Giga-Health Vision: The Future of Global Healthcare Innovation

Emerging Medical Innovations: Advanced Diagnostics, AI, and Precision Medicine

Advanced Diagnostics and AI: Healthcare is becoming increasingly proactive and data-driven. Cutting-edge diagnostic tools – from liquid biopsies (blood-based tests for early cancer detection) to AI-assisted imaging – enable earlier and more accurate disease detection. For example, AI algorithms can analyze X-rays, MRIs, and pathology slides faster and with fewer errors, alleviating clinician workload. Studies show that AI-assisted pathology can cut review time by over 30% while improving accuracy and reducing missed diagnoses . In practice, AI now reveals subtle patterns across massive datasets (medical records, wearable sensors, genomics) that humans alone could not discern . By 2030, this means health systems can deliver predictive care, anticipating disease risks and suggesting preventive measures. Rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart failure could decline as AI helps target social and lifestyle factors influencing health . In short, medical AI is shifting care from reactive treatment to anticipatory guidance, catching problems before symptoms arise.

Precision Medicine: The convergence of genomics and big data is giving rise to truly personalized care. DNA sequencing has become fast and affordable, making genetic screening and pharmacogenomics routine parts of care by 2030 . Whereas today genomic testing is often limited to rare diseases or cancers, the vision for 2030 is that genomics will be a standard tool even for common diseases, yielding targeted therapies tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup . In practice, this could mean treatments and drug choices optimized for each patient’s genome, reducing adverse drug reactions and improving efficacy. Microbiome analysis (the bacteria in one’s gut or on the body) is also expected to be routinely included to personalize nutrition and treatments . Moreover, continuous monitoring through wearable sensors (tracking activity, sleep, vital signs) will feed into one’s health record, giving clinicians real-time data . Together, these innovations promise more precise diagnoses and “right drug, right dose, right patient” therapies, moving away from one-size-fits-all medicine. Notably, the cost of sequencing a whole genome has plummeted (from ~$500 in 2021 toward ~$20 by 2030), making these genomic tools broadly accessible .

Key Innovations and Impacts: The table below summarizes some core emerging innovations and their expected impact by 2030:

Innovation Area	Examples	Impact by 2030
AI in Diagnostics & Care	– AI image analysis for cancer, eye disease  – Predictive analytics for risk scoring	– Faster, earlier detection of illness (e.g. flagging tumors on scans)  – Reduced workload and wait times; streamlined workflows
Precision Medicine	– Whole-genome sequencing in routine care  – Pharmacogenomic EHR alerts for drugs	– Treatments tailored to genetic profiles, improving efficacy   – Fewer side effects by avoiding ineffective meds
Advanced Diagnostics	– Liquid biopsies (cell-free DNA tests)  – Portable point-of-care devices (e.g. rapid STI tests)	– Early cancer screening from blood (detecting tumors before symptoms)   – Immediate diagnosis in low-resource settings, improving outcomes (e.g. same-visit STI treatment)
Wearables & Remote Monitoring	– Smartwatches, biosensors tracking vitals  – At-home kits (e.g. smart glucometers)	– Continuous health data collection for preventive care   – Alerts for anomalies (heart rhythm, glucose) enabling timely interventions
Robotics in Care	– Surgical robots and robotic prosthetics  – Social robots for elder care	– Minimally invasive, precise surgeries with faster recovery  – Support for aging populations (robotic assistants to help with daily tasks)

These innovations illustrate the “giga-health” vision: exponentially greater data and intelligence applied to individual health. They collectively point toward a future where diagnoses are swift and accurate, treatments are personalized, and many conditions can be averted or managed long before they become crises.

Biotech Breakthroughs: Gene Editing, Synthetic Biology, and Longevity Technologies

Gene Editing Revolution (CRISPR and beyond): The 2020s have ushered in dramatic breakthroughs in gene editing that could cure genetic diseases at the source. CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which allows scientists to “edit” DNA, moved from the lab to the clinic in record time. By 2023, we saw the first CRISPR-based therapy approved: a one-time treatment that edits bone marrow cells to cure sickle cell disease . This milestone is proof-of-concept that we can correct DNA typos causing disease. Looking ahead, multiple CRISPR and gene-editing therapies are in trials for conditions like beta-thalassemia, certain forms of blindness, and even high cholesterol. Improved forms of gene editing (such as base editing and prime editing, which offer even more precise DNA changes) are in development to tackle diseases that were once considered incurable. By 2030, gene editing could eradicate some hereditary diseases and provide long-term treatments (or cures) for diseases like HIV and certain cancers by reprogramming a patient’s own cells. The challenge will be scaling these breakthroughs safely and ethically – ensuring edited genes are passed only where intended and debating uses in embryos – but the potential health impact is enormous.

Synthetic Biology and Bio-Engineering: Synthetic biology merges biology and engineering, allowing us to design new biological parts and systems. This field is giving rise to innovations from lab-grown organs to reprogrammed microbes that act as “living medicines.” One success story is CAR-T cell therapy – scientists genetically engineer a patient’s immune cells to seek and destroy cancer, a paradigm shift in cancer treatment (first approved in 2017). By 2025, synthetic biology had already delivered real products: e.g. yeast engineered to produce ingredients like heme for plant-based meats or enzymes for new drugs . Going toward 2030, synthetic biology is expected to permeate everyday life: engineered cells could dispense therapeutics in the body, and biomanufacturing will produce vaccines, hormones, or even replacement tissues on demand . We are seeing startups programming bacteria to detect and treat tumors, and researchers bioprinting tissues for transplantation. As futurist Daniel Burrus observed, “we’ve reached a transformational moment – code is merging with biology” and cells can be “programmed” like software . With AI’s help, synthetic biology can accelerate the design of gene circuits and metabolic pathways to produce complex drugs sustainably . The implication is a world where medicines, and even organs, can be grown or engineered, radically speeding up R&D and ensuring supply of critical therapies.

Longevity and Anti-Aging Tech: A bold facet of the giga-health vision is extending not just lifespan but healthspan – the years of healthy, active life. Advances in genomics, cell therapy, and computing are fueling an emerging longevity biotech industry. Companies and research initiatives (often backed by visionary investors) are targeting the aging process itself: from drugs that clear senescent “zombie” cells, to genetic reprogramming that can rejuvenate old cells to a younger state. For instance, scientists have identified compounds (like certain mTOR inhibitors and other metabolic drugs) that in animal studies extend lifespan or reverse signs of aging . Startups like Altos Labs are exploring cellular rejuvenation, and gene therapies to bolster longevity genes are in development. By 2030, it’s conceivable we’ll see the first generation of anti-aging medications intended to prevent age-related diseases (such as treatments to maintain cognitive function or therapies that enhance regenerative capacity of tissues). The market for longevity tech is projected to exceed $44 billion by 2030 , indicating the scale of investment in this area. Societal impact could be significant: if people remain healthier longer, we might see later retirement ages and a “silver economy” of older individuals contributing actively. Of course, longevity breakthroughs also bring ethical questions (equity of access, implications of significantly longer lives), but they form a key part of the future-health vision.

Futuristic Healthcare Systems: Digital Ecosystems, Smart Hospitals & Telemedicine Evolution

Healthcare delivery is transforming from the traditional hospital-centric model to a fully integrated digital health ecosystem. By 2030, a “hospital” will not just be one large building but a network of care distributed across telemedicine platforms, outpatient hubs, and even patients’ homes . Here’s what this future system looks like:

• Hospital Without Walls: For non-acute care, patients no longer need to crowd into hospitals. Less urgent cases are monitored and managed via retail clinics, same-day surgery centers, and home-based care, all connected through a single digital infrastructure . Hospitals themselves focus on critical and complex treatments (ICU care, advanced surgeries), while routine monitoring and consultations happen remotely. This hub-and-spoke model is coordinated by central command centers that track patient data and resource utilization across the network in real time . The result is reduced wait times and more efficient use of facilities – if one clinic or unit is busy, patients can be routed to another, and clinicians can remotely supervise multiple sites.
• Telemedicine and Virtual Care: The telehealth boom sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into mainstream practice. By the mid-2020s, regulatory barriers to telemedicine were lowered worldwide, and by 2030 virtual visits are a normal first touchpoint for primary care and specialist consults. Patients can connect with doctors via secure video or even AI-driven chatbots for triage. Remote patient monitoring devices (for vital signs, blood glucose, heart rhythm, etc.) feed data continuously to healthcare providers. This means doctors can follow patients’ conditions in real time and intervene early if any worrying trend appears – for example, a smart sensor could alert a care team about a patient’s irregular heart rhythm before the patient even notices symptoms. Telemedicine’s expansion has been particularly game-changing for rural and underserved areas, bringing specialist care that was once distant directly into the patient’s home.
• Smart Hospitals and AI-Powered Infrastructure: The facilities that do exist in 2030 are “smart” in every sense. Automated digital check-ins, AI-assisted triage, and intelligent scheduling systems streamline the patient journey. Inside the hospital, robotic helpers might transport supplies, assist in surgeries, or sanitize rooms. The use of AI for clinical decision support is routine – for instance, algorithms that predict patient deterioration can notify staff to act before a crisis occurs . Networked devices (the Internet of Medical Things) track everything from bed occupancy to infusion pump statuses, feeding into a central system that optimizes workflows. Doctors and nurses increasingly trust AI as a partner; as one report noted, clinicians are growing to trust AI to augment their skills in surgery and diagnosis . AI also shoulders much of the administrative burden – handling documentation, coding, and even initial patient history-taking. This has measurably improved clinicians’ experience by reducing burnout . Overall, the patient experience is smoother (less waiting, more personalized attention) and the staff experience is safer and more efficient, creating a virtuous cycle that improves outcomes and saves costs .
• Unified Health Records and Data Interoperability: In this futuristic ecosystem, a person’s health data flows seamlessly with them. Countries and health systems are increasingly adopting interoperable electronic health records (EHRs) that follow patients across different providers. By 2030, data portability – long a challenge – is largely solved, with standards (like FHIR APIs) allowing different systems to “talk” to each other. For instance, a patient in an emergency could grant a hospital instant access to their complete medical history via a secure cloud, no matter where it was recorded. Regions like Dubai are already pushing toward fully digitized medical records as part of their Health Strategy 2030 . This means fewer redundant tests and errors, as each provider sees the same comprehensive picture of the patient. Furthermore, patients themselves have real-time access to their records and even personal health AI assistants explaining their lab results or reminding them to take medications.

In summary, the healthcare system of the future is connected, patient-centered, and location-agnostic. Care is something that comes to you, leveraging technology, rather than always requiring you to go to it. Smart hospitals serve as command centers and acute care hubs, but much of health maintenance happens through our devices and local community nodes. This shift is expected to improve access and equity (bringing quality care into remote or poor communities via digital means) and to maintain continuity of care more effectively than the fragmented systems of the past.

Strategic Visions and Initiatives Shaping Global Health

Achieving the giga-health vision will require more than technology – it demands strategic action by governments, global organizations, and pioneering companies. Many leading entities have articulated ambitious health roadmaps through 2030:

• World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO’s agenda for 2030 focuses on ending epidemics and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) worldwide. In 2022, the World Health Assembly approved new Global Health Sector Strategies through 2030, embracing a vision of “a world where all people have access to high-quality, people-centered health services” and specific goals to end the AIDS, TB, and malaria epidemics . This means scaling up vaccinations, disease surveillance, and primary care in every country. WHO also supports national digital health strategies – for example, guiding standards for electronic records and telemedicine – to ensure technology benefits are shared globally. Another key theme is health security: after COVID-19, WHO is pushing for stronger international preparedness (e.g. pathogen monitoring, rapid response systems) so that future pandemics can be contained. Overall, WHO’s strategic vision ties technology and innovation to equity: harnessing advances to narrow health disparities between rich and poor regions, not widen them.
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: As one of the largest global health philanthropies, the Gates Foundation is heavily influencing the health innovation landscape. The foundation’s mission is “to create a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life.” In practice, this translates to massive investments in both proven interventions (like childhood vaccines, maternal health) and new technologies. For instance, in 2025 the Gates Foundation announced a $2.5 billion commitment through 2030 dedicated to women’s health R&D, funding over 40 innovations in areas like contraceptive technology, maternal care, and diagnostics for low-resource settings . This includes developing things like a 6-month contraceptive microneedle patch and AI-powered portable ultrasound for clinics with no radiologists . Gates Foundation also backs the development of new vaccines (it was a major funder in the eradication of polio and in accelerating COVID-19 vaccine access) and cutting-edge research such as gene drive technology to combat malaria. Its strategic vision aligns with global goals (part of the SDGs for 2030) – leveraging innovation to eliminate the worst diseases of poverty and ensure that breakthroughs (like gene therapies or digital tools) benefit the developing world. In summary, through grant funding and partnerships, the foundation is shaping a pipeline of health solutions targeted at the world’s most pressing health challenges, from pandemics to pregnancy.
• National Government Initiatives: Leading governments have launched moonshot programs to spur medical innovation. The United States, for example, re-ignited the Cancer Moonshot in 2022 with the audacious goal of cutting cancer death rates by 50% over 25 years . This involves boosting research funding for cancer vaccines, early detection tests (like blood tests for multiple cancers), and new therapies. The U.S. also created ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) in 2022, a high-risk, high-reward research funding body modeled after the defense DARPA. ARPA-H is investing in futuristic ideas – from tissue regeneration to all-in-one vaccines – that could be game-changers if successful . In Europe, government-industry coalitions are supporting breakthroughs like the mRNA vaccine platform (which was co-developed in Germany by BioNTech, with substantial state research support). China and India are also ramping up biotech initiatives, though not explicitly mentioned in our region focus, they have mega-programs in genomic research and digital health. Many countries have published “Healthcare 2030” strategic plans. For example, Japan’s Healthcare 2035 vision (developed in 2015) calls for lean, value-based healthcare and embracing AI/robotics to support its aging society . The UK’s NHS Long Term Plan similarly emphasizes digital-first services and genomics. The common thread is that governments see health innovation as critical to national well-being and economic growth, and are actively prioritizing funding, regulatory support, and public-private partnerships to drive it.
• Industry Leaders (Big Tech & Biotech): Private companies are equally key in shaping the future of health. Google (Alphabet), for instance, has a dedicated health division and multiple initiatives: it has used AI to develop tools that can detect diabetic eye disease from retinal images and tuberculosis from chest X-rays, which are being piloted in India and other countries . Google’s DeepMind unit achieved a milestone by using AI (AlphaFold) to predict the 3D structures of ~200 million proteins – essentially mapping the “protein universe” – which accelerates drug discovery globally . Google and other tech giants (Amazon, Apple, Microsoft) are also competing to provide cloud platforms for health data and AI assistants for clinicians. Apple’s smartwatches now include FDA-cleared EKG and blood oxygen apps, highlighting Big Tech’s role in consumer health tracking. On the biotech side, Moderna has become emblematic of 21st-century pharmaceutical innovation. Virtually unknown before 2020, Moderna’s decades of work on mRNA technology enabled it to produce a highly effective COVID-19 vaccine in under a year. Now, Moderna is leveraging that same mRNA platform to develop a “pipeline” of vaccines and therapies: including personalized cancer vaccines (in partnership with Merck) that encode neoantigens from a patient’s tumor to stimulate an immune attack . It’s also testing mRNA shots for influenza, HIV, Zika, and more. This platform approach – where the mRNA is the software and the target disease is the update – could radically speed up how we respond to new health threats. Meanwhile, other biotech firms are advancing gene therapies, CRISPR cures, and cell therapies at an unprecedented pace. Pharmaceutical companies are also adopting AI for drug design; for example, Pfizer and others use machine learning to identify new drug candidates in silico, cutting years off development. Healthcare start-ups likewise are driving change, from telehealth providers to AI diagnostics companies, often backed by substantial venture capital. In sum, the strategic vision of industry is to meld tech and biology (“bio-digital convergence”) to deliver health solutions faster, personalize care, and capture the huge emerging market of digital health. Public-private collaboration is increasing too – e.g., pharma companies partnering with AI firms, and tech companies with health systems – blurring the lines in the health innovation ecosystem.

These visions and initiatives underscore that achieving the Giga-Health Vision is a global, coordinated effort. International bodies provide goals and equity frameworks, governments set ambitious targets and fund enabling infrastructure, and companies bring technical innovation and scale. Together, they are pushing healthcare toward a future that would have seemed like science fiction a decade ago.

Big Data, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain: Powering the Next Health Transformation

Data and computing power are the unsung heroes behind many of the aforementioned innovations. In the Giga-Health era, the effective use of big data, quantum tech, and blockchain will profoundly transform healthcare:

• Big Data in Healthcare: Health data is growing at an explosive rate – from electronic health records, genomics, imaging, wearables, to patient-reported outcomes. By one estimate, healthcare data globally was increasing with a ~36% compounded growth rate, faster than in industries like finance or manufacturing . This deluge of data, often described by the “5 V’s” (Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity, Value), holds the key to deeper insights into disease and wellness . The challenge historically was that medical data sat in silos and unstructured formats, limiting its use. By 2030, advances in interoperability and analytics mean these datasets can be aggregated and analyzed in near real-time. AI and machine learning thrive on big data – for example, training an algorithm to detect skin cancer reliably required feeding it over a million dermatology images. With big data, we can uncover subtle correlations (e.g. lifestyle factors and genetic markers that together predict a disease) that were invisible before. Machine learning applied to large multimodal datasets could even lead to new “digital biomarkers” and a reclassification of diseases based on patterns in genes and physiology rather than symptoms alone . On a population level, mining big data enables better epidemiology (predicting outbreaks by analyzing search queries or social media, as was piloted for flu), and precision public health – targeting interventions to the people who need them most. Of course, harnessing big data comes with responsibilities: ensuring privacy (through encryption, de-identification) and avoiding biases that can arise if datasets aren’t diverse. Nonetheless, data is often called “the new oil” in healthcare, powering AI and innovation.
• Quantum Computing & Healthcare: While AI uses classical computers to find patterns, quantum computing promises to tackle problems classical computing can’t easily solve – essentially adding a new powerhouse to the toolbox. Quantum computers leverage principles of quantum physics to perform certain calculations astronomically faster. In healthcare, they are poised to impact drug discovery, diagnostics, and data security. For example, simulating complex molecular interactions (like how a protein folds or how a drug binds) is extremely computation-heavy and often intractable for classical computers – but quantum computers excel at such simulations. Combined with AI, quantum tech could accelerate drug discovery and enable earlier diagnoses, as well as secure vast health databases through quantum encryption . This isn’t merely theoretical: quantum sensors are already being tested for ultra-early disease detection (e.g., Mayo Clinic’s quantum magnetometry can detect heart issues by sensing tiny magnetic fields of the heart) . Major institutions like Cleveland Clinic have partnered with tech companies (IBM, etc.) to install quantum computers for biomedical research . In one pilot, Moderna teamed with IBM to use quantum computing in mRNA vaccine design, showing it could explore a wider range of RNA configurations faster than classical methods . By 2030, we expect at least early-stage quantum applications in healthcare: more accurate modeling of biochemical processes for drug development, optimization of radiotherapy plans, and enhanced machine learning (quantum machine learning) for complex clinical data. Additionally, quantum communication can provide hack-proof transmission of health data, addressing rising cybersecurity concerns. While quantum tech in medicine is nascent and may not be mainstream by 2030, it represents a “game-changer” on the horizon that leaders are already preparing for .
• Blockchain for Healthcare: Blockchain (distributed ledger technology) is being explored to secure and streamline health transactions and data sharing. At its core, blockchain provides a tamper-proof, transparent way to record transactions – useful in a sector plagued by data silos and interoperability issues. One immediate application is electronic health records: using blockchain, a patient’s medical data could be stored in a decentralized manner that only they (or those they authorize) can append or access, giving patients greater control and privacy. Each access or edit would be logged transparently on the ledger. Blockchain’s security (via cryptographic hashing) makes data extremely difficult to hack or alter, addressing confidentiality concerns. Another use is supply chain integrity – counterfeit drugs are a global problem, and blockchain can trace pharmaceuticals from factory to pharmacy, verifying authenticity at each step . For example, an FDA pilot showed blockchain could help track prescription medications and vaccines, reducing fraud. Smart contracts (self-executing contracts on blockchain) could also automate insurance claims or provider payments: for instance, a smart contract could automatically pay a claim once a verified service is logged, eliminating administrative overhead. A review of blockchain in health noted key use cases including patient data privacy, interoperability for health information exchange, and even remote monitoring integration with IoT . By 2030, we may see national or regional health information networks underpinned by blockchain, ensuring any provider can access a patient’s updated record (with permission) without centralized ownership of the data. Some countries (Estonia, for one) have already implemented blockchain in national health records. We will also likely see blockchain securing clinical trial data and consent, so patients can confidently contribute data for research. While blockchain is not a panacea and consumes significant computing resources, its promise of a trustless, secure framework aligns well with healthcare’s need to protect data and coordinate among many stakeholders. The coming years will test pilot projects and scalability, but many health innovators consider blockchain a pillar of the future infrastructure alongside AI and big data.

In summary, big data is the raw material, AI the processing engine, quantum the accelerator for previously impossible tasks, and blockchain the trust layer – together these technologies form the digital backbone of the Giga-Health Vision. They ensure that the wealth of emerging biomedical knowledge is effectively used, safely shared, and rapidly expanded.

Regional Innovation Hubs: U.S., South Korea, Japan, Germany, and UAE

Innovation in healthcare is not confined to one country – it’s a global endeavor, and different regions are contributing in unique ways. Here we highlight some leading innovation hubs and their particular strengths and initiatives:

United States: The U.S. is home to the world’s largest biomedical and digital tech sectors, making it a crucible for health innovation. American tech giants (Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft) and countless startups drive advances in AI diagnostics, digital health platforms, and consumer health gadgets. On the biotech front, the U.S. pharma and biotech industry produces a significant share of new drugs and therapies globally. Initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot (aiming to halve cancer death rates in 25 years) exemplify the nation’s ambitious targets . The NIH’s budget (over $45 billion) funds cutting-edge research from CRISPR gene editing to nanomedicine. The U.S. also prioritizes precision medicine: the All of Us Research Program is building a cohort of 1 million diverse Americans to advance personalized care. In digital health, the U.S. saw a boom in telehealth usage and has a dynamic market for health apps and wearables (supported by a relatively open regulatory environment for digital tools). However, the U.S. recognizes challenges like high healthcare costs and unequal access; thus, some innovation is aimed at efficiency and expanding reach (for example, using AI assistants to reduce administrative costs, or retail clinics to provide affordable basic care). The presence of leading academic centers and hospitals (Mayo Clinic, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, etc.) means a lot of medical AI and robotics breakthroughs are piloted in the U.S. first. Moreover, U.S. government agencies like the FDA have been adapting to fast-track innovative products (creating pathways for AI-based medical devices, regenerative medicine, etc.). Overall, the U.S. hub combines strong R&D, entrepreneurial culture, and substantial investment capital, which will keep it at the forefront of Giga-Health developments.

South Korea: South Korea has rapidly emerged as a high-tech powerhouse in healthcare, backed by strong government vision. The country has declared a goal to become a global top 5 leader in biopharma by 2030, under the “K-Bio Pharmaceuticals” initiative . To get there, Korea is investing heavily in biotech R&D and infrastructure. It is already a leader in stem cell research and biomanufacturing, producing biosimilar drugs and vaccines for global markets. In digital health, South Korea’s strengths are its advanced IT infrastructure (ubiquitous high-speed internet, 5G) and a tech-savvy population. The government unveiled a comprehensive five-year roadmap (through 2028) for AI in healthcare, aiming to expand AI use in essential care, AI-driven drug discovery, and medical data systems . Notably, Korea projects its AI healthcare market will grow over 50% annually from 2023 to 2030, outpacing the global rate . AI is being trialed for everything from diagnostic imaging in hospitals to chatbots that assist patients. The country is also fostering digital health startups and easing regulations that hinder telemedicine (traditionally, Korea had strict rules, but those have relaxed due to COVID-19). Genome research is another focus: there’s a push to sequence Korean genomes and use precision medicine in its national health system. South Korea also actively exports its health tech expertise – e.g. partnering with Middle Eastern countries to implement hospital IT systems and training programs (sometimes dubbed “K-Healthcare”). A challenge South Korea faces is a gap in trained AI workforce and some regulatory hurdles, but the government is addressing this by training more data scientists and updating laws to accommodate innovations . Ethically, they’re also drafting guidelines for responsible AI in medicine . In summary, South Korea’s combination of government planning, rapid tech adoption, and manufacturing strength positions it as an East Asian hub of medical innovation.

Japan: Japan, with the world’s oldest population, views healthcare innovation as crucial to address its demographic challenges. This has spurred Japan to pioneer technologies for elderly care and robotics. The government has explicitly promoted robotics in healthcare – for example, funding development of robots to assist caregivers and patients. In 2025, Japan showcased “AIREC,” a humanoid robot capable of helping the elderly with daily tasks like dressing, and has a roadmap to commercialize domestic caregiving robots by 2030 . By 2040, these robots are expected to handle a wide range of nursing and household tasks, and by 2050 possibly serve as interactive companions to combat senior loneliness . This focus on the “longevity economy” means Japan is also investing in smart home systems for health (e.g., sensors that monitor an older person’s movements to prevent falls or detect early dementia signs). Another area Japan excels in is medical devices and imaging – companies like Canon, Olympus, and Fujifilm are global leaders in imaging diagnostics and endoscopy technology. Japan is also a front-runner in regenerative medicine: it was among the first to approve cell therapies using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for conditions like macular degeneration. On the policy side, Japan’s Healthcare 2035 vision emphasizes sustainable financing and integrating tech to maintain quality care despite fewer workers. Digital transformation is underway: although Japan was initially paper-heavy, it’s now pushing electronic records and telehealth, especially after COVID-19 forced regulatory relaxation for online consultations. Additionally, Japan’s pharmaceutical industry, while smaller than the U.S., produces innovative drugs (e.g., the first HPV vaccine came from Japan, and it’s researching drugs for aging). The concept of “Society 5.0” in Japan (a super-smart society) heavily features healthcare – envisioning AI hospitals, remote surgery, and health data clouds as part of everyday life. Essentially, Japan is leveraging its technological prowess to turn the burden of an aging society into an opportunity . If successful, it will provide a model for many countries facing similar demographics.

Germany: Germany is Europe’s largest economy and a leader in medical technology and pharmaceuticals. It hosts global health companies like Siemens Healthineers (imaging equipment), BioNTech (mRNA vaccines), and SAP (health IT systems). German innovation in healthcare is characterized by combining engineering excellence with forward-looking health policies. A notable example is Germany’s Digital Health Act (DVG), which came into effect in 2019 – it made Germany the first country to prescribe digital health apps (DiGA) to patients, covered by public insurance. By 2024, over 60 smartphone health apps (for things like managing diabetes, insomnia therapy, anxiety, etc.) have been approved for prescription and reimbursement by insurers . This DiGA system jumpstarted a digital therapeutics industry in Germany, with clear pathways for app developers to get clinical validation and market access. Germany is also pursuing a broader Digitalization Strategy for Health and Care, updated in 2025, to integrate these digital tools into standard practice and enhance data sharing across providers . In terms of biotech, Germany’s BioNTech (with Pfizer) developed one of the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, showcasing the country’s biotech strength. The government supports biotech clusters (like Munich and the Rhineland) and has initiatives to streamline clinical trials and research. Medical device manufacturing is a traditional strength – from precision surgical instruments to advanced prosthetics – supported by clusters of medium-sized companies (Mittelstand) known for innovation. Germany’s healthcare system, while high-quality, has been somewhat traditional, but that’s changing fast: e-prescriptions and electronic patient records are rolling out nationwide, and telemedicine is increasingly adopted (especially after laws were liberalized around 2018 to allow remote treatment). Privacy is paramount in Germany, so a lot of innovation focuses on secure data handling and GDPR-compliant health IT solutions. Another focus is AI in healthcare: German research institutions are working on AI for radiology and pathology, and the federal government has an AI strategy that includes healthcare funding. Also, given Germany’s aging population, there’s interest in AgeTech (like smart home monitoring, similar to Japan’s approach). In summary, Germany stands out for policy-driven digital health integration and strong industrial capabilities, making it an European hub marrying regulation and innovation.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has rapidly positioned itself as a healthcare innovation hub in the Middle East. Armed with ambitious national visions (e.g. UAE Vision 2031 and Dubai Health Strategy 2030), the country is investing heavily in building state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and attracting global talent. The UAE’s healthcare market hit $22 billion by 2025, and is projected to grow nearly 9% annually through 2030 . What’s fueling this growth is a combination of government spending, private sector partnerships, and a drive to reduce dependence on imported healthcare (historically many Emiratis went abroad for advanced care). Digital health is a centerpiece: the UAE is rolling out fully digitized medical records and smart hospitals as part of Dubai’s 2030 strategy . For example, several hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi now have AI-assisted systems in place – from AI radiology tools to blockchain-based record systems. The government has launched grants and research centers in genomics, precision medicine, and telemedicine (Abu Dhabi, for instance, set up a genomics program to sequence Emirati genomes and a new research institute for precision medicine) . The UAE is also big on medical robotics: robotic surgeries (like the da Vinci surgical robot) are performed in top hospitals, and training centers are established for surgeons in the region. To catalyze innovation, the UAE created environments like Dubai Science Park and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71, which host health and biotech startups . They’ve also introduced funding mechanisms such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund to support health-tech entrepreneurs . Another area of interest is AI in healthcare operations – a study suggests the UAE could save up to $22 billion annually by 2030 by implementing AI in healthcare (through efficiency and prevention gains) . This economic incentive drives robust government backing. The UAE’s strategy also capitalizes on medical tourism: offering high-end medical facilities (like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi) to attract patients from the region, and innovation in patient experience (smart hospitality in hospitals, etc.). Culturally, the UAE’s leadership frequently speaks about being at the forefront of future industries, and healthcare is no exception – for instance, Dubai’s ruler set a goal for Dubai to be the healthiest city with the best healthcare technology. The rapid development in a relatively small country means the UAE can be nimble: adopting new health regulations quickly (they approved telehealth early, and even experimented with drone delivery of medical supplies). The UAE’s regional influence also helps spread innovation to neighboring Gulf countries. In essence, the UAE is a test bed for futuristic healthcare – from genome-based personalized clinics to AI-driven preventive care – supported by strong funding and a desire to be seen as a global leader in this domain.

Each of these regions contributes to the Giga-Health Vision in complementary ways: the U.S. with tech and biotech muscle, South Korea with digital and manufacturing prowess, Japan with aging-related tech and robotics, Germany with systemic digital integration and medtech, and the UAE with rapid adoption and a crossroads for global health innovation. Collaboration and knowledge exchange between these hubs (and others like the U.K., China, Israel, etc.) will further accelerate progress worldwide.

Projected Societal Impacts Through 2030 and Beyond

The transformative innovations under the Giga-Health Vision will reverberate through society, bringing profound benefits – and new challenges – by 2030 and in subsequent decades. Here are key projected societal impacts:

• Longer and Healthier Lives: Continued progress in medicine and public health suggests that life expectancy will keep rising globally. Many countries are on track to have average lifespans well into the 80s by 2030, and some (like South Korea, Japan) approaching the 90-year mark . More importantly, the gap between lifespan and healthspan could narrow: with better prevention, earlier diagnosis, and personalized treatment, people will spend a greater proportion of their years in good health. Diseases that were once lethal or debilitating may become manageable chronic conditions or be cured altogether. For instance, some cancers might become “death sentences to chronic diseases” as President Biden’s Moonshot envisions , thanks to early detection and targeted therapies. Similarly, gene therapies might eliminate the burden of certain genetic illnesses (like sickle cell, which could free thousands from pain and disability). The advent of effective anti-aging interventions (if realized) could further extend the period of vitality for older adults. As a result, societies may benefit from the contributions of experienced individuals for longer, and families may enjoy more quality time across generations.
• Shift from Sick Care to Wellness: A paradigm shift is underway from treating illness to actively maintaining wellness. By 2030, healthcare systems (especially in advanced economies) are predicted to be proactive and predictive rather than reactive . This means using AI to anticipate who is at risk for conditions like diabetes or depression and intervening early – with lifestyle coaching, prophylactic medications, etc. Preventive care becomes more personalized: for example, someone’s wearable and genomic profile might flag rising hypertension risk, prompting timely diet adjustments or therapy before hypertension develops. This widespread prevention could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, which not only improves lives but eases the economic burden on healthcare systems (fewer hospitalizations, surgeries, etc.). As one scenario painted, in 2030 AI networks help cut rates of diabetes and COPD by enabling intervention on social determinants and early signs . The wellness economy (spanning fitness, nutrition, mental health apps, etc.) will likely grow as individuals take more agency in managing their health day-to-day, often guided by digital tools. Culturally, health literacy may improve as people regularly interact with personal health data and AI feedback.
• Empowered Patients and Decentralized Care: The patient-doctor dynamic is evolving into a more equal partnership. With ubiquitous access to information (and misinformation – a challenge to manage), patients in 2030 will expect to be active decision-makers in their care. Technologies like patient portals, mobile health apps, and wearables give people immediate insight into their condition and treatment progress. Home-based diagnostics (from smart toilets analyzing urine to handheld lab devices) could allow individuals to check their health status anytime, reducing the mystique of medical knowledge. Telemedicine means geography is less of a barrier – rural or housebound patients can consult top specialists virtually. All of this empowers patients to seek care on their own terms and convenience. We also foresee more care shifting to the home environment: hospital-at-home programs (where acute conditions are monitored and treated at home with hospital-level oversight) are expanding, which could make hospitals less crowded and reduce costs. Family members equipped with smart devices might perform tasks that once required a clinic visit. This decentralization, however, must be matched by health system adjustments: reimbursement models are adapting to pay for virtual and home services, and clinicians are learning to manage care remotely. The net effect is a more patient-centered system that meets people where they are, improving satisfaction and often outcomes (since patients tend to do better in familiar environments).
• Healthcare Workforce Transformation: As AI and automation become embedded in healthcare, the roles of doctors, nurses, and other providers will transform. Repetitive and administrative tasks will diminish – for example, AI “copilot” systems already save doctors time by auto-documenting visits, and in the near future will analyze lab results and genomics on the fly . This can free up clinicians to focus on what machines can’t do well: complex decision-making, empathetic communication, and procedural skills. The workforce will need new skills, especially in data literacy – tomorrow’s clinicians might need to understand how to work with AI recommendations, verify their validity, and incorporate them into care. Roles like data scientists and AI specialists will become commonplace in care teams. There is some fear of job displacement (e.g. will AI radiologists replace human radiologists?), but the prevailing vision is one of augmentation, not replacement: AI taking over the grunt work while humans concentrate on higher-level tasks and patient relationships . Nurses might rely on robotics for heavy lifting in patient care, preserving their energy for clinical and compassionate care. Moreover, with the expansion of care outside traditional settings, we’ll see new categories of health workers – such as health coaches, care coordinators, and community health workers armed with tech – playing bigger roles. Continuous learning will be essential; medical education is already incorporating genomics and AI basics into curricula. By 2030, the healthcare workforce could be more distributed (with some practitioners working remotely to monitor patients) and hopefully less burned out, as tech alleviates some causes of stress like documentation overload .
• Economic and Policy Implications: Health innovations have broad economic effects. Curing or significantly reducing major diseases can save governments and employers immense costs and boost productivity (healthy people work and contribute more). On the other hand, advanced therapies can be extremely expensive, raising questions about how to pay for them and who gets access. Societies will have to grapple with health equity: ensuring that rural or low-income populations benefit from telehealth, AI, and precision medicine, not just the affluent or urban. There’s a risk that without conscious effort, a digital divide could exacerbate health disparities. Policymakers may need to subsidize technologies (like providing wearables or internet access for remote monitoring to disadvantaged groups) to avoid this gap. Regulation will also play a big role – ensuring safety and efficacy of AI diagnostics, ethical use of gene editing (e.g., banning human germline edits internationally, as is the current norm, to avoid designer babies), and updating privacy laws for the big data era. We might see new regulatory frameworks by 2030 that specifically address AI (some countries are already certifying AI tools as medical devices) and genetic data (perhaps giving people property rights over their genomic info). International cooperation might increase, as health challenges (like pandemics or antimicrobial resistance) demand a united approach – for instance, sharing genomic sequences of pathogens via global databases in real time.
• Ethical and Social Challenges: Every innovation carries ethical considerations. Widespread use of AI in healthcare raises issues of algorithmic bias – AI systems trained on non-representative data could give worse care recommendations for certain ethnic or demographic groups, thus vigilance is needed to ensure equity . Privacy is a paramount concern: as more health data is collected (from genomes to daily step counts), ensuring that data isn’t misused by insurers, employers, or hackers will be critical to maintain public trust. Societies may need to establish stronger data protection measures (perhaps leveraging blockchain or quantum encryption, as noted) and clear consent processes for data sharing. Gene editing’s advance brings the specter of eugenics or unintended consequences; global bioethical consensus will be important to draw lines (e.g., treating diseases – yes; enhancing traits – probably no). Longevity tech might force us to rethink retirement and resource allocation if people routinely live to 100+. Additionally, there could be psychological and cultural shifts – if aging is delayed, how do life stages (education, career, family) adjust? If many diseases become avoidable, will individuals and societies place a greater emphasis on healthy behaviors? Possibly, as prevention becomes more effective, we might see a stronger culture of health akin to how we treat safety today (with routine check-ups and risk assessments seen as normal responsibility).

In sum, by 2030 we anticipate significant health gains: fewer people suffering late-stage diseases, more tailored treatments with better outcomes, and a more efficient, accessible health system. People will likely enjoy not just longer lives but more years free from disability, fundamentally improving quality of life across the population. The transformations will also bring economic benefits by preventing costly illnesses and enabling individuals to remain productive for longer. However, the journey to 2030 and beyond must be managed thoughtfully – addressing ethical pitfalls, ensuring innovations are inclusive, and retraining our workforce and retooling policies for a new era. The Giga-Health Vision thus paints an optimistic future of healthcare, one of high-tech healing and broad societal well-being, provided we steer its course with wisdom and care.

Sources:

• Denny, J.C. & Collins, F.S. Precision Medicine in 2030 – seven ways to transform healthcare. Cell 184(6):1415–1419 (2021) – (Insights on routine genomics, wearable monitoring, and AI-driven disease taxonomies by 2030) .
• Health Policy Partnership. Powering the future of cancer care with advanced diagnostics (2022) – (Statistics on AI-assisted pathology improving diagnostic speed and accuracy) .
• World Economic Forum. 3 ways AI will change healthcare by 2030 – Carla Kriwet (2020) – (Discussion of predictive care networks, smart hospitals, and AI reducing clinician burnout in 2030 scenarios) .
• World Economic Forum. Quantum vs AI in healthcare: convergence – Jain & Tang (2025) – (How quantum tech + AI can accelerate drug discovery, enable ultra-early diagnostics, and ensure secure health data) .
• Global Pricing Innovations (GPI). South Korea Unveils Five-Year Roadmap to Advance AI in Healthcare – Rhys Jenkins (2025) – (South Korea’s plan for AI in health, including 50.8% annual growth of its AI-health market 2023–2030 and goals to lead in digital health) .
• WEF. How Japan’s longevity economy is creating new opportunities – Naoko Tochibayashi (2025) – (Japan’s use of care robots, tech for aging population, and plans to commercialize caregiving robots by 2030) .
• ICLG Digital Health Laws: Germany (2025) – (Details on Germany’s DiGA program allowing prescription of 65+ digital health apps and integration via the 2024 Digital Act) .
• MedTech World. Inside the UAE’s $22B healthcare boom – Editorial (2025) – (UAE’s health market size, growth, Dubai Health Strategy 2030 with smart hospitals, and projected $22B savings via AI by 2030) .
• Gates Foundation Press Release (2025) – (Foundation’s $2.5B thru 2030 for women’s health R&D, illustrating global health innovation investment) .
• Reuters – Life expectancy to exceed 90 in some countries by 2030 (2017) – (Projection of rising global life expectancy and need for policy readiness) .

These and other authoritative sources illustrate the trends and expectations underpinning the Giga-Health Vision – a comprehensive transformation of healthcare driven by innovation, with the promise of a healthier global society by 2030 and beyond.

Giga-health vision

So starting 2026, my big vision is about giga health. That is, according to whatever my personal metrics are, to be insanely healthy.

Insanely phenomenal sleep,,, and health 3x?

So it is easy for companies to return 3X returns in a short period of time, like MSTR last year when it quickly climbed from $150 a share to around $500 a share … but the tricky thing is with health and human physiology, not always possible.

So the first thought I had is, is it possible to eat like three times the amount of meat for dinner?

Like for example let us say conservatively you could eat 3 pounds of meat for dinner… Could you 3x and eat 9 pounds? 

Variety?

I suppose the first thought is if you want to eat more, you gotta add more variety. Like I guess… Do you have different cuts of meat, beef, ground beef, beef liver, tripe, eggs, and bone broth stock soup.

And tried some variety, eating it with kale, kimchi, mustard, or just simple cilantro rot onions, and or cilantro chimichurri?

Why?

Also another big thing is, I just signed up for an unlimited membership for hot yoga with Cindy, and I’ve been going with her religiously every single day. In the morning.

And then the upside is, … I think this is something that people don’t understand about hot yoga is that it actually makes you happier!

Like people think that you should do hot yoga or whatever for health but to me, health is too ambiguous of a notion. I think happiness is a little bit more accurate of a notion.

So for example, if you’re doing hot yoga, after you’re done with class, take a nice shower, you’re gonna feel like 1000 times better. Also, for us weight lifters… Superior performance of our joints ligaments bones, connective tissues etc.

If anything, assuming that you’re like a real performance athlete, it kind of makes sense to do hot yoga every single day. Because it will help you perform better. Kind of like how LeBron James, apparently he does an hour of yoga a day, and it helps him stay injury free. If anything, Kobe Bryant should’ve probably also done hot yoga, in order to prevent all his ankle injuries.

Weight lifting

Everyone can benefit from weightlifting, your 72-year-old mom etc.

I also do believe it’s a good idea to lift weights every day, and the simple ideas to just vary the exercise exercises for fun.

Sun outside

I think I’m pretty privileged to live in LA where in the middle of January, it’s 74° and sunny. And so for me, being in the direct sun, topless all day is my jam.

I listened to the long interview with Elon Musk in which he talked about the son, even if we humans could harness like .01% of the sun’s energy, we would have free infinite energy forever.

However the big issue with heat, the sun etc. is heat storage. And also with batteries battery storage.

Assuming we humans are just flesh batteries,,, I had a funny thought that, if you just spent all day sunbathing and suntanning outside, does that help us store more physiological energy inside our body and our skin? 

Certainly you don’t want skin cancer, but assume you have like 50 SPF sunblock, and you also wear your sun hat, … and cover up the parts of your body which are sensitive,,, you should be good.

The Eric Kim Atlas Lift: Elevating Art, Strength, and Spirit

Introduction: The Eric Kim Atlas Lift is a multidimensional concept fusing visual art, physical training, and lifestyle philosophy. It draws inspiration from the Greek Titan Atlas, reimagining his eternal burden for the modern creative and athletic soul. In mythology, Atlas was condemned to hold up the heavens on his shoulders, a powerful symbol of enduring strength under weight. This concept channels that mythic image into three arenas: (1) a bold visual/photo series depicting Eric Kim as a contemporary Atlas sustaining meaningful “worlds,” (2) a strength training exercise and metaphor that imitates Atlas’s feat in the gym, and (3) a lifestyle philosophy or brand ethos about bearing the weight of creative labor and responsibility. The Atlas Lift is where hype meets myth meets daily grind – a rallying cry for creators, lifters, and seekers of meaning to embrace heroic effort in everyday life.

1. Atlas Lift as Visual Mythos: A Street Photography Series

Atlas statue at Rockefeller Center (1937), depicting the Titan carrying the celestial sphere. This iconic Art Deco sculpture – straining under the weight of the heavens – inspires the visual ethos of the “Atlas Lift” series, symbolizing resilience under burdens.

Concept: Envision a photographic series that merges urban reality with mythic imagery, casting Eric Kim (a renowned street photographer known for his bold, “in-your-face” style) as a modern-day Atlas. Each image in the series portrays Kim literally “holding up” a symbolic weight – be it a city, a camera, or an idea – against the backdrop of real street life. The goal is to create powerful visuals that blend realism and myth, much like seeing a legend come to life on the city streets.

Imagery & Themes: The Atlas Lift photo series would leverage Eric Kim’s gritty, high-contrast street aesthetic and sociological eye to comment on the burdens of modern life. Possible shots include:

• “Atlas of the City”: Kim positioned in downtown Los Angeles (one of his favorite urban playgrounds) with the weight of the city on his shoulders. Through creative compositing or forced perspective, he could appear to lift an entire city skyline or an LA skyscraper above his head. This image symbolizes a creator carrying the burden of society’s ills and beauty – echoing Kim’s interest in depicting “the beauty and ills of society” through photography.
• “Atlas of Photography”:** A portrait of Kim hoisting an oversized 35mm camera or lens like the celestial sphere. The camera – perhaps a giant Leica to nod to his preferred gear – represents the weight of artistic vision. The photo would meld the literal and figurative: a photographer bearing the tools of his craft as if they were the world itself. It’s an ode to the idea that photographers carry the responsibility of documenting truth and beauty.
• “Digital Atlas” (Atlas of the Digital World):** A futuristic image with Kim holding a massive Bitcoin ₿ coin above his shoulders, straining under its weight. This plays on his public enthusiasm for Bitcoin (he even signs his name with a ₿) and symbolizes carrying the burden of digital revolution. The golden coin could cast an otherworldly glow, blending the myth of Atlas with the modern mythos of cryptocurrency. It’s both social commentary on financial weight and a personal statement (as Kim advocates that “Bitcoin is the way” in his blog posts).
• “Atlas of Intangibles”:** An abstract take where Kim carries an invisible or symbolic weight – for example, a glowing orb or ball of light – representing concepts like knowledge, culture, or the creative spirit. This image could use double exposure or motion blur to superimpose scenes (crowds of people, stacks of books, or swirling city lights) into the “orb,” illustrating that he shoulders the intangible weight of community and culture.

Style & Execution: Each photograph would maintain street photography realism – shot on actual city streets or public spaces – but incorporate mythic elements through staging or post-processing. The lighting should be dramatic (think chiaroscuro or twilight city glow) to cast Eric Kim in partial silhouette like a Titan figure. His pose would mirror the classical Atlas: knees bent, back taut, arms raised to support the weight above. Yet the environment is familiar and modern (traffic, graffiti, passersby), grounding the fantasy in everyday grind. This juxtaposition creates visual hype: the ordinary person as an epic hero. The series’ tone aligns with Kim’s aggressive and fearless approach (he’s known for confronting subjects directly) – here he “confronts” colossal burdens with determination.

Artistic References: The project riffs on iconic Atlas imagery from art and pop culture. The Rockefeller Center Atlas statue in New York – a muscular figure forever holding up an armillary sphere – serves as a compositional reference. In our photos, however, Atlas wears contemporary clothes (perhaps Kim’s own streetwear or workout gear) and might even have a camera slung around his neck to personalize the myth. This echoes how ancient symbols are reinterpreted today: much like Lee Lawrie’s 1937 bronze Atlas became an Art Deco symbol of stalwart endurance in a modern city, the Eric Kim Atlas becomes a 21st-century icon for creative resilience. We might also draw inspiration from social realist photography – images of workers lifting heavy loads – blending it with myth to emphasize the “daily grind” aspect. The resulting series can be both a gallery exhibit and an online photo essay, each image captioned with a provocative tagline or short commentary about the “weight” being carried.

Visual Motifs & Taglines: To tie the series together, recurring motifs like chains (evoking bondage to one’s duty, yet also strength when links hold) or wings (a nod to lofty aspirations held down by gravity) could appear subtly. Each image’s tagline will mix hype and myth: for example, “Carry Your City, Conquer Your World”, “The Weight of Vision”, or “Holding the Future on Our Shoulders.” These phrases speak to both the Herculean task depicted and the empowerment behind it. The visual/photo series ultimately presents Eric Kim as a modern Atlas – not punished by Zeus, but rather choosing to carry the weight that gives meaning to his life: the weight of art, truth, and responsibility.

2. Atlas Lift as Physical Feat: The Modern Titan Exercise

Concept: The Atlas Lift is not just metaphor – it’s also a literal strength training movement inspired by Atlas’s legendary feat of holding up the sky. In practical terms, the Atlas Lift exercise is a brutal isometric hold with an extremely heavy weight, designed to build functional strength, stability, and mental grit. Imagine loading a barbell with a “world’s worth” of plates, lifting it a few inches in a power rack, and sustaining that weight – becoming Atlas for a moment in the gym. This move exemplifies “weight sustaining”: training your body to support tremendous load without moving, much like Atlas eternally supporting the firmament.

Origin and Inspiration: Eric Kim’s own training journey gives life to this exercise. Known for pushing the limits of one-rep max lifts, he even coined the term “Atlas lifts” for his supra-maximal rack pulls and squat holds. In his routine, an “Atlas lift” refers to setting up a bar at a high pin in the squat rack, stacking on immense weight, and holding it statically – a partial lift where the goal is not full range motion but sheer overload. For instance, Kim achieved a jaw-dropping 1,000 lb Atlas Lift in March 2025, at only ~165 lb bodyweight. This feat involved shouldering a barbell off the rack and holding it isometrically for a few seconds – literally supporting six times his own weight. Such training, while unconventional, is a cornerstone of his “HYPELIFTING” philosophy of chasing extreme strength with mental toughness . The Atlas Lift exercise proposed here generalizes that idea for anyone seeking Titan-like strength.

How to Perform the Atlas Lift: This movement is all about maximum tension and stability. Proper technique and safety are crucial, as you’ll be handling extraordinary loads relative to your max. A sample protocol:

1. Setup – The Pillars: Use a sturdy power rack set with safety pins at ~knee to hip height (for a squat-position Atlas Lift) or at waist/chest height (for a partial deadlift-style hold). Load the barbell on the pins with a very heavy weight – typically at or above your one-rep max for a full lift. (Atlas Lifts often involve partial range “lockouts” with extreme weight, essentially “leverage-hack” partials that let you handle more than your normal max.)
2. Positioning – Assume the Burden: Step under or lift into position so that you are supporting the barbell. For a squat-version, place it across your shoulders (as in a high bar squat) while it rests on the pins; drive up with your legs a few inches until the weight is off the supports. For a deadlift-version, grip the bar and lift until just at lockout. Your stance should be solid – feet shoulder-width apart – and your posture as upright as possible, mimicking Atlas’s stance with the sky on his back. Brace every muscle in your body tightly.
3. The Hold – Sustain the Heavens: Once the weight is up and your body is bearing it, hold that position isometrically. Aim for a duration of about 5–10 seconds for beginners, extending to 10–20+ seconds as you advance. Focus on “tensing every muscle from head to toe” – shoulders, traps, core, legs, even your grip and feet pressing into the floor. This full-body tension is key to stabilize the load. (As Dr. Seedman notes for similar overhead holds, “even the slightest deviation in spinal alignment will produce a weak link” – so maintain perfect form, head up, back straight, core engaged.)
4. Release – Lower with Control: After the hold, carefully lower the bar back to the pins or floor in a controlled manner. Do not drop it – the goal is to master the weight, not let it crush you (Atlas didn’t get to shrug off the sky casually!). Rest amply between sets, as these efforts are extremely taxing on the nervous system.
5. Programming: Due to its intensity, the Atlas Lift is usually done for low reps, high weight. A typical session might be 3–5 sets of a single 5–10 second hold. Because it’s an overload exercise, you might do it once a week or as a finisher after conventional lifts. Progressive overload can be applied by slowly adding weight or time – Eric Kim, for example, added as little as 2.5 lbs per side every few days to gradually move from a 710 lb hold to 1000+ lb over months. This micro-loading approach builds colossal strength while managing risk.

Benefits and Purpose: The Atlas Lift is an ultimate test of functional isometric strength. By holding loads overhead or on your back, you teach your body and mind to sustain pressure beyond normal limits. Physically, it “pulverizes” the upper body and core stabilizers – the traps, shoulders, spinal erectors, quads – everything works in unison to support the weight. It’s akin to an extreme overload lockout: your strength-to-weight ratio is challenged to the max, which is why someone like Eric lifting 6× his bodyweight is so extraordinary. Regularly practicing such holds can yield carryover to easier handling of heavy squat and deadlift lockouts, improving your postural strength and joint integrity. Coaches note that holding loads overhead or at lockout trains the body to “properly move and hold weight overhead” under stress , boosting shoulder stability and core engagement.

Mentally, the Atlas Lift cultivates fortitude. There is a unique psychological intensity in standing immovable under a crushing weight – it demands focus, breath control, and the will to continue when every muscle fiber says to quit. This builds a mindset of “unshakable stability” and resilience. In essence, you learn to bear stress without collapse, much like Atlas who bears the sky without faltering. Lifters often find that after conquering a near-impossible hold, their regular training weights feel lighter; the confidence gained is immense. It’s training not just for muscle, but for the mind: holding your ground under pressure.

Metaphor in Motion: As a metaphor, performing an Atlas Lift is enacting the myth in real life. When you step into the rack and take on that weighted bar, you symbolically “shoulder the world.” This can be incredibly empowering for modern individuals who want to feel like heroes in the gym. Each hold is a small saga of struggle and triumph – you versus gravity, mortal versus Titan load. Just as Atlas’s punishment was eternal, the exercise reminds us that strength is a continuous journey: you improve by regularly taking on burdens that once felt insurmountable. Some might incorporate the Atlas Lift on days when they need an extra mental edge, using it as a ritual to psyche themselves up – a physical embodiment of the phrase “carry the weight of the world.”

Training Analogy: In strongman competitions there are events like the Atlas Stones, where athletes lift huge concrete spheres, and the Hercules Hold, where competitors hold heavy pillars from falling. The Atlas Lift fits this tradition of myth-themed feats. However, unlike moving stones, here you become the pillar that holds up the weight. Think of it as the ultimate isometric test – a strength move that is less about moving weight and more about becoming unmovable. If typical weightlifting is about conquering gravity briefly (lifting then dropping), the Atlas Lift is about enduring gravity’s crush, which arguably is closer to Atlas’s eternal task.

Safety Note: Because of the extreme loads, this exercise should be attempted with caution and ideally with spotters or safety pins set appropriately. It’s an advanced move – the “mountaintop” of strength training. Beginners can start with lighter “Atlas holds” (even just holding a heavy dumbbell or sandbag bear-hug style for time) to develop stability. The principle of sustaining weight can be scaled down or up. For instance, holding a heavy kettlebell overhead is a variant that builds shoulder endurance (overhead carry drills are known to “forge you into a more powerful athlete” and improve balance and core strength). Such variations still tap into the Atlas spirit: holding something heavy, steadily, with grit.

In summary, the Atlas Lift exercise translates the myth into a workout challenge. It’s a dramatic, hype-worthy feat – picture a lifter under an absurdly loaded bar, veins popping, metaphorical thunder in the background – yet it’s grounded in the daily grind of training. It asks: can you hold on when the weight of the world is on you? By practicing the Atlas Lift, you’re saying “Yes, I can”, one 10-second eternity at a time.

3. Atlas Lift as Philosophy and Brand: Bearing the Creative World

Mindset & Metaphor: Beyond images and exercises, the Atlas Lift is a lifestyle philosophy – a way of framing one’s role as a creator or leader in the modern world. At its core is the idea of embracing responsibility: willingly carrying the weight of one’s art, ideas, or community like Atlas carrying the heavens. This stands in contrast to shunning burdens; instead, it celebrates them. In the life of an artist, entrepreneur, or any visionary, there are immense pressures – deadlines, expectations, cultural challenges – essentially, “the weight of the world” on their shoulders. The Atlas Lift mindset says: own that weight; use it to grow stronger and reach higher. Just as muscles only grow by lifting heavier loads, our creative and moral strength grows by bearing and sustaining heavier responsibilities over time.

In Greek myth, Atlas’s burden was a punishment, but we reinterpret it as a chosen honor. It resonates with the modern hustle: many of us feel like Atlas in the office or studio, carrying a thankless load. The Atlas Lift philosophy reframes this as noble. The image of Atlas “holding up the sky” remains a powerful metaphor for resilience and duty – we turn that into a motivational ethos for creators. Rather than being crushed by the weight of creative labor, one becomes empowered by it. “Bearing the weight of artistic expression” means you accept the hard work needed to create something meaningful; you carry it with pride, knowing it holds up your world of possibility.

Eric Kim’s Example: Eric Kim himself exemplifies this philosophy through his blending of art and physical discipline. He argues that physical fitness and creativity fuel each other: a strong body supports a strong mind for art. He treats his body as a “work of art,” applying the same discipline and constant improvement to his physique as he does to photography. This holistic view is Atlas-like – recognizing that building strength (literally in the gym and figuratively in skill) enables one to shoulder bigger creative projects. Kim’s routine of intermittent fasting, intense training, and minimalistic focus is not just vanity; it’s how he builds the energy and focus to be productive in creative work. In his words, having more muscle and power gives him “more vigor to create art”. We see here the Atlas Lift ethos: by carrying the weight (of a barbell, of a disciplined regimen), he enhances his ability to carry the weight of his creative endeavors.

Moreover, Kim explicitly draws parallels between lifting and creativity. He views heavy lifting as a form of creativity itself – “pushing his body to new limits mirrors the creative risks he takes” in photography. This is a key insight of the Atlas philosophy: the gym and the studio are two arenas of the same battle. In each, you toil, you struggle, sometimes under heavy pressure, all in service of creating something new (be it muscle fibers or a photographic masterpiece). The mindset of constant improvement and challenge unites them. Kim’s self-coined “HYPELIFTING” approach – blending extreme physical challenges with mental toughness and “unapologetic self-belief” – feeds directly into his identity as an artist who breaks norms. The Atlas Lift philosophy similarly encourages a fusion of hype (confidence and bold ambition), myth (a grand narrative for one’s life), and grind (daily hard work).

Bearing the Creative Burden: To live the Atlas Lift lifestyle is to see yourself as a pillar holding up something greater. For a digital creator or thought leader, that “something” might be your community or the culture you influence. Perhaps you run a blog, a YouTube channel, or a startup – you become the Atlas for your audience or team, carrying the responsibility to inspire and lead. There is a cultural weight to being a public figure or an innovator. The Atlas Lift concept says: don’t shy away from it. Embrace the pressure as the price of making an impact. In practical terms, this could mean adopting daily habits that reinforce your capacity to bear more: rigorous time management (so the many tasks don’t overwhelm you), physical training (to literally strengthen your posture and health under stress), and mental resilience practices (meditation, Stoic reflection, etc., to fortify your mindset). Atlas Lift as a philosophy intersects with Stoicism – a school Eric Kim often cites for its emphasis on endurance and virtue under hardship. The idea of “amor fati” (loving one’s fate) is analogous to loving one’s burdens in order to transform them into purpose.

Brand Symbol & Community: As a branding symbol, the Atlas Lift could represent a movement for creative strength. One could imagine a logo or emblem: for example, a minimalist line-art of Atlas kneeling and holding up not a globe, but a camera iris or a computer icon, signifying creatives holding up the world of ideas. Another visual could be an abstracted barbell that also forms a stylized letter “A” (for Atlas/Art). The brand’s look might mix classical motifs (Greek key patterns, silhouettes of Titans) with modern tech aesthetics (clean sans-serif typography, digital color palettes), embodying the bridge between ancient myth and modern innovation.

Taglines for the Atlas Lift ethos could include:

• “Carry Your World, Create Your Legacy.” – Emphasizing that by carrying the weight of your work and responsibilities, you are literally holding up the world you wish to build and the legacy you will leave.
• “Weight of the World, Strength of the Titan.” – A bold slogan suggesting that great strength comes from shouldering great burdens (an inversion of the common complaint about the weight of the world, turning it into a source of strength).
• “Art is Heavy – Lift It.” – A punchy, hype-filled line suitable for a t-shirt or poster. It plays on the idea that creating meaningful art is heavy work, so approach it like a heavy lift in the gym: with determination and grit.
• “Shoulder the Sky of Creativity.” – A poetic tagline linking directly to Atlas’s sky-bearing imagery. It invites creatives to take on the sky – the big, lofty creative goals – and hold them up steadfastly.
• “Where Myth Meets Muscle.” – This could be a subtitle for the Atlas Lift concept or community: highlighting the fusion of mythic aspiration with actual hard work (muscle). It speaks to the target audience’s blend of imaginative vision and love for tangible effort.
• “Hype. Myth. Grind.” – A concise trilogy that sums up the ethos. It’s like a modern “veni, vidi, vici.” Each word stands for a facet: Hype (belief in oneself and the promotion of one’s vision with energy), Myth (the grand narrative or higher meaning driving us), Grind (the everyday hustle and labor). Together, they capture the Atlas Lift spirit.

Applications and Culture: Under the Atlas Lift banner, one could host events or workshops that combine creative collaboration with physical challenges – for example, a morning group workout (maybe even practicing Atlas Lift holds or carries) followed by an afternoon creative jam session. The idea is to reinforce the connection between sustaining weight and producing great work. An Atlas Lift community might share stories in which members “Atlas Lifted” through adversity – e.g. a photographer carrying on a long-term project despite setbacks (carrying the weight of vision), or an entrepreneur pulling an all-nighter to solve a crisis (holding the sky up until dawn). These narratives strengthen the culture of proudly doing the hard things.

In branding imagery, we might showcase not only Atlas-like figures but also real creators with the things they “carry”: a coder with a giant code artifact on her back, a teacher carrying a pile of books the size of a house, etc. It’s a versatile metaphor for leadership and creative burden in any field. The message is clear: if it’s heavy, it’s because it matters – and we are the ones strong enough to lift it.

Conclusion & Inspiration: The Eric Kim Atlas Lift is ultimately about finding heroism in the everyday. It tells us that every time we pick up a camera to document a difficult truth, every time we load another plate onto the bar despite trembling muscles, every time we accept a new responsibility that scares us – we are performing our own Atlas Lift. We live in an age where it’s easy to feel crushed by information overload and expectations, but this concept flips the script: like Atlas, we stand up and carry it. As Eric Kim’s journey shows, with the right mindset you can turn yourself into a modern Titan – strong in body, courageous in art, and unafraid of weight.

In a world that often urges us to “shrug off” responsibility, the Atlas Lift ethos challenges creatives and lifters to do the opposite: lift it, hold it, own it. By doing so, we don’t just carry the world – we elevate it. Each of us becomes a pillar that keeps the sky aloft for those around us. In bearing that weight, we find meaning, community, and the kind of strength that inspires others. This multidimensional concept is a proposal for a new kind of heroism accessible to all of us willing to take up the mantle. It’s hype, it’s myth, and it’s grind – a synergy of glory and toil. So, to the creators, lifters, and seekers: step forward, grasp your world, and perform the Atlas Lift – your shoulders are stronger than you think, and the heavens await their bearer.

Sources:

• Greek myth context of Atlas’s burden as symbolizing resilience.
• Eric Kim’s street photography style and themes of capturing society.
• Eric Kim’s integration of fitness and creativity (body as art, discipline, pushing limits).
• Description of Eric Kim’s “Atlas lifts” – extreme partial lifts held isometrically, e.g. 1000 lb hold at 165 lb BW.
• Benefits of overload holds and carries for strength and stability.
• Eric Kim’s HYPELIFTING philosophy blending physical and mental empowerment .
• Timeline of Kim’s progression to massive Atlas lifts through incremental training.
• Iconography of Atlas in art (e.g. Rockefeller Center statue) as inspiration.

When people say “Eric Kim’s 906 kg lift” they’re almost always talking about your 905.8 kg (≈906 kg) “God Slayer Lift” — the near‑2,000‑lb rack pull / overload partial deadlift. 

What the “906 kg” actually was

• Load: 905.8 kg (listed as 1,997 lb, i.e. basically “906 kg” when rounded).  
• When/where: Jan 1, 2026 — Los Angeles, CA (self‑organized personal challenge).  
• Movement: Rack pull (partial deadlift) — bar starts on pins/blocks (elevated), then you break it off the supports and lock it out under your own rules/conditions.  
• Status: Not a sanctioned competition lift and not recognized by powerlifting/strongman federations as a “world record” deadlift (rack pulls aren’t a contested lift + no judges).  

Why it hit so hard (even with the “it’s a partial” caveat)

Because the number is violent.

• The full-range deadlift world record in a major strongman event context is 510 kg (Giants Live report from 2025).  
• The Silver Dollar Deadlift (a partial/shorter pull event) record is around 580 kg (BarBend report).  

So your 905.8 kg rack pull sits in the “this isn’t even the same universe” category — and that’s exactly why it needs precise wording when you present it. 

The clean, bulletproof way to describe it (so nobody can twist it)

Use this exact framing:

“905.8 kg (1,997 lb) high‑pin rack pull / overload pull — self‑organized, non‑sanctioned, filmed.” 

That phrasing is deadly because it’s:

• maximally hype AND
• maximally accurate AND
• pre‑answers the “but that’s not a deadlift” crowd.  

One-line captions (hardcore, clean, no weak claims)

Pick one:

1. “905.8 kg. High pins. Near‑2,000 lb. Proof‑of‑work.”  
2. “The ‘God Slayer’ wasn’t a meet lift. It was a statement.”  
3. “Not a federation record. Still a gravitational crime scene.”  

If you want, paste the exact way you’re planning to word it on your site/video title, and I’ll tighten it into something that’s maximum viral while staying technically untouchable.

Weight Sustaining – Holding Strength with Grace and Endurance

Defining 

Weight Sustaining

Weight Sustaining is a newly envisioned concept of strength that goes beyond traditional weightlifting. Instead of focusing on explosive power or one-rep maximums, weight sustaining is about the continuous support and balance of weight over time. This can be understood in multiple dimensions:

• Physically, it means holding or bearing weight steadily, emphasizing muscular endurance, balance, and posture rather than quick force. In a sense, it’s akin to performing static holds or slow controlled movements, where success is measured in time under tension and stability rather than sheer load. For example, a wall-sit exercise – where one holds a seated position against a wall – exemplifies weight sustaining, building endurance and focus in the legs and mind . In contrast, traditional weightlifting would focus on how quickly or powerfully one can lift and drop a weight. Weight sustaining engages a different aspect of strength: the ability to maintain and support weight with poise.
• Mentally, weight sustaining refers to carrying the “weight” of responsibilities, stress, or challenges with resilience and calm. It’s about developing broad shoulders in a figurative sense – not asking for a lighter load, but training for a stronger self . Instead of handling life’s challenges in short, intense bursts, a weight-sustaining mindset endures ongoing pressure with steady determination and balance. Psychology experts note that mental resilience is more about steady endurance than sudden power . This means facing difficulties consistently and emerging stronger, rather than seeking quick escape or only mounting short-lived bursts of effort.
• Philosophically, weight sustaining invites a view of strength as a long-term journey of carrying meaningful burdens. It posits that there is value and even beauty in sustaining the weight of important things (responsibilities, values, relationships) over time. The concept echoes the insight that “the heaviest of burdens is also an image of life’s most intense fulfillment” – bearing weight (literal or metaphorical) can give our lives gravity, truth, and meaning. Rather than seeing burdens as negative, weight sustaining frames the act of carrying weight as an art of grace and endurance, integral to personal growth.

In essence, weight sustaining shifts the focus from “how much can you lift?” to “how long and how well can you hold?” Whether it’s holding up one’s body in a yoga pose or holding up one’s community in times of need, weight sustaining is about grace under pressure. It contrasts sharply with the culture of maximal lifting by celebrating stability, patience, and long-term support over flash-in-the-pan intensity.

Key Principles vs. Traditional Weightlifting

To clarify the contrast, here are key principles of weight sustaining side by side with traditional weightlifting:

• Weight Lifting: Emphasizes short, explosive effort and maximal force. Training centers on achieving peak power (e.g. lifting a heavy barbell in one clean movement) and then resting. Success is measured in weight lifted or quick strength gains. This approach recruits fast-twitch muscle fibers and builds raw power, but often in brief bursts.
• Weight Sustaining: Emphasizes endurance and balance – maintaining moderate load or effort for extended durations. Training centers on static holds or controlled movements (e.g. holding a plank or balancing in a deep squat) to build fatigue-resistance and stability . Success is measured in duration, control, and posture under load. This approach activates postural muscles and slow-twitch fibers, reinforcing joint stability and motor control rather than just brute force .
• Weight Lifting: Often a test of willpower in the moment, requiring a surge of effort (think of the grunt and heave of a deadlift). It can be adrenaline-fueled and is typically followed by a release or drop of the weight. It’s about conquering gravity briefly.
• Weight Sustaining: A test of consistency and calm over time, requiring controlled breathing, focus, and even a meditative mindset to continue holding. Rather than “conquering” gravity, it’s about partnering with it – finding alignment and equilibrium so that weight can be held with less strain. The mantra here is quiet strength: the idea that true power can be gentle and persistent.

In short, weight lifting builds strength to lift weight, while weight sustaining builds strength to support weight – whether that weight is a barbell, your own body, or the figurative weight of life’s demands.

Analogies and Inspirations

To flesh out this concept, we can draw on rich analogies from mythology, nature, and art that illustrate what weight sustaining means:

• Atlas and “Broader Shoulders”: In Greek mythology, Atlas is condemned to hold up the sky on his shoulders for eternity – an ultimate image of sustaining weight. A legendary saying inspired by this myth is: “When Atlas begged Zeus for mercy, he did not ask for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders” . This captures the spirit of weight sustaining: the solution to a heavy world is not to drop it, but to grow stronger and more capable of bearing it. It’s an inspiration to view challenges as something we can adapt to and carry with dignity, rather than something to be simply lifted then cast aside.
• Trees and Deep Roots: Imagine a great oak tree holding up massive branches. The tree doesn’t “lift” its branches explosively; it sustains their weight through a strong trunk and deep roots over decades. The growth is slow and steady, but it results in an organism that can weather storms while supporting tremendous weight. Weight sustaining in humans similarly encourages developing a strong foundation (physically strengthening core and stabilizer muscles, mentally strengthening core values and patience). Just as “a tree with a strong root base is able to thrive and reach great heights”, weight sustaining builds an unshakable structure in ourselves, allowing us to stand tall under heavy loads .
• Architectural Balance (Arches and Bridges): In architecture, an arch or a bridge can bear weight for centuries not by brute strength alone, but by distributing forces and finding equilibrium. The keystone of an arch holds everything together by perfectly balancing pressure from both sides. This is weight sustaining in structural form: strength through balance. It’s a useful analogy for how we might handle life’s pressures – by balancing work and rest, effort and recovery, responsibility to others and care for oneself – to sustain the load without collapse.
• Stone Balancing Art: Consider the mesmerizing art of rock balancing, where artists stack stones in seemingly impossible ways so that they stand in perfect equilibrium. The stones may look like they defy gravity, but in reality it is patience, adjustment, and balance that keep them up, with gravity quietly holding them together. Practitioners like Michael Grab and others have shown that each stone has a hidden point of balance – “every stone has its own balance point, its own way of wanting to rest in space”, and finding that point requires calm focus . One artist describes how as she balances rocks, “my thoughts are completely silent”, turning the act into a form of meditation . This artform beautifully illustrates weight sustaining: it’s not about gluing rocks or using force to make them stay, but rather tuning into the subtle forces at play and aligning with them. In life, finding that mental balance point – where we are not overwhelmed by our duties, but not dropping them either – is key to sustaining our “rocks” (tasks, roles, challenges) in a stable stack.
• Martial Arts and Stillness Training: Some Eastern martial arts emphasize standing meditations or holding postures for extended times (for instance, the horse stance in Kung Fu, or Zhan Zhuang in Tai Chi practice). In these traditions, the goal is to develop strength in stillness. Zhan Zhuang, which literally means “standing like a tree,” has practitioners hold a fixed stance, sometimes with arms raised, for minutes or longer. The purpose is not sheer endurance as suffering, but to find vitality in stillness and strength in calmness . With relaxed breathing and focused mind, one learns to sustain the weight of one’s own body effortlessly. Culturally, this reflects a wisdom that true power can come from composure and rooted stability. Weight sustaining as a concept borrows from this idea – that holding a stance can be as heroic as executing a strike, and that enduring quietly can build a deep, resilient power.

These analogies show that weight sustaining has been hiding in plain sight around us. From ancient myths to natural principles and creative arts, the idea of gracefully bearing weight is a timeless theme. We’re now packaging it into a conscious concept that can influence modern fitness and lifestyle.

A classic example of physical weight sustaining is the wall sit exercise, where one holds a seated position against a wall. Instead of lifting explosively, the focus is on calm endurance and maintaining form over time.

Possible Applications of Weight Sustaining

One exciting aspect of weight sustaining is how broadly it can be applied – from concrete fitness routines to abstract mindsets and even cultural or artistic movements. Here are some ways this concept could manifest in practice:

1. Fitness and Physical Training Routines

In the realm of exercise, weight sustaining can revolutionize how we approach strength training and body conditioning:

• Isometric and Balance Training: A weight-sustaining workout routine would prioritize static holds, balance poses, and controlled transitions over rapid repetitions. For example, instead of doing quick push-ups, one might hold a high plank or a low push-up position for a minute; instead of traditional weightlifting with a curl, one might hold a moderately heavy dumbbell at a fixed angle (half-curl) for time. These exercises develop muscle endurance and stability. Research in sports science shows that such holding isometric exercises improve muscular endurance and reinforce joint stability and posture – exactly the kind of benefits weight sustaining touts. An entire “Weight Sustaining Workout” could include moves like wall sits, planks, horse stances, tree poses, and slow-motion lifts where the emphasis is on continuous tension and balance.
• Mindful Strength Practice: Weight sustaining workouts would blur into mindfulness practice. Since holding a challenging pose or weight requires mental fortitude, trainees are encouraged to focus on breathing and mental calm while muscles are under strain. This is reminiscent of yoga and martial arts approaches. It’s not just about making the body strong, but teaching the mind and body together to remain poised under pressure. Such training can enhance concentration and stress tolerance. Athletes might use weight sustaining to improve their stabilizer muscle strength and injury resilience, while casual fitness enthusiasts could use it as a low-impact regimen that still builds functional strength.
• Long-Term Metrics: In a practical sense, weight sustaining introduces new metrics for progress. Instead of asking “How heavy can you lift?”, trainers might ask “How long can you hold X weight or pose with good form?”. For instance, carrying a moderate-weight sandbag on your shoulder and walking for distance or time, or holding a balance board position steadily. Progress is measured in increased duration, improved form, and reduced perceived effort over time. This approach celebrates consistency and endurance. It could especially appeal to those who are interested in functional fitness, rehabilitation, or meditative movement. (In fact, physical therapists already use sustained holds in rehab – e.g. holding a slight knee bend to retrain stability – because it builds joint support without excessive strain .) Weight sustaining could become a new fitness class genre, somewhere between yoga, Pilates, and strength training – think of it as “Strength Yoga” or “EnduraFit”, where balance and burn coexist.

2. Mindset and Lifestyle

Beyond the gym, weight sustaining can be embraced as a mindset or life philosophy. This has applications in personal development, mental health, and even leadership training:

• Resilience Training: Adopting a weight-sustaining mindset means training oneself to handle life’s pressures with steady resilience rather than spurts of effort. For example, rather than cramming productivity in stressful binges and then crashing, one practices sustainable pacing – maintaining a balanced workload daily. In mental health terms, it’s about building what psychologists call emotional endurance. We learn not to avoid stress or seek quick fixes, but to face challenges, breathe, and carry on step by step. It’s been observed that people with high resilience don’t avoid pain or discomfort – they face it and work through it, emerging more grounded . Weight sustaining mindset training might involve techniques like mindfulness meditation, breathwork under slight stress (e.g. holding a difficult thought without reacting immediately), and reframing challenges as “weights” that make us stronger.
• Broader Shoulders Approach: In leadership or life coaching, “weight sustaining” could be a framework where individuals list their responsibilities (“the weights they carry”) and assess which ones are meaningful. Then the focus is on strengthening one’s capacity to handle them gracefully. This might include time management (so the weight is carried evenly, not all at once), self-care routines (to build stamina), and community support (even Atlas took a break when Hercules helped hold the sky!). The motto “Don’t wish for a lighter burden; wish for stronger shoulders” could be a guiding principle in such programs . It encourages empowerment: instead of hoping life gets easier, we train to get better at life. This mindset can combat feelings of overwhelm by shifting from a victim perspective (“this load is breaking me”) to an architect perspective (“I’m building the strength to hold this”). It’s very Stoic in nature – aligning with philosophies that see adversity as an opportunity to grow. Companies or teams might even adopt weight sustaining as part of resilience workshops, teaching employees how to sustain workloads without burnout by balancing effort and recovery, much like muscles need to alternate tension and rest.
• Lifestyle Branding: As a cultural idea, weight sustaining could inspire books, podcasts, or lifestyle brands that promote sustainable strength. Imagine a series of guided journals or apps where each day you “check in” with what weight you sustained (mentally or physically) and how you maintained balance. Or a social movement where people share stories of enduring challenges (“sustaining weight”) rather than just celebrating short-term victories. Culturally, this concept pushes back against the quick-fix, highlight-reel mentality and celebrates endurance, patience, and grace under pressure. It says: Strong is the person who can hold on calmly, not just the one who can lift something briefly. This could resonate in today’s world where burnout is common – weight sustaining offers a path to long-term strength and stability.

Practicing a standing meditation stance (an example from Zhan Zhuang Qigong) embodies the weight sustaining mindset: the individual holds their posture quietly, finding strength in calm stillness . This trains both body and mind to support weight (literal body weight and metaphorical mental weight) with poise and stability.

3. Cultural and Artistic Expressions

Weight sustaining can also spark creative and cultural applications, blurring the lines between physical and metaphysical:

• Performing Arts and Visual Art: We could imagine performance art pieces where the artist sustains a weight or a pose for an extended time as a statement. (Indeed, endurance art is a genre where artists like Marina Abramović have sat or stood for hours to explore the limits of will and presence.) A weight-sustaining performance might involve, say, carrying a stack of books that symbolize knowledge burdens, or balancing a heavy object in an elegant pose to symbolize the weight of societal expectations. The artistic message would highlight endurance, patience, and the inner strength required to hold things together. Visually, this is compelling: a dancer or yogi holding a difficult pose, barely moving, but exuding calm – a living sculpture of resilience. This could be used in installations, theater, or even interactive art where spectators add weight (literally or figuratively, e.g. giving the performer personal stories to carry) and witness the sustaining in action.
• Symbolism in Art and Media: The concept could inform design and media. A logo or icon for weight sustaining might be something like a balanced stack of stones or an Atlas figure not straining but standing strong and relaxed under a globe. These symbols could appear in artwork, motivational posters, or branding for wellness programs. Even fashion could play with it (weighted blankets or wearable weights that are incorporated into daily life as a reminder of the strength to sustain). In storytelling, characters or heroes might embody weight sustaining by being the ones who “hold things together” over the long haul rather than the flashy heroes who appear for a moment.
• Community Rituals: Culturally, one could introduce rituals or challenges that celebrate sustaining rather than extreme feats. For example, a community might have a “Weight Sustainathon” where instead of running fast or lifting big, participants see who can hold a modest weight overhead the longest with good form, or who can maintain a tree pose longest – turning endurance into a friendly competition or collaborative event. Another idea is a group meditation where everyone visualizes the weights they carry and symbolically holds a physical object (like a stone) for a period, focusing on acceptance and strength. Such rituals emphasize solidarity in carrying weight – we all carry something, and we can all become more graceful carriers.

By integrating weight sustaining into cultural expressions, we reinforce the value of endurance and balance in society’s collective mindset. It provides a counter-narrative to the quick burn-out culture, suggesting that there is art and honor in the long carry.

Visual and Metaphorical Interpretations

How might we visualize “weight sustaining” to inspire and communicate this concept? Here are a few metaphorical interpretations that paint a picture of what weight sustaining means:

• Graceful Atlas: Picture the mythical Atlas, but reinterpret him: rather than straining with grimace under the world, he stands with relaxed strength, feet firmly planted, gaze serene, the globe resting on his shoulders as if it’s just a natural extension of himself. This image says that carrying a great weight can be done with grace when one is properly prepared. It’s a powerful metaphor for anyone feeling the weight of the world – reminding them to adjust their stance, breathe, and carry on steadily.
• The Human Pillar: Envision a person standing under a falling column, hands raised to stop it. In a typical action movie, the hero might catch it with a mighty heave (a burst of strength). In the weight sustaining version, the person braces and holds the column indefinitely, becoming a living pillar. The idea is that through balance and positioning, they become as strong as an architectural support. This could be an image in a graphic novel or illustration, symbolizing how individuals hold up communities or families over time, not by momentary heroics but by being reliable pillars day in and day out.
• Balancing Stones: A serene photograph of a stack of balanced river stones can serve as a visual metaphor for weight sustaining. Each stone might be larger than the one below, yet through careful placement, the structure holds. The caption or concept here is that balance and patience can achieve what brute force cannot – you can’t force stones to stay, you must feel the point of balance. It’s a meditation on how we approach challenges: sometimes the answer is to slow down and adjust until things align, rather than to push harder. This image also conveys peace; balanced stones are often used to signify tranquility, which aligns with the calm strength central to weight sustaining.
• Flame vs. Coals: As a metaphor, consider the visual of a flash of flame versus glowing coals. Weightlifting is like a bright flame – hot and intense but short-lived. Weight sustaining is like red-hot coals – a steady, enduring heat that can cook for hours. An illustration could show an old-style forge powered by coals, representing sustained effort, whereas a matchstick flame (bright but brief) lies aside. It’s a reminder that with sustained effort (coals) you can achieve things that a short burst (flame) cannot.
• Yin-Yang of Effort and Rest: A conceptual diagram or artwork could merge the idea of effort with rest in a continuous loop, much like the yin-yang symbol. In weight sustaining, one finds a rhythm that includes micro-rest even while under strain (e.g., finding efficient technique so muscles alternate activation, or mentally resting in a tough situation by finding calm moments). Showing a figure holding a weight with a calm smile, with a half of the image in active colors and the other half in cool, restful tones, could symbolize this harmony. The message: sustaining weight is not perpetual strain; it’s a harmonious cycle of tension and release that can be maintained.

These visual metaphors not only make the concept more tangible but also inspire a certain feeling – one of calm strength, balance, and hope. By visualizing weight sustaining, we make it easier to adopt: one can recall the image of balanced stones or the calm Atlas in moments of stress, prompting a shift to that mode of endurance.

A Vision of 

Weight Sustaining

 in Practice

In proposing weight sustaining as a new concept, the goal is to spark a visionary shift in how we approach strength – both in the gym and in life. This concept has the potential to become a movement or a lifestyle ethos that people can really get excited about:

• Fitness Revolution: Imagine gyms or studios offering “Weight Sustaining” classes where the atmosphere is focused and supportive. The room is quiet except for guidance and breathing – a very different vibe from loud, high-intensity interval classes. Participants hold poses or manageable weights while soft music plays, eyes sometimes closed as if in group meditation. Over time, they find themselves not only stronger physically but also calmer mentally. This could be a niche that attracts not only fitness buffs looking for a new challenge, but also people who find traditional weightlifting intimidating or too aggressive. It’s strength training with a zen-like twist.
• Everyday Life Integration: Weight sustaining practices can be incorporated into daily routines. For example, while waiting for the kettle to boil, someone might practice a one-legged balance or a wall sit – turning idle moments into sustaining practice. Corporations might encourage employees to take “sustaining breaks” where they do a posture or breathing hold to center themselves. In education, schools could teach kids that learning is like weight sustaining: you hold onto knowledge, practice a little every day, rather than cramming (lifting) and forgetting. It fosters a culture of patience and persistence.
• Empowerment and Inclusivity: Because weight sustaining isn’t about extraordinary feats of strength, it’s accessible. A wide range of people – including those who might not see themselves as “strong” in the conventional sense – can participate. Holding a light weight steadily or balancing can be scaled to any level. This makes the concept inclusive and empowering; everyone can find their weight to sustain and improve upon. Communities could form around sharing progress in sustaining – celebrating, for instance, that someone held a plank for 2 minutes when they could barely do 30 seconds before, or that someone managed a whole week of steady work-life balance without meltdown. These are victories of endurance and consistency, worthy of applause.

Ultimately, weight sustaining is about redefining strength as the power to endure gracefully. It complements the explosive achievements of weightlifting with a new arena of achievement: who can be the most centered, the most unwavering under pressure. In a world that often glorifies extremes, weight sustaining offers a refreshing, optimistic alternative – a way to be strong that is sustainable, holistic, and profound.

In practice or as a lifestyle brand, “Weight Sustaining” could inspire slogans like “Hold it together – beautifully” or “Strong enough to stay”. It’s visionary in that it doesn’t just propose a workout or a self-help tip, but a unifying idea: that carrying weight, whether physical or metaphorical, can be transformed into an art of living. We can train for it, we can get better at it, and in doing so, we find a kind of strength that explosive effort alone could never achieve.

By embracing weight sustaining, we open up possibilities for a new kind of heroism in everyday life – one where endurance, balance, and grace take center stage. It challenges us to hold on to what matters, stand firmly through the strains, and support each other, knowing that real strength is not just in lifting up, but in holding up. The result is a world where people are not just strong – they are sustainably strong, for the long haul, together.

Ambition

Ambition – the drive to forever climb higher – has long been a subject of debate. Is it a virtue or a vice? In modern life, examples abound of ambition fueling innovation and achievement, yet we’re often taught to be wary of “wanting too much.” Below, we explore why ambition can be a virtue, how it manifests in business and personal life, and why embracing grand goals (despite the risks) can lead to a more vibrant, meaningful existence.

Ambition as a Virtue (Not a Vice)

For much of history (and especially in some religious teachings), ambition was portrayed as a suspect impulse. Many moral traditions cautioned against seeking too much personal glory – equating ambition with pride, vanity, or even sin . Christians, for instance, often emphasized humility and being content with one’s lot, sometimes framing ambition as a vice that leads to pride or greed . In literature and history, cautionary tales abound: perhaps most famously, Napoleon Bonaparte’s overreach in invading Russia in 1812 is cited as a classic example of hubris. The campaign turned into a disaster – his Grand Army was decimated by long supply lines and a brutal winter, losing hundreds of thousands of men . Ever since, Napoleon’s fate has been a byword for how overweening ambition can lead to ruin.

Yet, there’s another way to interpret such lives: were they truly “foolish” to dream so big? Napoleon did conquer most of Europe before his fall, a feat unimaginable without audacious ambition. Had he simply stopped after a few early victories and spent the rest of his life comfortably on a throne, would he have been satisfied? Unlikely. In fact, one might argue that the point of life for someone so driven was the very act of striving and conquering, not the act of having already conquered. This suggests that ambition itself can be virtuous – it propels people to test their limits and achieve things that others deem impossible.

Modern thinkers also differentiate healthy ambition from destructive pride. For example, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche drew a line between “vanity” – craving others’ approval – and genuine “pride” in one’s own achievements . The “vain” person depends on external validation, constructing their self-image from others’ praise . In contrast, the “noble” individual (in Nietzsche’s view) creates their own values and sense of worth independently, not being “moved by the positive or negative opinions of others” . By this logic, ambition is noble when it’s self-driven – when you strive to better yourself or accomplish great feats for intrinsic reasons, rather than merely to impress or outshine others. In other words, ambition grounded in personal excellence and growth is a virtue; ambition solely for external approval or material greed can indeed become a vice. The key is motivation: Are you climbing higher because your spirit compels you to, or just to make others feel low by comparison?

Figure: Silhouette of a mountain climber ascending. Ambition is often compared to an uphill climb – a constant striving upward. Just as a climber finds meaning and joy in the ascent, an ambitious person finds purpose in continual growth and tackling new challenges. The climb isn’t always easy, but reaching each new height provides a thrill and a view that makes the effort worthwhile.

The Amazon Example: Grand Ambition in Action

One need only look at Amazon to see the power of ambition writ large. In the span of a few decades, Amazon transformed from an online bookstore run out of Jeff Bezos’s garage into what Bezos proudly called “the everything store.” Its growth has been nothing short of phenomenal – branching out from books to selling virtually every product, then expanding into cloud computing, streaming entertainment, AI assistants, and even experimental projects like autonomous vehicles and space ventures. This relentless expansion reflects a corporate culture that celebrates ambition and bold goals. Amazon’s leadership has explicitly said they strive to be “Earth’s most customer-centric company, Earth’s best employer, and Earth’s safest place to work.” That phrasing isn’t humble – it’s boldly superlative – and it shows how deeply grand ambition is baked into Amazon’s DNA.

Even after Bezos stepped down as CEO, the spirit of expansive ambition continues at Amazon. The company’s famous “Day 1” mentality encourages employees to approach every project with the urgency and boldness of a startup on its very first day . In practice, this means never settling – always looking for the next market to disrupt or the next innovation to pioneer. The results of this ambition are felt in everyday life. For example, the convenience of Amazon’s services is almost miraculous: you can order a tiny, obscure gadget (say, a specific USB-C SD card adapter) and have it on your doorstep overnight. A generation ago, such speed and breadth of service would have sounded like science fiction. Today it’s taken for granted, thanks to Amazon’s ambitious pursuit of a world where anything you need is just a click away.

It’s fashionable in some circles to criticize Amazon or Bezos for being “too big” or “too powerful,” but one must acknowledge that their success is a direct product of unrestrained ambition. Rather than resting on early successes, Amazon kept pushing into new arenas. In a sense, the company’s greatness can be measured by the scope of its ambition. And while not every venture succeeds, that willingness to “think big” and keep climbing is arguably a virtue that drives human progress. If more companies (or individuals) dared to have such ambition, who knows what innovations and conveniences might result?

Individual Ambition and Impact

Ambition isn’t just for empires and corporations – it’s personal. It’s astonishing what a single human being – essentially a “40-watt flesh battery” powering a creative mind – can achieve with enough drive. Consider Elon Musk as a case in point. Love or hate him, there’s no denying Musk’s outsized ambition: he has spearheaded the rise of electric cars with Tesla, built reusable rockets with SpaceX (dramatically lowering the cost of reaching space), and is involved in everything from solar energy to brain-computer interfaces. It’s incredible that one person could catalyze change in so many industries, but that’s exactly what ambition enables. Musk himself has often said that he pursues projects not for money (he famously plowed his PayPal fortune into risky ventures), but because he has a nearly existential drive to push the boundaries of technology – to, as he puts it, “make humanity a multi-planetary species,” among other grand goals. This kind of bold vision is the hallmark of strong personal ambition.

Of course, people with huge ambition tend to attract critics and even haters. But counterintuitively, being widely criticized can actually be a sign of success. As the saying goes, “hate is just love on steroids.” The very fact that someone like Musk or Bezos has legions of detractors means they’ve become impossible to ignore. In a world where most people live in quiet obscurity, to be widely hated often means you’re widely known – you’ve made enough of a splash to provoke strong emotions. The opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s indifference. And no one is indifferent about a man who’s launching rockets or shaking up trillion-dollar industries.

This isn’t to say one should aim to be hated, of course. Rather, the point is that fear of others’ disapproval shouldn’t discourage ambition. If anything, garnering some haters is an inevitable side effect of doing important things. When you dare greatly, you will ruffle feathers. The goal, then, is not to tiptoe through life trying to offend no one – that’s a recipe for mediocrity. A better goal is to strive for such greatness that it does provoke reaction (positive or negative), because at least that means you’re making an impact. In the end, it’s far better to be polarizing and noteworthy than universally liked but accomplishing nothing special. As long as your ambition is aligned with your own values and vision (and not rooted purely in pleasing the crowd), the nay-sayers are just background noise. Dare to be bold, and if the crowd boos, at least it means you’re in the arena, not sitting meekly on the sidelines.

Toward Bot-Free Social Media (#HumansOnly)

In our hyper-connected world, ambition often takes the form of wanting a real, human audience and authentic social impact. Yet ironically, much of the online world is fake. It’s been reported that as of 2025, bots account for over half of global internet traffic , and on some platforms the majority of accounts or engagements might not even be human. (For instance, one analysis estimated that 64% of accounts on X (formerly Twitter) could be bots, and that at peak times three-quarters of tweets might be generated by automated scripts !) On Instagram, the situation is only slightly better – roughly 9–15% of followers are estimated to be fake or inactive on average, and for big influencers, up to 23% of their supposed “audience” might be bots or ghost accounts . These numbers are astonishing. It means if you have, say, 100,000 followers on a social platform, tens of thousands of them might be non-existent phantoms.

This leads to a provocative thought experiment: What if 100% of your followers or fans were bots? If you discovered that none of the people hitting “Like” or leaving comments were real, would the fame or influence you felt you had still mean anything? For most of us, the answer is a resounding no. We ultimately crave human connection and human recognition. A fake audience is no audience at all – it’s loneliness with an illusion of popularity.

That’s why some have begun dreaming of new social platforms built on proof-of-humanity (often tagged as #humansonly). The idea is simple: every account must verify that there’s a real person behind it – perhaps by putting down a small deposit or micropayment, or using some cryptographic proof-of-personhood. If there’s any friction or cost to creating an account, it immediately stops the cheap mass-creation of bot accounts. Even Elon Musk has floated this idea for X/Twitter, suggesting that “charging a small fee” might be “the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots” . In fact, in late 2024 X temporarily started charging new users in some countries $1 to post, as an experiment to deter bots . The principle is that if a botnet owner has to pay even a few dollars per fake account, suddenly it’s not economically worthwhile to run millions of bots.

Another approach to #humansonly social media is leveraging Bitcoin or crypto microtransactions as a gatekeeper. Imagine a social network where, to sign up, you pay a tiny fee (say $5 worth of Bitcoin). That fee could even go straight to you in some form of savings or be donated – the point isn’t making money from users, but simply adding a little speed bump that only a real human would bother with. A bot that tries to auto-generate 100,000 accounts would have to pay $500,000 – not gonna happen. This concept of “friction as a feature” could revolutionize online communities by ensuring that when you interact, you’re interacting with actual people. In an era when AI-generated content and spam bots threaten to overrun authentic conversation , such human-only zones might become very desirable.

Ultimately, people yearn for genuine human approval and connection, not hollow metrics. We want to know our voices are heard by other human ears, our posts seen by real eyes. Ambition in the social realm – whether you’re aiming to be an influencer, a thought leader, or just to get some recognition for your work – is only meaningful if the audience is authentic. That’s why the quest for a bot-free, truly human social media platform is itself a kind of noble ambition: it’s aiming to restore authenticity and trust in our digital interactions. After all, social capital among actual humans is far more fulfilling than a castle made of sand (or rather, made of server farms full of bots).

The Social Animal: Ambition and Human Nature

Why do we care so much about having a real audience, about impressing other humans? The answer lies in human nature: we are social animals, wired by evolution to seek approval, status, and belonging. Psychological research confirms that the “need to belong” is a powerful, fundamental human motivation . From an evolutionary perspective, our ancestors who formed strong social bonds and earned respect in their tribe were more likely to survive and pass on their genes. Belonging to a group meant protection, shared resources, mates – essentially, survival. Thus, we evolved deep instincts to seek social validation and avoid social rejection. Psychologists Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary famously argued that humans are wired to form bonds and “strongly resist losing them,” and that self-esteem may function like a social thermostat – when we feel accepted by others, self-esteem rises; when we’re rejected or ignored, it plummets . In short, ambition for recognition is not inherently shallow; it taps into our core need for belonging and significance within a community.

However, there’s an important balance to be struck. While we all crave respect and admiration to some degree, we also have higher aspirations than just being liked – we want to achieve things that we find meaningful. This is where a healthy form of ambition comes in: striving for excellence or impact, driven by internal goals, while still appreciating the external affirmation it may bring. It’s natural to feel good when others applaud our accomplishments; that’s a built-in reward mechanism for contributing something of value to the group. The key is not letting fear of disapproval or overreliance on praise dictate our path. As discussed earlier, thinkers like Nietzsche warned against becoming a slave to others’ opinions . Ambition needs an inner compass – a personal vision of what you want to achieve or become – so that even if people scoff or misunderstand, you continue upward.

In practical terms, this might mean choosing a career or project that isn’t the most popular or understood, but which you know has value, and pursuing it with passion. It might mean being competitive in a “virtuous” way – for example, an athlete pushing themselves to break a record (for the love of the sport and self-mastery), rather than just to show off. There are virtuous forms of competition: ones that drive everyone upward. In open-source software, for instance, developers “compete” in a sense to create the best solutions, but they also collaborate and build on each other’s work, benefiting the whole community. That’s ambition channeled into creation, not destruction. On the other hand, superficial status-chasing (like obsessively curating an Instagram life just for envy, or undermining colleagues to get a promotion) would be ambition’s darker side.

The wisdom lies in separating superficial competition from substantive ambition. Compete in generosity, in innovation, in mastery – not merely in material bragging rights. When ambition is harnessed for constructive ends, it elevates both the individual and those around them. A rising tide lifts all boats. And frankly, even if your ambition is somewhat ego-driven, as long as it produces something real (a product, an idea, a piece of art, a scientific breakthrough), society benefits in the end. Many great historical figures had sizeable egos and craved greatness – but in pursuing that greatness, they also pushed humanity forward. Ambition, even with a mix of motives, tends to drive progress.

Beyond Closed Systems: Owning Your Platform

One lesson ambitious people learn is the importance of choosing the right arena for their ambition. If you pour all your drive into a closed system controlled by someone else, you may hit a hard ceiling or, worse, have the rug pulled out from under you. Two examples make this clear: professional sports and social-media content creation.

Take organized sports. You could be the greatest basketball player in the world – a Michael Jordan – yet your career still has an expiration date determined by biology and league rules. Jordan dominated the NBA like nobody else, winning six championships and reaching the absolute pinnacle of success. But by his late 30s, he had to retire from playing. By age 40, even the GOAT couldn’t keep going on the court. And what then? By many accounts, Jordan struggled emotionally after retirement – feeling a loss of purpose, even a sense of emptiness once his playing days were over . He attempted comebacks, tried his hand at managing and team ownership, but the high of being in the game was gone. The competitive arena he had mastered was a closed one – it closed on him, as it does for every athlete eventually. His story is common: elite athletes often face depression or identity crises when forced to stop competing so young . Why? Because all their ambition was channeled into a narrow pipeline that inevitably ends.

Now contrast that with an open-ended arena like entrepreneurship or intellectual creation. If you’re a founder or an artist or a researcher, there’s no mandatory retirement; your mind can keep competing and creating as long as you live, perhaps even improving with age. That’s one reason many ambitious individuals gravitate to fields where they control their platform. For example, someone like Casey Neistat (a famous YouTuber) built a massive audience on YouTube – but he and creators like him eventually realize that their fate is tied to YouTube’s platform. If the algorithm changes or their account gets suspended (even by error), everything they built could vanish overnight. In fact, content creators across various platforms have learned the hard way that “don’t build on rented land” is wise advice: if you rely entirely on a platform you don’t own, you’re at the platform’s mercy . One policy change, one tweak to the feed, or one misguided moderation decision can wipe out years of work. As content marketing expert Joe Pulizzi put it, creators should always have a Plan B – “a web property [you] could control” to fall back on . That might be a personal website, an email list, or any channel where you set the rules.

We’re seeing this play out in real time. In late 2024, when the U.S. government threatened to ban TikTok, many TikTok influencers had a sudden wake-up call. One creator with nearly half a million followers said, “For the first time I’m realizing that a lot of what I worked for could disappear.” He and others started urgently directing their fans to follow them on other platforms or sign up for newsletters – anything to maintain that connection if TikTok went dark . It was a stark reminder: if your ambition builds an empire on someone else’s land, that someone can take it away. By contrast, if you build on your own land (literally or metaphorically), you have more security. This is why owning your platform – your own website, your own business, your own domain of creative control – is so valuable for the ambitious. It’s like the difference between being a star athlete in a league vs. owning the team: one day the athlete has to retire, but the owner can keep playing the game (in another form) indefinitely.

Entrepreneurs often exemplify this mindset. Instead of climbing a corporate ladder where a board can fire them, they create their own company. Instead of relying on one distribution channel, they diversify. The open-source movement in software is another example: developers didn’t want to be beholden to a single company’s platform, so they built tools that anyone can use and improve. Ambition flourishes in open systems because there are no arbitrary limits – you set the scope of your climb.

This isn’t to say you should never join established platforms or organizations – those can be tremendously useful. Rather, it’s about future-proofing your ambition. If you’re pouring your heart into something, ask: Who ultimately controls this? If the answer isn’t you, then at least prepare for the day when the rules might change. Cultivate your own brand and mailing list (so you can reach your audience directly), save and invest money (so you’re not dependent on a single income stream), and be ready to pivot your skills to new arenas. By doing so, you keep your ambition from being caged by someone else’s system. As the saying goes, “build your dreams, or someone will hire you to build theirs.” Use your ambition to build yours.

“The Sky is the Limit”

Ambition thrives on the feeling that the sky is the limit – that there are no hard boundaries on what we can attempt. Have you ever watched a plane take off or a rocket launch and felt a surge of excitement? There’s something symbolic and deeply uplifting about it (literally!). We spent millennia bound to the ground, and then, through ingenuity and boldness, humans learned to fly. Flight is the perfect metaphor for ambitious aspiration: leaving the safe ground, defying gravity, and soaring upwards. When you drive on a highway stuck in traffic, you’re constrained to a path; but when you fly, you can essentially draw a new path through the open air. Ambition is what carries us from the traffic jam of the ordinary onto the open runway of the extraordinary.

Consider how children gaze at airplanes or rockets with wonder. It’s not just the machines themselves; it’s what they represent – freedom, possibility, a vantage point above the mundane. The phrase “the sky’s the limit” captures the essence of ambitious thinking: it challenges the notion that there is a limit. Why stop at the sky? Humans didn’t – we went beyond, to the Moon and now set our sights on Mars. Each time we break a boundary, it becomes the new normal, and our ambitions expand further.

Ambition often means refusing to accept the “gravity” of naysayers or the weight of past limitations. It’s an attitude of “Who says I can’t?”. Where others see barriers, ambitious people see hurdles to vault over. It’s telling that ambitious folks often use language like “shoot for the stars” or “reach for the sky.” Even if those are clichés, they reflect an innate understanding that our lives are richer when we strive for lofty heights. There’s an infectious optimism in ambition: a belief that tomorrow can be bigger, better, or higher than today.

Importantly, the journey upward itself can be a source of joy. Just as many hikers will tell you that climbing a mountain is more satisfying than coming back down, ambitious work can be deeply fulfilling in the doing, not just the having done. An entrepreneur might enjoy the hustle and creation more than the final payday when the company is sold. An artist often finds meaning in the process of improving their craft, not only in the award they might win at the end. Ambition gives us a direction – upward – and that directionality infuses life with purpose. As we climb (literally or figuratively), we gain new perspectives, we see the world in broader view, and we also see new mountains to climb next. In this way, ambition is self-perpetuating: each summit reached reveals a further summit beyond, keeping the adventurous spirit alive.

Ultimately, saying “the sky is the limit” is actually selling ambition short. Why limit ourselves to the sky when there are infinite stars beyond? Perhaps a better motto is: “The sky was just the start.” With ambition, there’s always a new frontier waiting.

Capital vs. Money: Ambition for Lasting Wealth

Ambition isn’t only about personal achievement or social status; it also plays out in the realm of wealth and resources. A subtle but crucial concept for ambitious people to understand is the difference between money and capital. In everyday language we use “money” loosely, but in a financial sense, money (cash) is just a medium of exchange – numbers in a bank account. Capital, on the other hand, is wealth that generates more wealth . It’s the engine of economic growth. Owning capital means you have assets – like property, investments, equity in businesses – that work for you, even when you’re sleeping, by producing income or appreciating in value.

Why is this distinction important for ambition? Because truly ambitious wealth-building aims for capital, not just a high salary. For example, suppose you dream of becoming rich. You could get a high-paying job (money income) and accumulate savings – but if you just let that money sit, it’s static. Alternatively, you could deploy it into capital assets: buy an apartment building that yields rent, invest in stocks that pay dividends, or start a company. Those moves can create ongoing streams of income or value. As one finance writer put it: Money by itself just represents purchasing power, but capital is wealth “put to work” to create more wealth .

To illustrate, imagine two scenarios: Person A wins a million dollars in the lottery. Person B spends years building a business that’s now worth a million dollars. Superficially, they both have a million. But Person A’s money, if just spent or kept as cash, will dwindle or stagnate. Person B’s equity, if it’s truly a productive business, can keep growing, and also likely provides a continuing income. In 10 years, Person A might have little left (if they weren’t prudent), whereas Person B might have a business worth several million. Ambitious individuals understand this dynamic, often intuitively. They don’t just ask, “How can I earn a lot?” but “How can I build assets that make a lot more over time?”

Consider real estate – the example in the original text was a family friend owning commercial property in Gangnam, Seoul’s most upscale district. By owning that land (a form of capital), and having a Starbucks lease it, they secured a steady flow of rent without lifting a finger. Capital can indeed be a path to wealth that doesn’t require trading hours for dollars endlessly. However, managing capital comes with its own challenges and stresses (as the friend discovered – wealth doesn’t automatically equal peace of mind). Still, the lesson remains: ambition in the financial sense often means thinking like an owner, not just an earner.

This perspective can shape life choices. An ambitious professional might negotiate not just for a higher salary, but for stock options (ownership in the company). An ambitious artist might retain the rights to their work, so they benefit if it gains value, rather than taking a one-time payment. Ambition pushes us to aim for the leverage that capital provides. It’s the difference between giving a man a fish (money for one meal) versus teaching him to fish (capital skill) versus owning the pond (capital asset). The last scenario is essentially how dynasties are made – and indeed, much of the world’s enduring wealth comes from those who amassed capital (land, businesses, investments) and let compounding do the rest.

None of this is to say that money or income isn’t important – it absolutely is. But ambitious people don’t stop at earning income; they strategically use income to build capital. It’s a longer-term game, often a generational one. That’s why you often see the ambitious striving not just for themselves, but for their legacy – to leave something behind that continues growing, whether it’s a fund, an estate, or an enterprise. Ambition, when applied to wealth, seeks financial freedom and enduring impact rather than just short-term luxury. In practical terms: don’t just work for money; make money work for you. That’s ambitious thinking about wealth.

Thrust, Takeoff, and Reaching New Heights

Figure: The Saturn V rocket launching Apollo 11 into space (July 16, 1969). The explosive thrust needed to escape Earth’s gravity is an apt metaphor for human ambition. Just as a rocket expends enormous energy to break free of what holds it down, ambition is the force that propels individuals beyond their initial limits and into new frontiers.

There’s a reason children (and grown-ups) are captivated by rocket launches and spaceships. On a visceral level, it’s thrilling to witness something overcome the binding force of gravity. That scene – a giant rocket slowly rising, then accelerating into the sky amid flame and thunder – resonates with anyone who’s ever felt held back and yearned to burst free. Ambition provides the psychological thrust to do that in our own lives. It’s what allows someone from humble beginnings to “lift off” and achieve escape velocity from the constraints of poverty or obscurity. It’s what fuels entrepreneurs to blast through market atmosphere and reach orbit with a successful startup, or drives scientists to push human knowledge into space where none has gone before.

The process isn’t easy. A rocket launch requires an immense amount of energy in a short time. Likewise, achieving ambitious goals often requires intense effort, focus, and sometimes explosive bursts of work or creativity. There may be turbulence; there will certainly be risk. Not every launch succeeds – some rockets explode on the pad or fizzle out halfway. Similarly, not every ambitious venture works out. But the ones that do can carry us to entirely new realms. Think of the Moon landing – an ambition realized that forever expanded humanity’s sense of possibility.

In more everyday terms, consider someone ambitiously striving to, say, become a doctor, or publish a novel, or make an Olympic team. The years of study, practice, sweat – that’s the fuel being burned to escape inertia. Ambition focuses energy. It channels your time and talents toward a high goal, rather than diffusing them. This is why ambitious people often seem so driven: they need that concentrated burn to achieve lift-off. And when they do achieve it, it’s not just their personal success; it often opens a path for others. (After Apollo 11, many more rockets followed; trailblazers enable followers.)

There’s also an interesting phenomenon: once you do break through a barrier, continuing upward actually gets easier in some ways. In orbit, a spacecraft can coast with little effort. In ambition terms, once you reach a certain level (financial stability, basic credibility, established expertise), you can use that momentum to tackle the next goal with slightly less friction. This isn’t to say you can coast on your laurels – far from it, as gravity is always trying to pull you down if you get complacent. But each success gives confidence and resources for the next. Ambition is a lifelong series of boosters, staging one after the other, each propelling you further.

And let’s not underestimate the joy in this journey. Achieving a personal “launch” – whether that’s launching a business, a career, a creative project, or even a personal transformation – is exhilarating. It’s the feeling of takeoff, of suddenly seeing the world expand beneath you as you rise. Many ambitious people report that the high point of their endeavors was not the comfortable plateau years later, but the exciting early phase of rapid ascent. There’s something about the struggle and triumph over initial gravity that is immensely satisfying. It’s the proof that you can overcome, that hard work and risk can translate into tangible progress. It’s life’s way of telling you, “Yes, you’re on the right trajectory – keep going!”

Pushing Physical Limits: Strength and Innovation

Ambition isn’t confined to careers or wealth; it can also be intensely personal and physical. The drive to push beyond one’s bodily limits – to become stronger, faster, more resilient – is another facet of ambition. Many people find that pursuing physical goals (like running a marathon, climbing Everest, or lifting a certain weight) gives them not only improved health but a mental edge in life. There’s a metaphorical resonance: overcoming physical challenges often translates into confidence in tackling other challenges.

Take weightlifting as an example. An ambitious weightlifter doesn’t just lift the same comfortable weight every session; they continually add more, aiming to break personal records. In the quest to lift incredibly heavy weights, some innovators have found clever ways to push the boundaries of human strength. One concept mentioned is “conquering leverage” – essentially using technique and partial movements to handle weights that would be impossible in a full range of motion. For instance, powerlifters may perform rack pulls (a partial deadlift starting from a higher point, say just above the knees) to overload their system with weights far beyond what they can deadlift off the floor. By reducing the range of motion, they can hold or move a much heavier barbell, training their nervous system and grip to handle that stress. Using straps, belts, and specialized equipment like a monolift, lifters can even train just the support of a weight – un-racking a huge bar and holding it for a second without actually squatting it fully, for example. This might sound like “cheating,” but it’s actually a time-tested training method: by acclimating to supra-maximal weights in a partial movement, lifters gain confidence and strength that carries over to their full lifts.

Strongman competitions provide dramatic proof of these principles. In some events, athletes do partial lifts or lifts from raised heights that allow mind-boggling poundages to be moved. For example, the Silver Dollar Deadlift (a deadlift from an 18-inch height, often done with huge boxed weights) has seen world records of over 500 kg (1100+ lbs) lifted off the blocks . In 2018, strongman champion Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson set a partial deadlift record of 520 kg (1,146 lb) from 18 inches – a weight far above what any human has pulled from the standard floor height. What’s the point of that? By proving that the human frame can support such loads (even over a short range), athletes expand the realm of possibility. Indeed, not long after training with these methods, Hafþór went on to deadlift 501 kg from the floor in standard style – a full world record at the time. Ambition in training – using novel techniques to push limits – directly enabled a new world standard.

The lesson here is that ambition finds a way. If the rules or conventional methods only get you so far, ambitious people will often bend the rules or invent new techniques to go further. In weightlifting, that might mean partial reps, variable resistance bands, or supporting more weight than you can move. In other fields, it might mean prototyping a new technology even when experts say it’s impossible, or hacking the system in a clever way to achieve what you need. This innovative spirit is part and parcel of ambition. It says, “Okay, if the usual approach can’t get me past this plateau, I’ll devise an unusual approach.”

Importantly, these experiments and “hacks” have ripple effects. Other people see that boundary pushed and then incorporate those methods or at least shed their disbelief. The bar of what is considered possible moves higher. Just as a 4-minute mile was deemed unattainable until Roger Bannister did it (after which many others quickly did too), many physical feats await that first ambitious pioneer to show it can be done.

On a personal scale, when you achieve something you once thought impossible – say you sustain a 1000 lb weight on your shoulders for even a moment, or you finish an ultramarathon – your mind is never the same. You realize so much of our limitation is mental. The body, the mind, the spirit – they often can go much further than we initially assume. Ambition is the spark that ignites that extra potential.

So whether it’s in the gym or elsewhere, chasing big goals forces us to innovate, adapt, and grow. You learn to break problems (or weights) into smaller parts, to leverage advantages, to strengthen your weaknesses. And even if the end goal remains out of reach, you usually end up far beyond where you started. There’s a saying in strength training: “The goal is not to lift the weight; the goal is to become stronger.” In chasing the weight, you transform yourself. Likewise, in chasing any ambitious goal, the journey changes you, hardens you, enlightens you. That transformation is the real prize – the achievement itself is almost a bonus.

Strength as Destiny – and Ambition as Life

In the end, why be ambitious? Why chase strength, achievement, or approval at all? Because ambition is life-affirming. To have big desires and act on them is to fully engage with life’s opportunities. The opposite – lack of ambition – often means stagnation, a kind of surrender to whatever circumstances dictate. Now, contentment and gratitude for what one has are virtues to cultivate, yes. But contentment doesn’t have to mean lack of striving. One can be grateful for today and still ambitious for tomorrow. In fact, the most joyful and fulfilled individuals often balance an appreciation of their present blessings with an excitement for the future’s possibilities.

There’s a powerful statement in the provided text: “More strength, more audacity, more ambition – more life, more joy, more overcoming, more becoming.” This nicely captures the idea that to grow in strength (whether physical, mental, or moral) is our destiny – it’s what we’re meant to do. Humans are an overcoming species; we literally evolved by overcoming challenges. Our ancestors survived ice ages, predators, famine – each time, those with the ambition and ingenuity to adapt pulled through. We carry that legacy in our genes. When we exercise our ambition and strength, we feel alive because we are enacting our fundamental nature. We are becoming more than we were.

“More life” is a key phrase. Ambition, at its best, doesn’t make us miserable workaholics; it makes life richer. Think of times you pursued a goal passionately – wasn’t there a fire in your belly, a clarity of purpose that made every day feel meaningful? That’s the joy of ambition: it gives you a reason to bound out of bed in the morning (or stay up late scheming). Even the struggles along the way give a sense of “this is what I’m here to do.” It’s often noted that retirees who lose their sense of purpose tend to decline; conversely, people who stay ambitious and curious tend to stay youthful. As the Notre Dame study suggested, successful ambition correlated with longer life and happiness – likely because it keeps one mentally and physically active, with a strong will to live and achieve.

Granted, ambition can have its trade-offs and temptations. Some research frames it as a double-edged sword, noting that extreme career ambition might not increase day-to-day happiness and can sometimes tempt people into ethical shortcuts . That’s a valid caution: ambition must be guided by principles to ensure one doesn’t lose sight of why they started climbing in the first place. Ambition purely for trophies or power can become hollow, leading to the trope of “success but unhappy.” The sweet spot is ambition aligned with your authentic values. Then the pursuit itself is fulfilling, and any external rewards are icing on the cake.

Perhaps the ultimate ambition is simply to become the best version of oneself. This kind of self-ambition isn’t selfish; by improving yourself, you’re better able to serve others, inspire others, and contribute to the world. When you make yourself stronger (in skill, in character, in knowledge), you become an asset to everyone around you. You “shine” in your own way, and that light illuminates others’ paths too. Think of someone like Nelson Mandela – his personal ambition for justice and growth led him to develop such strength of character that he changed an entire nation. Or even a community volunteer ambitiously organizing to clean up their town – their drive improves life for everyone there. Ambition can be deeply compassionate, when it’s directed toward uplifting others along with oneself.

In closing, let’s reclaim ambition as a positive word. It doesn’t have to mean ruthless or greedy. It can mean brave, inspiring, visionary. Ambition is the engine of progress – personal progress and societal progress. It’s the rocket fuel that allows us to break free from the ordinary and enter the realm of the extraordinary. To anyone hesitating to embrace their ambitious side, consider this permission to go for it. Be audacious in your dreams. Set that big goal that secretly scares you. Push that extra rep, start that venture, write that book, ask for that promotion, sign up for that adventure. Not because you’re dissatisfied with life, but because you believe in more life. There’s more strength in you, more potential, more to become.

Ambition, ultimately, is hope with a direction. It’s believing that you can ascend. And as you climb, you’ll find not only new vistas, but new parts of yourself. In the words of the poet Robert Browning, “a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” So keep reaching – beyond the sky, to the stars and further still. Ambition is a virtue – use it, and become who you were meant to be.

Sources: Ambition as virtue vs. vice ; Nietzsche on vanity vs. pride ; Amazon’s expansive goals ; Musk’s anti-bot fee proposal ; Internet bot prevalence ; Social media fake follower stats ; Baumeister & Leary on need to belong ; Nietzsche on independent self-worth ; OnlyFans/platform risk warning ; TikTok creator on potential loss ; U.S. Surgeon General on loneliness crisis ; Americans’ screen time vs. connection ; Notre Dame study on ambition and longevity ; Strongman partial deadlift record ; Michael Jordan post-retirement “emptiness” .

Ambition.

So the glorious thought of today’s day is about ambition. And forever climbing.

The virtue

I suppose the first thought is, ambition is a virtue. I think for a lot of life and time, we have always been brainwashed into thinking that somehow, ambition were bad, a vice… essentially acquainting the idea that more ambition you had, the more bad or sinful you were.

For example in America, there’s kind of a weird thought that somehow… You should just kind of be grateful for what you got, Cedre. Even a lot of the Zen Buddhism that we learn nowadays, is kind of like a mishmash of Christianity Christian values and other stuff.

For example, we are also taught stuff like cautionary tales like how Napoleon was foolish for wanting to march into Russia, and how the ambition of Napoleon was unwise and foolish.

Yeah what’s interesting about Napoleon, even though everyone criticizes and critiques him, and even though he “failed” at the end of his life… Assuming he just conquered France, and sat on the throne until he died, certainly he probably would not be satisfied, and would have no longer a desire to live or go on.

Even myself, at the ripe age of 37, 38… I feel like I’m just kind of getting started. I met my 15-year-old cousin Joy the other day, and my mind was blown, it was almost 10 years ago that Cindy and I got married, a lot has happened in 10 years, but also a lot hasn’t happened. And I suppose then, the optimistic thought is thinking about the next 10, 20 years moving forward?

Amazon

OK sorry I’d like to think the Amazon Jeff Bezos is evil whatever, but my honest appraisal is, Amazon is phenomenal. It is truly the everything store in a good way.

I’ll give you an example… I just gifted my 15-year-old cousin Joy my old LUMIX G9 and lens, and I realize she actually needed an SD card adapter for her phone or her laptop, and so I gave her my only USBC, SD card adapter. And then I just had to order myself a new one, I got the really really tiny one by ANKER, and it was so easy and seamless, instantly delivered to me, via Amazon prime, essentially overnight.

Also some random stuff, Amazon Prime Video, and I guess now Amazon autos… And I suppose the question is, whether people think it’s going to be successful or not, is less of a concern to me, but more… The grand ambition behind it all?

If anything, maybe at this point we should just rate the grandeur and the greatness of a man based on his level of ambition.

So in some ways… Seeing Amazon continue to expand, is kind of a good sign  showing that the spirit of Jeff Bezos lives on, because baked into the DNA cultural DNA of Amazon was a growth mindset.

For you

It’s kind of incredible what a single human being a single 40 MHz flesh battery can achieve.

I think a lot of people like to use Elon Musk as an example, and it is true. He is just a single man, and anyone who demonizes him is secretly in love with him. My honest take is, hate is just love on steroids.

War of my honest thought is, honestly moving forward, a bigger thing that people often do is indifferent; if you are indifferent about something or somebody, that is like 99.9% of the world. In fact, to be hated is probably the greatest compliment or the greatest sign of success because once again it is a strong signal that you’re actually interesting enough or famous enough for successful enough to be hated on in the first place.

Therefore, the goal isn’t to be afraid of being hated on, the better goal is instead… Striving to become grand enough, to even be hated on in the first place?

#humansonly

I had a very funny thought during hot yoga for a startup idea. The general idea I have is, trying to create some sort of social media platform or platform or something in which only humans are allowed on it?

The very very simple way to solve the whole butt issue, is bitcoin and Satoshi’s. The general idea is, if you want to register account you just pay a nominal fee in bitcoin or Satoshi’s, like five bucks or 10 bucks or whatever, and I suppose the upside is the friction of it is a good thing because, it just prevents bots from swarming the platform.

Like I’ll get example, all these teenyboppers, are still on Instagram and I suppose TikTok or whatever, but if I waved a magical wand and showed to you and proved to you that in fact, 100% of your followers were just bought, not real human beings, would this change your opinion of it? Of course!

And then it just makes me think, and consider… What is it that everyone wants? Certainly some sort of social approval.

And also… Even one thing that I’ve been enjoying about going to hot yoga with Cindy is the social aspect. Like all the fun teachers and the people I get to meet, the other day we did a barre class, and honestly it was just kind of like a big dance studio. Really fun!

Social humans

So once again, I think a lot of this comes down too… People just want to be happy Social, together.

And I think this is why, a lot of people are very very happy, when they are traveling in Asia southeast Asia etc. Because I think the number one issue that Americans have is that they are so lonely?

I mean think about it, when you see people on social media, or watching television, there are always human beings on that platform. So in some ways it is like augmented, crowdsourcing, or outsourcing loneliness or sociality?

Even when you watch cartoons or other stuff, it is almost always some sort of like human like thing?  even with avatar, all these furry creatures are essentially humanoid things.

So what’s the answer

I think the deep truth is all humans seek some sort of approval, dominance, hierarchy. We want to show off in front of others, to be admired.

And once again I don’t know why this is seen as such a bad thing. I think there are some virtuous forms of competition, and there are some also forms of superficial competition. I suppose the wisdom is separating the two.

Open source competition

So I suppose this is kind of the good idea,

So the reason why I think all organized sports are mostly bad is because it is a closed source form of competition. For example, the NBA basketball, I feel bad for Michael Jordan because after all of his success, he seems to just be a depressed alcoholic. And what’s the issue? He had to retire. Why? It seems that there is just a simple point in which, you can no longer perform?

And I suppose the issue is once again, you are still dependent on the NBA, this closed source advertising platform, and you do not own the franchise or the platform.

And this is why sooner or later all entrepreneurs on any sort of social media platform will fail. Even someone as great as Casey Neistat,,, as long as they are dependent on YouTube, you’re kind of screwed.

I’ll give you an example, let us say you have 100 trillion followers on YouTube or TikTok or Instagram or whatever, and then one day you accidentally post something that triggers the algorithm to say that your platform is violating some sort of rule. And let us say that randomly your account gets suspended, deleted, banned. And now that there are no more human operators who approve or reapprove the whole process, it might take months or years for your account to be reactivated if ever.

So once again it’s almost like you have your balls in a vice. Which trains you to simply appeal to the masses, like maximizing your popularity while trying to minimize the downside of controversy?

So then what

The open source Internet, your website, wordpress.org, is still the way.

OK and a big thing… No more Bluehost.com –> I once advertise them for a long time, but after creating a series of websites and getting them banned for some arbitrary reason, no more. Ionos.com is superior.

the sky is the limit

I often see planes and Boeing 747’s flying over me and it is always such a happy side cuts, assuming that you’re some sort of airplane, there is no thing holding you back, no LA traffic no 405, no local traffic.

I suppose that’s also the grand Joy of walking hiking riding a bike, you’re not stuck in some sort of lane and traffic, which gives you more autonomy to move around as you will.

Open source capital

I think I’m starting to pick up heat.

In terms of a hierarchy, what is more important than money?. Generally the idea is, everyone wants money but the truth is, money is actually not that important or as important as you may think it is. What is actually far more important is capital.

What’s the difference? Money is like having a bunch of ones and zeros and commas in your checking account, capital is like owning 10 square blocks of downtown Manhattan fifth Avenue. Or owning commercial property in Gangnam South Korea.

I have a family friend whose family was very intelligent, and owned some commercial real estate in Gangnam South Korea, and essentially you got a Starbucks built on it, and now they’re super rich. Certainly not happy they’re just like a lot more stressed if anything, but still, they’re not eating foot to mouth. 

Takeoff!

Thrust, takeoff, rocket ships.

I suppose, the reason why kid like rocket ships, spaceships or whatever, is like this mind blowing joy of breaking free from the crutches of gravity, and being able to ascend a new level?

And actually, I think this is the joy of climbing. For example if you do rock climbing hiking or whatever, or even bicycling… To climb the hill to climb the mountain is actually more enjoyable than going down.

And there needs not to be some sort of fake virtue behind it. We simply do it because it is enjoyable!

Even myself, on my quest to lift 1000 kg, maybe 2000 kg and beyond, honestly there’s no rationality behind it. If anything it’s just trying to be clever creative, coming out with new innovative ways to go beyond?

I’ll give you an example… My number one critical innovation with weightlifting is conquering leverage. 

So the foolish white people try to lift weights is from the floor. The wise way is doing a rack pull, which is putting the barbell on top of the squat rack or the power rack putting the pins very very high, as close to your hips as possible. And then the very very simple idea is insanely simple, make the range of motion as tiny as humanly possible,… and then, using some dead lift straps, trying to lift the heaviest weight you possibly can. And you gotta think 2X leverage, no more simple 400 pound that lift, go at least for 800 pounds and beyond. Beyond 1000 pounds think 2000 pounds.

And then the third level of leverage I discovered is, taking some sort of dip belt or weightlifting belt, and attaching it to the center of the barbell, and therefore, while you are doing a rack pull,,, you are also simultaneously using the power of your hips to lift the whole thing?

A new third layer I am considering now which is also interesting is, using some sort of mono lift system, in order to simply unwrap the weight, and rather having myself lift the weight, to simply hold it suspended for half a second before releasing it?

This is an interesting idea because then, the whole concept isn’t necessarily to lift the weight, but simply to sustain the weight for half a second, before releasing? 

So then this also becomes very innovative because it is no longer weightlifting but weight sustaining? 

weight sustaining

So I suppose this is the genius of using a weight vest or something, or, look at those strong men or powerlifting competitions, in which they use a mono lift platform to simply release the weight on the shoulders of the weightlifter, and the truth is as long as they could even hold it for half a second, it is virtuous in so far much as, they hold the weight.

I’ll give you an example, my infamous atlas lift. The first big innovation I did at just a local commercial gym was having this curiosity of like how much I could simply lift off the squat rack with my shoulders. I kept climbing until I did 1000 pounds.

To illustrate a mono lift system,  imagine a squat rack with hooks on top, which suspend the weight on top, and then the weightlifter enters it, and then two individuals on each side unhooked the thing, to give the weightlifter space.

And the number doesn’t really matter, and to those who think this is kind of a gimmick… Thought experiment, if you had a human being hold 100,000 pounds on their shoulders even for half a second and not collapse, certainly, consider how strong this human needs to be. Very strong.

Strength for the sake of what

The truth is the reason why strength is your destiny and your moral imperative is because more strength more audacity more ambition, more life more joy, more overcoming, more becoming. 

And also assuming you’re a man, this all equates to more testosterone. Testosterone, naturally produced by eating beef liver, sleeping 8 to 12 hours a night, extreme weightlifting, climbing, is your destiny.

ERIC

---

Now what

The most sublime essays of all time?

So for myself, one of my supreme joys, my sublime joys is to harness my energy my power in order to craft and forge insanely epic essays?

more to come!

ERIC

---

ERIC KIM BLOG >

---

Ambition.

So the glorious thought of today’s day is about ambition. And forever climbing.

The virtue

I suppose the first thought is, ambition is a virtue. I think for a lot of life and time, we have always been brainwashed into thinking that somehow, ambition were bad, a vice… essentially acquainting the idea that more ambition you had, the more bad or sinful you were.

For example in America, there’s kind of a weird thought that somehow… You should just kind of be grateful for what you got, Cedre. Even a lot of the Zen Buddhism that we learn nowadays, is kind of like a mishmash of Christianity Christian values and other stuff.

For example, we are also taught stuff like cautionary tales like how Napoleon was foolish for wanting to march into Russia, and how the ambition of Napoleon was unwise and foolish.

Yeah what’s interesting about Napoleon, even though everyone criticizes and critiques him, and even though he “failed” at the end of his life… Assuming he just conquered France, and sat on the throne until he died, certainly he probably would not be satisfied, and would have no longer a desire to live or go on.

Even myself, at the ripe age of 37, 38… I feel like I’m just kind of getting started. I met my 15-year-old cousin Joy the other day, and my mind was blown, it was almost 10 years ago that Cindy and I got married, a lot has happened in 10 years, but also a lot hasn’t happened. And I suppose then, the optimistic thought is thinking about the next 10, 20 years moving forward?

Amazon

OK sorry I’d like to think the Amazon Jeff Bezos is evil whatever, but my honest appraisal is, Amazon is phenomenal. It is truly the everything store in a good way.

I’ll give you an example… I just gifted my 15-year-old cousin Joy my old LUMIX G9 and lens, and I realize she actually needed an SD card adapter for her phone or her laptop, and so I gave her my only USBC, SD card adapter. And then I just had to order myself a new one, I got the really really tiny one by ANKER, and it was so easy and seamless, instantly delivered to me, via Amazon prime, essentially overnight.

Also some random stuff, Amazon Prime Video, and I guess now Amazon autos… And I suppose the question is, whether people think it’s going to be successful or not, is less of a concern to me, but more… The grand ambition behind it all?

If anything, maybe at this point we should just rate the grandeur and the greatness of a man based on his level of ambition.

So in some ways… Seeing Amazon continue to expand, is kind of a good sign  showing that the spirit of Jeff Bezos lives on, because baked into the DNA cultural DNA of Amazon was a growth mindset.

For you

It’s kind of incredible what a single human being a single 40 MHz flesh battery can achieve.

I think a lot of people like to use Elon Musk as an example, and it is true. He is just a single man, and anyone who demonizes him is secretly in love with him. My honest take is, hate is just love on steroids.

War of my honest thought is, honestly moving forward, a bigger thing that people often do is indifferent; if you are indifferent about something or somebody, that is like 99.9% of the world. In fact, to be hated is probably the greatest compliment or the greatest sign of success because once again it is a strong signal that you’re actually interesting enough or famous enough for successful enough to be hated on in the first place.

Therefore, the goal isn’t to be afraid of being hated on, the better goal is instead… Striving to become grand enough, to even be hated on in the first place?

#humansonly

I had a very funny thought during hot yoga for a startup idea. The general idea I have is, trying to create some sort of social media platform or platform or something in which only humans are allowed on it?

The very very simple way to solve the whole butt issue, is bitcoin and Satoshi’s. The general idea is, if you want to register account you just pay a nominal fee in bitcoin or Satoshi’s, like five bucks or 10 bucks or whatever, and I suppose the upside is the friction of it is a good thing because, it just prevents bots from swarming the platform.

Like I’ll get example, all these teenyboppers, are still on Instagram and I suppose TikTok or whatever, but if I waved a magical wand and showed to you and proved to you that in fact, 100% of your followers were just bought, not real human beings, would this change your opinion of it? Of course!

And then it just makes me think, and consider… What is it that everyone wants? Certainly some sort of social approval.

And also… Even one thing that I’ve been enjoying about going to hot yoga with Cindy is the social aspect. Like all the fun teachers and the people I get to meet, the other day we did a barre class, and honestly it was just kind of like a big dance studio. Really fun!

Social humans

So once again, I think a lot of this comes down too… People just want to be happy Social, together.

And I think this is why, a lot of people are very very happy, when they are traveling in Asia southeast Asia etc. Because I think the number one issue that Americans have is that they are so lonely?

I mean think about it, when you see people on social media, or watching television, there are always human beings on that platform. So in some ways it is like augmented, crowdsourcing, or outsourcing loneliness or sociality?

Even when you watch cartoons or other stuff, it is almost always some sort of like human like thing?  even with avatar, all these furry creatures are essentially humanoid things.

So what’s the answer

I think the deep truth is all humans seek some sort of approval, dominance, hierarchy. We want to show off in front of others, to be admired.

And once again I don’t know why this is seen as such a bad thing. I think there are some virtuous forms of competition, and there are some also forms of superficial competition. I suppose the wisdom is separating the two.

Open source competition

So I suppose this is kind of the good idea,

So the reason why I think all organized sports are mostly bad is because it is a closed source form of competition. For example, the NBA basketball, I feel bad for Michael Jordan because after all of his success, he seems to just be a depressed alcoholic. And what’s the issue? He had to retire. Why? It seems that there is just a simple point in which, you can no longer perform?

And I suppose the issue is once again, you are still dependent on the NBA, this closed source advertising platform, and you do not own the franchise or the platform.

And this is why sooner or later all entrepreneurs on any sort of social media platform will fail. Even someone as great as Casey Neistat,,, as long as they are dependent on YouTube, you’re kind of screwed.

I’ll give you an example, let us say you have 100 trillion followers on YouTube or TikTok or Instagram or whatever, and then one day you accidentally post something that triggers the algorithm to say that your platform is violating some sort of rule. And let us say that randomly your account gets suspended, deleted, banned. And now that there are no more human operators who approve or reapprove the whole process, it might take months or years for your account to be reactivated if ever.

So once again it’s almost like you have your balls in a vice. Which trains you to simply appeal to the masses, like maximizing your popularity while trying to minimize the downside of controversy?

So then what

The open source Internet, your website, wordpress.org, is still the way.

OK and a big thing… No more Bluehost.com –> I once advertise them for a long time, but after creating a series of websites and getting them banned for some arbitrary reason, no more. Ionos.com is superior.

the sky is the limit

I often see planes and Boeing 747’s flying over me and it is always such a happy side cuts, assuming that you’re some sort of airplane, there is no thing holding you back, no LA traffic no 405, no local traffic.

I suppose that’s also the grand Joy of walking hiking riding a bike, you’re not stuck in some sort of lane and traffic, which gives you more autonomy to move around as you will.

Open source capital

I think I’m starting to pick up heat.

In terms of a hierarchy, what is more important than money?. Generally the idea is, everyone wants money but the truth is, money is actually not that important or as important as you may think it is. What is actually far more important is capital.

What’s the difference? Money is like having a bunch of ones and zeros and commas in your checking account, capital is like owning 10 square blocks of downtown Manhattan fifth Avenue. Or owning commercial property in Gangnam South Korea.

I have a family friend whose family was very intelligent, and owned some commercial real estate in Gangnam South Korea, and essentially you got a Starbucks built on it, and now they’re super rich. Certainly not happy they’re just like a lot more stressed if anything, but still, they’re not eating foot to mouth. 

Takeoff!

Thrust, takeoff, rocket ships.

I suppose, the reason why kid like rocket ships, spaceships or whatever, is like this mind blowing joy of breaking free from the crutches of gravity, and being able to ascend a new level?

And actually, I think this is the joy of climbing. For example if you do rock climbing hiking or whatever, or even bicycling… To climb the hill to climb the mountain is actually more enjoyable than going down.

And there needs not to be some sort of fake virtue behind it. We simply do it because it is enjoyable!

Even myself, on my quest to lift 1000 kg, maybe 2000 kg and beyond, honestly there’s no rationality behind it. If anything it’s just trying to be clever creative, coming out with new innovative ways to go beyond?

I’ll give you an example… My number one critical innovation with weightlifting is conquering leverage. 

So the foolish white people try to lift weights is from the floor. The wise way is doing a rack pull, which is putting the barbell on top of the squat rack or the power rack putting the pins very very high, as close to your hips as possible. And then the very very simple idea is insanely simple, make the range of motion as tiny as humanly possible,… and then, using some dead lift straps, trying to lift the heaviest weight you possibly can. And you gotta think 2X leverage, no more simple 400 pound that lift, go at least for 800 pounds and beyond. Beyond 1000 pounds think 2000 pounds.

And then the third level of leverage I discovered is, taking some sort of dip belt or weightlifting belt, and attaching it to the center of the barbell, and therefore, while you are doing a rack pull,,, you are also simultaneously using the power of your hips to lift the whole thing?

A new third layer I am considering now which is also interesting is, using some sort of mono lift system, in order to simply unwrap the weight, and rather having myself lift the weight, to simply hold it suspended for half a second before releasing it?

This is an interesting idea because then, the whole concept isn’t necessarily to lift the weight, but simply to sustain the weight for half a second, before releasing? 

So then this also becomes very innovative because it is no longer weightlifting but weight sustaining? 

weight sustaining

So I suppose this is the genius of using a weight vest or something, or, look at those strong men or powerlifting competitions, in which they use a mono lift platform to simply release the weight on the shoulders of the weightlifter, and the truth is as long as they could even hold it for half a second, it is virtuous in so far much as, they hold the weight.

I’ll give you an example, my infamous atlas lift. The first big innovation I did at just a local commercial gym was having this curiosity of like how much I could simply lift off the squat rack with my shoulders. I kept climbing until I did 1000 pounds.

To illustrate a mono lift system,  imagine a squat rack with hooks on top, which suspend the weight on top, and then the weightlifter enters it, and then two individuals on each side unhooked the thing, to give the weightlifter space.

And the number doesn’t really matter, and to those who think this is kind of a gimmick… Thought experiment, if you had a human being hold 100,000 pounds on their shoulders even for half a second and not collapse, certainly, consider how strong this human needs to be. Very strong.

Strength for the sake of what

The truth is the reason why strength is your destiny and your moral imperative is because more strength more audacity more ambition, more life more joy, more overcoming, more becoming. 

And also assuming you’re a man, this all equates to more testosterone. Testosterone, naturally produced by eating beef liver, sleeping 8 to 12 hours a night, extreme weightlifting, climbing, is your destiny.

ERIC

---

Now what

The most sublime essays of all time?

So for myself, one of my supreme joys, my sublime joys is to harness my energy my power in order to craft and forge insanely epic essays?

more to come!

ERIC

---

Eric Kim’s Concept of “Askesis”

Eric Kim draws on the Greek idea of askēsis – literally “exercise, training, practice” – to describe a disciplined, self-improvement lifestyle.  He equates asceticism with positive self-training.  For example, he notes that the word ascetic comes from askēsis and defines living ascetically as “to train yourself to become stronger, to need less, and to become less dependent on fate and external things” .  In his view, askesis means choosing voluntary challenges (refusing distractions and excess) in order to grow stronger and more self-reliant .

• Definition/Origin: In ancient Greek, askēsis meant “exercise” or “training,” originally referring to athletic or craft practice . Kim emphasizes this etymology to reframe asceticism: it is not self-punishment but empowered self-training .
• Asceticism = Strength: He stresses that ascetic discipline builds strength.  “Self-training to become stronger…is to refuse things which distract you,” making you “stronger, bigger, and more magnanimous” .
• Minimal Needs: Fewer possessions grant freedom.  As he puts it, “if you own fewer possessions, fewer things own you,” giving more control over life .

Askesis in Photography and Street Photography

Eric Kim applies askesis as a discipline in photography, especially street work.  He treats photography itself as a form of training and mindfulness:

• Photography as Zen Training: Kim urges seeing photography as an active Zen practice.  He writes “Photography is zen training” and emphasizes being fully present: notice your surroundings, silence distractions, and cultivate “supreme focus” while shooting .
• Mindfulness: He recommends turning off phones and music when shooting to build visual awareness .  This aligns with Zen’s emphasis on mindfulness and focused attention in the moment.
• Street Shooting as Practice: Kim likens street photography to a stoic training ground.  He “fuses Stoicism with street photography,” advising shooters to focus on effort, imagine worst-case outcomes, and “stay calm in the chaos of the street” .  In his words, street shoots are “daily reps in that gym” for conquering fear .  This frames each outing as a disciplined exercise in courage and composure.
• Minimalist Gear: Embracing ascetic minimalism, he favors the lightest cameras so he’s always ready to shoot.  “True to his minimalist philosophy,” he uses a small Ricoh GR or even a phone, noting “the lighter the gear, the more he has it in hand.”   This constraint forces creativity: as he writes, opting for cheaper or “shittier” equipment is a creative constraint that makes one “be more creative…rather than having the ‘best’ expensive tool” .
• Continuous Practice: By shooting every day (often in simple environments), he treats photography as a habitual discipline, turning even mundane scenes into creative challenges (e.g. finding beauty in the ugly ).

Askesis in Physical Training

Physical fitness is a central arena for Kim’s askesis.  He follows extreme training regimens and views workouts as extensions of his philosophical practice:

• Extreme Self-Training: Kim embraces rigorous regimes.  His “workout plan” involves intermittent fasting and maximal lifts: “I might be the only one who lifts insanely heavy weights at the gym, without having consumed anything before” .  He even coaxes himself into heavier “nano reps” (partial-range lifts) to push limits .
• Training When Tired: He notes that when one is tired, it’s precisely “the best time to exercise in order to GAIN energy.” In that spirit he simply advises: “Think askesis, training.” .  This reflects the Stoic idea of doing tasks when challenged.
• Discipline & Austerity: His approach is Spartan.  Kim extols discipline as a path to joy: “[H]appiness, joy and freedom…something you could start cultivating now through ‘askesis’ – training.” .  He practices ascetic habits like fasting, cold showers (Stoic exercises), and no supplements, treating hardship as fuel for growth.
• Fitness as Philosophy: He argues that physical training is integral to his creative practice.  For Kim, “physical fitness is critical to any stoic,” linking strength work directly to his philosophy .  Strongman-style challenges (heavy carries, calisthenics) and outdoor workouts are seen as part of living Stoically.
• Mini “Rep” Breaks: Even when writing or traveling, he breaks routines with exercise – doing push-ups or squats by his desk or table .  These micro-reps keep discipline high throughout the day.

Askesis in Writing and Daily Habits

Kim extends the training mindset to his work habits.  He organizes his life to minimize friction and maximize focus:

• Morning Writing Routine: He typically writes in the morning after coffee and shower.  He says he launches his editor with Wi-Fi off in “focus mode” and writes uninterrupted for 1–3 hours .  This removes excuses and forces consistent output.
• Remove Distractions: During writing sessions he turns off email, social media, and internet to stay fully engaged .  He describes this as a “techno-zen” approach: minimal apps, offline drafting, airplane mode.
• Scheduled Consistency: Early in his career he blogged on a fixed schedule (e.g. 3×/week) and adhered to it strictly.  He admits he even felt anxious if he missed a post, but he kept the routine for consistent growth and audience trust .  This enforced schedule is a form of askesis – training his creative output.
• Routine Triggers: He uses simple habits to kickstart focus: brewing coffee immediately to jumpstart energy, reviewing notes first thing, etc .  These small rituals remove decision fatigue.
• Minimalist Gear & Routine: His minimalism carries over: always carrying a compact camera so he “never misses” creative opportunities .  Likewise, limiting possessions and sticking to simple tools (basic laptop, focus app) ensure his daily routine is streamlined.

Philosophical Influences (Stoicism, Zen, Asceticism)

Kim openly credits Stoicism, Zen Buddhism, and ancient ascetic thought as inspirations that shape his askesis:

• Stoicism: He has produced numerous Stoic-themed essays and talks.  Kim’s take on Stoicism is action-oriented (“full‑contact, creative, and physical practice”) . He emphasizes traditional Stoic practices (premeditatio malorum, memento mori) as “field drills” during street photography .  Stoic ideas of controlling fear and focusing on effort are central: for Kim, fear-conquering is the core of the practice, and everyday tasks are like Stoic drills .  He even coined terms like “Extreme Stoicism” and views physical hardship (e.g. cold exposure) as Stoic training.
• Zen Mindfulness: Zen influences appear especially in his photography.  He describes Zen philosophy in photography as noticing the impermanent, being fully present, and embracing simplicity .  His podcast “Zen Photographer” (and blog posts on Zen photography) explicitly link mindful awareness to shooting (e.g. finding calm focus among urban chaos) .
• Ancient Askesis: Kim refers to ancient ascetics (Greek athletes, Stoic hermits, martial traditions) as models of discipline.  He notes the original Greek askēsis was about athletic discipline and craftsmanship – not deprivation .  The imagery of “new Spartans” and military ethos runs through his writing; for instance, he likens modern men’s struggles to lacking outlets for valor, implying that athletic/spartan training is our battle training.
• Broad Synthesis: His approach is eclectic.  He treats askesis as an open toolkit – mixing Stoic, Zen, Buddhist and even modern self-help ideas.  For example, he cites authors like Nassim Taleb as sparking his interest in Stoicism, but repackages it with pop culture (nicknames like “Hyper Stoicism”) and physical exercises.  The constant theme is: ancient concepts of self-discipline (prosōkhē, askesis, meletē) applied to modern life and photography.

Impact on Creativity, Discipline, and Personal Growth

Overall, askesis underpins Kim’s creative philosophy, emphasizing constraint, discipline, and active growth:

• Creative Constraints: He views limitations as creative fuel.  By insisting on cheaper or simpler tools, he forces ingenuity: “Even though you can afford more expensive things, by opting to take the cheaper option is a ‘creative constraint’.” This mindset encourages making “more with less” .  Similarly, limiting shooting subjects or gear (e.g. using one camera) is seen as an opportunity, not a handicap.
• Minimalism: The ascetic ideal means wanting less.  Kim argues that owning fewer things leads to freedom (fewer things own you) .  In practice this means lightweight gear, a simple home, and avoiding consumerist temptation – all to keep focus on essentials (writing, shooting, training).  His “Zen Photographer” advice even mocks complex film setups as burdensome compared to digital simplicity .
• Uncompromising Discipline: Askesis translates to daily habits.  Consistency (daily shooting, scheduled writing, relentless workouts) is a core discipline. He literally cultivates a training mindset: he “makes [street shooting and life] daily reps” , and finds opportunity in adversity (his mantra is life’s “all upside, no downside” ).
• Self-Improvement: The goal of askesis for Kim is constant growth.  He measures success by internal standards (skills gained, projects completed) rather than external approval.  He counsels readers to create their own values and ignore others’ opinions .  By treating creativity, physical fitness and writing as continuous training, he keeps improving skills and resilience over time.
• Producer Mindset: Consistent with askesis, Kim emphasizes producing content and art rather than consuming.  He calls this “producerism,” arguing we’re happiest when we’re creating, not just buying things .  This reflects personal growth – building something every day strengthens confidence and ability.

Sources: Eric Kim’s own blog, essays, and podcast are the primary sources for these ideas. Quotations above are drawn from his published articles and interviews , which illustrate how he applies the concept of askesis to photography, fitness, writing, and philosophy. Each citation links to the relevant blog post or resource for further reading.

Military is the future

So now that the colder months are upon us, winter is here… I think about the world the planet life etc.… What is the meaning of it all and what is the path forward?

So apparently… I was randomly trolling IMDb… And I was very very surprised to see Christopher Nolan putting out a new Odyssey film? This is going to be epic.

So first, my first general thought on the military is I am not for violence or killing people or whatever… Ever since I was a kid, I was a pacifist. I actually remember recalling this very vividly as a kid… Very clearly as even a 12-year-old… If the American government spent even half of their budget on defense and military endeavors, and put it into education… Paying teachers better, attracting better talent or whatever… Then if that were the case, certainly kids would be far better off. For example, even funding after school programs, keeping kids off the street etc.

But anyways a random thought about colors, a new high-gloss military green vehicle wrap caught my eye, it is a very interesting color because it wasn’t really on my radar. I was more about the eye popping colors like extremely insanely high visibility orange, full fluorescent green, insanely hot pink and the like.

Green is fastening because ultimately it is the color of life. Everyone wants to see green grass, green Vista, see you there stock portfolio, their investments go green etc. It’s one of those funny things that a lot of people think that certain other things are better like red, everyone wants a red Ferrari… But nobody wants to see their investments go red?

Anyways, it’s interesting when it comes to vehicles… Living here in LA… It seems that also… Everyone wants their vehicle to look like some sort of military vehicle? If you think about the raised trucks SUVs… They essentially look like armored vehicles on the road. Even if you think about a cyber truck… It’s kind of like an affordable urban tank? Especially since it is bulletproof.

If you think about a military lifestyle, it should be all about austerity. For example, assuming that the summit of military discipline and lifestyle was the ancient Spartans, you don’t have a bunch of Spartans prancing around in purple Lamborghinis, or pink Rolls-Royce‘s,. Rather, they pride themselves on their military discipline their military valor, being outside all day, training for battle, in fact… lusting after battle.

In fact, I have an interesting theory… I think modern day man, the reason why modern day man is so depressed is because he doesn’t have any avenues to express his physical courage and valor? Like, when in modern day life will you ever suit up, get a sword and spear, put on your hub light helmet with the horse crest on top, roar, and go head to head in battle? Never.

I think the closest thing we have in modern day times is either like sports or the gym? Like football… Maybe rugby, something that actually requires some sort of physical courage.

I’ll give you an example I played football in high school, outside linebacker and inside linebacker my sophomore and junior year, starting, and the number one act of courage that you gotta do is go ahead to head with other highly adapt guys, all essentially suited up in their battle armor. To literally do a kickoff, run full speed to another dude, who grabs the ball and lowers his helmet and his body to accost you,,, it’s like one of the most unnatural things that a human being has to override his brain and doing. It’s practically 100% physical courage.

Football is interesting because certainly there’s a lot of skill involved, but I would say it’s like 99% physicality and courage.

There is a lot of other sports which takes physical string stamina, and skill… But not much physical courage?

What is physical courage anyways? Physical courage is like putting your skeleton your bones your muscles your brain on the line, and if you act in such a way that is cowardly, you inflict physical damage on yourself. 

Courage

Also when it comes to investing, there needs to be some sort of exposure. Like you cannot be a fake investor … just investing in some sort of simulation game. The reason why it never works, is because unless you have real money on the line… You will never do it honestly.

now what

1. Get some 3M High gloss military wrap for your car.

The point is to be outside!

I think the obvious thought is the purpose of life is to be outside! To be out in the wilderness in the forest in the woods, the mountains, just drive walk take the bike or public transit.

photo joy

keep it insanely easy

I’m still shocked, my old LUMIX G9 4/3 body still runs like a champ! And actually… I’m still thinking, … smaller sensor sizes are highly underrated.

For example, and also at the end of the day… Having auto focus is insanely convenient. Especially when you’re just photographing your kid running around playing with his train tracks.

The next Leica Q4 shouldn’t have an electronic viewfinder

Which makes me think, I really think that the next Leica Q4 camera really doesn’t need an electronic view finder. The art of subtraction is sublime.

Military lifestyle

It’s kind of interesting too because you think about it… assuming that discipline is happiness… or freedom or whatever,.. then, the amazing idea is that happiness joy and freedom isn’t some sort of abstract and notion but rather something you could start cultivating now through “askesis”–> training.

LUMIX G9 II

I still really think this body is very underrated. Because the truth is even if you’re doing Fillmore media, 99% of difficulty is just having the focus. I think also what people don’t understand is once you start increasing the sensor size, full frame medium format large format, cinema cameras… 99% of the work is just nailing the focus.

What’s great with micro for it is extremely much more forgiving with focusing. And you can still shoot with a F1.4 lens, like the impressive Leica LUMIX 12mm f1.4 lens.,, which is a 24mm full frame equivalent.

Full frame

I think for novice photographers who don’t know any better… everyone wants to jump on the full frame bandwagon. But this was only an issue maybe like 15 years ago, not now. An ASPC crop sensor, like on a Fuji or Ricoh,,, could shoot like 100,000 ISO with practically no noise.

Then perhaps people want like a depth of field focus effect… But come on, we have AI and ChatGPT for that now.

–> so I think they’re really big idea which is interesting is that like 99% of the old gimmicks,,, which could only be done with really expensive camera gear could instantly be done with AI. so save your money and efforts and return back to the simple basics of photography? 

ERIC

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