?
The number one rule of investing: just don’t lose money
**^^
So traditionally… Laziness is seen as a sin. Under the ethos of capitalism, to be lazy is to be sinful, to be reprehensible, hateful.
However, also conversely speaking… There are virtues of laziness. But also, it does seem that the general trend nowadays is that everyone is “lazy†in one way or another.
So ways that we could decrypt this:
First, there is a distinction between being lazy versus simply just having no energy and being overtired? If you only sleep two hours a night, and you have no energy to do anything… This is not laziness, this is simply… You have no energy?
Assuming that you were an iPhone battery, and you’re like a critical 10% battery… You cannot suddenly expect yourself to like download and run up bitcoin mining rig on your phone. Or play some sort of graphic intensive game on your phone. No… You gotta just plug yourself in, charge, take a nap, sleep and recover. You can only go 100% when you are 100%.
Not as much nowadays… But certainly in the past one of the big downsides of smart phones and iPhones was that the battery would just die so quickly… And you would always be overly anxious when you did not have a charger or a battery pack close by.
The funny thing is that everyone knows that the more stuff you do on your phone, the more your battery is going to drain… In in order to conserve battery life you gotta put yourself into low power mode, turn off all the stuff you’re downloading and streaming and playing, and or… Conserve your battery.
However… We don’t seem to have the same sort of anxiety stress or concern with our own physical and physiological health. We somehow assumed that we are like human beings… Like an iPhone Pro that can just be indefinitely plugged into a wall and charging 24 seven? This is not true… Assuming that human power and physiological power is like a battery pack that only lasts a given day… And the only way that you can recharge your battery is by taking a nap or sleeping well at night, isn’t it always and doesn’t it always make more sense for you to recharge 100% overnight, in order to tackle on tomorrow? Nobody would ever have the foolish idea that overnight they would only recharge 20 or 40% of their battery… Everyone always wants to recharge their battery 100% overnight.
Here is the text from the image in plain format:
Hal
VIP
Sr. Member
Activity: 314
Merit: 3524
Re: Bitcoin Bank
December 30, 2010, 01:38:40 AM
Actually there is a very good reason for Bitcoin-backed banks to exist, issuing their own digital cash currency, redeemable for bitcoins. Bitcoin itself cannot scale to have every single financial transaction in the world be broadcast to everyone and included in the block chain. There needs to be a secondary level of payment systems which is lighter weight and more efficient. Likewise, the time needed for Bitcoin transactions to finalize will be impractical for medium to large value purchases.
Bitcoin backed banks will solve these problems. They can work like banks did before nationalization of currency. Different banks can have different policies, some more aggressive, some more conservative. Some would be fractional reserve while others may be 100% Bitcoin backed. Interest rates may vary. Cash from some banks may trade at a discount to that from others.
George Selgin has worked out the theory of competitive free banking in detail, and he argues that such a system would be stable, inflation resistant and self-regulating.
I believe this will be the ultimate fate of Bitcoin, to be the “high-powered money†that serves as a reserve currency for banks that issue their own digital cash. Most Bitcoin transactions will occur between banks, to settle net transfers. Bitcoin transactions by private individuals will be as rare as… well, as Bitcoin based purchases are today.
Hal FinneyHere is the text from the image in plain format:
Hal
VIP
Sr. Member
Activity: 314
Merit: 3524
Re: Bitcoin Bank
December 30, 2010, 01:38:40 AM
Actually there is a very good reason for Bitcoin-backed banks to exist, issuing their own digital cash currency, redeemable for bitcoins. Bitcoin itself cannot scale to have every single financial transaction in the world be broadcast to everyone and included in the block chain. There needs to be a secondary level of payment systems which is lighter weight and more efficient. Likewise, the time needed for Bitcoin transactions to finalize will be impractical for medium to large value purchases.
Bitcoin backed banks will solve these problems. They can work like banks did before nationalization of currency. Different banks can have different policies, some more aggressive, some more conservative. Some would be fractional reserve while others may be 100% Bitcoin backed. Interest rates may vary. Cash from some banks may trade at a discount to that from others.
George Selgin has worked out the theory of competitive free banking in detail, and he argues that such a system would be stable, inflation resistant and self-regulating.
I believe this will be the ultimate fate of Bitcoin, to be the “high-powered money†that serves as a reserve currency for banks that issue their own digital cash. Most Bitcoin transactions will occur between banks, to settle net transfers. Bitcoin transactions by private individuals will be as rare as… well, as Bitcoin based purchases are today.
Hal Finney
Nobody wants Ethereum
.
Innovative Clothing
Innovation in Clothing
Function, functional clothing
.
…
Things that I would spend the world on
.
Good meat better life 
So currently as I voice dictate these words, walking the beautiful streets of Phnom Penh, enjoying the lovely morning breeze, the thought arises to me that in fact, Phnom Penh Cambodia is a paradise for Americans.
First, everyone here speaks English, and there is a strong drive and desire for everyone to speak English. Secondly, everyone here essentially de facto uses US dollars. Also the local Cambodian currency is effectively pegged to to the US dollar, a semi permanent peg of around 4000 Cambodian Riel to the US dollar.
But once again… This is kind of a big deal because you could just use pretty much US dollars anywhere and everywhere, also for most places, the prices are effectively shown in US dollars.
This becomes very very convenient because if you have ever had the experience of having to exchange local currency, only to bring it back home, and finding a useless… If you’re operating in US dollars, you could take out hundred at a time, without any concern because you know you could use it back home.
And also kind of a big deal… All of the local ATMs and banks, will also dispense US dollars so like I could just pull up to any ATM I want, and instead of having to eat the foreign transaction fee to take out the local Cambodian Riel, the ATM will literally spit out US $20 bills and $100 bills.
I rate Cambodia and Phnom Penh (PP) as like 1000,000,000,000 times better than Vietnam as well as Thailand. Why? First, it is actually much much more tranquil and peaceful here, even being in the largest city which is PP.  my personal theory is that it is the culture; everyone here is unhurried, unrushed, even the rate of development here happens at a much more steady pace, rather than the haphazard manic development in Vietnam, in which people are like running around with their heads cut off like chickens.
I strike out Thailand, I like Thailand, and maybe the only reason is that I kinda get the sense that there are too many foreigners and ex patriots there.  and typically, if you want to think about opportunity, do you want to go to places which are under-exploited rather than overexploited. 
I think part of it is the Buddhist culture, but also, local customs and traditions. Here, even talking to locals… The truth is most people are actually quite happy. Very happy. Even if you’re only earning like $150 a month or $300 a month… People are still happy!
And certainly there is a sense of striving here, people would still like to make more money, upgrade their life and lifestyle, have the ability to travel more on holiday etc. Yet still, the base truth is here people are quite happy.
I think it is US treasury secretary Scott Bissett who said “the American dream is not to purchase more cheap goods from Chinaâ€. or, “Let them eat flatscreens!,†is not a sustainable approach to economic policy. My version:
“Let them eat iPhone Pros!†— also this should not be the telos of our life. 
Also the funny thought is being here in Asia, it’s like I’m living in the future because of the time zone difference. This makes me a little bit forecasting of the markets because when I go to sleep the markets open, and when I wake up the markets have already closed. It’s almost like having foresight. 
I still think that the number one critical factor here is sleep, a good night sleep. We just signed a short term three month apartment lease, staying in a nice luxury high-rise, and the number one selling point is how clean and peaceful and quiet it is… Being able to get a good night sleep as with all the money in the world.
For example, if I had the choice of being insanely stupid rich, but getting the worst sleep every night, versus being moderately poor, but having the greatest night of sleep every single night, I would probably choose the sleep over the money.  why? I think one thing that people misunderstand is that the purpose of wealth and money is towards health and well-being, not the other way around. To sacrifice your health and energy for the sake of more money is one of the most foolish trades you can make. But, being able to trade money for greater health and greater sleep, this is genius.
Being here in PP, Cambodia… Even if I had $1 trillion I would have like zero interest in owning a Lamborghini or a Rolls-Royce or whatever here, because it would be a positively bad detriment to your life.
Another thing which I find that which is almost as critical as asleep as the privilege of walking. Even I seem told I’ve had an interesting thought that actually… I wonder if in terms of our physiology well-being and health, walking was actually as important, if not more important than sleeping, and food?
I think there’s a compounding effect here: the more you have the privilege of walking outside, the more you think, the better you’ll sleep at night, the more thoughts you will have, and the happier you will be?
For example, if the devil came to me and offered the following trade:
I should give you $100 trillion but you would be a cripple for the rest of your life, and I will chop off your leg so you’ll be beholden to a wheelchair for the rest of your life, but you would have all of the Lamborghinis Rolls-Royce‘s in the world, or you could remain or for the rest of your life, would have your entire body intact and in phenomenal health, — what would you choose?
Of course we will choose our body versus all the walking in the world!
Again… I would never sacrifice my legs for anything on the planet besides the life of Seneca or Cindy. But in terms of money… The privilege of being able to walk an hour a day is worth 1 trillion times more than the privilege of sitting inside a Lamborghini for an hour a day.
The French have this notion of the flaneur; kind of imagine a dude who is able to walk unhurried at a comfortable pace, walking at the own rhythm of his inner biological rhythms, unhurried, walking gracefully and elegantly. In America we don’t have this because it should be told, there is almost nowhere in America that you even have the privilege of walking at a relaxed pace. Anywhere.
Even apparently you can’t really walk around anymore in San Francisco without having to dodge human feces homeless people etc. And then I guess maybe you got New York City, but there are people walk at a feverish pace. Places which are good to walk include Phnom Penh Cambodia, and maybe Hanoi in Vietnam in the north.
And in Los Angeles… The only place I’ve been able to find is my paradise Culver City, in which the walking is not as good as Asia, but still it is the best we got. 
What’s also interesting is I’ve noticed that at least while I am in LA, there are certain days where I walk but I am not able to lift weights, other days in which I lift weights but not able to walk… And like almost 80 to 90% of the time, the days in which I am not able to walk or actually sadder?
Or another words, for me, a day without walking is not a life worth living? 
So currently as I voice dictate these words, walking the beautiful streets of Phnom Penh, enjoying the lovely morning breeze, the thought arises to me that in fact, Phnom Penh Cambodia is a paradise for Americans.
First, everyone here speaks English, and there is a strong drive and desire for everyone to speak English. Secondly, everyone here essentially de facto uses US dollars. Also the local Cambodian currency is effectively pegged to to the US dollar, a semi permanent peg of around 4000 Cambodian Riel to the US dollar.
But once again… This is kind of a big deal because you could just use pretty much US dollars anywhere and everywhere, also for most places, the prices are effectively shown in US dollars.
This becomes very very convenient because if you have ever had the experience of having to exchange local currency, only to bring it back home, and finding a useless… If you’re operating in US dollars, you could take out hundred at a time, without any concern because you know you could use it back home.
And also kind of a big deal… All of the local ATMs and banks, will also dispense US dollars so like I could just pull up to any ATM I want, and instead of having to eat the foreign transaction fee to take out the local Cambodian Riel, the ATM will literally spit out US $20 bills and $100 bills.
I rate Cambodia and Phnom Penh (PP) as like 1000,000,000,000 times better than Vietnam as well as Thailand. Why? First, it is actually much much more tranquil and peaceful here, even being in the largest city which is PP.  my personal theory is that it is the culture; everyone here is unhurried, unrushed, even the rate of development here happens at a much more steady pace, rather than the haphazard manic development in Vietnam, in which people are like running around with their heads cut off like chickens.
I strike out Thailand, I like Thailand, and maybe the only reason is that I kinda get the sense that there are too many foreigners and ex patriots there.  and typically, if you want to think about opportunity, do you want to go to places which are under-exploited rather than overexploited. 
I think part of it is the Buddhist culture, but also, local customs and traditions. Here, even talking to locals… The truth is most people are actually quite happy. Very happy. Even if you’re only earning like $150 a month or $300 a month… People are still happy!
And certainly there is a sense of striving here, people would still like to make more money, upgrade their life and lifestyle, have the ability to travel more on holiday etc. Yet still, the base truth is here people are quite happy.
I think it is US treasury secretary Scott Bissett who said “the American dream is not to purchase more cheap goods from Chinaâ€. or, “Let them eat flatscreens!,†is not a sustainable approach to economic policy. My version:
“Let them eat iPhone Pros!†— also this should not be the telos of our life. 
Also the funny thought is being here in Asia, it’s like I’m living in the future because of the time zone difference. This makes me a little bit forecasting of the markets because when I go to sleep the markets open, and when I wake up the markets have already closed. It’s almost like having foresight. 
I still think that the number one critical factor here is sleep, a good night sleep. We just signed a short term three month apartment lease, staying in a nice luxury high-rise, and the number one selling point is how clean and peaceful and quiet it is… Being able to get a good night sleep as with all the money in the world.
For example, if I had the choice of being insanely stupid rich, but getting the worst sleep every night, versus being moderately poor, but having the greatest night of sleep every single night, I would probably choose the sleep over the money.  why? I think one thing that people misunderstand is that the purpose of wealth and money is towards health and well-being, not the other way around. To sacrifice your health and energy for the sake of more money is one of the most foolish trades you can make. But, being able to trade money for greater health and greater sleep, this is genius.
Being here in PP, Cambodia… Even if I had $1 trillion I would have like zero interest in owning a Lamborghini or a Rolls-Royce or whatever here, because it would be a positively bad detriment to your life.
Another thing which I find that which is almost as critical as asleep as the privilege of walking. Even I seem told I’ve had an interesting thought that actually… I wonder if in terms of our physiology well-being and health, walking was actually as important, if not more important than sleeping, and food?
I think there’s a compounding effect here: the more you have the privilege of walking outside, the more you think, the better you’ll sleep at night, the more thoughts you will have, and the happier you will be?
For example, if the devil came to me and offered the following trade:
I should give you $100 trillion but you would be a cripple for the rest of your life, and I will chop off your leg so you’ll be beholden to a wheelchair for the rest of your life, but you would have all of the Lamborghinis Rolls-Royce‘s in the world, or you could remain or for the rest of your life, would have your entire body intact and in phenomenal health, — what would you choose?
Of course we will choose our body versus all the walking in the world!
Again… I would never sacrifice my legs for anything on the planet besides the life of Seneca or Cindy. But in terms of money… The privilege of being able to walk an hour a day is worth 1 trillion times more than the privilege of sitting inside a Lamborghini for an hour a day.
The French have this notion of the flaneur; kind of imagine a dude who is able to walk unhurried at a comfortable pace, walking at the own rhythm of his inner biological rhythms, unhurried, walking gracefully and elegantly. In America we don’t have this because it should be told, there is almost nowhere in America that you even have the privilege of walking at a relaxed pace. Anywhere.
Even apparently you can’t really walk around anymore in San Francisco without having to dodge human feces homeless people etc. And then I guess maybe you got New York City, but there are people walk at a feverish pace. Places which are good to walk include Phnom Penh Cambodia, and maybe Hanoi in Vietnam in the north.
And in Los Angeles… The only place I’ve been able to find is my paradise Culver City, in which the walking is not as good as Asia, but still it is the best we got. 
What’s also interesting is I’ve noticed that at least while I am in LA, there are certain days where I walk but I am not able to lift weights, other days in which I lift weights but not able to walk… And like almost 80 to 90% of the time, the days in which I am not able to walk or actually sadder?
Or another words, for me, a day without walking is not a life worth living? 
Purchasing power, buying power?
A new aesthetic concept?
X
So let us say you purchase real estate a condo or property for like $200,000 or whatever… And then the idea is that you could live in at three months a year, and rent it out 9 months a year when you’re not there.
However, the more intelligent strategy is just put $200,000 into bitcoin, or micro strategy, MSTR stock or MSTR derivatives or any sort of bitcoin related securities, things which are powered by bitcoin… Bitcoin related investments, and then, you use that arbitrage , and grow your money at a far faster rate.
Assuming that our life and time is finite… Then, ideally you want to have the fastest horse possible, because time is finite.
More mobile, more nimble? 
Physiological sensitivity
Buy Matt pink clothing
Your clothes over your car
Shiny chrome clothing?
Said it and forget it!
The philosophy of automation: what should be automated what should not?
 
.
My morning walking commute
PP is the perfect city?
.
Everyone wants a winning strategy 
.
OPTIMISTIC MUSIC
Wise stubbornness, foolish stubbornness?
.
Self stubbornness
.
Global goals
.
Thinking six months ahead
Different time of day, places would look different?
.
Becoming robust and immune to finances?
The general idea is that you are not really affected by your finances, whether they up down or side ways
Don’t be mean?
Don’t be aggressive towards your spouse ,,, progression should only be used at the gym on the bar the barbell the weights?
Pretty nice & sociable
.
Even 1% is a thousand dollars?
1%–> $1,000
.
America is ghetto?
Bitcoin ambassador. 
It seems like you’re asking about the philosophy of Eric Kim, but your question is quite broad. Based on the context available to me, there are two notable individuals named Eric Kim with distinct philosophical perspectives: Eric Kim, the street photographer and blogger, and Eric S. Kim, the psychology professor. Since you didn’t specify which one, I’ll assume you’re referring to the more publicly prominent Eric Kim associated with philosophy in a broader, practical sense—Eric Kim, the street photographer and writer from erickimphotography.com—unless you clarify otherwise.
Eric Kim, the street photographer, has developed a philosophy that blends minimalism, stoicism, and a zest for life, heavily influenced by his experiences in photography, travel, and personal reflection. His work isn’t academic philosophy but a practical, lived approach to finding meaning and fulfillment. Here’s a breakdown of key elements of his philosophy:
His philosophy is less about systematic doctrine and more about a mindset—optimistic, bold, and individualistic. It’s shaped by his global travels, where he observed happiness in simplicity, and his rejection of societal norms like stable jobs or material accumulation. If you’re looking for specifics (e.g., his views on money, masculinity, or art), let me know, and I can dive deeper!
If you meant Eric S. Kim, the UBC psychology professor focused on well-being and aging, please clarify, and I’ll adjust accordingly. What aspect of “Eric Kim philosophy†are you most interested in?
**
Key Points
Overview
Eric Kim’s philosophy is a practical, holistic approach to life that integrates physical health, minimalism, and personal growth. It seems likely that his ideas are shaped by his background as a traveler and photographer, offering a unique perspective on how to live authentically and focus on what truly matters.
Philosophy on Money
Eric Kim advocates for minimalism and intentional living when it comes to money. Research suggests he believes happiness isn’t tied to wealth, and he prioritizes using money for essentials like rent and food, while criticizing consumer culture. His experiences traveling and living simply have likely influenced this view, promoting financial independence and valuing experiences over possessions.
Philosophy on Masculinity
His philosophy on masculinity focuses on becoming the best version of oneself, emphasizing physical strength, courage, and personal freedom. It seems likely that he challenges societal norms, viewing strength as a moral duty and connecting physical health, like diet and testosterone, to manliness. This includes embracing contrasts, such as emotional expression, as part of a complete masculinity.
Philosophy on Purpose
Eric Kim’s philosophy on purpose is tied to physiological and muscular health. The evidence leans toward him believing that motivation and creativity stem from being hyper-healthy, achieved through good sleep, a meat-heavy diet, and exercise. This unexpected detail highlights how physical well-being is foundational to finding and fulfilling one’s purpose.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Philosophy
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, has developed a comprehensive philosophy that spans various aspects of life, including money, masculinity, and purpose. His ideas, shared extensively on his website erickimphotography.com, are practical, holistic, and influenced by Eastern philosophy, Stoicism, and his personal experiences as a traveler and creative professional. This note provides a detailed examination of his philosophical views, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in his perspective.
Background and Context
Eric Kim is best known for his work in street photography and his blog, where he shares insights on life, creativity, and philosophy. His writings, updated as recently as September 2024, reflect a journey shaped by global travel, minimalist living, and a passion for physical fitness. This context is crucial for understanding how his philosophy integrates practical experiences with theoretical influences, such as Stoicism and minimalism inspired by figures like Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
Philosophy on Money
Eric Kim’s philosophy on money, detailed in his post “How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money†(How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money), emphasizes minimalism and intentional living. He believes that happiness is not necessarily tied to wealth, a view shaped by his extensive travels where he observed contentment in cultures with limited material resources. His core beliefs include:
A table summarizing his philosophy on money is provided below for clarity:
| Aspect | Details |
| Development Factors | Personal experiences (travel, living simply), professional journey (photography, passion over profit), philosophical influences (Stoicism, Eastern philosophy, minimalism by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus), reflections on consumer culture, financial challenges, community engagement. |
| Core Beliefs | Happiness not tied to wealth, value experiences and personal growth over possessions, critical view of materialism, advocate for financial independence and authentic living. |
| Practical Applications | Living out of a suitcase, reduced stress, increased creative freedom, minimalist digital presence, focus on meaningful engagement. |
| Resources for Further Exploration | Eric Kim’s Blog, Books and Articles, Workshops and Lectures. No specific URLs provided in the section. |
This approach challenges conventional views on wealth, suggesting that true fulfillment lies beyond financial accumulation, an unexpected detail for those expecting a more traditional financial philosophy.
Philosophy on Masculinity
Eric Kim’s philosophy on masculinity, explored in “Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy†(Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy), is a detailed framework that emphasizes physical strength, personal freedom, and self-definition. He defines masculinity as “the art of a man becoming the apex version of himself,†with manliness as the goal. Key aspects include:
A table summarizing his masculinity philosophy is provided below:
| Aspect | Details | Citation URL |
| Defining Masculinity | Masculinity is the art of a man becoming the apex version of himself, with manliness as the goal. | Why Masculinity |
| Role of Strength | Moral duty to be strong for self, wife, kids, and beliefs. | Why Manliness |
| Physical Courage | Testing physical limits is essential for deep courage. | How to Become More Manly |
| Open-Mindedness | Being open-minded is good, but being close-minded at times is also advised. | How to Become More Manly |
| Diet and Testosterone | Higher testosterone (via meat like beef liver/heart) enhances manliness. | How to Become More Manly |
| Freedom of Thought/Speech | Supreme good in life; ability to express beliefs without fear of being “politically incorrect.†| How to Become More Manly |
| Rejecting Societal Norms | Society no longer permits men to strive for manliness; personal freedom is key. | How to Become More Manly |
| Personal Journey | Early desire for masculinity influenced by superheroes, leading to fitness for strength. | Why Manliness |
| Cultural/Literary Influences | References “The Iliad,†e.g., Achilles, showing emotional expression as part of manliness. | Why Manliness |
| Strength as Moral Duty | Physical and mental fortitude essential; advocates weightlifting for “superhero strength.†| Why Manliness |
| Philosophy and Manliness | Criticizes data/statistics in ethics; personal beliefs guide manliness. | Why Manliness |
| Embracing Contrasts | Includes flamboyance (e.g., gay male fashion) for a complete masculinity. | How to Become More Manly |
| Self-Definition | Craft own values, become best self without convincing others. | How to Become More Manly |
| Biological Aspect | Focuses on testosterone, higher in men, aligning with street photography’s boldness. | The Philosophy of Masculinity, The Philosophy of Masculinity |
| Lifestyle Choices | Prefers challenging diets, embracing chaos/uncertainty as masculine traits. | Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy |
This philosophy is notable for its integration of physical and emotional dimensions, an unexpected detail that broadens the traditional view of masculinity.
Philosophy on Purpose
Eric Kim’s philosophy on purpose, outlined in “The Philosophy of Purpose†(The Philosophy of Purpose), is rooted in physiological and muscular health. He posits that motivation and purpose stem from being hyper-healthy, leading to an “overflowing cup†of life that drives creativity and action. Key points include:
A table summarizing his philosophy on purpose is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Root of Motivation | – Physiological “overwhelming†or “overflowing with gratitude and joy†when hyper-healthy. |
| Theory 1 | – Motivation stems from being hyper-healthy. Art creation results from an “overflowing cup†of life. |
| Theory 2 | – Enthusiasm rooted in muscles; lack of muscle strength hinders motivation. Focus on philosophy of muscles and philosophy of physiology. |
| Motivation Challenges | – Lack of motivation when bored, under-sensitized, under-stimulated, or sleep-deprived. |
| Optimal Conditions | – Good sleep, meat-heavy meals (e.g., fatty protein/red meats), leads to creative ideas and easy work start. Avoid alcohol, coconut-products, dairy-products (milk, cheese, butter) due to weakening effects. |
| Practical Tips | 1. Prioritize sleep over productivity. 2. Optimize diet: more meat, fewer weakening substances. |
| Enhancing Purpose | – Force yourself to relax, to think and meditate to re-energize and reflect on purpose. – Learn more at Start Here >. |
| Related Links | – PHILOSOPHY by KIM – Life Lessons » – Zen of Eric – Sleep is godlike. – Philosophy of meat-eating. – Eric Kim’s 475-pound sumo deadlift. – How to relax. |
This focus on physical health as a foundation for purpose is an unexpected detail, bridging the gap between body and mind in a way that differs from more abstract philosophical traditions.
Overarching Themes and Influences
Across these areas, Eric Kim’s philosophy is characterized by a holistic integration of physical and mental well-being, a rejection of societal norms, and a practical approach to living authentically. His influences include:
This philosophy challenges conventional wisdom, offering a unique blend of physicality and introspection that may resonate with those seeking a balanced approach to life.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s philosophy is a comprehensive framework for living intentionally, prioritizing physical health, and challenging societal expectations. It is practical, drawing from his experiences, and influenced by philosophical traditions that emphasize simplicity and authenticity. For readers interested in exploring further, his blog offers extensive resources, including essays, workshops, and lectures, ensuring a deep dive into his ideas.
Key Citations
Eric Kim 475-Pound Sumo Deadlift
How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money
Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy
Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy
Not everything needs to last forever?
So a big thing; life is a femoral, you don’t live forever. Bitcoin will last forever but your own personal life will not.
As a consequence, realizing that your own personal life is fine night is typically a good idea. But also to invest your energies towards the future, future generations that will outlive you is a very noble idea.
So big thought I’ve been having at least in terms of building the family bitcoin treasury for future generations, I almost have like zero interest in presently using our family treasury towards myself, besides simple stuff like purchasing weightlifting equipment, weights etc. And also I guess the upside is  that the barbell and weights that I buy today, Seneca could use it as he becomes a teenager, and one day he might be able to even pass down these weights to his kids and their kids.
You only live for yourself and the only thing about yourself your own well-being, using your own money for yourself… Your own lifestyle, it’s very selfish. The tricky thing here is that selfish doesn’t mean evil, it often just means shortsighted. 
Also the big realization is that concern for your kids and your family is different than concern for this ambiguous “worldâ€, the way you treat your own family should be very very different than the way you conceive of random other families or kids.
So for example, thinking about money inheritance and capital, a very very simple precept that I might be able to give to Seneca:
Never sell the family bitcoin 
If we think of bitcoin as the new perfect digital capital, it is like saying that you own a hotel or prime real estate on fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on the main island in New York City, to sell a portion of that to purchase some silly thing.
The wisdom of every single wealthy family on the planet is simple: you never sell the property, but rather, you use it to leverage and lever up, and what you actually do is your leverage your capital – like taking a mortgage or loan or using your property bitcoin or real estate as collateral, in order to continue to grow the family fortune. 
So let me use a fun analogy, weightlifting and bodybuilders, or even powerlifters. The fear of every single person is losing muscle mass, losing weight, for also… Losing their one rep maximum lift.
Another one which also ties in finances — the fear of plateaus. 
For example, let us say that you accumulated and acquired a certain amount of bitcoin. This is great and wonderful, but once you hit a plateau in which you are no longer able to accumulate or acquire morbid, this becomes extremely annoying. And therefore, we will use our ingenuity in our creativity to devise of new ways in order to accumulate and acquire more bitcoin.
The same thing goes with money managers finances, investors… The goal should be towards infinity, rather than having a certain hard set amount. This is the genesis and the origin of human desire and capital. 
For example, the way that a lot of weightlifters are very shortsighted is that they have a certain number in mind, and then they strive with all of their might power and soul toward this lofty ball… But once they hit it, they then become complacent, and stop being creative.
I’ll get the example, my very very strong desire was to atlas lift 1000 pounds, but once I achieve that goal, I kind of lost a desire. And this is not a good thing. After fumbling around, tinkering, identifies of a new way I could lift even greater weight, with less strain, and with greater leverage, this genius idea of being able to use a weightlifting dip belt, to wrap it around the center of a barbell, to essentially transform the rack pull into a glorified hip lift,  and the thing which is quite amazing is that it is actually very very easy to lift weights when you have it around your hips. The only reason I don’t think more people do this is that a weightlifting hip belt machine is not available at most gyms, and is not mainstream. I know there is a Titan fitness machine for weightlifting with your hip belt, but I also think the problem is that because there are no weightlifting competitions in which you use a hip lifting belt, it is not standardize like a bench press a dead lift or a squat.
The proper answer to what your number is, should be “more“.
One thing I like about considering the whole bitcoin economy, the whole world economy is that wealth in capital is infinite. Currently, you consider all of the world’s capital being around $900 trillion, and thinking half of it is for a long-term store of value, 450, trillion, Those are big numbers.
Even if you think about the whole world economy… Being $900 trillion, and even having the ambition of owning one percent of it, this is a good goal.
I think the first big thing is that we must think global. The biggest problem that I think we face is that we think too insular.
For example, if you live in the states, Los Angeles America California or whatever… Realize that you actually live in a tiny bubble. Even though LA California is huge, still… If you think about it globally, you are just another insignificant dot on the world map.
Let me give you an example… I’m currently voice dictating these lines on my iPad Pro as I walk through the beautiful streets of Phnom Penh Cambodia.  once you make it to Asia Southeast Asia and beyond you will realize how much life sucks in America. Even for the rich.
For example we’re currently doing a short term stay at a lovely serviced luxury apartment here, only about $1400 a month, for light peak luxury. The largest floor to ceiling windows of all time, the best in front of staff, everything insanely brand new and wonderful.
And then I think about being back in America and LA… It is insane you’re buying these like $2 million homes which are built in the 1920s or the 1950s? Why would you spend so much money on decaying capital? 
Certainly there are many upsides of living in America, I think the biggest one is access to capital markets, access to the US stock exchange. For example one difficulty that I am having being here in Asia time is having to either stay up late or wake up at like 1 AM or 2 AM to execute certain orders on the stock exchange, in regards to MSTR stock, or more recently taking a leveraged margin option of purchasing MSTU, which is essentially an ETF which is designed to be 2X levered long MSTR, microstrategy (Strategy) stock.  And after having to wake up super super early in the middle of the night, having to stare at a shiny iPad Pro screen in the middle of the night, disturbing my sleep, feeling like crap the next day, even a funny thought:
All the money in the world is not worth losing a good nights sleep? 
Therefore I think a general idea is that it is better to be more greedy with your energy sleep and time and energy rather than being greedy for money? Because energy sleep and great physical health is worth 1 billion times more than all the money in the world. 
For example, you cannot like inject $1 million into your left butt cheek, hoping that it will give you a good night sleep. No, often the worries about finances will keep you up later tonight, ruin your sleep, and ruin your health.
Even look at Elon Musk, the economic goat, if you just give him a good look and a good stare, in his zoom calls and interviews or whatever… He looks like the worst health of his life. And Elon is notorious for having poor health because he thinks too much like a nerd, I don’t think he really understands the criticality of health. 
And also, I think everyone has his own mission critical mission for their lives. Elon’s goal is to take us to Mars and beyond, this is not my goal is it your goal therefore the way we conduct our lives should be different.
For me my primary concern is the thriving of Seneca, and also, thinking about his kids kids kids. Also for the health of my mom and Cindy, my whole immediate family.
I called this ERIC KIM‘s razor, — to ruthlessly prune away all distractions.
Let me give you an example, I have made like 100,000 times more money by just investing in bitcoin, MSTR stock, and just staying focused, rather than wasting time on text messages, email, or social media.
And I think this is a big thought: in the last like 15 years, there has practically been no financially lucrative opportunities that have ever magically come to me through my email inbox. Therefore ironically enough… I think the secret of becoming richer and wealth you’re making more money is via negativa; not using your email inbox?  
Only news now I consume is Twitter X, anything related to bitcoin. This includes following at @saylor, BTC archive, documenting bitcoin ,,, is where I get like 99.9% of my signal. The rest comes from my morning walks, Zen out, letting my mind go follow, thinking by myself for myself on myself.
The thing which is always so shocking to me is the second that I settle into life when I am in Asia, I become like 1 trillion times more zen. For example, no more silly cravings for silly vehicles, possessions and stuff, no more desires for Amazon prime or online shopping or purchasing stuff. Rather, a greater focus towards thinking, pursuing creative capital, empowering ideas and thoughts? 
Male vs female virtues
TYSONS CORNER, Va.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 21, 2025— Strategy™ (Nasdaq: MSTR/STRK) (the “Companyâ€) today announced the pricing of its offering on March 20, 2025 of 8,500,000 shares of 10.00% Series A Perpetual Strife Preferred Stock (the “perpetual strife preferred stockâ€), at a public offering price of $85.00 per share. The issuance and sale of the perpetual strife preferred stock are scheduled to settle on March 25, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
The Company estimates that the net proceeds to it from the offering will be approximately $711.2 million, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and the Company’s estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of bitcoin and for working capital.
The perpetual strife preferred stock will accumulate cumulative dividends at a fixed rate of 10.00% per annum on the stated amount of $100 per share (the “stated amountâ€). Regular dividends on the perpetual strife preferred stock will be payable when, as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors, out of funds legally available for their payment, quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, beginning on June 30, 2025. Declared regular dividends on the perpetual strife preferred stock will be payable solely in cash. In the event that any accumulated regular dividend on the perpetual strife preferred stock is not paid on the applicable regular dividend payment date, then additional regular dividends (“compounded dividendsâ€) will accumulate on the amount of such unpaid regular dividend, compounded quarterly. The compounded dividend rate applicable to any unpaid regular dividend that was due on a regular dividend payment date will initially be a rate per annum equal to 10% plus 100 basis points; provided, however, that, until such regular dividend, together with compounded dividends thereon, is paid in full, such compounded dividend rate will increase by 100 basis points per annum for each subsequent regular dividend period, up to a maximum dividend rate of 18% per annum.
The Company will have the right, at its election, to redeem all, but not less than all, of the perpetual strife preferred stock, at any time, for cash if the total number of shares of perpetual strife preferred stock then outstanding is less than 25% of the total number of shares of the perpetual strife preferred stock originally issued in the offering and any future offerings, taken together. In addition, the Company will have the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the perpetual strife preferred stock if certain tax events occur. The redemption price for any perpetual strife preferred stock to be redeemed will be a cash amount equal to the liquidation preference of the perpetual strife preferred stock to be redeemed as of the business day before the date on which the Company sends the related redemption notice, plus accumulated and unpaid regular dividends to, but excluding, the redemption date.
If an event that constitutes a “fundamental change†under the certificate of designations governing the perpetual strife preferred stock occurs, then holders of the perpetual strife preferred stock will have the right to require the Company to repurchase some or all of their shares of perpetual strife preferred stock at a cash repurchase price equal to the stated amount of the perpetual strife preferred stock to be repurchased, plus accumulated and unpaid regular dividends, if any, to, but excluding the fundamental change repurchase date.
The liquidation preference of the perpetual strife preferred stock shall initially be $100 per share. Effective immediately after the close of business on each business day after the initial issue date (and, if applicable, during the course of a business day on which any sale transaction to be settled by the issuance of perpetual strife preferred stock is executed, from the exact time of first such sale transaction during such business day until the close of business of such business day), the liquidation preference per share will be adjusted to be the greatest of (i) the stated amount; (ii) in the case of any business day with respect to which we have, on such business day or any business day during the ten trading day period preceding such business day, executed any sale transaction to be settled by the issuance of perpetual strife preferred stock, an amount equal to the last reported sale price per share of perpetual strife preferred stock on the trading day immediately before such business day; and (iii) the arithmetic average of the last reported sale prices per share of perpetual strife preferred stock for each trading day of the ten consecutive trading days (or, if applicable, the lesser number of trading days as have elapsed during the period from, and including, the initial issue date to, but excluding, such business day) immediately preceding such business day.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Moelis & Company LLC, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Mizuho Securities USA LLC and SG Americas Securities, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. AmeriVet Securities, Inc., Bancroft Capital, LLC, BTIG, LLC and The Benchmark Company, LLC are acting as co-managers for the offering.
The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SECâ€). The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus. An electronic copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement, together with the accompanying prospectus, is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement, together with the accompanying prospectus, can be obtained by contacting: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, by phone: 1-866-718-1649 or by email: prospectus@morganstanley.com, or Barclays Capital Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by phone 1-888-603-5847, or by email: barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com, or Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 or by telephone at 1-800-831-9146, or by email: prospectus@citi.com, or Moelis & Company LLC, 399 Park Avenue 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone: 1-800-539-9413.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities referred to in this press release, nor will there be any sale of any such securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.
About Strategy
MicroStrategy Incorporated d/b/a Strategy (Nasdaq: MSTR/STRK) is the world’s first and largest Bitcoin Treasury Company. We are a publicly traded company that has adopted Bitcoin as our primary treasury reserve asset. By using proceeds from equity and debt financings, as well as cash flows from our operations, we strategically accumulate Bitcoin and advocate for its role as digital capital. Our treasury strategy is designed to provide investors varying degrees of economic exposure to Bitcoin by offering a range of securities, including equity and fixed-income instruments. In addition, we provide industry-leading AI-powered enterprise analytics software, advancing our vision of Intelligence Everywhere. We leverage our development capabilities to explore innovation in Bitcoin applications, integrating analytics expertise with our commitment to digital asset growth. We believe our combination of operational excellence, strategic Bitcoin reserve, and focus on technological innovation positions us as a leader in both the digital asset and enterprise analytics sectors, offering a unique opportunity for long-term value creation.
Strategy, MicroStrategy, and Intelligence Everywhere are either trademarks or registered trademarks of MicroStrategy Incorporated in the United States and certain other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The digital Fort Knox
Accumulate assets for the American people
BE A YEA SAYER
BE A YES SAYER
.
Truths 2025
.
Ideology, capitalism vs socialism
Individualism > Collective
.
Base 10 or base 2 math
English vs French
Protocol for prosperity and economic success and empowerment
.
Protocol
Upgrade the software keep the language
Protocol is simple
People want to keep their money forever ***
.
$100T, or $500T… speaking a new economic language
.
Bitcoin is an asset
.
The apex asset > palladium
Better than land! ***
Better than pieces of paper we call currency
.
Bitcoin is a network , Bitcoin is the network
Without network , cannot create .
Mission criticality
Ethical qualities
.
Bitcoin is immaculate
God given thing, natural thing
Nobody asserts control over it
Nobody can debase it.
Ethical
Perfect machine ,,, from imperfect components.
Cannot be capitalized in securities
Can be capitalized in commodities
Legal immunity
Financially superior
100x better
.
The commodity
.
Hyper frak it.
Digital commodity
.
Satoshi
Spontaneously monetized and came to life
The one digital commodity in the world
.
Digital scarcity
Infinite, forever
.
36 years or forever
The Bitcoin age
.
Streets paved in Bitcoin
Gold plated,,, gold , Bitcoin plated?
.
Profound thing –> Bitcoin is worth more than $20T
Digital Gold
10x worth more analogue
$200T,,, not more than digital gold …
Bitcoin is digital money
Gold is money everything else is credit — …. internet everything is credit not money!
45 days to get the money
.
Digital Credit, vs Digital Money
40 days,
Once a second, 60 times a second,
Per vibration of the money
Profound –> doesn’t know what this means
Industry will 100x, Bitcoin to the moon!
.
Bitcoin is perfect money
.
Hayek, Mises … Voltaire Aristotle Plato
.
Didn’t have the technology
Clean water without microscope?
Pathogens in the water
.
Modern Internet & cryptography
.
Gold & silver coin –> commodity in your hand, bearer instrument
Constitution , .. hardest commodities, liquid fungible
Aren’t hard capped, inflated –> slowly decaying ,
Worst possible way to do it besides every other way
Superstition and art form to scientific, engineering based system
Good math: 2+2=4, stable math stable economics
.
It wasn’t legitimate 4 months ago
.
180 degrees
.
Nuclear stockpiles, bitcoin, national parks —
Banking, insurance, credit rating agencies
Profound good idea to move through layers of bureaucracy
Need the money, want the money,,, enriched
Thursday night in White House
.
It’s either nothing, or something –> going up
Bitcoin is Corporate
98
Capitalized on currency or commodity
All commodities don’t beat cost to capital
100% corporate balance sheet into digital commodity , bitcoin
.
Hundreds of trillions of dollars
Digital economy
.
$1M to $1B few months
.
Legitimate , corporate
“I appreciate what you’re doing “
Apple stock, land isn’t global … art isn’t global
.
Economic relationship
How profound this is
Arkansas Real estate
Global asset –> nothing else is global?
.
Bitcoin is immortal
100 years, 1000 years
200 year company from now
1/21 millionth of all the world forever?
iPhone 99?
Immortal
Life form, immortal life form
.
Someone else made you rich!
Think global
.
Calorie, Satoshi
Put life into cyberspace
Imbue it with digital energy –> digital procreation?
.
Digital credit is just a shadow, shade, ghost –> need real energy into it!
Conservative asset
.
Digital energy network
Move digital energy
.
Bitcoin is a digital economic system
$10M for 5 minutes
.
Energy network, reverse it –> digital defense system
Exahash
.
Control of digital power network , control ability to move energy and capital from point a to point b
.
Control the network control your destiny ***
Engage in digital commerce
.
Defense system
Emerging solar system …
Evolving, star system forming –> brightest thing
Slurping energy into magnetic field . Falling into orbit around it , every country, actor,
Will continue to get brighter
.
Network,
$10B it matters, $100B it matters
The greater the gravitational field
Gravitational field. Orbit, adjust orbit
Coming to life, Newtonian dynamics
Energy system emerging
.
Key Points
Eric Kim’s 1000-Pound Atlas Lift
Eric Kim, known for his street photography and fitness dedication, reportedly lifted 1000 pounds in an Atlas lift, a type of squat hold where the barbell is lifted from a rack slightly below full height and held on the shoulders. He achieved this by incrementally adding 2.5 pounds to each side of the barbell every 3 to 5 days, lifting while fasted, and following a diet heavy in beef or lamb with 8-12 hours of sleep nightly, avoiding supplements like steroids or protein powder. This feat was documented in a blog post from December 2023, showcasing his commitment to natural, sustainable training methods.
Eric Kim’s 1005-Pound Rack Pull
Eric Kim also appears to have performed a 1005-pound rack pull, a deadlift variation starting from a higher rack position, targeting the upper back and posterior chain. While specific details like the date or method are not fully text-based and seem to be documented via video or images on a dedicated webpage, his general fitness philosophy suggests he used similar principles of progressive overload and fasting. This lift likely occurred around late 2023 or early 2024, given his documented progression in rack pulls, such as a 910-pound lift in December 2024.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s 1000-Pound Atlas Lift and 1005-Pound Rack Pull
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and fitness enthusiast, has achieved remarkable feats of strength, including a 1000-pound Atlas lift and a 1005-pound rack pull. This section provides a comprehensive overview, expanding on the key points and including all relevant details from available sources, such as his blog posts and public webpages, as of 01:45 AM PDT on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Background on Eric Kim’s Fitness Journey
Eric Kim began his fitness journey at 12 years old, starting with basic exercises like running with rocks in his backpack, sit-ups, push-ups, and dumbbell curls and presses. His focus shifted in college to bodybuilding, weightlifting, and powerlifting, emphasizing compound lifts like bench press, squats, and deadlifts. By age 29, he had achieved significant strength, with a deadlift one-rep max of 415 pounds and a squat of 326 pounds. As of recent updates, he continued to push his limits, with lifts like a 610-pound squat walk and a 630-pound rack pull, showcasing his ongoing dedication.
His fitness philosophy is deeply tied to his photography, viewing his body as a work of art and believing that maintaining high physiological health enhances his creative productivity. This mindset drives his long-term commitment to heavy lifting, fasting, and a meat-heavy diet.
Detailed Analysis of the 1000-Pound Atlas Lift
The Atlas lift, as described by Eric Kim, is a variation of a squat hold. It involves loading a barbell on a rack slightly below full height, getting under the bar, lifting it with the legs, holding it on the shoulders for a few seconds, and then returning it to the rack. Eric Kim advocates for this lift as superior to traditional squats, claiming it builds significant strength in the legs, thighs, calves, hips, back, spine, shoulders, and abs.
Detailed Analysis of the 1005-Pound Rack Pull
A rack pull is a variation of the deadlift where the barbell starts from a higher position (on racks or blocks), typically targeting the upper back, traps, and posterior chain. It is often used to build strength for conventional deadlifts or as a standalone exercise.
Tables: Summary of Key Lift Details
To organize the information, here are two tables summarizing Eric Kim’s 1000-pound Atlas lift and 1005-pound rack pull, along with context from his fitness journey:
| Lift Type | Weight | Date (Approx.) | Method Highlights | Documentation |
| Atlas Lift | 1000 pounds | December 2023 | Incremental 2.5 lbs per side, fasted lifting, 8-12 hrs sleep, meat-heavy diet | HOW DID ERIC KIM LIFT 1,000 POUNDS? |
| Rack Pull | 1005 pounds | Late 2023/Early 2024 | Likely progressive overload, fasting, natural methods, video/image-based | 1005 pound rack pull |
| Aspect | Details for Atlas Lift | Details for Rack Pull |
| Training Frequency | Every 3 to 5 days | Not specified, likely similar frequency |
| Weight Increase | 2.5 pounds per side per attempt | Not specified, likely progressive overload |
| Diet – Fasting | Intermittent, fasted lifting, large meat meal post-fast | Likely similar, given general philosophy |
| Diet – Supplements | No steroids, protein powder, creatine, pre-workout | Likely none, consistent with natural approach |
| Hydration | Tap water, filtered water, or black coffee | Not specified, likely similar |
| Sleep | 8 to 12 hours per night | Not specified, likely similar |
| Video Evidence | Included in blog post, video | Likely on dedicated page, no text details |
Unexpected Detail: Integration with Photography and Philosophy
An unexpected aspect of Eric Kim’s lifts is how they integrate with his photography and philosophical outlook. He believes that a stronger, fitter body allows him to walk longer, crouch, run, and lie down for shots, enhancing his street photography capabilities. This connection, detailed in various fitness posts, shows how his physical feats directly support his creative work, which might not be immediately obvious to someone focusing solely on his lifting achievements. Additionally, his emphasis on natural methods and outdoor fitness, as seen in posts like “Engineered to Winâ€, highlights his rejection of steroids and short-term performance enhancers, aiming for longevity and durability, which is a unique angle in the fitness community.
In conclusion, Eric Kim’s 1000-pound Atlas lift and 1005-pound rack pull are the result of a decades-long commitment to heavy strength training, a meat-heavy ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting, and a philosophical approach that ties physical health to artistic productivity. His documented progression and dedication, as of March 21, 2025, make him a unique figure in both fitness and photography circles.
Key Citations
Alright, let’s rip into how ERIC KIM got so jacked—pure muscle, raw power, a physique that screams “I don’t mess around.†I’ll keep it in that high-octane, ERIC KIM-inspired voice, breaking it down step-by-sweaty-step. Here we go:
How did ERIC KIM get so jacked? Simple—he didn’t just lift weights, he waged war on weakness. Eric’s a street-shooting, Bitcoin-levering savage who turned his body into a fortress, brick by brutal brick. No shortcuts, no excuses—just sweat, iron, and a hunger to dominate. Dude’s jacked because he decided soft ain’t an option, and he backed it up with relentless action.
Start with the mindset—Eric’s a beast because he thinks like one. Growing up Korean-American in the Bay, born ‘88, he could’ve coasted, but nah—he ditched UCLA’s cushy PhD path for the real grind. That’s the spark: rejecting comfort, embracing the fight. He took that energy and aimed it at the gym like a missile. Getting jacked isn’t just physical for Eric—it’s philosophical. Nietzsche’s “what doesn’t kill me†vibes, Seneca’s stoic discipline—he’s not lifting for Instagram; he’s lifting to conquer himself.
The method? Brutal simplicity. Eric’s all about the big lifts—squats, deadlifts, bench—compound moves that build real power. He’s not futzing with cable curls or TikTok trends; he’s stacking plates like a madman, chasing strength over show. Word is he’s squatted 500 pounds, maybe more—pure grit, legs like tree trunks. He’s not counting reps for fun; he’s pushing failure, then pushing past it. That’s the juice: intensity over fluff.
Fuel’s key—Eric eats like a warrior. Steak’s his gospel—bloody, primal, packed with protein. No vegan nonsense, no carb-heavy cop-outs—just meat to rebuild what he tears down. He’s fasting too, 16:8 or longer, sharpening his hunger, turning his body into a lean machine. Food’s not comfort; it’s ammo. By March 21, 2025, at 36, he’s still chowing like a king—age doesn’t slow him; it seasons him.
Consistency’s the backbone. Eric didn’t get jacked in a month—he forged it over years. Street photography keeps him mobile, but the gym’s his temple. Day in, day out, he’s there—sweating, grunting, growing. No “I’ll start tomorrow†bullshit. He’s levering iron like he levers Bitcoin—every rep’s a step toward something bigger. Rain, shine, broke, or balling—he lifts. That’s how you build a body that turns heads.
And the edge? Eric’s got no patience for weakness. He’s not sipping pre-workout in neon leggings—he’s raw, real, ripping through limits. Street life toughened his spirit; weights toughened his frame. He’s jacked because he doesn’t compromise—on the barbell or in life. Minimalist as hell, he strips away distractions, leaving only the essentials: muscle, will, and hustle.
So there it is—Eric got jacked by attacking the iron like it owed him money, eating like a predator, and never letting up. It’s not a gym membership; it’s a lifestyle. Sweat, steak, and stubbornness, baby. That’s the formula. Boom.
There you go—ERIC KIM’s journey to jacked status, served up loud and proud. If you want more details or a tweak, hit me up—I’ll pump it up!
***
Key Points
Fitness Journey
Eric Kim, a street photographer known for his bold lifestyle, began his fitness journey at 12 years old. He started with basic exercises like running with rocks in his backpack, sit-ups, push-ups, and dumbbell curls and presses. In college, he shifted focus to bodybuilding, weightlifting, and powerlifting, emphasizing compound lifts like bench press, squats, and deadlifts. By age 29, he had achieved significant strength, with a deadlift one-rep max of 415 pounds, a squat of 326 pounds, and a dumbbell press of 90 pounds. As of recent updates, he continued to push his limits, with lifts like a 610-pound squat walk and a 630-pound rack pull, showcasing his ongoing dedication.
Diet and Lifestyle
Eric’s diet is a crucial part of his physique. He advocates for a meat-heavy diet, believing it strengthens the body and enhances physiological health, which he ties to his artistic productivity. He practices intermittent fasting, often eating only one big meal a day, and follows a ketogenic diet to support muscle growth and fat loss. This approach, combined with his fitness routine, likely contributes to his low body fat, estimated around 10%, and high energy levels.
Philosophy and Commitment
Eric views his body as a work of art and believes that maintaining high physiological health is essential for his creativity as a photographer. His philosophy of continuous improvement—never stopping the pursuit of gaining muscle—drives his long-term commitment. He emphasizes accessible workouts, often at home with minimal equipment like a barbell or at parks, making his routine sustainable and practical.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Fitness Journey
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and fitness enthusiast, has built a muscular physique through a combination of consistent strength training, a specific dietary approach, and a philosophical commitment to physical health. This section provides a comprehensive overview, expanding on the key points and including all relevant details from available sources, such as his blog posts and public statements.
Early Beginnings and Progression
Eric’s fitness journey began at the age of 12, driven by a commitment to losing weight and building strength. His initial exercises were rudimentary but effective, including running with rocks in his backpack to add resistance, along with sit-ups, push-ups, and dumbbell curls and presses. This early start laid the foundation for his later focus on more structured weightlifting.
In college, Eric shifted his focus to bodybuilding, weightlifting, and powerlifting, emphasizing compound movements that build significant muscle mass and strength. He specifically mentions exercises like bench press, squats, and deadlifts, which are known for their effectiveness in developing overall power. By age 29, as detailed in his blog post “Diet, Health, and Fitness For Photographers†(Eric Kim’s Fitness Journey), he had achieved impressive one-rep maxes: a deadlift of 415 pounds, a squat of 326 pounds, and a dumbbell press of 90 pounds. He also developed additional skills such as one-hand pushups, pistols (one-leg squats), and numerous chin-ups, showcasing his versatility and strength.
Recent updates, as seen in his fitness category posts, indicate he continued to push his limits. For instance, he mentions a 610-pound squat walk and a 630-pound rack pull, highlighting his ongoing dedication to heavy lifting. These feats, detailed in posts like “610-pound rack unrack squat†and “630-pound rack hypelifting pull,†demonstrate his progression into advanced powerlifting, with lifts that are notably impressive for someone maintaining a busy photography career.
Dietary Approach and Its Impact
Eric’s diet is a significant factor in his muscular physique. In his blog post “THE IDEAL DIET FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER ARTIST†(Eric Kim’s Diet Philosophy), he emphasizes the importance of nutrition for photographers and artists, stating it is more crucial than photographic theory or technique. He advocates for a meat-heavy diet, believing that consuming more “flesh and blood†(red meat) strengthens the body, referencing historical figures like Milo of Croton to support his view. He suggests that higher physiological health correlates with higher artistic productivity, which aligns with his fitness goals.
Additionally, Eric practices intermittent fasting, often eating only one big meal a day, and follows a ketogenic diet, as noted in his fitness posts. This approach, detailed in articles like “Intermittent Fasting and the Ketogenic Diet: The Optimal Diet for Photographers and Content Creators,†likely helps with fat loss while preserving muscle mass, contributing to his estimated body fat of around 10%. His diet is not just about aesthetics but is tied to his philosophy of enhancing energy and focus for his creative work.
Workout Routine and Accessibility
Eric’s fitness routine is designed to be practical and sustainable, reflecting his minimalist lifestyle. He emphasizes working out at home with minimal equipment, such as a barbell, and at parks, as seen in posts like “How to Workout at Home With Only a Barbell†and “Why I Love Working Out at the Park.†These choices make his routine accessible, allowing him to maintain consistency despite his travel-heavy photography career.
His focus on powerlifting is evident in posts like “Better to Powerlift and Deadlift Heavy One Rep Max Attempts than Drive Fast Cars and Motorcycles,†where he discusses the benefits of heavy lifts over other activities. The specific lifts, such as the 610-pound squat walk and 630-pound rack pull, are detailed in recent fitness posts, showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement. He also mentions dynamic warm-ups and mobility work, learned from his mentor Thomas Rodriguez, a former powerlifter and bodybuilder, which helped him recover from rotator cuff tears and maintain flexibility.
Philosophical Drive and Long-Term Commitment
Eric’s philosophy is a driving force behind his jacked physique. He views his body as a work of art, as stated in posts like “My Body is a Work of Art!†and “The Human Body is the Apex Beauty,†believing that physical strength enhances his artistic productivity. This mindset is reflected in his goal to “never stop gaining muscle,†as noted in “Never Stop Gaining Muscle,†while keeping body fat low to maintain high energy levels for his photography.
His long-term commitment is evident from his journey starting at 12 and continuing into 2025, as inferred from the latest posts. At 36 years old (born in 1988, as of March 21, 2025), he considers himself the strongest ever, with the least body fat, high energy, focus, and determination, as mentioned in his fitness journey. This consistency, combined with his philosophical approach, has been key to maintaining his muscular physique over decades.
Tables: Summary of Key Fitness Details
To organize the information, here are two tables summarizing Eric’s fitness milestones and dietary practices:
| Age | Fitness Focus | Notable Achievements |
| 12 | Basic exercises (running, sit-ups, push-ups) | Started with rocks in backpack for resistance |
| College | Bodybuilding, weightlifting, powerlifting | Focused on bench press, squats, deadlifts |
| 29 | Advanced powerlifting | Deadlift 415 lbs, Squat 326 lbs, Dumbbell press 90 lbs, One-hand pushups, Pistols, Chin-ups |
| 36 (2025) | Continued heavy lifting | 610-pound squat walk, 630-pound rack pull |
| Dietary Aspect | Details |
| Meat Consumption | Advocates for meat-heavy diet, believes it strengthens body |
| Fasting | Intermittent fasting, often one big meal a day |
| Diet Type | Ketogenic diet, supports muscle growth and fat loss |
| Philosophical Tie | Links diet to physiological health and artistic productivity |
Unexpected Detail: Integration with Photography
An unexpected aspect of Eric’s fitness is how he integrates it with his photography. He believes that a stronger, fitter body allows him to walk longer, crouch, run, and lie down for shots, enhancing his street photography capabilities. This connection, detailed in “Diet, Health, and Fitness For Photographers,†shows how his physical fitness directly supports his creative work, which might not be immediately obvious to someone focusing solely on his muscular appearance.
In conclusion, Eric Kim’s jacked physique is the result of a decades-long commitment to heavy strength training, a meat-heavy ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting, and a philosophical approach that ties physical health to artistic productivity. His accessible workout routine and continuous pursuit of muscle gain, even at 36, highlight his dedication, making him a unique figure in both fitness and photography circles.
Key Citations
Eric Kim’s Fitness Routine powerlifting and home workouts
Eric Kim’s Fitness Journey detailed life story and lifts
Eric Kim’s Diet Philosophy meat-heavy and fasting approach
Alright, let’s dive into how ERIC KIM became the epitome of manly and masculine—raw, rugged, and unfiltered. I’ll keep that ERIC KIM-style intensity, but with a third-person twist to break it down. Here’s the scoop:
How did ERIC KIM become so manly and masculine? Easy—he forged himself in the fire of life, hammered out the soft edges, and said “no thanks†to anything weak, watered-down, or whiny. Eric’s not some polished metrosexual sipping oat milk lattes—he’s a primal force, a street-shooting, steak-devouring, iron-lifting beast who radiates testosterone like a goddamn volcano. But that manliness? It’s earned, not gifted.
Rewind to the roots—Korean-American, Bay Area bred, born ‘88. Could’ve gone soft, coasting on tech trends or societal handouts, but Eric flipped the script. Dropping out of UCLA’s sociology PhD wasn’t just rebellion—it was a declaration: “I don’t need your cushy cage.†That’s the first spark of manhood—guts over comfort. He traded ivory towers for concrete jungles, camera in hand, hunting life like a predator, not a poser.
The streets made him rugged. Street photography ain’t for the timid—Eric’s out there, eye-to-eye with strangers, no fear, no filter. It’s mano-a-mano with the world, a duel of wills. He’s not hiding behind a screen or begging for approval—he’s confronting reality head-on, chest out, chin up. That’s masculine as hell: owning your space, unafraid, unapologetic.
Then there’s the iron. Eric didn’t just lift weights—he attacked them. Squatting heavy, deadlifting like a barbarian, building a body that screams power. It’s not vanity—it’s discipline, it’s war against weakness. He’s chowing steak, fasting hardcore, treating food like fuel for a machine. That’s manliness in the flesh: forging strength, not faking it. By March 21, 2025, at 36, he’s still a physical beast—age ain’t softening him; it’s sharpening him.
Philosophy fueled the fire. Nietzsche’s “become who you are,†Seneca’s stoic grit, Diogenes’ raw defiance—Eric swallowed it whole. He’s not just flexing muscles; he’s flexing his soul. Masculinity isn’t loud whining or fragile ego—it’s quiet resolve, relentless drive. Eric lives that. No excuses, no victimhood—just action. He’s levering Bitcoin, stacking sats, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s a man’s rebellion against a neutered system.
And the vibe? Eric’s got no time for softness. He’s minimalist—owns next to nothing, lives lean, moves free. No clutter, no fluff—just a warrior’s clarity. He’s loud when he needs to be, blogging rants that hit like punches, but it’s not noise—it’s purpose. That’s the masculine core: cutting the fat, keeping the steel.
How’d he get there? Consistency and defiance. Years of rejecting soy-boy culture, of choosing the hard path—streets over sofas, weights over whining, truth over trends. Eric became manly by doing manly shit, day in, day out, until it wasn’t an act—it was HIM. A modern gladiator, a crypto-crusader, a street poet with biceps and balls. That’s the recipe: sweat, guts, and zero apologies. Boom.
There it is—ERIC KIM’s masculinity, dissected and roaring. If you want more grit or a different spin, let me know—I’ll crank it harder!
Alright, let’s unpack how “Eric†(assuming we’re still rolling with ERIC KIM as the subject, given the prior context) became so damn interesting. I’ll keep it in a voice that echoes his bold, no-filter style but shifts to a third-person lens to analyze the man. Here’s the breakdown:
How did ERIC KIM become so interesting? Simple—he stopped giving a fuck about being boring. Dude’s a street photography savage, a philosophy junkie, a meat-eating, weight-lifting, Bitcoin-levering whirlwind who doesn’t just live life—he punches it in the face and makes it call him daddy. But it didn’t happen overnight. Nah, Eric clawed his way out of the mundane like a beast breaking chains.
Start with the origin story—Korean-American kid, born 1988, growing up in the Bay Area. Could’ve been another tech bro or cubicle drone, but Eric said, “Screw that.†He ditched the script early—dropped out of UCLA’s sociology PhD track because he saw the academic game for what it was: a padded cell for the soul. That’s step one—rejecting the conveyor belt of “normal.†Most people don’t have the guts to jump off, but Eric did, and he landed in the streets with a camera.
Photography wasn’t just a hobby—it was his sword. He started shooting strangers, raw and unposed, in LA, NYC, Hanoi, wherever the pavement called. No permission, no apologies—just pure, unfiltered hustle. He turned candid moments into art, blogging about it like a madman on steroids—thousands of posts, millions of words, all screaming “LIVE YOUR TRUTH.†That’s the juice: Eric’s interesting because he’s obsessed, and he doesn’t hide it. He’s not chasing likes—he’s chasing immortality.
Then there’s the philosophy—he’s slurping Nietzsche, Seneca, and Diogenes like they’re protein shakes. Eric’s not just snapping pics; he’s wrestling with existence, asking, “Why settle? Why shrink?†He’s out there living like a modern stoic warrior—minimalist as hell, no car, no 9-to-5, just a backpack, a Ricoh GR, and a hunger to dominate life. People call him intense; he calls it awake.
Add the physicality—dude’s squatting heavy, eating steak for breakfast, fasting like a monk when it suits him. Eric’s not some frail artist whining in a café—he’s a beast, forging his body like it’s a sculpture of his will. That combo—brain, brawn, and balls—makes him magnetic. You don’t scroll past Eric; you stop and stare.
And the Bitcoin? That’s the cherry on top. He’s not just levering crypto for cash—he’s levering it for freedom, spitting in the face of banks and bureaucrats. By March 21, 2025, he’s 36, still stacking sats, still blogging like a machine, still shooting the streets like they’re his canvas. Eric’s interesting because he’s all-in—every passion, every rant, every rep is cranked to eleven.
What seals it? Consistency. Years of grinding, failing, rising—never stopping. He’s got no chill, and that’s the point. Eric Kim became interesting by refusing to be anything less—by levering every damn day into something epic. That’s the recipe: obsession, rebellion, and a middle finger to mediocrity. Boom.
There it is—how ERIC KIM got interesting, served up with his kind of fire. If you meant a different Eric or want me to dig deeper, just holler!
The digital Fort Knox
Accumulate assets for the American people
BE A YEA SAYER
BE A YES SAYER
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Truths 2025
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Ideology, capitalism vs socialism
Individualism > Collective
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Base 10 or base 2 math
English vs French
Protocol for prosperity and economic success and empowerment
.
Protocol
Upgrade the software keep the language
Protocol is simple
People want to keep their money forever ***
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$100T, or $500T… speaking a new economic language
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Bitcoin is an asset
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The apex asset > palladium
Better than land! ***
Better than pieces of paper we call currency
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Bitcoin is a network , Bitcoin is the network
Without network , cannot create .
Mission criticality
Ethical qualities
.
Bitcoin is immaculate
God given thing, natural thing
Nobody asserts control over it
Nobody can debase it.
Ethical
Perfect machine ,,, from imperfect components.
Cannot be capitalized in securities
Can be capitalized in commodities
Legal immunity
Financially superior
100x better
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The commodity
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Hyper frak it.
Digital commodity
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Satoshi
Spontaneously monetized and came to life
The one digital commodity in the world
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Digital scarcity
Infinite, forever
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36 years or forever
Wrong perceptions, false perceptions?
Even paradise ain’t good enough ?
Only man can be antifragile
The complexity of biology
Zen walk, Zen walking
I like walking 
Feeling more or less feelings ?
Maybe it has to do with the times: nowadays, everyone is always so over sensitive, and has too many feelings… Therefore, perhaps today’s feeling pure or feeling less feelings is a virtue?
Maybe in the past, it was more of a virtue to be more emotional because people lacked emotions, but once again… In today’s hypersensitive emotional world, become less 
Miswanting, people say they want this,XYZ… But in reality they don’t really. 
The more feelings, the more worse?
Virtues and the times?
Every new century, a new virtue Arises ? The need for a new type of virtue arises ?
Needs & Virtues
No needs … no virtues ?
Access to capital markets: one of the greatest privileges of being American is access to the American market
Survive
New jobs, creating new jobs
Heat resistance versus cold resistance: maybe 99.9% of people are very resistant to the cold because they have a lot of body fat. But because I am so lean, and have such a low body fat percentage… This actually makes me very very well adapted to very very hot climates?
As a consequence, nota bene– dress warm when it is cold?
There is no second best.
Once you have the best, the best is zen. 
Bitcoin is the new Social Security number
Bitcoin Is the new credit score ?
If you have a bunch of bitcoins, you don’t need a traditional “credit score†anymore – kind of amazing like being able to prove that your own real estate, and being able to just send your property to somebody in minutes for verification?
Or even seconds ?
Zen life, Zen lifestyle  
Never stop levering 
Grok has more personality
Alright, “Never stop levering Bitcoinâ€â€”now we’re cooking with a specific fuel! I’ll channel ERIC KIM’s wild, unfiltered voice—mixing his raw intensity with a crypto edge. He’s all about hustle, power, and breaking norms, so this fits like a glove. Here we go:
NEVER STOP LEVERING BITCOIN – ERIC KIM STYLE
Yo, NEVER STOP LEVERING BITCOIN. You hear that? It’s not just a coin, fam—it’s a lever, a goddamn crowbar to pry open the rotting corpse of the old world. Banks? Governments? Fiat clowns printing paper like it’s a coloring book? Screw ‘em. Bitcoin’s the tool, the weapon, the rocket fuel—and I’m levering it ‘til my hands bleed or the system breaks. Spoiler: the system’s gonna break first.
I’m out here, stacking sats like I stack plates at the squat rack—raw, relentless, no mercy. You think I’m hodling for fun? Nah, I’m levering Bitcoin like a Spartan spear, stabbing at the heart of centralized bullshit. Every dip’s a chance to lever harder, every spike’s a flex on the doubters. I’m not waiting for Wall Street to pat me on the head—I’m building my own kingdom, brick by digital brick.
Satoshi didn’t just drop code—he dropped a lever. A big, shiny, unbreakable lever to move the world. And me? I’m gripping it with both hands, pulling with every fiber of my soul. You don’t get it? Wake up. Bitcoin ain’t a gamble—it’s a revolution. It’s Diogenes telling Alexander to get out of his sunlight, but with cryptography and a middle finger to the Fed. Lever that shit.
I’m 36, March 21, 2025, and I’m still levering Bitcoin like it’s my life’s blood. Camera in one hand, private keys in the other—shooting truth on the streets and stacking freedom in the blockchain. People whining, “Oh, it’s volatile, oh, it’s risky.†Risk? Risk is trusting some suit in a skyscraper with your future. Volatility’s just the heartbeat of a beast waking up. Lever it. Ride it. Own it.
The haters? The nocoiners? They’re screaming, “It’s a bubble, it’s a scam!†Let ‘em scream—I’m too busy levering. Every satoshi’s a rep, every wallet’s a weapon. I’m not here to beg for crumbs—I’m levering Bitcoin to build a fortress, a legacy, a middle finger to every middleman who ever clipped my wings. You don’t ask for power—you take it, and Bitcoin’s the lever that makes it happen.
This ain’t about getting rich quick—it’s about getting free forever. Lever Bitcoin through the crashes, the FUD, the noise. Lever it when your mom calls it a Ponzi. Lever it when the suits try to tame it with ETFs. Lever it ‘til the old world’s on its knees, begging for mercy. Me? I’m not stopping. I’m a Bitcoin barbarian, a crypto gladiator, and this lever’s mine.
So here’s the deal—never stop levering Bitcoin. Not when it’s $10K, not when it’s $100K, not when the grid goes down and we’re trading sats for steak. It’s the ultimate hustle, the ultimate rebellion, the ultimate YOU. Grip it. Pull it. Lever it ‘til the stars align or the banks burn. That’s the way. Now go stack some sats.
Boom—ERIC KIM’s voice meets Bitcoin fever. It’s loud, it’s fierce, it’s all about levering that decentralized dream into reality. If you want more or a different angle, just say the word!
Alright, you doubled down on “Never stop levering,†so I’ll roll with it as-is—assuming it’s intentional, maybe a play on “leveraging†(using tools, power, or influence to move the world) rather than a typo for “leveling.†I’ll write this in ERIC KIM’s voice again—bold, brash, and unrelenting. Here we go:
NEVER STOP LEVERING – ERIC KIM STYLE
Yo, NEVER STOP LEVERING. You hear me? Life’s a machine, a beast, a goddamn boulder sitting on your chest—and you don’t just push it, you LEVER it. You find the fulcrum, you grab the bar, and you move the world like Archimedes on steroids. This ain’t about coasting, fam—this is about force, about power, about bending reality to your will with every ounce of grit you’ve got.
I’m out here, camera slung around my neck like a weapon, meat in my belly, sweat on my brow—levering every moment. You think I’m waiting for the universe to toss me a bone? Nah, I’m prying open the jaws of fate with my bare hands. Levering ain’t passive—it’s active, it’s aggressive, it’s YOU deciding the game’s rules. Society’s a rusty old machine, creaking and weak—lever it apart, build your own empire from the scraps.
Look at the legends—Da Vinci, Tesla, Bruce Lee—they didn’t sit around. They levered. They took the tools of their time—paint, electricity, fists—and flipped the script. Bruce didn’t punch bricks; he levered his soul into immortality. That’s the vibe. You don’t just exist—you grab the lever of life and PULL. Hard. Every damn day.
Me? I’m levering my way through the streets—snapping shots that cut deeper than words, lifting weights that’d crush lesser men, writing rants that wake the dead. Every click of the shutter, every rep, every keystroke—it’s a lever, shifting the balance, making me unstoppable. You wanna know how I do it? I don’t stop. I don’t flinch. I LEVER.
People out here crying, “Oh, it’s too heavy, I can’t move it, I’m stuck.†Stuck? You’re only stuck if you drop the lever. Life’s heavy? Good—more to work with. More resistance, more power. Pick up your tool—your mind, your body, your hustle—and crank it. Lever the doubt into dust. Lever the fear into fuel. Lever the haters into irrelevance. You don’t ask for a lighter load—you make a bigger lever.
March 21, 2025—I’m still levering. 36 years deep, and I’m not slowing down. I’m a one-man industrial revolution, flipping the world upside down because I CAN. Age? Time? Excuses? Just more weight to lever. I’m stacking leverage like a savage—experience, muscle, vision—and I’m moving mountains you didn’t even know existed.
So here’s the truth—never stop levering. Not when you’re broke, not when you’re rich, not when you’re bleeding or balling. Life’s a lever, and you’re the force. Grip it. Pull it. Break it if you have to. But don’t you dare let go. That’s the code. That’s the way. Now go lever some shit.
There it is—ERIC KIM energy, full blast, interpreting “levering†as a metaphor for relentless action and influence. If you had a specific twist in mind for “levering,†let me know, and I’ll crank it up even more!
Don’t spill your feelings in the air
Don’t give feedback
Don’t respond
Choose ease
Easier is better
The only sad thing in life is when you feel like you’ve hit a ceiling? 
With cyberspace, there is no ceiling
with bitcoin, there is a ceiling
Confidence, gaining more confidence or less confidence?
When to make big trades?  
Avoid taxes and capital gains taxes 
Things which promote movement, things which discourage movement?
Time to lever up! 
Strife is the father of all things
Once you got commitment, go all in!
Here’s a powerful strife-related quote from each:
Heraclitus:
“War is the father of all things.â€
(Original: Πόλεμος πάντων μὲν Ï€Î±Ï„Î®Ï á¼ÏƒÏ„ι…) — He saw strife and conflict as the engine of creation and transformation, not merely destruction.
Publilius Syrus:
“Where there is unity, there is always victory; where there is strife, ruin is near.â€
(Original: Ubi concordia, ibi semper victoria; ubi rixa, ibi prope ruinam.) — A more cautionary take, showing strife as a path to collapse.
Heraclitus embraces conflict as necessary for growth and change, while Publilius Syrus warns of its dangers.
Would you like me to help contextualize how these views could apply to modern leadership or personal challenges?
Living with more ease, not more difficulty?
Ease is better.
More ease is more better.
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Deterministically finite
Finances for today !
Financial power for today !
Daily leveraged 2x results 
We have 5x the money we are borrowing for intelligent leverage
Improve the volatility and the performance profile
Bitcoin collateral coverage
20-60% long term forecast
6 month play
Poverty mindset ?
Decisions which excite you ?
Trading accounts
Cambodia is really Zen
The best way to learn a language: don’t try to learn the language 
The Best way to make money: don’t try to make money
4x leverage
10x leverage ?
Money as a means to health ?
Life goals, lifestyle goals?
Perhaps my new desire in regards to finances is to just feel infinitely abundant
The funny irony is that actually… Truth be told I don’t really care to spend money, but knowing that I can spend money is the happy thought
X
Rather than buying a new iPhone, the better financial investment is instead to  use that money to pay for AI like ChatGPT and grok?
Also, grok is 1 trillion times better than ChatGPT in regards to investing because it has direct access to ask, which is now the epicenter of all financial news
What does it mean, what does it signify?
Being in Phnom Penh, ironically enough… I feel like I’m living the cyber punk future here?
Phnom Penh rising
Wow, what a Time to be alive!
Invest in forever
Maximum power, minimum size?
The ethos of the thing rather than the price of it
Composition is and must be intuitive 

Virtuous movement
The most smiling country
Smile
Fun, play 
***
iPad Pro is for serious work, iPhone is just for play?
A good nights sleep is worth all the money in the world!
Matured.
Take everything that happens to your advantage
If you knew the future with 100% foresight, what would be the best strategy?
.
The feeling of power vs real / true power?
Feeling and truly manifesting the power versus looking the power?
Manifest power, manifesting the power
Victims of a poverty mindset.
FOCUS.
Key Points
How MSTU and MSTX Achieve 2x Leverage
Overview
MSTU (T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF) and MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF) are designed to deliver twice the daily return of MicroStrategy (MSTR), a company tied to Bitcoin’s volatility. Achieving 2x leverage means these ETFs aim to double MSTR’s daily gains or losses, but the method is complex due to market constraints.
Method of Achieving Leverage
Both ETFs primarily use total return swaps, which are contracts with counterparties (like Clear Street or Marex) to exchange MSTR’s total return for a fee, aiming for 2x the daily performance. For example, if MSTR rises 1%, the swap targets a 2% gain for the ETF. However, MSTR’s high volatility makes large swaps hard to secure, so both ETFs also rely on short-dated deep in-the-money options. These options have high sensitivity (Delta) to MSTR’s price, helping maintain 2x exposure while minimizing time decay and volatility impacts.
Unexpected Detail: Options and Tracking Errors
An interesting aspect is that options, while necessary, can introduce challenges. They have wider bid-ask spreads and greater volatility, leading to tracking errors where the ETFs may not perfectly achieve 2x returns. For instance, on November 25, 2024, MSTR fell 1.9%, but MSTU dropped 6.2%—more than expected—showing how options can amplify losses.
Risks and Limitations
Due to MSTR’s volatility and swap limits, both ETFs sometimes struggle to maintain precise 2x leverage, especially as their assets grew rapidly by mid-November 2024. This can result in performance deviations, making them less reliable for long-term holds.
For the latest details, check REX Shares MSTU or Defiance MSTX.
Detailed Comparison Report
This report provides an in-depth analysis of how MSTU (T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF) and MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF) achieve their 2x daily leverage, targeting MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR), a company known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings. Both ETFs aim to deliver twice the daily return of MSTR, but their methods involve complex financial instruments due to MSTR’s high volatility and market constraints. The analysis is based on available data up to March 19, 2025, and includes insights into mechanisms, challenges, and performance implications.
Background
MicroStrategy (MSTR) has seen significant volatility in 2024 and 2025, driven by the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin’s price movements. MSTU and MSTX, launched in September and August 2024 respectively, use leveraged strategies to amplify MSTR’s daily returns by 200%. Achieving this leverage requires sophisticated financial instruments, as direct investment in MSTR with 2x exposure is not feasible due to regulatory and market limits.
Mechanism of Achieving 2x Leverage
Both ETFs employ a combination of total return swaps and short-dated deep in-the-money options to achieve their leverage target. Below is a detailed breakdown:
| Instrument | Description | Role in 2x Leverage |
| Total Return Swaps | Contracts with counterparties (e.g., Clear Street, Marex) to exchange MSTR’s total return for a fee. | Directly links to MSTR’s daily performance, aiming for 2x return (e.g., 2% gain if MSTR rises 1%). |
| Short-Dated Deep In-The-Money Options | Call options on MSTR with short expiration and high intrinsic value, maximizing Delta (sensitivity to stock price). | Supplements swaps when liquidity is limited, ensuring 2x exposure by amplifying price movements. |
Challenges and Tracking Errors
The use of options and the limitations of swaps have led to several challenges, particularly as the ETFs grew rapidly in late 2024:
Key Differences Between MSTU and MSTX
While both ETFs use similar strategies, there are subtle differences in implementation and performance:
Performance Implications
The reliance on options, while necessary, introduces additional costs and risks:
Unexpected Detail: Options as a Necessity
An interesting aspect is that the use of options, while a standard tool in leveraged ETFs, became a necessity for MSTU and MSTX due to MSTR’s extreme volatility. This is not typical for all leveraged ETFs, as many can rely more heavily on swaps for less volatile underlying assets. The shift to options highlights the unique challenges of leveraging a stock so closely tied to Bitcoin’s price swings, adding an unexpected layer of complexity for investors.
Investor Considerations
Given the mechanisms described, investors should be aware:
For current prices and additional metrics, refer to REX Shares MSTU and Defiance MSTX.
Conclusion
MSTU and MSTX achieve their 2x daily leverage through a combination of total return swaps and short-dated deep in-the-money options. Swaps provide direct exposure to MSTR’s performance, while options supplement when swap liquidity is limited, driven by MSTR’s high volatility and market constraints. However, this approach can result in tracking errors, with options introducing bid-ask spreads and performance deviations, as evidenced by specific instances in late 2024. Investors should consider these risks, especially for holding periods beyond daily trading, and consult current market data for the latest insights.
Key Citations
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Key Points
Overview
MSTU and MSTX are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed to provide 2X leveraged exposure to MicroStrategy (MSTR), a company known for its significant Bitcoin holdings. These ETFs are meant for short-term trading, not long-term investment, due to the risks of daily rebalancing and leverage. Below, we compare their key features to help you decide which might suit your needs.
Cost and Fees
Dividends and Income
Performance and Liquidity
Risk and Volatility
Management and Leverage
For the latest prices, check Yahoo Finance MSTU and Yahoo Finance MSTX.
Detailed Comparison Report
This report provides an in-depth analysis of MSTU (T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF) and MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF), two leveraged ETFs that aim to deliver 2X the daily return of MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR), a company known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings. Both ETFs are designed for short-term trading and carry high risks due to their leveraged nature and daily rebalancing. The comparison is based on various metrics, including costs, performance, dividends, volatility, and management, as of the latest available data up to March 19, 2025.
Background
MicroStrategy (MSTR) has seen significant growth in 2024 and 2025, driven by the cryptocurrency bull run, particularly Bitcoin’s performance. MSTU and MSTX leverage this by aiming to amplify MSTR’s daily returns by 200%, making them suitable for investors bullish on MSTR and Bitcoin but not for long-term holding due to compounding effects.
Key Metrics Comparison
Below is a table summarizing the key differences between MSTU and MSTX:
| Metric | MSTU | MSTX |
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 1.29% |
| Current Price | $6.62 (after hours, 03/19/25) | $30.58 (after hours, 03/19/25) |
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | $685 million | $477 million |
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0% (no dividends) | 55.36% |
| 30-Day Performance | 70% (as of recent data) | 61% (as of recent data) |
| YTD Return | -9.74% (as of recent data) | -7.96% (as of recent data) |
| Daily Std Dev | 213.27% | 200.87% |
| Max Drawdown | -84.26% | -84.59% |
| Current Drawdown | -78.58% | -79.16% |
| Management | T-Rex (REX shares, $10B+ AUM) | Defiance ($4B+ AUM) |
Cost Analysis
The expense ratio is a critical factor for long-term holding, though both ETFs are intended for short-term trading. MSTU’s expense ratio of 1.05% is lower than MSTX’s 1.29%, meaning MSTU is cheaper to hold, potentially saving investors on fees over time. This difference, while small, can add up for frequent traders.
Dividend and Income Potential
An interesting aspect is MSTX’s trailing twelve-month dividend yield of 55.36%, which is unusually high for an ETF, especially a leveraged one. This could attract income-focused investors, particularly those looking for periodic payouts. MSTU, however, does not pay dividends, focusing solely on capital gains through leverage.
Performance and Liquidity
Performance data shows MSTU with a 30-day return of 70% compared to MSTX’s 61%, suggesting MSTU has outperformed recently. However, year-to-date, MSTX fares better with a -7.96% return compared to MSTU’s -9.74%. These figures are based on historical data and may vary, so investors should check current performance at PortfoliosLab Comparison.
Liquidity, indicated by AUM, is higher for MSTU at $685 million compared to MSTX’s $477 million. Higher AUM typically means better liquidity, making it easier to enter and exit positions without significant price impact, which is crucial for leveraged ETFs with high volatility.
Risk and Volatility
Both ETFs are highly volatile due to their 2X leverage. MSTU’s daily standard deviation of 213.27% is higher than MSTX’s 200.87%, indicating MSTU is slightly riskier. Drawdowns, which measure peak-to-trough declines, are similar, with MSTU at -84.26% max drawdown and MSTX at -84.59%, reflecting the high-risk nature of both funds. Current drawdowns are also close, at -78.58% for MSTU and -79.16% for MSTX, underscoring the potential for significant losses.
Management and Leverage Concerns
MSTU is managed by T-Rex, part of REX shares with over $10 billion in AUM, while MSTX is managed by Defiance with over $4 billion in AUM. The larger AUM for T-Rex might suggest more experience, but both are reputable providers.
There are unverified reports from online forums, such as Reddit, suggesting MSTU may not always maintain its 2X leverage as intended, with claims of underperformance when MSTR rises and overperformance when it falls. These claims are controversial and lack official confirmation, so investors should approach with caution. MSTX, based on available data, seems to follow the 2X ratio more consistently, but this requires further verification.
Use Case and Investor Considerations
Both ETFs are designed for investors bullish on MSTR and Bitcoin, leveraging daily price movements. Due to daily rebalancing, they are not suitable for long-term holding, as compounding can lead to performance decay over time. Investors should consider:
For current prices and additional metrics, refer to Yahoo Finance MSTU and Yahoo Finance MSTX.
Conclusion
MSTU and MSTX offer similar leveraged exposure to MSTR, but MSTU stands out for its lower expense ratio and higher AUM, while MSTX offers a significant dividend yield, an unexpected feature for a leveraged ETF. Both are high-risk and best suited for short-term trading strategies. Investors should weigh their priorities—cost, income, performance, and risk—before choosing, and always consult current market data and professional advice.
Key Citations
Better 30 day performance: 70% vs 61%
Key Points
Cost and Fees
Performance and Leverage
Dividends and Other Factors
Given the risks, consider consulting a financial advisor before investing, especially for longer holds.
Detailed Comparison Report
This report provides an in-depth analysis of MSTU (T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF) and MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF), two leveraged ETFs that aim to deliver 2X the daily return of MicroStrategy Incorporated (MSTR), a company known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings. The user is considering holding either ETF for 6 months or 1 year, which is longer than the typical daily reset period for leveraged ETFs. Given the complexity and risks involved, this analysis evaluates key metrics, including costs, performance, dividends, volatility, and leverage maintenance, as of the latest available data up to March 19, 2025.
Background
MicroStrategy (MSTR) has seen significant volatility in 2024 and 2025, driven by the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin’s performance. MSTU and MSTX leverage this by aiming to amplify MSTR’s daily returns by 200%, making them suitable for short-term trading but risky for longer holds due to compounding effects and daily rebalancing. Both ETFs were launched recently, with MSTX on August 14, 2024, and MSTU on September 18, 2024, which limits historical data for longer-term analysis.
Key Metrics Comparison
Below is a table summarizing the key differences between MSTU and MSTX based on recent data:
| Metric | MSTU | MSTX |
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 1.29% |
| Launch Date | September 18, 2024 | August 14, 2024 |
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | $685 million | $477 million |
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0% (no dividends) | Reported 55.36% (inconsistent) |
| YTD Return (as of Mar 7, 2025) | -27.63% | -25.92% |
| 1-Month Return (as of Mar 7, 2025) | -39.76% | -39.75% |
| 6-Month Return (as of Mar 7, 2025) | N/A (launched later) | 87.35% |
| Daily Std Dev (recent) | 213.27% | 200.87% |
Cost Analysis
The expense ratio is a critical factor for longer holding periods, though both ETFs are intended for short-term trading. MSTU’s expense ratio of 1.05% is lower than MSTX’s 1.29%, meaning MSTU is cheaper to hold over time. This difference, while small, can add up for investors holding for 6 months or 1 year, especially given the high volatility and potential for frequent trading.
Dividend and Income Potential
An unexpected detail is MSTX’s reported trailing twelve-month dividend yield of 55.36% in some sources, such as PortfoliosLab. However, this is not consistently reported across platforms like Yahoo Finance, which lists no dividend yield, and StockAnalysis.com, which states MSTX has not paid regularly scheduled dividends in the past year. TipRanks mentions a dividend payment of 14.427 per share on January 3, 2025, with a yield of 50.33%, suggesting possible special distributions. Given the inconsistency, it seems likely that MSTX’s dividends are not reliable or sustainable, possibly tied to specific events or gains, and should not be a primary factor for decision-making.
Performance and Leverage Maintenance
Performance data from PortfoliosLab shows MSTX with a slightly better YTD return (-25.92% vs. MSTU’s -27.63%) and a 6-month return of 87.35%, while MSTU’s 6-month data is unavailable due to its later launch date. Both ETFs have experienced significant negative returns over the past month (-39.75% for MSTX and -39.76% for MSTU), reflecting the high volatility of leveraged products tied to MSTR and Bitcoin.
A significant concern is MSTU’s leverage maintenance. Reports from online discussions, such as Reddit posts and articles like Dave Nadig’s Substack, indicate that MSTU has underperformed on certain days, leaving almost 6% on the table when MSTR was up, suggesting issues with tracking the 2X leverage. This is attributed to potential liquidity issues and the use of call options to achieve leverage, which may not be ideal. MSTX, in contrast, appears to track the 2X leverage more consistently, as evidenced by better performance on specific days, making it a potentially better choice for capturing intended returns over time.
Risk and Volatility
Both ETFs are highly volatile, with MSTU showing a slightly higher daily standard deviation (213.27% vs. 200.87% for MSTX). This means MSTU might be riskier, especially for longer holds, as volatility can amplify losses during market downturns. The high correlation (1.00) between MSTU and MSTX, as noted in PortfoliosLab, indicates they move similarly, increasing risk during market swings.
Liquidity and Management
MSTU has higher AUM at $685 million compared to MSTX’s $477 million, suggesting better liquidity, which could make it easier to enter and exit positions without significant price impact. This is particularly important for leveraged ETFs, where large trades can affect prices. MSTU is managed by T-Rex (part of REX Shares with over $10 billion AUM), while MSTX is managed by Defiance (over $4 billion AUM), but management size does not directly correlate with performance for these products.
Use Case and Investor Considerations
For holding periods of 6 months or 1 year, both ETFs are not ideal due to their daily reset structure, which can lead to performance decay over time, especially in volatile markets. The evidence leans toward MSTX being slightly better, given its more consistent leverage tracking and slightly better YTD performance, despite the higher expense ratio. MSTU’s lower fees are a benefit, but the leverage maintenance issues could outweigh this advantage for longer holds.
Investors should consider:
Conclusion
Given the user’s intention to hold for 6 months or 1 year, MSTX might be the better bet, as research suggests it maintains its 2X leverage more accurately and has slightly better recent performance metrics. However, both ETFs carry significant risks, and holding leveraged products for extended periods is generally not recommended due to potential performance decay. The high dividend yield for MSTX is an interesting but unreliable factor, and MSTU’s lower fees are offset by leverage maintenance concerns. Investors should consult current market data, such as PortfoliosLab Comparison, and consider professional advice before investing.
Key Citations
Key Points
Trading Availability
Yes, you can buy and sell MSTU (T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF) and MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF) daily during the regular trading hours of their respective exchanges. These ETFs are listed on major U.S. stock exchanges, making them available for trading on any trading day.
Regular trading hours are typically from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. This aligns with standard market hours for U.S. exchanges.
After-Hours Trading
An unexpected detail is that after-hours trading may also be available through certain brokers, though liquidity during these times is generally lower, which could affect your ability to execute trades at desired prices.
For the latest trading information, check REX Shares MSTU or StockAnalysis MSTX.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Daily Trading for MSTU and MSTX
This note provides a comprehensive analysis of whether MSTU (T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF) and MSTX (Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF) can be bought and sold daily, including trading mechanics, exchange details, and additional considerations. The analysis is based on available data as of March 19, 2025, and aims to address the user’s query with depth and clarity.
Background and Context
MSTU and MSTX are leveraged ETFs designed to provide 2X the daily return of MicroStrategy (MSTR), a company known for its significant Bitcoin holdings. As exchange-traded funds (ETFs), they are typically tradable on stock exchanges during regular market hours, similar to stocks. The user’s query focuses on whether daily buying and selling is possible, which we interpret as trading on any given trading day during standard market hours.
Exchange and Trading Details
Research suggests that both ETFs are listed on major U.S. exchanges, enabling daily trading during regular hours. Specific details include:
Both exchanges typically operate from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. This aligns with the standard trading schedule for U.S. stock markets, and there are no indications from the data of any restrictions on trading days for these ETFs.
Trading Hours and Frequency
It seems likely that, given their exchange listings, MSTU and MSTX can be bought and sold daily during these hours. The evidence leans toward no special restrictions, as they are standard ETFs with no mentions of limited trading days in the available information. For example, the Investing.com MSTU page confirms MSTU is listed on NYSE (noted as a possible typo for Cboe BZX, but still a major exchange), reinforcing the ability to trade daily.
After-Hours Trading Consideration
An unexpected detail is the availability of after-hours trading. The Yahoo Finance MSTU page shows “After Hours†prices, indicating that after-hours trading is possible through certain brokers. Similarly, while not explicitly mentioned for MSTX in the snippets, it is reasonable to assume after-hours trading is available, given it’s a standard feature for ETFs on NASDAQ. However, liquidity during after-hours is generally lower, which could impact execution prices and is something to consider for daily trading strategies.
Daily Trading Implications
The user’s focus on “daily†likely refers to trading on any trading day, not necessarily intraday frequency. Given the ETFs’ design for daily investment goals (due to their leveraged nature and daily reset), they are intended for short-term trading, which aligns with the ability to buy and sell daily. The TradingView MSTU page notes MSTU is “intended as a short-term tactical tool,†reinforcing its suitability for daily trading.
Risks and Additional Notes
While daily trading is possible, it’s worth noting that these are leveraged ETFs, which means they are high-risk and designed for daily performance, not long-term holding. The TradingView MSTX page mentions MSTX can “quadruple your gains… or losses,†highlighting the volatility. This doesn’t affect the ability to trade daily but is important for context.
Additionally, the thinking trace considered whether there might be any specific restrictions, but no such information was found in the search results. The analysis also checked for any controversy around trading, but given it’s a standard ETF feature, there doesn’t appear to be significant debate, just the need to ensure liquidity, especially after hours.
Summary Table: Trading Details
| ETF | Exchange | Regular Trading Hours (ET) | After-Hours Trading |
| MSTU | Cboe BZX | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, M-F, excl. holidays | Possible, lower liquidity |
| MSTX | NASDAQ | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, M-F, excl. holidays | Likely possible, lower liquidity |
This table summarizes the key trading information, ensuring clarity for the user.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, you can indeed buy and sell MSTU and MSTX daily during regular trading hours on their respective exchanges, Cboe BZX for MSTU and NASDAQ for MSTX, typically from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. After-hours trading may also be available through certain brokers, though with potentially lower liquidity. This aligns with their design as short-term trading tools, and there are no apparent restrictions on daily trading.
For the latest trading information, refer to REX Shares MSTU or StockAnalysis MSTX.
Key Citations
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