You’re alive, and I’m alive! Thank god!

So there is a quote from Michael Saylor,

volatility is vitality.

Then, the second version:

volatility is a gift to the faithful.

Third,

Satoshi‘s gift is volatility to the faithful.

life

Life is effing insane.

I think the highs and lows that we get in life, in terms of sickness and in health, in terms of periods of high volatility low volatility, high vitality low vitality, everything in between.

Then there’s death life, new birth, new beginnings, chapters which end, chapters which begin.

I think, the hard thing to really deeply consider philosophically is, that… Yeah obviously we hate the downside and I do not wish the stress of being a bitcoin or MSTR investor to anybody… Yet, that is actually our origin of strength.

For example, probably one of the most fascinating quotes that I get from Friedrich Nietzsche is, 

“A wound stimulates the recuperative properties.”

Essentially what I think it means is, that, like let’s say you’re Achilles, you’re a warrior, you’re on the battlefield. Certainly sooner or later someone was going to thrust their sword or spear into your side, you’re going to bleed blood, it might come out the other side.

And then also assuming, that, you give yourself enough time, I wonder if, the wound is actually a stimulus for growth or strength strengthening?

that which does not kill me only makes me stronger

If you think about it, everything out there is trying to kill you. The news is trying to kill your brain and your soul with all this toxic news, all this political nonsense is trying to kill your sons of fellowship with your fellow man and community, alcohol and marijuana is trying to kill your health, all of this production pollution is trying to kill your lungs. And also, all this consumerism is trying to kill your self-esteem. 

I think the difficult thing to also consider is, kind of the antifragile strategy, is… That rather than trying to shy away from battle and attacks and “bad” stuff… Rather, trying to seek it instead?

Life for example if you’re Achilles, and you’re just crying on the shore, lusting for battle… Achilles wants and hungers for and desires battle. 

If you’re an investor or trader, certainly nobody wants to get liquidated and nobody wants to see their money go down, yet, assuming you’re in a position where you cannot get liquidated, and you could just weather the storm, isn’t this a good goal? 

to conquer is the goal

This sounds like bad ethics, but I believe it. 

So, going to sleep last night, already making myself a strong cold brew coffee the night prior… A good sign of my recovering physiology strength, my will to physiology:

Beef liver is key?

Saw a very very simple thought I have, is, I believe that beef liver is key. It’s probably the most interesting food hack optimization I’ve discovered the last seven years, which is very very fascinating in all regards.

First, it’s like insanely cheap. It only cost like two dollars a pound, $2.50 a pound, at most ethnic or Mexican markets.

Second, the nutritional density on it is phenomenal. It’s like, the difference between having a 50 kg, 110 pound steel plate versus something hollow made out of Balsawood.

Third, surprisingly it’s actually really easy to eat. It’s kind of like, eating beef liver pate, like a nice moose or even if you think about it… A very thick yogurt, rather than trying to bite and process and shoot on really tough steak.

first principles thinking is the future?

So funny enough, it seemed that my major sociology, ended up being the most useful major of all time. Why?

First of all, it helped me think for principles. Rather than thinking of things how they are, it helped encourage me to think more deeply, how things should be?

Second, also, it also helped me encourage me thinking, why things are the way they are, and even more critically, should they be that way?

Success?

So after deep philosophical consideration thinking and living, even myself, frankly speaking I hit all the traditional markers of American success, and after all of it… What are my personal takeaways?

First, all of it doesn’t really matter. I actually believe the only thing that matters is health and physiology.

What is physiology? It’s sleeping 11 to 12 hours a night, going to sleep grateful, and excited for the next Brand New day. And it is also, waking up in the morning with deep gratitude, being excited that a brand new 24 hours is ahead of you.

Also, I think something that people don’t understand is that your mood, your outlook, your optimism, your chutzpah, motivation, innovation, boldness and courage … is it actually all derived from your physiology?

I’ll give you an example, if I’m high on ketamine, and I only sleep two hours a night, I’m stuck inside a Silicon Valley cage, never see the sunlight, and I’m just sitting all day looking at computer screens, what do you think is going to happen to my brain? Also you don’t get any fresh air.

Also you don’t exercise, you just eat high fructose corn syrup chicken teriyaki rice bowls, and drink endless amounts of sugar Red Bull vodka alcohol concoctions.

And then, you beat yourself up because you’re not motivated to exercise?

Exercise salience

So there’s a really interesting concept and phrase that I learned called exercise salience, which is essentially… Your body’s naturalistic desire to go out, go around, move and exercise?

It’s kind of contrary to all popular wisdom about motivation.

The American notion of motivation is like whipping yourself in the back with a spike, and trying to force yourself against your own will to wake up super early and exercise, even if you’ve slept at 2 AM the night prior. I don’t call this motivation I call this foolish.

Where does it come from?

I’m kind of more of the school that, if you just put people in the right spot, people will naturally become virtuous, thrive, and do well.

For example, if you do in fact desire to walk more, on a daily basis, pay the extra big bucks, and live somewhere or pay rent for somewhere, that actually encourages you to do so.

Or, let us say that you love the outdoors and wilderness and hiking whatever… Once again if you live insanely close to a nice hiking path, it’s going to naturally happen.

Or, weightlifting. Live close to a good gym, or, better yet, create your own ghetto backyard gym, your own garage gym, or your own parking lot second parking lot spot gym. 

Posit the goal

Certainly, I think the ambition is the dictating power which runs all of us. The ambition for more power, more beauty, more strength, more wellness, greater and better physiology.

And what is the key secret? I think it is physiology.

ERIC

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ERIC KIM BLOG >

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ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS 2026:

April 19th, Sunday (9am-1PM): CONQUER NYC STREET PHOTO WORKSHOP 2026 – NEW!

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Now what?

I think the ultimate Takeaway is, get your 30,000 steps in a day, lift something heavy every single day, quit drinking alcohol and consuming marijuana, quit social media at the news, anything toxic.

That also means cutting out toxic social things, words thoughts etc.

And every single day, try to hit a new personal record? 

Rack pull the world!

ERIC

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BOOKS BY KIM >

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So the insanely big idea that I have, after much thinking and consideration is, the very very simple idea that, in fact, we street photographers shall inherit the planet.

My big idea is, after much philosophical reflection, I think what we humans truly desire is power and beauty.

So how is this manifested?

Power, whether it be capital, social capital, digital capital bitcoin, or even information capital.

But above all this, is beauty. The innate human desire to create beauty.

street photography and beauty

So in today’s huge antisocial world, I think what we humans are craving for is, human connection, human beauty.

People think it is Lamborghinis and Ferraris but no… Just ask yourself… If you were stuck on a desert island by yourself, what would you prefer; the most beautiful car in the world? Or the most beautiful woman in the world?

Street photography is a fascinating disc discipline because, we both have the opportunity to dance with humans, in an artistic way, and also, create beauty with humans.

The human body as the ultimate canvas

Kind of a cool gallery, exhibit, as well, as some upcoming artists they are highlighting is VEFA GALERY, one artist using nude female models as a canvas, directly painting on their backs. I find the artwork very very beautiful and tasteful.

But the big idea is, the wise idea is to seek and consider of humans, … to make all the focus human centric in regards to beauty.

get the people moving

I recently saw a new slide from Elon Musk, detailing his vision with Grok AI.

The big vision is, gaining 1 billion users, and also, making it more and beyond?

I think for me the inspirational point was, also for me to consider… What is my number one skill in our committees lever in which I could leverage to the maximum, once again, power 1 billion people on the planet?

I think the big one is photography.

the goal

So my simple vision is this:

First, the desire to make more beautiful photos. That our efforts, should be in tune with this idea of trying to make more beautiful photos.

Second, movement. I think one of the great joys of photography is the ability to just get people to move around!

Therefore, the focus of photography.

why street photography?

So then, the big question: why street photography as like the Apex pillar of photography?

So for me once again, you have all the virtuous ingredients: movement, like you as a street photographer moving around, shooting photos, and also interacting with human beings.

I think a very very underrated thing in the street photography is the social aspect. And this sort of photography that allows you to be more social with other human beings is good.

now what?

So I suppose the optimistic thought that I have is, not being so concerned about the whole AI thing. I really really think that, AI is not very big of a deal, in some ways, I think it’s kind of like 1000 times overhyped, in terms of doomsday.

I think the underappreciated technology is rather, bitcoin. Why? You could live without AI but you cannot live without money.  what does that means is, assuming that bitcoin is perfected digital money, AI is just another agent, bitcoin is the substantive thing.

critiques of AI

So for the most part AI is pretty amazing, in terms of what it could do for us but, but it will never be able to do is philosophize on the human body, health, fitness, and also beauty.

AI cannot innovate

 another big critique of AI is, it is very good at mixing what has been done successfully in the past but it is not good at creating brand new things.

So then what

One photography, the simple idea and goal is still, to avoid social media Instagram at all costs. I’m still 1000x insanely proud of arsbeta.com –> in terms of getting real feedback on your photos.

I think maybe the second thing I’m trying to do is motivate more people to just go out and shoot!

What to think about and consider

So I have some homework assignments for you:

1. Try to philosophize what beauty means to you, and also in terms of your photography. Like, what do you consider is a beautiful photograph?
2. Second, what does it mean for you to make more beautiful photos?
3. Beauty & the body: strive to beautify your body to the maximum. And also ascertain what that means to you.

in person

Just added to workshops schedule:

• April 19th, Sunday (9am-1PM): Conquer Nyc Street Photo Workshop 2026 – New!

If you want to punch your knuckles against the concrete, get your hands a little bit dirty, and level up your street photography hustle and game, insanely pumped to have you in this workshop.

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BUY NOW — EARLY BIRD $599 USD (PayPal • VISA/Credit Card accepted)

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For private workshops, consulting or brand strategy email Eric [at] erickim.com

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Now what

The simple idea is, no no no… Find that new camera is not going to help you make more beautiful photos.

I still think that, mastering black-and-white photography is the secret to making more beautiful photos. I think color is amazing, but for the deep raw beauty, monochrome is unmatched.

philosophy

Return to the fountains: Evyn reading two or three pages of philosophy and friedrich Nietzsche will give you 1 trillion times more inspiration than anything you read on social media.

ERIC

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Upload your most beautiful photos to ARS

Try to find your one most beautiful photo of all time, and upload to ARS

Upload to ARSBETA.COM >

Infinite inspiration:

START HERE >

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So what is the thing that we all share in common, that is anti-fragile to anything that is happening to us all around the world and planet?

First, I believe it to be the entrepreneurs ethos. The general idea is, entrepreneurship as a general concept, not like you’re a trillionaire and I am not, but rather, a general governance principle which is independent of market conditions, the planet around us.

So for example, whether the market is up or down or whatever… It doesn’t really matter too much, but, a very important lesson: the only thing you have to keep a close monitor on is: don’t get liquidated.  Essentially getting liquidated is like getting shot in the head, but the good thing is because it is only money, technically you’re still alive. It’s probably more like getting shot in the stomach, a very very painful slow bleeding, but you will make it to the hospital and live. Albeit with regret for the rest of your life. 

So another obvious one is, in regards to your life, don’t die. Don’t text while driving or walking or crossing the street with AirPods on.

Ethos

I had an interesting observation the other day, assuming you’re like a sole proprietor or a business owner or, you work for yourself whatever… Typically, we never finance things like cars vehicles etc. Why? Because we don’t have a steady paycheck. If you work for some sort of golden chain tech job like Apple Amazon Facebook Google etc., you’re still reliant on your paycheck. If one day, for one reason or another you get fired, without a heads up, you’re kind of screwed. How are you going to pay for your kids private school tuition, daycare, or pay the monthly mortgage?

Spartan ethos

So the first thought is, you have to kind of ignore the whole world around you, all the other normies. Why? 

First, they’re just like operating in a different universe and operating system from you. Once again, if you’re an investor, run your own business or whatever, technically the only smart strategy is to run extremely lean because you have no idea when the market is going to be up or down or whatever… And therefore,  you need to run with like at least 90% buffer because once again, you need to operate in such a way that you could continue to live your beautiful austere Spartan life, without any change.

Once again, the average normie (normal person) will be able to finance his whatever vehicle for however much thousand dollars a month, because he is like a chicken with a feed stock, the golden goose tech job, he thinks will keep feeding him forever. Until it is Thanksgiving.

So what to do

I think I find extremely annoying as all these people who disparage Elon Musk and all these people for being billionaires or whatever,,, and the simple thing that they do not understand:

he has generated billions of dollars of value for society, while putting his life on the risk. While you did not.

Once again, any academic, tenure tracked academic, already tenured, even worse,,, a lecturer or adjunct professor, somebody with a cush tech job, or even somebody who came from a family of money… Everyone always finds it easy to just criticize people who are more successful than them.

Whereas we entrepreneurs, we love Elon Musk because, we remember the days of subsisting on two dollars a day of just hot dogs, while sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag, your life your equity your business on the line.

And also what’s interesting is if you’re an entrepreneur, of course you’re going to be inspired by Elon Musk. Because the inspiration is one day you could become like him. Not that you want to but you can. 

Change

So you know the saying,,, be the change in which you wish to see manifested in the world? That’s a good motto.

The entrepreneurs ethos.

So what is the thing that we all share in common, that is anti-fragile to anything that is happening to us all around the world and planet?

First, I believe it to be the entrepreneurs ethos. The general idea is, entrepreneurship as a general concept, not like you’re a trillionaire and I am not, but rather, a general governance principle which is independent of market conditions, the planet around us.

So for example, whether the market is up or down or whatever… It doesn’t really matter too much, but, a very important lesson: the only thing you have to keep a close monitor on is: don’t get liquidated.  Essentially getting liquidated is like getting shot in the head, but the good thing is because it is only money, technically you’re still alive. It’s probably more like getting shot in the stomach, a very very painful slow bleeding, but you will make it to the hospital and live. Albeit with regret for the rest of your life. 

So another obvious one is, in regards to your life, don’t die. Don’t text while driving or walking or crossing the street with AirPods on.

Ethos

I had an interesting observation the other day, assuming you’re like a sole proprietor or a business owner or, you work for yourself whatever… Typically, we never finance things like cars vehicles etc. Why? Because we don’t have a steady paycheck. If you work for some sort of golden chain tech job like Apple Amazon Facebook Google etc., you’re still reliant on your paycheck. If one day, for one reason or another you get fired, without a heads up, you’re kind of screwed. How are you going to pay for your kids private school tuition, daycare, or pay the monthly mortgage?