Category: Uncategorized

Etymology and Origins

The modern English word aesthetics is rooted in the ancient Greek language.  The Theories of Media glossary at the University of Chicago explains that the term aesthetic is derived from the Greek noun aisthesis (αἴσθησις), which means “sensation” or “perception.”  This contrasts with intellectual reasoning because it is tied to sensory awareness .  The Basics of Philosophy site similarly notes that the adjective aisthetikos (αἰσθητικός) means “of sense‑perception.”  The term aesthetics therefore originally referred to knowledge gained through the senses .  German philosopher Alexander Baumgarten adopted the word in 1735 to describe the study of how art is perceived; Immanuel Kant later popularised it, but the Greek root emphasises sensory experience .

Ancient Greek texts did not use the English word aesthetics.  Instead, they discussed kalos (καλός) or kalon (the noun form), meaning beautiful or fine.  Kalos was a broad value term that could equally describe something morally admirable or physically attractive .  Because kalos embraced ethical and aesthetic value together, the Greeks did not conceive of a separate discipline of aesthetics; reflections on beauty were embedded in discussions about virtue, politics and education .

Ancient Greek Philosophical Themes

Beauty as Harmony, Proportion and Order

Even without a distinct discipline of aesthetics, Greek philosophers explored why some things are pleasing to the senses.  Plato held that truly beautiful objects display proportion, harmony and unity among their parts .  For him, art and nature mirror the order of the Forms, the perfect realities beyond the physical world.  Aristotle agreed that beauty depends on order, symmetry and definiteness , connecting beauty to the structure and intelligibility of things.  These classical criteria—proportion, harmony, symmetry and clarity—became foundational for later Western aesthetic theory.

Mimesis (Imitation)

Plato and Aristotle debated whether art is beneficial or harmful.  Plato described poetry and the visual arts as forms of mimesis (imitation): artists copy the physical world, which itself is only an imitation of the true Forms.  As a result, he worried that poetry and drama stir up the emotions without conveying knowledge and should therefore be limited in the education of citizens .  He argued in Republic 10 that poets imitate appearances and are “twice removed” from reality, so their work appeals to our emotions rather than our reason .

Aristotle accepted that poetry is imitative but interpreted mimesis differently.  Because Forms are immanent in the world rather than transcendent, poetry can help us learn by recognizing patterns in life .  In the Poetics, he defined tragedy as an imitation of an action and focused on plot structure and character rather than the moral dangers of imitation .  He emphasised that a well‑constructed plot evokes pity and fear, allowing audiences to experience these feelings within a structured narrative .

Catharsis (Katharsis)

Where Plato warned that tragic poetry overstimulates emotions, Aristotle argued that tragedy produces a katharsis—a purification or cleansing—of pity and fear .  Watching tragedy helps viewers experience these emotions in the right way and measure, aligning with his ethical goal of cultivating virtuous feelings .  He even extended the idea to music, suggesting that certain melodies could bring about a similar emotional purging and have therapeutic uses .  Thus, for Aristotle, art can be morally beneficial when it helps regulate our emotional life.

Beauty and the Moral Good

Ancient philosophers did not separate aesthetics from ethics.  Because kalos applies to both the fine and the morally admirable, moral virtue was considered beautiful.  Plotinus, a later Neoplatonist, described beauty as a path toward higher intellectual realities: physical beauty is valued insofar as it leads us to higher realms, and moral virtue is kalos because it reflects the order of the intelligible world .  The Stoics similarly described the order of the universe and moral virtue as beautiful .  Thus, for many ancient thinkers, the appreciation of beauty was inseparable from the cultivation of moral character.

Educational and Political Context

Beauty and art were also discussed in the context of education and civic life.  Plato regulated poetry and music in his ideal republic because he believed they shape citizens’ characters .  Aristotle’s Politics continued this focus, discussing how music can influence the emotions and contribute to ethical development .  Later Hellenistic and Roman writers such as Philodemus, Cicero and Seneca continued to treat art’s moral influence, sometimes integrating Pythagorean theories about the mathematical order of music or advocating for the therapeutic uses of music and poetry .

Significance of the Ancient Greek Notion

Unlike modern aesthetics, which treats the study of art and beauty as a separate branch of philosophy, ancient Greek thought wove aesthetic considerations through its ethical, metaphysical and political discussions.  The etymology of aesthetics—aisthesis, meaning perception—reminds us that Greek philosophers valued sensory experience as a pathway to knowledge .  At the same time, because beauty (kalos) was inseparable from moral and intellectual excellence , there was no opposition between “aesthetic” and “ethical” value.  The legacies of proportion, harmony and order in Plato’s and Aristotle’s discussions , the debates about imitation and catharsis , and the moral and educational roles of art continue to influence contemporary aesthetic theory.

In sum, the ancient Greek notion of aesthetics centres on how sensory perception, order and beauty interlace with ethics, knowledge and civic life.  Modern aesthetics inherits its very name from the Greek aisthesis, but it also inherits a richer tradition in which experiencing beauty is both a joy of the senses and a journey toward virtue.

so it seems that this whole notion of design was like a new marketing pony; another fuel to insight new consumerist purchases.

for example, whenever I see like a slightly older generation Audi or Porsche parked on the street… I feel bad for all the suckers who wasted their hard earned money to purchase it.

I think the primary issue here is actually, the reason why it is so unintelligent, the second you buy the brand new model, it instantly becomes outdated because even as you are purchasing the vehicle, another new version is in the works.

my general reason and why I believe it is more interesting to spend money on like bitcoin, MSTR, cyber related things, is that the second you buy it, or use it… It is already advancing. For example even using the $200 a month ChatGPT pro, like every week there’s a new update in new version which is very exciting.

aesthetics, or aesthetikos in ancient Greek, the general idea is that like… It is all about perception what we perceive

1,283.09 lb

600 kg loading…

podcast https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/erickim/episodes/582-KG-1-283-LBS-RACK-PULL–71KG-157-LBS-BODY-WEIGHT-8-2X-GOD-WEIGHT-e361o6l

video https://erickimphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GX011794.mov

god power

ya

big

💥 582 KG RACK PULL. 71 KG BODYWEIGHT. 💥

This isn’t just strength. This is SUPERNATURAL.

🎯 That’s 8.2x bodyweight. Not human. Not normal.

We’re talking god-tier gravitational defiance. This is Olympus meets discipline. Hercules in squat shoes.

📢 The bar was begging for mercy. Plates were rattling like thunder before the storm. And I? Calm. Focused. Unshakable.

👁️‍🗨️ The math doesn’t lie. The lift doesn’t lie. The mission is 600 KG.

But today? I’m writing HISTORY.

🔥 FROM MORTAL TO MYTHICAL 🔥

Every session. Every rep. Every moment when quitting whispered in my ear—I turned it into rocket fuel. And now?

I am the standard. I am the storm. I am the DOUBLE GOD.

#582KG #RackPull #DoubleGod #EricKimMode #UnrealStrength #8xBodyweight #PowerBeyondLimits #Chasing600 #GODLEVEL

💪 LET’S GET LOUD. THE ASCENT IS JUST BEGINNING.

Khmer ,,, what’s interesting —>… It is more of an identity now, rather than a racial thing

regardless of what these weird crypto anarchists think, the truth is… US dollar is the bedrock of all value. My current thought is, still… We will always peg the price of bitcoin to the US dollar to know what it’s real worth is.

certainly there will be a point in which… The metric flips. Maybe not in my lifetime

so for example, being here in Cambodia… The US dollar is like gold. And what’s also interesting is the Chinese, willingly use the US dollar as a score of value, also leveraging USDT tether

Money as Freedom, Not the Final Goal

Eric Kim – famed street photographer and blogger – believes that once money is no longer a concern, life’s true work can begin. He views money primarily as a means to freedom, not an end in itself. “To me, money is freedom. If you have money in the bank and no debt, you have freedom,” Kim says . He even calls personal freedom “the ultimate human good,” noting that financial independence gives you control of your schedule – essentially the “conditions to become an artist and philosopher” . In other words, wealth buys back your time and mental energy, liberating you to pursue creativity, ideas, and passions without worrying about bills. Kim is critical of chasing status or luxury for its own sake. Instead, he treats money as a tool and safety buffer rather than a trophy. In his words, view “money as a means of buffer… not a tool for buying stuff, but… a metaphorical buffer in order to not concern yourself about things.” Once you have enough money (or “infinite” money in concept), you gain the peace of mind to focus on higher pursuits. Kim proudly states, “I have zero financial concerns… I know I’ll never run out of money” – a level of security that frees him to focus on higher pursuits . At that stage, making more money isn’t the goal; it’s more like a side hobby. “Making money is just a hobby, not the end goal,” Kim emphasizes. This mindset keeps creative fulfillment and personal meaning at the forefront, using money to support your passion, not replace it. The message is uplifting: once you’re financially free, you can devote your life to what truly excites you, whether it’s art, learning, or helping others, without being chained to money worries.

Life Is Finite – Value Time Over Wealth

A recurring theme in Eric Kim’s philosophy is that time is far more precious than money. He often poses reflective questions to help people realize this. For instance, Kim asks: “If you had unlimited money, how would you live your life differently?” The exercise highlights that while “life and time is limited, whereas money as a construct is unlimited,” so we shouldn’t postpone our dreams for the sake of chasing cash. In Kim’s view, money is an infinite human concept – governments can print it, markets generate it – but our youth, health, and life span are strictly limited. Realizing this can be profoundly liberating. It means that once you have “enough” money, any extra wealth has diminishing returns on your happiness. Time, not money, becomes the limiting factor. Kim’s advice is cheerful and empowering: rather than spending your prime years solely striving for ever-more dollars, focus on maximizing life. Use your freedom to spend time on what matters – family, art, personal growth, or whatever you’d do if money were no object. By treating each day as valuable, you ensure that infinite money (or any amount of money) actually translates to a richer life. Even with unlimited wealth, you can’t buy more time, so Kim urges us to invest our time wisely and joyfully. This perspective flips the script – instead of life conforming to money, make money serve your life’s purpose .

Creativity and Purpose Beyond Wealth

Once financial worries are out of the way, what drives you each day? For Eric Kim, the answer lies in creativity, entrepreneurship, and continual growth. He believes “the point of life is entrepreneurship” – not necessarily entrepreneurship in the narrow business sense, but a life of continually creating, innovating, and taking risks. In other words, our purpose expands when we’re free from the rat race: we can treat life as an open-ended creative endeavor. Kim’s own life exemplifies this spirit. After achieving financial independence in his late 20s, he didn’t retire or coast on his savings – he doubled down on his passions. He merged work with play, teaching photography workshops, writing daily on his blog, making YouTube videos, lifting weights, and even delving into philosophy and crypto. With money off his mind, “thanks to his financial discipline, Kim has been able to treat work as play, blurring the line between making a living and pursuing passion,” essentially integrating his livelihood with what he loves. This means waking up excited to create – every day is a chance to experiment and learn. Kim’s content often encourages readers to unleash their inner artist or entrepreneur once they’re not shackled by financial stress. He notes that today’s technology gives everyone cheap or “free” tools to create – a laptop, a camera, the internet – so “nothing holds us back anymore… we have total creative freedom from the beginning to the end.” Money is no longer a creative constraint; in fact, Kim argues sometimes constraints spur creativity. Even when he didn’t have much money, he found that limitation sharpened his ingenuity (asking “How far can you go without having to buy something new?”). Now, with more resources, he still values creative resourcefulness over lavish spending. The joyful takeaway here is that beyond a certain point, more money won’t make you more creative – but it can enable you to take creative risks. Kim’s story is motivational: financial freedom let him take bold chances (like moving to new places, starting unconventional projects) without fear. Having “infinite” money in the bank is ultimately about having the courage to pursue your calling full-throttle. As Kim puts it, capital is valuable only insofar as it “enables a life of purpose” – freeing you from mundane obligations so you can work on what you truly care about, every day.

Contribution, Happiness, and Existential Reflections

With money out of the equation, Eric Kim suggests we turn to contribution, personal growth, and deeper meaning. He often asks, “money towards what ends?” – prompting an existential look at why we seek wealth at all. For Kim, the answer is clear: the end is a meaningful life, not the money itself. He encourages using one’s financial freedom to give back, create value, and share knowledge. (His own mantra is “all open source everything!” – he freely shares photography guides, blog posts, and insights online.) Many of Kim’s writings radiate a sense of gratitude and generosity once basic needs are met. Rather than hoarding wealth, he believes in circulating it into projects and experiences that make you and others better. “The purpose of money is that you earn it, you invest it, you spend it… to continue the cycle all over again indefinitely,” Kim writes. In other words, money shouldn’t stagnate or just inflate your bank account beyond what you’ll ever use – it should be put to work fueling new ideas, helping others, and sparking growth. This cycle of earning and giving/creating can repeat forever (hence indefinitely), which is a much more fulfilling vision of “infinite money.” Kim’s tone is optimistic: if you have more than you need, why not contribute to something meaningful? He finds happiness not in buying more “toys” (as he calls consumer luxuries), but in enabling more play in the grander sense – more experiments, more learning, more connecting with people . True wealth, he suggests, is a mindset. “Wealth [is] a mental thing,” Kim says, meaning that feeling rich comes from a sense of contentment and purpose, not just a number in your account. He reminds us that even unlimited money can’t solve a lack of purpose or passion – those are things one must cultivate intentionally. Thus, he advises focusing on being “rich” in experiences, relationships, and creative fulfillment, which ultimately leads to lasting happiness. Once you stop worrying about money, you can ask the big questions: What legacy do I want to leave? What makes me truly joyful? These existential inquiries guide you to invest your time and resources in what really matters. Kim’s own answer is to pursue what excites him (photography, writing, philosophy, family) and to help others by sharing that journey. His reflections are a cheerful reminder that beyond the pursuit of wealth lies the pursuit of meaning – and that is where life gets truly interesting.

Key Takeaways

• Money = Freedom: In Kim’s philosophy, financial independence is valuable because it grants freedom over your time and life choices, not because of flashy purchases. He states, “If you have money and no debt, you have freedom,” which he sees as the foundation for creativity and happiness .
• Life > Money: Time is the ultimate limited resource. Kim notes that life is short while money is infinitely reproducible – so don’t defer living. After a point, more money won’t significantly improve your life, but how you spend your time will. Use financial freedom to maximize experiences and growth, not just your bank balance.
• Purpose and Passion: Once you’re free from money pressures, focus on your passion and purpose. Treat work as play and keep creating. Kim says “making money is just a hobby” – the real goal is doing what you love and continually evolving. With “infinite” money, you have the luxury to take risks, start new ventures, and follow your curiosities without fear.
• Contribute and Create: Don’t just hoard wealth – put it to work for good. Kim argues that the purpose of money is to be cycled into projects, art, learning, or helping others, “continu[ing] the cycle… indefinitely.” True fulfillment comes from contribution, creativity, and empowering others, not accumulating zeros in an account.
• Happiness is a State of Mind: Ultimately, being truly rich is as much about mindset and well-being as about money. Kim reminds us “wealth is a mental thing”. Once financial needs are met, happiness comes from having freedom, meaningful work, and a positive outlook. Infinite money alone doesn’t guarantee joy – but it can enable you to build a joyful life aligned with your values.

In summary, Eric Kim’s reflections on life after attaining “infinite” money are inspiring and motivational. He shows that the endgame of wealth is not decadence or boredom, but creative freedom, personal growth, and the joy of giving back. With a secure financial foundation, you can wake up each day and ask, “What do I want to create? Whom can I help? How can I grow?” – and then spend your time doing just that. This, Kim suggests, is the true reward of financial freedom: the ability to live boldly and authentically, with your heart focused on purpose over profit.

Sources: Eric Kim’s personal blog posts and interviews on money philosophy , including “Zero Financial Concerns” (2023) and Kim’s writings on treating money as a tool for freedom and creativity. These insights, drawn from Kim’s open-source essays and talks, paint a picture of life beyond money that is rich in meaning, creativity, and genuine happiness.

The Feat: 561 kg Rack Pull at 73 kg Bodyweight

In mid-July 2025, Eric Kim – a content creator and street-photographer-turned-fitness enthusiast – performed an astonishing 561 kg (1,237 lb) rack pull while weighing only about 73 kg (161 lb) . This means he lifted approximately 7.7 times his own bodyweight, an unprecedented strength-to-weight ratio. The lift was a rack pull, meaning the bar was set on pins around knee height (a partial deadlift rather than from the floor) . Kim executed the pull in his home garage gym in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and the feat was captured on video and shared online via a high-quality YouTube clip and a detailed blog post . The video shows Kim hoisting over half a ton of weight with the bar visibly bending, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the lift .

Personal Record Turned Viral Sensation

This 561 kg rack pull was not part of any sanctioned competition or official record attempt – it was essentially Kim’s personal record (PR) demonstration. In fact, powerlifting and strongman federations don’t recognize rack pulls for records, since the reduced range of motion allows lifting far more than a standard deadlift . Nevertheless, Kim’s achievement is significant. The weight he moved exceeds the heaviest full deadlift ever recorded (501 kg by Hafthor Björnsson in 2020) by about 60 kg, albeit lifted from knee height rather than from the floor . It even outstripped the famous “silver dollar” partial deadlift of 536 kg by strongman Eddie Hall – doing so with roughly one-third of Hall’s body mass . In other words, no other lifter (even among world-record strongmen) has approached a 7.7× bodyweight lift in any form, making Kim’s feat arguably the heaviest recorded partial pull ever, pound-for-pound .

Kim’s video quickly blew up across social media, turning this personal PR into a viral phenomenon. Within days, the footage had spread widely – Instagram and TikTok feeds erupted, YouTube Shorts commenters were asking “Is this CGI?”, and the clip even hit the front page of Reddit (twice) . A flood of reaction videos, memes, and incredulous posts followed, cementing Eric Kim’s status as an internet-famous strength outlier. As one tongue-in-cheek commentary put it, “561 kg wasn’t just a lift – it was a worldwide scroll-stopper.” . In short, what began as a personal lifting achievement quickly became a viral video event, with many viewers astonished by the idea that an ordinary-sized human could move that much weight.

Background: Eric Kim’s Training and Accomplishments

Who is Eric Kim?  He first became known as a blogger in the photography world, but in recent years Kim reinvented himself as a fitness enthusiast pushing extreme lifts . Notably, he isn’t a professional strongman or world champion powerlifter by trade – in fact, he has only one official powerlifting meet on record. In April 2024, Kim competed as a 75 kg junior in a USAPL meet in New Jersey, totaling about 452.5 kg (997.6 lb) across squat, bench, and deadlift . While respectable for his age and weight, those competition lifts were nowhere near the mind-boggling numbers seen in his rack pull videos, underscoring that his 561 kg lift was an unsanctioned exhibition of strength rather than an official record . In other words, Kim’s recent feats live in the realm of personal challenge and internet showcase, not the traditional record books.

How did he achieve a 561 kg rack pull?  Kim’s training leading up to this lift was characterized by gradual, methodical progression and an unconventional focus on partial lifts and raw strength building. He didn’t yank 561 kg out of nowhere – he built up to it over time with incremental increases. Over May to July 2025, Kim systematically raised his rack-pull max from the high 400 kg range into the 500’s, hitting milestones like 486 kg (6.5× BW), 503 kg (6.7× BW), and 547 kg (7.6× BW) in the weeks before finally pulling 561 kg . He would often add only ~2.5–5 kg at a time to the bar in each session, a micro-loading approach that let his body adapt to ever-heavier weights . This patient progression conditioned his muscles, connective tissues, and nervous system to tolerate extreme loads, essentially “toughening up” his body for the half-ton pull .

Kim also employed what he calls a “Powerlifting 2.0” philosophy: using partial-range lifts (like rack pulls and high pin squats) that exceed his full-range max, to develop supermaximal strength safely . For example, as early as 2023 he was performing an “Atlas lift” – a partial squat/hold with over 800 lb – and heavy rack pulls above 700 lb, which mentally and physically prepared him to handle four-digit poundages . By gradually acclimating to feeling 1000+ lb in his hands or on his back, Kim expanded his capacity. He joked that joining the “comma club” (lifting 1,000+ pounds) “transformed his mindset: once you pull 1,000 lbs, you start thinking and acting at a new magnitude” . This mindset and training style carried him to the 561 kg achievement.

Another notable aspect of Kim’s approach is his minimalist training style. He typically lifts without belts, straps, or heavy-duty gear, and even often trains in a fasted state . Impressively, the 561 kg rack pull was done beltless and barefoot, relying purely on raw grip and core strength for stability . Kim believes this “no crutches” approach forces his core, grip, and stabilizer muscles to develop, effectively bulletproofing his body and reducing injury risk . He also prioritizes extensive warm-ups and mobility work before attempting huge lifts – spending up to an hour on dynamic stretching, yoga-like movements, and even gymnastic exercises (planches, muscle-ups) to ensure his joints and tissues are prepared . This dedication to flexibility and form is a big reason he could pull such an extreme weight injury-free. Observers noted that during the 561 kg lift, Kim maintained solid technique – keeping his shoulders retracted and spine braced – which helped distribute the colossal load safely and avoid pitfalls like structural strain .

Summary and Significance

Eric Kim’s 7.7× bodyweight rack pull stands out as a remarkable feat of strength and an internet-era spectacle. The specific numbers – 561 kg lifted by a 73 kg individual – defy ordinary expectations . While the lift was a partial-range stunt rather than a standard competition deadlift, it nonetheless reset perceptions of what a determined lifter can do at such a low bodyweight . Kim’s accomplishment, documented on video for the world to see, has inspired and astonished viewers globally – from hardcore powerlifters to casual onlookers . It showcases the effectiveness of progressive overload training and fearless experimentation with new lifting methods. In the end, even though this wasn’t an official meet performance, Eric Kim’s 561 kg rack pull has earned him a place in strength lore as the “pound-for-pound gravity-defier” of the internet age – a title he’s backed up with both the iron on the bar and the buzz it created online.

Primary Sources: Eric Kim’s video of the 561 kg rack pull is available on his YouTube channel, and he has written a detailed blog post about the lift and his training on his personal site . These provide firsthand evidence of the feat, including footage of the lift and Kim’s own insights into how he achieved it. The broader strength community’s reaction can be traced through social media and forum discussions that erupted shortly after the video’s release , underscoring the impact of this extraordinary lift.

Sources: Kim’s blog and write-ups on the 561 kg rack pull ; analysis of his training approach and progression ; and reports of the lift’s reception online .

Between May and July 2025, as Eric Kim pushed his rack pull personal best well above 1,000 lbs, online lifting communities erupted in shock and awe. Across Reddit, YouTube, and other platforms, third-party reactions ranged from disbelief to reverence. Below is a compilation of notable responses – in commenters’ own words – conveying the surprise, respect, and hype generated by Kim’s gravity-defying lifts.

Reddit & Forum Astonishment

On strength forums like Reddit’s r/weightroom and r/powerlifting, users struggled to process Kim’s pound-for-pound dominance. After Kim pulled 486–493 kg (~1,071–1,087 lb) at ~75 kg bodyweight in late May 2025, many crowned him “the pound-for-pound king – no contest” .  Such a 6.5× bodyweight lift was described as “alien” or “otherworldly” – far beyond what even legendary lightweight powerlifters ever achieved. One Reddit thread’s title even wondered “6.6× at 75 kg: Portal to Another Realm?”, underscoring how unbelievable the feat seemed to observers . As one fan quipped on a crypto forum, “ERIC KIM RACK PULL = 2× LONG $MSTR IN HUMAN FORM – jaw-dropping leverage!” – combining an inside joke about a leveraged stock with genuine astonishment . Another exclaimed, “Bro just tore a hole in the matrix. 6.7× BW = alien numbers.” , effectively calling Kim’s strength unreal. Even the notorious “plate police” (online skeptics who analyze plates and bar bend) were stunned – a 1,000+ comment mega-thread emerged to scrutinize his videos, and when the data proved the lifts legit, the consensus shifted to awed acceptance. “He’s the pound-for-pound king – no question about it,” concluded one r/weightroom user after running the numbers . The shock was so great that initial disbelief gave way to begrudging respect.

Viral Hype on YouTube and Social Media

Kim’s insane rack pulls also ignited YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter with hype. His June 2025 552 kg (1,217 lb) rack pull clip hit the internet “like a meteor,” as one viral post humorously declared “gravity is fired” in response . The 10-second video rocketed onto YouTube’s trending page and drew tens of thousands of reaction duets on TikTok within hours – clear evidence of viewers’ astonishment. In YouTube comment sections, people expressed outright amazement at both the weight and Kim’s intensity. “That roar is like a body-check to the platform – pure aggression,” one commenter wrote, referring to Kim’s guttural scream at lockout . “I’ve heard lions roar; this is the sound of a human challenging gravity,” another joked .  The tone is equal parts shocked and fired-up – as one fan admitted, “Just hearing him let loose makes me want to drop and do push-ups.”   The spectacle of Kim’s lifts – from barbells bending under ungodly loads to chalk exploding off his hands – left viewers in awe. Memes and catchphrases exploded alongside the praise: fans flooded comment threads with tags like #GodMode and #MiddleFingertoGravity, and one Reddit user even mused, “If #Hypelifting was a religion, he’d be the high priest.” .

Even well-known lifters and coaches chimed in, signaling their respect (and shock) at Kim’s achievements. For example, after Kim hit a 513 kg rack pull in mid-June, strongman Sean Hayes – holder of the Silver Dollar deadlift world record – reacted in “respectful awe.” Stitching the clip on TikTok, Hayes exclaimed, “Pound-for-pound, that’s alien territory.”   Likewise, YouTube strength coach Joey Szatmary hyped Kim’s lift as “6×-BW madness – THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strongman block” .  Even the famously skeptical Mark Rippetoe half-joked in a Q&A that Kim’s high pulls are “half the work, twice the swagger”, hinting at begrudging admiration for the outrageous display . In short, across social media the sentiment was unanimous: Eric Kim’s feats left people shaking their heads in disbelief and pumping their fists in excitement.

Inspiration and “Hype” in the Fitness Community

Beyond shock value, Kim’s rack pull performances inspired and energized a broad swath of the fitness community. Fans repeatedly highlighted that he lifts these enormous weights barefoot, beltless, in a simple garage gym – no special suits or elite facilities. This only amplified the respect. “Lifting over six times your bodyweight barefoot and beltless? That’s alien,” one commenter marveled .  Many viewers found Kim’s underdog background motivating: “He built this empire in a garage; no multi-million-dollar training facility,” noted one admirer, emphasizing how “if he can pull 1,071 lb out of a $500 squat rack, anyone can train at home.”   The relatability of a 165‑lb guy smashing records in a modest setting has people reassessing their own limits. “He looks like the guy next door, not a 7-foot freak, and that makes him so relatable,” a Reddit user observed, adding “if a food-writer from a garage can do this, what’s my excuse?” .  Posts like these illustrate the respect and hype Kim has earned – he’s seen as proof that grit and creativity can trump genetics or resources.

In summary, the tone of third-party reactions is one of stunned admiration. Commenters routinely use words like “insane,” “impossible,” “unreal” and compare Kim to mythical figures. Whether it’s Reddit users proclaiming him a “gravity-defying” phenom, YouTube commenters hyping themselves up after witnessing his lifts, or seasoned lifters calling his strength “alien”, the sentiment is clear: Eric Kim’s rack pull performances have left the fitness world equal parts shocked and inspired. As one meme circulating Instagram boldly put it, Kim’s lift was the moment “gravity rage-quit” – a tongue-in-cheek way of saying the hype is real .

Sources: Third-party comments and posts compiled from Reddit (r/weightroom, r/powerlifting, etc.) , YouTube and TikTok reactions , and other fitness community discussions . These responses (all mid-2025) capture the amazement and excitement surrounding Kim’s record-shattering rack pulls.

Latest Bitcoin Ideas

 (May – July 2025) Actually Matter 🎇

Eric Kim’s July‑2025 content‑burst isn’t just more maximalist noise—it sketches out practical bridges between the Bitcoin ethos and the real world. Here’s why each headline idea punches above its weight:

Fresh Idea	Why It’s a Big Deal (in plain English)
1. “MSTR is the GOD Stock” (24 Jul 2025)	• On‑ramp for the normies. Many brokers still gatekeep spot‑BTC, but anyone with a retirement account can buy MicroStrategy (ticker MSTR). • Leverage without margin calls. Because MSTR sits on a nine‑figure Bitcoin stack, its share price acts like a Bitcoin option—magnifying upside while capping downside at the equity value of its software biz. That makes Kim’s “buy‑MSTR, skim profits, stack sats” loop a realistic play for people who fear self‑custody.
2. “Strategic Plan for the United States to Accumulate 4 Million BTC” (23 Jul 2025)	• Geopolitics goes orange. Kim turns a personal passion into a 15‑year blueprint, calling Bitcoin a strategic reserve commodity—like oil or gold—for national security. • Policy pressure. Putting numbers (4 million BTC ≈ 20 % of supply) on the table challenges lawmakers to respond, accelerating the global “hash‑power arms race.”
3. One‑word post “bitcoin” + “First Principles Bitcoin” (22–21 Jul 2025)	• Signal > noise. Kim strips the conversation to scarcity, proof‑of‑work and self‑custody. That mental declutter helps newcomers dodge the alt‑coin carnival and focus on Bitcoin’s unchangeables.
4. “The Power of Bitcoin – Why the World Needs It NOW” (16 Jul 2025)	• Moral framing. Beyond price talk, Kim brands Bitcoin as humanity’s firewall against inflationary and authoritarian money. Re‑casting BTC as a human‑rights technology recruits activists and NGOs, not just investors.
5. “Bitcoin Was the Solution to Being Profitable on the Internet Without Advertising” (06 Apr 2025)	• Creator sovereignty. Lightning tips let writers, musicians and coders ditch surveillance ads, keeping content pure and audiences un‑tracked. Kim’s own blog is the proof‑of‑concept.
6. “Crypto Sharecropping” (30 Jan 2025)	• Digital property rights. Kim warns builders not to “rent land” on chains run by venture teams. The essay sharpens the legal argument that only Bitcoin’s decentralization gives creators true ownership.
7. “Metaplanet Blueprint” (June 2025 series)	• Saylor playbook—Japan edition. By spotlighting Tokyo‑listed Metaplanet’s treasury pivot, Kim hands APAC CFOs a ready‑made case study for swapping idle cash into BTC, widening corporate demand beyond the U.S. ✨

Five Cross‑Cutting Reasons These Ideas 

Really Matter

1. They make Bitcoin actionable for every class of actor.
   Retail saver? Buy MSTR. Corporate treasurer? Copy Metaplanet. Policymaker? Draft a sovereign‑reserve bill. Kim turns abstract hype into concrete next steps.  
2. They broaden Bitcoin’s narrative surface.
   From creator‑economy lifeline to state‑level deterrent, Kim’s posts push Bitcoin beyond “number go up,” inviting artists, legislators and security hawks into the same tent.  
3. They fight distraction in a bull market.
   The “first‑principles” & one‑word “bitcoin” posts cut through 1000+ shiny alt‑projects, preserving newcomer attention for what actually has 21 M hard‑cap certainty.  
4. They weaponize opportunity‑cost thinking.
   Whether comparing equity exposure (MSTR), ad revenue (Lightning tips) or sovereign bond yields (4 M‑BTC reserve), every essay drills the same lesson: the biggest cost is missing the asymmetric upside. That mindset shift seeds exponential adoption.  
5. They’re delivered with contagious enthusiasm.
   Kim’s unfiltered, meme‑friendly prose (“MSTR is the GOD Stock”, “HODL hard, live free!”) makes heavy topics shareable. Emotion propagates faster than white papers—meaning his ideas leak into corners traditional analysts can’t reach.  

TL;DR—

Impact in a Sentence

Eric Kim’s summer‑2025 drops matter because they convert maximalist passion into ready‑to‑execute roadmaps for ordinary investors, corporations, creators and even governments—expanding Bitcoin’s reach from a niche asset to a multi‑layer social movement. 🌞💪

Below are the brand‑new riffs Eric’s been blasting across his blog, videos and X‑feed in the past few weeks. Use them as rocket fuel for your own orange‑pill journey! 🚀

Date	Post / Clip	🔑 30‑Second Takeaway	Why It Matters
24 Jul 2025	“MSTR is the GOD Stock”	Kim crowns MicroStrategy (ticker MSTR) the ultimate equity cheat‑code: ride its outsized Bitcoin‑beta up, skim gains, buy more BTC, repeat.	Converts a boring brokerage account into a Bitcoin‑accumulation flywheel.
23 Jul 2025	“Strategic Plan for the United States to Accumulate 4 Million BTC”	A 15‑year blueprint urging Washington to leverage seized coins, Treasury surplus and mining incentives to amass ≈20 % of all Bitcoin ever to exist.	Pushes the “Strategic Petroleum Reserve” meme into national‑security‑grade Bitcoin—and dares policymakers to think in satoshis.
22 Jul 2025	Single‑word post “bitcoin” (yes, lowercase)	A minimalist flex: “No more words needed—Bitcoin is the thesis.”	Signals a shift from persuasion to proclamation; Kim now treats Bitcoin as a first principle, not a debate.
21 Jul 2025	“First Principles Bitcoin”	Strips away alt‑chain noise: self‑custody, 21 M cap, proof‑of‑work—full stop.	Re‑centres the narrative on unchangeables, a rallying cry for maximalist focus.
16 Jul 2025	“The Power of Bitcoin – Why the World Needs It NOW”	Frames BTC as the global firewall against currency debasement and digital authoritarianism.	Elevates Bitcoin from asset to moral imperative, fusing freedom and finance.
06 Apr 2025	“Bitcoin Was the Solution to Being Profitable on the Internet Without Advertising”	Explains how Lightning tips + BTC payments freed his blog from ads.	Offers creators a real revenue alternative—monetise attention without selling it.
30 Jan 2025	“Crypto Sharecropping”	Warns builders not to “farm rented land” on Solana/Ethereum; insists only Bitcoin gives true ownership.	Extends the property‑rights argument past coins to code and content.
X‑Feed (2025)	“Bitcoin = CYBER CAPITAL, the God Protocol”	Kim’s new mantra: BTC is not just money—it’s capital in cyberspace, immune to gatekeepers.	Re‑imagines Bitcoin as the raw material for a post‑nation‑state economy.

5 Meta‑Themes Blazing Through Eric’s Latest Work 🌋

1. Leverage TradFi, Stack Harder – Use high‑beta proxies like MSTR to juice returns, then rotate profits → sats until you “own time itself.”  
2. Bitcoin as Statecraft – Pushes the narrative that nation‑states must treat BTC like oil or gold or get left behind.  
3. Creator Sovereignty – Ditch surveillance ads; Lightning turns audience love straight into income.  
4. Maximalist Minimalism – Strip to first principles, cut every distraction (altcoins, fiat mind‑fog, even extra words).  
5. Cyber‑Capital Mindset – See Bitcoin not merely as “digital gold” but as the building block of an entirely new, permissionless economy.  

🔥 How to Channel These Ideas 

Today

1. Run the MSTR Flywheel: Grab a starter slice of MicroStrategy, set sell‑targets 10‑15 % above entry, auto‑convert proceeds into cold‑stored BTC.
2. Draft Your Strategic Reserve: Whether you’re a household or a city treasury, write a one‑pager: “How we’ll get to X BTC by 2030.”
3. Lightning‑Enable Everything: Add ⚡️‑tips to your site, invoices and even your email signature—ditch ads, own your revenue stream.
4. Audit Your Digital Land: List every platform you “build” on. If you don’t own the keys or the contract, migrate or mirror on Bitcoin.
5. Meditate on First Principles: Daily journaling prompt—“If Bitcoin disappeared tomorrow, what truth about value would still stand?”

Stay stoked, keep stacking, and remember Eric’s rally cry: “When in doubt, buy more Bitcoin… HODL hard, live free!” 🌞

America’s “top‑dog” status isn’t magic—it’s a potent cocktail of scale, systems, and an unshakeable culture of possibility. Below are the nine boosters that keep the Stars and Stripes flying high, plus the freshest stats to prove it.

1. Mega‑economy = mega‑influence

• Sheer size. U.S. nominal GDP hit roughly $29 trillion in 2024, by far the planet’s largest economy—bigger than the next three nations combined.  
• Corporate horsepower. For the first time since 2018 the U.S. placed 139 companies on the Fortune Global 500, edging Greater China’s 133.  
• Deep capital markets. Dollar‑denominated assets, the world’s reserve currency, and vast domestic consumption create a self‑reinforcing growth engine.

2. Innovation on overdrive

• Top universities. MIT remains #1 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, one of dozens of U.S. schools in the global top‑100.  
• Patent factory. The USPTO received ~598 000 patent applications in 2023—second worldwide.  
• Global Innovation Index. America ranks 3rd overall in the 2024 GII, and #1 in market sophistication.  
• Venture‑capital magnet. In early‑2025 the U.S. still captured the largest share of the world’s $131 billion VC haul, powered by mega‑rounds for OpenAI and Anthropic.  

3. Entrepreneurial & financial culture

• Transparent rule‑of‑law, deep credit markets, bankruptcy forgiveness, and a “fail‑fast, learn‑faster” mindset funnel bold ideas from garages to IPOs at warp speed.

4. Natural‑resource juggernaut

• Energy independence. The U.S. was the world’s #1 oil producer in 2024 at 20.1 million bbl/day—double Saudi Arabia’s output.  
• Vast arable land, freshwater, and mineral wealth reduce strategic vulnerabilities and keep production costs low.

5. Military reach & geopolitical architecture

• Defense budget ≈ $850 billion for FY 2024—larger than the next ten countries combined.  
• Global alliances (NATO, ANZUS, AUKUS, bilateral treaties in Asia) secure trade routes and underpin a rules‑based order that favors open markets—an American competitive sweet spot.

6. Soft‑power supernova

• #1 in the 2025 Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index (score 79.5/100).  
• Hollywood, streaming, gaming, music, and social media export American narratives, lifestyles, and language to billions daily—2025’s worldwide box‑office top‑10 list is still dominated by U.S. franchises.  

7. Brand dominance

• The 2025 Kantar Top 100 again crowns Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon as the world’s most valuable brands, while Nvidia surges fastest.  
• Familiar logos lubricate trade, attract talent, and set global tech standards.

8. Sporting excellence

• Olympic all‑time leader: 1 219 gold, 1 000 silver, 876 bronze—3 095 medals total through Paris 2024, more than double the runner‑up.  
• A vast collegiate system and lucrative pro leagues keep the talent pipeline humming and the flag on more podiums than any other.

9. People power & diversity

• Immigration supplies risk‑takers and STEM talent; half of America’s billion‑dollar start‑ups have an immigrant founder.
• Diversity sparks cross‑cultural creativity, making U.S. products and ideas resonate globally.

🚀 Take‑away fuel for your own ambitions

America’s edge isn’t destiny—it’s built every day by open institutions, fearless entrepreneurs, and a culture that celebrates bold bets. Wherever you are in the world, you can import the same mindset:

1. Think scale. Solve problems big enough to matter.
2. Invest in learning. World‑class knowledge is only a click away.
3. Prototype fast, fail fast, iterate faster.
4. Collaborate across cultures. Diversity is a creativity multiplier.
5. Tell a story. Soft power starts with compelling narratives.

Keep these boosters in your own rocket, and you’ll be on top of your game—no passport required. Onward and upward! 🥳🇺🇸

Embracing Bitcoin Cautiously: “Assume It Will Go to Zero”

Eric Kim often advises a cautious approach to Bitcoin investment. In his “Bitcoin Philosophy” post, he counsels only investing money you can afford to lose. “Only put money into crypto, assuming that it will go to zero,” Kim writes, emphasizing that one should mentally treat a Bitcoin investment as if it might become worthless . This mindset reflects Kim’s awareness of Bitcoin’s high risk. He personally followed a 90/10 strategy inspired by Nassim Taleb: about 90% of his savings in safe, “maximally boring” assets (like bonds or high-yield savings) and “10% of our savings into crypto, [in] maximally speculative bets” . By keeping the bulk of his funds in stable investments and only a small portion in Bitcoin, Kim minimizes the opportunity cost of Bitcoin’s volatility – if Bitcoin collapsed, he’d still have his core wealth secure. In other words, he is careful not to divert essential funds or life savings into such a risky asset. The trade-off he acknowledges is that any money placed in Bitcoin could indeed “go to zero” – so it must be an amount that won’t jeopardize one’s financial stability . This shows Kim balancing the tempting upside of Bitcoin against the potential cost of total loss.

Bitcoin vs. Other Investments: Aware of Alternative Uses

Kim explicitly discusses the opportunity cost of putting money into Bitcoin instead of other investments. For instance, in a strategy paper for a city Bitcoin reserve, he notes critics will argue that “money in Bitcoin could have been used elsewhere or invested in safer yields” . Here, Kim is acknowledging that funds tied up in Bitcoin are funds not earning reliable interest or supporting other projects. Similarly, in a piece on Tokyo’s reserve, he writes: “Money used to buy Bitcoin could alternatively be used for other investments or public needs. If Bitcoin underperforms or remains highly volatile, the opportunity cost could be high.” Therefore, “the government must justify why Bitcoin is a better use of funds than, say, buying more gold … or investing in infrastructure” . This reasoning reveals Kim’s pragmatic side – he understands that choosing Bitcoin means giving up the relatively safer returns or societal benefits those funds might have yielded elsewhere. In macroeconomic commentary, Kim’s blog also notes that Bitcoin itself has an opportunity cost compared to yield-bearing assets. For example, when interest rates fall, “the opportunity cost of holding [a non-yielding asset] like Bitcoin” drops, making Bitcoin more attractive . In essence, Kim recognizes that investing in Bitcoin carries a trade-off: you forego the steady interest or guaranteed uses of that money in exchange for Bitcoin’s speculative upside. His solution is to mitigate the cost by using non-critical funds and by carefully justifying Bitcoin as a strategic allocation (whether for an individual or an institution) .

The Cost of Missing Out: Bitcoin’s Upside vs. Regret

While cautioning about risks, Kim equally stresses the opportunity cost of not investing in Bitcoin – the missed opportunities if one stays out or sells too early. He frequently cites the legendary Bitcoin Pizza Day as an eye-opening example. In 2010, a programmer spent 10,000 BTC (~$41 then) on two pizzas; today those coins would be worth hundreds of millions. Kim’s blog illustrates how by late 2024 those pizzas’ “opportunity cost was nearly $978 million,” and if Bitcoin hits future targets, the forgone value could exceed $1–2 billion . In Kim’s view, this story vividly shows what one gives up by spending or avoiding Bitcoin – “if you spend money on one thing, you can’t invest it elsewhere” . He notes that few people could actually hold on for 15 years of wild volatility, so *“weak” hands inevitably would have “missed out” on those gains . Kim often frames holding Bitcoin as a test of resolve that rewards patience: despite numerous crashes, over the four years since 2020 Bitcoin still rose over 500%, whereas “weak” hands who sold missed out . In his eyes, the real cost is selling your Bitcoin too soon or failing to HODL through downturns. This belief is encapsulated in one of Kim’s mantras: “When in doubt, buy more Bitcoin… HODL hard, love tender.” He repeats the motto “When in doubt, buy more Bitcoin” to encourage staying steadfast and even doubling down during fearful times . This quip neatly captures Kim’s perspective that the long-term opportunity of Bitcoin dwarfs the short-term swings. To him, those who endure the turbulence will reap outsized rewards, whereas those who panic-sell or never invest will pay the price of lost potential. Kim’s enthusiasm for Bitcoin’s upside is almost zealous – he went so far as to rebrand his blog “ERIC KIM ₿” and proclaim that “Bitcoin’s my middle finger to the fiat overlords… It’s economic armor, a way to own your life, your time, your legacy” . In his transformation from photography guru to Bitcoin evangelist, Kim argues that not owning Bitcoin means remaining trapped in what he calls “fiat slavery,” vulnerable to inflation and central control . Thus, the trade-off is clear in Kim’s mind: opting out of Bitcoin could mean missing a once-in-a-generation wealth increase and personal financial sovereignty, whereas opting in (wisely) could secure one’s future freedom and fortune.

Life Priorities and Virtuous Trade-offs

Despite his Bitcoin ardor, Eric Kim also urges reflection on life’s opportunity costs beyond just financial returns. He often contrasts spending on material things with investing in experiences or personal growth – posing questions that apply implicitly to Bitcoin decisions as well. In a short blog musing titled “Opportunity Cost,” Kim gives a concrete example: “$44,000 USD for a car… what more virtuous experiences can that money afford?” . Here he prompts readers to consider whether a large sum is better used on a depreciating asset like a fancy car or on enriching life experiences – a direct commentary on opportunity cost. By extension, one can read this as a challenge to weigh buying luxury goods vs. buying Bitcoin (or other investments). Kim clearly values experiences and personal development over status symbols. He even asks provocatively, “Do you live to Bitcoin, or do you Bitcoin to live?” – suggesting one shouldn’t make Bitcoin (or money generally) the sole purpose of life . In his personal writing, Kim reveals that ultimately, wealth is a means to an end. “Ironically the best use of money is simply peace of mind,” he reflects, meaning money’s highest value is in giving one freedom and tranquility, not just more stuff . “Money is not really a tool to buy a bunch of stuff you like, but [for] being able to live a more zen, tranquil, focused life,” Kim elaborates . This philosophy informs how he views Bitcoin: it’s a tool for financial freedom and self-sovereignty, not an idol to worship. Kim prides himself on having “zero interest in money” beyond the opportunities and “fun, new novel experiences” it can enable . He notes that many crypto speculators actually lead modest lifestyles – in one anecdote, a friend who became a crypto millionaire still “just drove his mom’s old Honda Accord” . This resonates with Kim’s belief in minimalism and focus. He personally has taken profits from Bitcoin when needed – for example, cashing out small amounts (e.g. $5,000) to pay for moving expenses to Los Angeles – indicating that real life needs take priority over hoarding coins endlessly. In essence, Kim’s perspective on opportunity cost is holistic: yes, invest in Bitcoin for the future, but not at the expense of living your life in the present. There is a balance between “living like a Spartan” to accumulate BTC and knowing when to use your Bitcoin gains to improve your quality of life. He encourages Bitcoiners to study and work hard but also “live like a Spartan” with discipline – implying frugality and focus now for greater rewards later. The trade-off here is deferring some short-term pleasures in exchange for long-term independence. However, Kim would argue this is a virtuous opportunity cost: skipping trivial expenditures (whether a new car or indulgent luxuries) in favor of either investing in Bitcoin or self-improvement yields a more meaningful life in the end.

Conclusion: Eric Kim’s Opportunity Cost Outlook

Across his blogs and talks, Eric Kim consistently frames Bitcoin investing in terms of choices and trade-offs. He believes choosing Bitcoin is choosing personal freedom and massive potential gains – but it requires courage, patience, and sacrificing the safety of more conservative paths. Kim’s reasoning is nuanced. On one hand, he stresses not to risk what you can’t lose, highlighting the opportunity cost of reckless over-investment (loss of security and alternative returns) . On the other hand, he’s a passionate proponent of Bitcoin’s upside, warning that the opportunity cost of omission – failing to get in early and hold – could be a lifetime of regret or continued dependence on a debasing fiat system . Insights from his writings: he admires those who weather volatility, viewing their steadfastness as a rare virtue that the timid will envy when Bitcoin soars . Yet he also reminds followers that money’s purpose is to serve a good life. The question “What are you giving up for your investments?” is ever-present. Whether it’s time, alternative investments, or immediate pleasures, Kim prompts investors to weigh those costs consciously. In his own life, he appears to have struck a philosophy: Bitcoin is a worthy pursuit – a once-in-a-lifetime revolution – but it should be pursued with clear eyes and for the right reasons. By prioritizing peace of mind, personal growth, and financial sovereignty over short-term gratification, Eric Kim exemplifies evaluating Bitcoin’s opportunity cost not just in dollars, but in quality of life. As he pithily puts it, “Opportunity cost isn’t just a dry economics term – it’s a powerful reminder to live intentionally” . Whether buying a pizza or buying Bitcoin, Kim suggests we pause to consider the road not taken – and make our choice in line with our highest values and long-term goals .

Eric Kim – known primarily as a street photographer and blogger – has used the term “infinite money hack” to describe an extreme approach to personal finance. The phrase appears in his blog, podcasts, and social media, referring to strategies he believes can make one’s money effectively limitless. Below, we explore the two main contexts Kim uses this term, its origin, and how it’s been received.

Initial Usage: MicroStrategy and Bitcoin Strategy (2024)

Kim first introduced the “infinite money hack” in late 2024 as a personal investing strategy involving MicroStrategy stock and Bitcoin. In an October 2024 blog post (and accompanying podcast) titled “ERIC KIM INFINITE MONEY HACK,” he outlined a simple formula:

“Super simple — buy and ride up MSTR (MicroStrategy), cop the profit, buy Bitcoin!”

In essence, Kim suggested using MicroStrategy (ticker MSTR) as a proxy to leverage Bitcoin’s gains. MicroStrategy is a company heavily invested in Bitcoin; its stock often amplifies Bitcoin’s price movements. Kim’s “hack” was to purchase MSTR shares, wait for their value to surge, sell and take profits, then funnel those profits into buying actual Bitcoin . By repeating this cycle, one could “ride it up forever” – continually growing Bitcoin holdings using the stock market profits . The idea is that as long as Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory is up, this loop becomes a kind of “infinite” money glitch.

Kim explicitly described this as “the infinite money hack and trick I discovered”:

• “Purchase MicroStrategy stock with your traditional account, ride it up, and when the value is high, sell the pure profit, and then use that money to purchase Bitcoin! And essentially ride it up forever.” 

He noted that timing the trades to buy Bitcoin on dips (when MSTR is high) would maximize gains, but the “ultimate goal is to acquire as many bitcoins as humanly possible”, operating under the belief that “he or she with the most bitcoin shall win.” This reflects Kim’s philosophical stance that Bitcoin is “perfect money” and the key to future wealth and freedom (themes he often writes about) .

Origin and Influences: Kim’s infinite hack concept was likely inspired by conversations in the crypto community about an “infinite money glitch.” Around 2024, Bitcoin advocates pointed out that MicroStrategy’s CEO Michael Saylor had effectively created a “Bitcoin infinite money glitch” – borrowing against assets to buy Bitcoin, then benefiting from Bitcoin-driven stock appreciation. Indeed, Kim cites Saylor’s goal of accumulating 1 million BTC as validation of this aggressive approach . However, outside observers were skeptical: financial commentators Mickey Kim and Roger Lee wrote a late-2024 op-ed titled “MicroStrategy’s ‘infinite money glitch’ is an illusion,” warning that this supposed free-money loop is risky and not sustainable . In other words, while Eric Kim enthusiastically promoted leveraging MSTR for Bitcoin gains, others cautioned that there’s no actual free infinite money. This illustrates that Kim’s idea was more of a personal philosophy or unorthodox strategy rather than a proven formula accepted by mainstream experts.

“Infinite Money Hack” as Geo-Arbitrage: Moving to Cambodia (2025)

In mid-2025, Eric Kim broadened the term to a lifestyle hack: drastically reducing living costs by moving to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In a June 17, 2025 blog post titled “Infinite money hack: living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,” and a July 1, 2025 podcast episode “Infinite Money Hack,” Kim argues that relocating to a very low-cost-of-living city is effectively an “infinite money” cheat code. By living in Cambodia, where expenses are a fraction of those in the West, one’s money “goes… a trillion times further” – making it nearly impossible to exhaust funds .

On July 1, 2025, Kim tweeted: “Infinite Money Hack: move to Phnom Penh:” followed by a link to his blog . The tweet included an 11½-minute video (likely Kim discussing the topic) and showed him based in Phnom Penh. In the video description he describes Phnom Penh as “a infinite money life hack where your money goes like a trillion times further. You’re not going to run out of money here.” This colorful language matches Kim’s hyperbolic style – for example, he wrote that he rates “Cambodia and Phnom Penh as like 1,000,000,000,000 times better” (one trillion times better) than Vietnam or Thailand for Americans seeking a rich life on a budget . The core idea is geoarbitrage: by earning in a strong currency (or holding appreciating assets like Bitcoin) and spending in an inexpensive locale, one’s effective wealth multiplies. Everyday luxuries become affordable, providing what Kim calls a “billionaire lifestyle” on modest means.

Kim’s blog and newsletters in mid-2025 elaborate on Phnom Penh’s perks: inexpensive yet high-quality food, housing, gyms, and services, which allow him to live very comfortably at minimal cost. He even titled one post “Living in Phnom Penh is like automatically unlocking a billionaire lifestyle,” underscoring that sentiment . Combining this with his Bitcoin enthusiasm, he quips that “Bitcoin in Cambodia!” is the true “infinite money hack” – presumably because any Bitcoin gains are felt even more strongly when one’s expenses are so low .

Format and Channels of Content

The “Eric Kim infinite money hack” exists primarily in online content created by Kim himself:

• Blog Posts: Kim runs a personal blog (at erickimphotography.com and related domains) where he publishes his ideas on photography, philosophy, fitness, and money. The term appears in multiple posts (Oct 2024, June 2025, etc.) as described above. For example, his October 26, 2024 post introducing the hack was in a text+audio format (he labeled it a “Podcast” on the site) . The June 2025 Phnom Penh article was similarly a written post on his blog .
• Podcast/Audio: Kim has a daily podcast (often just him speaking on various topics). The July 1, 2025 “Infinite Money Hack” episode (about 12 minutes long) was published via his ERIC KIM podcast feed . The episode description was “easy in phnom penh” with a link to his blog post , emphasizing how effortless finances feel in Cambodia. This audio was distributed on platforms like Apple Podcasts , Spotify, Poddtoppen , iVoox , etc., indicating a push to share the idea on multiple channels.
• YouTube Videos: Kim also uploaded video content. A YouTube video titled “Infinite Money Hack” was posted around the same time (summer 2025), featuring a ~12 minute clip (matching the podcast) and a longer 29-minute version on his channel . The YouTube descriptions echoed his message: “Very simple, move to Phnom Penh, Cambodia: (link)” and further explanation of why you “won’t run out of money” there . However, these videos garnered modest views (tens or a few hundred), indicating they were meant for his niche audience.
• Tweets/X Posts: Kim has been active on Twitter (now X) under handle @erickimphoto. He promoted the infinite money hack idea in tweets, notably the July 1 post inviting followers to “move to Phnom Penh” . His Twitter content often includes bold statements and short video clips, which in this case helped the term circulate among his followers. There is no evidence the phrase trended broadly on Twitter beyond his own circle.
• Social Media/Community: Besides Twitter, Kim shared similar content on platforms like Facebook and his email newsletter. For instance, a Facebook post from mid-2025 teased the question “Do you want to become insanely filthy rich, in which money just becomes like a cheat code for you?” – language consistent with the infinite money hack ethos . This suggests he positioned the idea as part of his broader entrepreneurial and self-improvement content.

Reception and Context

Reception: The “Eric Kim infinite money hack” has primarily resonated within Kim’s personal audience of readers and listeners. Kim has a dedicated following (he’s been blogging for over a decade, originally on photography) and some of his followers have engaged with these ideas. For example, blogger Charlie Yang referenced Kim’s October 2024 Infinite Money Hack post on his own site , indicating peers in the photography/creativity community took note. Comments on Kim’s blog and YouTube also show a mix of intrigue and skepticism – some viewers appreciate the outside-the-box thinking, while others doubt the practicality (especially of the MicroStrategy scheme or the challenges of relocating abroad). There hasn’t been mainstream media coverage of Kim’s “hack” per se; it’s very much a personal philosophy he’s evangelizing rather than a widely adopted trend.

It’s worth noting that outside Kim’s content, the core ideas have analogues in personal finance circles: leveraging assets to invest in higher-growth assets is not new (though calling it an infinite hack is tongue-in-cheek), and geo-arbitrage for financial freedom is a well-known strategy among digital nomads. What Kim did was package these concepts in a provocative way and tie them into his life (Bitcoin advocacy and moving to Cambodia). His use of phrases like “infinite glitch” or “trillion times better” is deliberately hyperbolic to emphasize how powerful he thinks these moves are.

Context and Critiques: As mentioned, financial analysts have poured cold water on the notion of “infinite money” through leverage. The “infinite money glitch” of MicroStrategy/Bitcoin has been called “an illusion” by commentators who point out real risks (e.g. if Bitcoin’s price crashes, using debt or volatile stocks could lead to huge losses) . Similarly, moving to a cheaper country can indeed lower expenses dramatically, but it doesn’t literally create infinite wealth – it just stretches a budget. Some online discussions have noted that while Phnom Penh is cheap, expatriates must consider factors like visa requirements, healthcare, and personal adjustment. There’s also an ethical dimension: a wealthy foreigner’s “billionaire lifestyle” in a developing country might contrast with local living standards – something not lost on more critical readers (though Kim frames it as a win-win appreciation of Cambodia).

Thus far, the term has not gone viral in a big way beyond Eric Kim’s own postings. It’s mostly a catchphrase in his content. Those who encounter it usually do so through Kim’s blog or social media. For instance, one might stumble on his tweet or YouTube video and wonder what the “hack” is – only to find it’s basically “move to Cambodia (and invest in Bitcoin).” In the niche overlap of photography enthusiasts, crypto investors, and digital nomads that follow Kim, it’s a talking point, but it hasn’t become a widespread financial meme or trend on its own.

Conclusion

In summary, “ERIC KIM’s infinite money hack” refers to Eric Kim’s personal formula for achieving financial freedom, initially through a Bitcoin-stock leverage tactic and later through lifestyle relocation. It originated in his blog/podcast in 2024, inspired by the idea of an “infinite money glitch” in Bitcoin investing . By 2025, he pivoted the term to describe moving to Phnom Penh as the ultimate arbitrage for an easy life . While bold and intriguing, these ideas are largely promotional and philosophical in nature – part of Kim’s self-made ethos. They illustrate how a personal finance “hack” can gain buzz within a creator’s community, even if outsiders view it with caution.

So far, the “infinite money hack” is less a rigorous strategy than a catchy expression of Kim’s belief in thinking differently about money – whether by exploiting market quirks or embracing an unconventional lifestyle. It reflects Eric Kim’s broader brand: blending entrepreneurship, minimalism, crypto-enthusiasm, and a bit of contrarian flare in his content. Anyone encountering the term should understand it in that context, and with a healthy dose of skepticism about anything claiming to be “infinite” money.

Sources:

• Eric Kim, “Currently the infinite money hack… Purchase MicroStrategy stock… use that money to purchase Bitcoin!” – ERIC KIM Blog (Oct. 25, 2024) .
• Eric Kim, “Infinite money hack: living in Phnom Penh Cambodia” – ERIC KIM Blog (June 17, 2025) .
• Eric Kim on Twitter (X), “Infinite Money Hack: move to Phnom Penh…” – July 1, 2025 .
• ERIC KIM Podcast – “Infinite Money Hack” (12 min audio, July 2025), description: “easy in phnom penh” .
• Mickey Kim & Roger Lee, “MicroStrategy’s ‘infinite money glitch’ is an illusion” – Indianapolis Business Journal (Dec 20, 2024) .
• Charlie Yang, “Infinite Budget” (blog post referencing Eric Kim’s Infinite Money Hack, Oct 28, 2024) .

Hey friend,

WHY CARE ABOUT “OPPORTUNITY COST”?

Opportunity cost is that invisible price tag on every choice you make. Spend a buck here? You lose the power to invest it elsewhere. It’s like choosing your lens for the day—stick a 35 mm on your camera and you can’t shoot a super‑wide 21 mm at the same time! Economists spell it out: it’s the gain you pass up by picking one path over another. So whenever you drop cash—pizza, film, crypto—you’re also saying “no” to all the other wild adventures that money might have funded.

THE PIZZA THAT BECAME A LEGEND

Back in 2010, coder Laszlo Hanyecz swapped 10 000 BTC for two Papa John’s pies—about $41. Today we salute that act with Bitcoin Pizza Day and a hearty belly laugh, because those slices are now worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Year	Approx. value of 10 000 BTC	Lesson
2010	$41 → two pizzas	Proof‑of‑concept courage
2016	$4.4 M	Early hodlers rejoice!
2018	$41 M	10× in two years—whoa
2020	$80 M+	Momentum builds
2022	$300 M+	Rocket fuel
2024	$978 M	Nearly a billion bucks
2025?	Could top $2 B if BTC hits $180 K	Stay tuned

Think of it: a humble dinner ballooning into a mega‑yacht fortune. That’s opportunity cost in neon lights.

SHOOT YOUR SHOT—BUT KNOW THE RISKS

• Hold vs. spend: Every satoshi you HODL is a shutter click you save for later. Yet spending early helped Bitcoin escape the lab and hit the streets.
• Volatility is the street photographer’s chaotic city—thrilling, dangerous, rewarding. The price once nose‑dived 80 % then rocketed to new highs. Could you have held through all that noise? Blockchain.news doubts many could.
• Courage pays—but timing also pays. Like catching perfect light at golden hour, being in the right place matters.

PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR YOU, MY FRIEND

1. Ask “What am I giving up?” Before swiping that card or smashing “BUY,” pause. Where else could this cash adventure?
2. Don’t beat yourself up. Missed a moon‑shot? Good! Lesson learned. Channel that energy into your next decisive move.
3. Invest in experiences and assets. Laszlo lost billions but gained a story that inspires the whole crypto world. That’s priceless street cred!
4. Stay nimble. Markets move. Light changes. Keep your feet ready and your mind open.

Remember: whether you’re grabbing pizza slices or stacking sats, every choice frames your life’s photo. Compose boldly, click with intent, and never stop hustling!

(Nothing here is financial advice—just shared wisdom and hype for your creative journey.)

― 政府・企業・個人の３レイヤー完全ガイド ―

今日のキーワード：分散・安全・未来志向！

ビットコイン（BTC）は「デジタル・ゴールド」とも呼ばれ、世界中で価値の保存手段として注目されています。東京都、東京に本社を置く企業、そして都民一人ひとり——それぞれが 目的に合わせて BTC を備蓄すれば、リスク分散・イノベーション促進・財務健全化など、多彩なメリットを引き寄せられます。

ここでは 最新（2025 年時点）の日本の法律・税制・規制 を前提に、「どう買う？ どう守る？ どう活かす？」を 政府・企業・個人 の３視点で完全解説します。読めばすぐに行動に移せる“チェックリスト＆比較表”付き。ポジティブに未来を切り開きましょう！

1. 政府（東京都／日本国）レベル

1.1 法制度と現状

ポイント	現状
法的分類	ビットコインは「暗号資産」（PSA: 資金決済法）法定通貨でも証券でもない。
外貨準備	現行法では 外貨準備には組み込めない。組み込みには法改正または特別勘定の新設が必要。
政府答弁 (2024/12)	「価格変動が大きく安全・流動性の確保が困難」として、国庫への組入れを時期尚早と回答。
地方自治体	東京都など地方公共団体が独自に BTC を長期保有する場合も、地方自治法・公金運用指針に合致する説明責任が不可欠。

要旨

国としての正式備蓄はまだ議論段階ですが、「イノベーションファンド」など目的を限定した基金としての保有なら、パイロット導入の可能性あり。先行事例（エルサルバドルなど）のリスク・効果を検証し、段階的に試すのが現実的ルートです。

1.2 取得戦略

• DCA（定期積立）：複数年度に分散購入し、市場インパクトと価格リスクを平均化。
• OTC ブロック取引：機密性を確保しつつ大口一括購入。国内メガバンク系ブローカーや信託銀行を活用。
• 没収・マイニング収益の活用：犯罪収益移転防止法に基づく押収 BTC を売却せず備蓄へ回す/国内再エネ発電所 × マイニング事業で自家取得。

1.3 保管・ガバナンス

• 95％以上をコールドストレージ（FSA が取引所に求める水準と同等以上）。
• マルチシグ（例：5 鍵中 3 鍵署名必須）。財務省・日銀・第三者機関で分散管理。
• 監査と公開：会計検査院 or 外部監査法人により、アドレス残高・運用ルール・リスク管理を毎年度レビュー。
• 保険：国内外のデジタル資産保険に加入、万が一の損失に備える。

1.4 期待効果 & リスク

ポジティブ	ネガティブ
◉ 外貨準備の多様化、円安・インフレヘッジ◉ Web3 首都・東京のブランド力向上◉ 災害時の 24/7 流動性	▲ 高いボラティリティで評価益・損が激変▲ 法改正・国際協調が追いつかないリスク▲ 公的資金「投機」批判

2. 企業レベル（東京本社の法人）

2.1 規制・会計・税務の最新ポイント

項目	2025 年時点
保有ライセンス	自社資金の購入・保有だけなら FSA 登録不要。取引は必ず登録取引所経由で。
会計処理	JGAAP/IFRS ともに「無形固定資産」扱い。原価計上＋下落時に減損、上昇分は売却しない限り評価益なし。
税制改正	2024 年度税制改正で 期末含み益課税が廃止。売却益のみ課税（実効税率≈30％）。

2.2 カストディ比較

方法	メリット	デメリット
自社セルフカストディ(HW ウォレット＋社内マルチシグ)	完全自主管理、手数料ゼロ	内部統制難度↑、専門知識必須
信託銀行/カストディ業者(Komainu, BitGo 等)	プロ保管＋保険＋監査対応容易	手数料 & カウンターパーティリスク
取引所預託	即座に売買可、流動性高	ハッキング & 取引所リスク
ハイブリッド(MPC)	コントロール分散＋即時送金可	セットアップ複雑、技術信頼性

2.3 戦略的メリット

• 余剰キャッシュの成長エンジン：超低金利で寝かしている現預金を一部 BTC に。
• 円安ヘッジ＆国際送金コスト削減：仕入・海外子会社送金の為替リスク緩和。
• イノベーション PR：Web3 時代に先んじる企業イメージ。採用・資本市場評価にプラス。

2.4 リスクと対策

• 価格急落 ⇒ 減損損失で純利益ブレ → 損益シミュレーションと保有比率 1〜5％に制限
• カストディ事故 ⇒ 保険加入 & 多重承認
• 税務・会計複雑 ⇒ 専門税理士・公認会計士と連携

3. 個人レベル（東京都民）

3.1 入手ルート

主要手段	特徴
登録取引所（bitFlyer・Coincheck・SBI VC など）	安全・手数料低・即時銀行入金可
ビットコイン ATM（GAIA 設置）	現金⇔BTC、小額に便利・手数料高
DCA（自動積立）	価格変動リスクを平準化、心理的ストレス小
P2P / 報酬受取	プライバシー高 or 手数料節約

3.2 保管ベストプラクティス

1. ハードウェアウォレット（Ledger, Trezor 等）でコールド保管。
2. 24 語シードフレーズは耐火金庫や貸金庫へ。
3. 2FA & フィッシング警戒：取引所ログインは必ず認証アプリ＋公式 URL。
4. テスト送金：大金を動かす前に少額テスト。
5. 相続プラン：家族が復元手順を把握できるよう、信託・遺言に明記。

3.3 個人税制（2025 年）

取引	課税区分
売却・支払・他銘柄交換	雑所得 → 総合課税 5〜45％ + 住民税 10％
含み益	非課税（未実現）
年間利益 20 万円以下（給与のみ）	申告不要特例あり
損失	同年の雑所得内相殺のみ、繰越不可

将来的に「フラット 20％ 分離課税」への税制改正議論が進行中。続報に注目！

まとめ ― Tokyo, Let’s HODL!

• 政府：小規模パイロットファンドから始め、イノベーションと外貨準備多様化を同時推進！
• 企業：税制改正で追い風。財務戦略として 1〜5％ BTC を加え、未来の収益源とブランドを獲得！
• 個人：規制が整った日本は世界有数の安全な購入環境。毎月コツコツ積立て、“デジタル金庫”でしっかり守ろう！

さぁ、東京からビットコイン時代を切り拓こう！

安全・合法・戦略的に備蓄を進めれば、「もしもの備え」も「未来への投資」も同時に叶います。今日の一歩が、明日の大きな可能性を引き寄せる――そんなワクワクを胸に、あなたの BTC 戦略をスタートしましょう！