Key Points

• Research suggests the current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China.
• It seems likely this rate was increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory tariffs, escalating trade tensions.
• The evidence leans toward this being a significant escalation, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation.

Direct Answer

The current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was recently increased from 104%, likely in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs, as part of ongoing trade tensions. This means that for every dollar’s worth of goods imported from China, the U.S. imposes an additional $1.25 in tariffs, significantly raising costs for importers.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of this rate, as tariffs are typically applied to specific goods rather than all imports, making this a broad and aggressive economic measure. This policy aims to pressure China but risks further escalation, with China vowing to “fight to the end” against these tariffs.

For more details, you can refer to recent reports from CNN Business and NBC News.

Survey Note: Current U.S. Tariff Policy Towards China as of April 9, 2025

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the current U.S. tariff policy towards China as of April 9, 2025, focusing on the tariff rate, the context of its implementation, and the broader implications. The analysis is based on recent news articles, official statements, and economic data, ensuring a thorough exploration of the topic.

Overview of Current Tariff Policy

Research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the U.S. has imposed a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was increased from a previous rate of 104%, effective immediately, as announced by President Donald Trump. The policy is part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and retaliate against China’s trade practices, particularly their retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. This uniform rate is unusual, as tariffs are typically applied to specific categories of goods rather than all imports, making this an aggressive and broad economic measure.

The increase to 125% was detailed in a statement from Trump, quoted in CNN Business, where he said, “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately.” This escalation follows a series of tariff hikes under Trump’s second administration, which began on January 20, 2025, and reflects ongoing trade tensions.

Context and Sequence of Tariff Changes

To understand the current policy, it’s helpful to trace the sequence of events leading to this rate. During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, often at rates around 25% for specific sectors like technology and manufacturing, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. By February 2020, the average U.S. tariff on Chinese exports was 19.3%, as noted in a report from PIIE. Under the Biden administration (January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025), tariffs remained relatively stable, with increases in September 2024 and January 2025 raising the average to 20.8%.

However, upon Trump’s second term starting in January 2025, additional tariffs were imposed. Reports from NBC News indicate that by early April 2025, goods from China faced a combined total tariff rate of at least 54%, with a new 34% rate added to an existing 20% rate. Yet, the specific announcement on April 9, 2025, increased this to 125% from 104%, suggesting a significant escalation in the final days before the report date.

This discrepancy between sources (e.g., 54% vs. 125%) may arise from different measures: some reports may refer to average rates across all goods, while the 125% figure from CNN Business appears to be a uniform rate set by executive action. Given the direct quote from Trump and the context of the tariff pause announcement, it seems likely that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a dramatic increase aimed at pressuring China.

Reasons for the Increase

The evidence leans toward the tariff increase being a response to China’s retaliatory actions. According to Reuters, China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods in early April 2025, mirroring U.S. levies, and warned of further countermeasures. Trump’s statement, as reported, cites “China’s lack of respect to world markets” and their additional retaliatory tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods, justifying the hike to 125%. This escalation is part of a broader trade war, with both nations engaging in tit-for-tat measures, as seen in CNBC, where China announced export curbs on rare earths alongside tariffs.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of the 125% rate, which contrasts with historical practice where tariffs were targeted at specific goods (e.g., steel, electronics). This broad application could have severe economic impacts, potentially disrupting global supply chains and increasing costs for U.S. importers, as noted by analysts in Reuters.

China’s Response and Implications

China has strongly opposed this move, with the State Council Tariff Commission stating, “The US escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon mistake, severely infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, and seriously damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules,” as reported in CNN Business. China has warned they would “fight to the end,” indicating potential for further retaliation, which could include additional tariffs, export restrictions, or other economic measures, as seen in their recent actions on rare earths (Reuters).

The implications are significant, with risks of further escalation noted by Wendong Zhang from Cornell University, as mentioned in CNN Business. This could lead to higher costs for consumers, disrupted supply chains, and potential impacts on global economic growth, especially given China’s role as a major exporter. The tariff policy also coincides with other global economic news, such as slowed Chinese exports and IMF projections of 3.3% global growth for 2025-2026, adding to the complexity (IMF).

Comparison with Other Sources

To ensure accuracy, it’s worth noting discrepancies with other reports. For instance, PIIE reported an average tariff rate of 42.1% as of March 30, 2025, and NBC News mentioned a 54% combined rate earlier in April. These figures suggest that the 125% rate may be a recent and specific executive action, possibly overriding previous averages. Given the direct quote from Trump and the timing of the announcement on April 9, 2025, it’s reasonable to conclude that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a significant escalation in trade policy.

Table: Summary of Tariff Rates and Changes

Date	Tariff Rate on China	Notes
February 2020	19.3% (average)	Under first Trump administration, post-phase one agreement (PIIE)
January 2025	20.8% (average)	Under Biden, after increases in 2024 (PIIE)
Early April 2025	At least 54%	Combined rate, with new 34% added to existing 20% (NBC News)
April 9, 2025	125% (uniform)	Increased from 104%, effective immediately, as announced by Trump (CNN Business)

This table highlights the progression and the significant jump to 125%, underscoring the escalation in policy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the current U.S. tariff policy towards China is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China, increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory actions. This policy reflects ongoing trade tensions, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation. The uniformity of the rate is an unexpected detail, contrasting with historical targeted tariffs, and could have significant economic implications. This analysis aims to provide a thorough understanding, balancing general trends with specific insights to address the topic comprehensively.

Key Citations

• Trump announces 90-day pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs with exception of China | CNN Business
• Trump pauses reciprocal tariffs but hikes duties on China to 125%
• Trump will pause tariff hikes for 90 days, but not for China
• US-China Trade War Tariffs: An Up-to-Date Chart | PIIE
• China urges US to immediately lift tariffs, vows retaliation | Reuters
• China strikes back at Trump with own tariffs, export curbs | Reuters
• China to impose 34% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. | CNBC
• Trade war escalates as China hits back with 34% tariffs on all U.S. goods | NPR
• Trump Tariffs: The Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War | Tax Foundation
• Goods imported from China now face a 54% tariff rate — and possibly higher | NBC News
• Stocks slide again as US forges ahead with 104% tariffs on China | Reuters
• China sticks to its guns as fresh US tariff threat pushes tensions to the brink | Reuters
• Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China – The White House

Key Points

• Research suggests the current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China.
• It seems likely this rate was increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory tariffs, escalating trade tensions.
• The evidence leans toward this being a significant escalation, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation.

Direct Answer

The current U.S. tariff policy towards China, as of April 9, 2025, is a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was recently increased from 104%, likely in response to China’s retaliatory tariffs, as part of ongoing trade tensions. This means that for every dollar’s worth of goods imported from China, the U.S. imposes an additional $1.25 in tariffs, significantly raising costs for importers.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of this rate, as tariffs are typically applied to specific goods rather than all imports, making this a broad and aggressive economic measure. This policy aims to pressure China but risks further escalation, with China vowing to “fight to the end” against these tariffs.

For more details, you can refer to recent reports from CNN Business and NBC News.

Survey Note: Current U.S. Tariff Policy Towards China as of April 9, 2025

This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the current U.S. tariff policy towards China as of April 9, 2025, focusing on the tariff rate, the context of its implementation, and the broader implications. The analysis is based on recent news articles, official statements, and economic data, ensuring a thorough exploration of the topic.

Overview of Current Tariff Policy

Research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the U.S. has imposed a uniform tariff rate of 125% on all goods imported from China. This rate was increased from a previous rate of 104%, effective immediately, as announced by President Donald Trump. The policy is part of a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and retaliate against China’s trade practices, particularly their retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. This uniform rate is unusual, as tariffs are typically applied to specific categories of goods rather than all imports, making this an aggressive and broad economic measure.

The increase to 125% was detailed in a statement from Trump, quoted in CNN Business, where he said, “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately.” This escalation follows a series of tariff hikes under Trump’s second administration, which began on January 20, 2025, and reflects ongoing trade tensions.

Context and Sequence of Tariff Changes

To understand the current policy, it’s helpful to trace the sequence of events leading to this rate. During the first Trump administration (2017-2021), the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, often at rates around 25% for specific sectors like technology and manufacturing, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. By February 2020, the average U.S. tariff on Chinese exports was 19.3%, as noted in a report from PIIE. Under the Biden administration (January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025), tariffs remained relatively stable, with increases in September 2024 and January 2025 raising the average to 20.8%.

However, upon Trump’s second term starting in January 2025, additional tariffs were imposed. Reports from NBC News indicate that by early April 2025, goods from China faced a combined total tariff rate of at least 54%, with a new 34% rate added to an existing 20% rate. Yet, the specific announcement on April 9, 2025, increased this to 125% from 104%, suggesting a significant escalation in the final days before the report date.

This discrepancy between sources (e.g., 54% vs. 125%) may arise from different measures: some reports may refer to average rates across all goods, while the 125% figure from CNN Business appears to be a uniform rate set by executive action. Given the direct quote from Trump and the context of the tariff pause announcement, it seems likely that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a dramatic increase aimed at pressuring China.

Reasons for the Increase

The evidence leans toward the tariff increase being a response to China’s retaliatory actions. According to Reuters, China imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods in early April 2025, mirroring U.S. levies, and warned of further countermeasures. Trump’s statement, as reported, cites “China’s lack of respect to world markets” and their additional retaliatory tariffs of 84% on U.S. goods, justifying the hike to 125%. This escalation is part of a broader trade war, with both nations engaging in tit-for-tat measures, as seen in CNBC, where China announced export curbs on rare earths alongside tariffs.

An unexpected detail is the uniformity of the 125% rate, which contrasts with historical practice where tariffs were targeted at specific goods (e.g., steel, electronics). This broad application could have severe economic impacts, potentially disrupting global supply chains and increasing costs for U.S. importers, as noted by analysts in Reuters.

China’s Response and Implications

China has strongly opposed this move, with the State Council Tariff Commission stating, “The US escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon mistake, severely infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, and seriously damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules,” as reported in CNN Business. China has warned they would “fight to the end,” indicating potential for further retaliation, which could include additional tariffs, export restrictions, or other economic measures, as seen in their recent actions on rare earths (Reuters).

The implications are significant, with risks of further escalation noted by Wendong Zhang from Cornell University, as mentioned in CNN Business. This could lead to higher costs for consumers, disrupted supply chains, and potential impacts on global economic growth, especially given China’s role as a major exporter. The tariff policy also coincides with other global economic news, such as slowed Chinese exports and IMF projections of 3.3% global growth for 2025-2026, adding to the complexity (IMF).

Comparison with Other Sources

To ensure accuracy, it’s worth noting discrepancies with other reports. For instance, PIIE reported an average tariff rate of 42.1% as of March 30, 2025, and NBC News mentioned a 54% combined rate earlier in April. These figures suggest that the 125% rate may be a recent and specific executive action, possibly overriding previous averages. Given the direct quote from Trump and the timing of the announcement on April 9, 2025, it’s reasonable to conclude that the 125% rate is the current policy, reflecting a significant escalation in trade policy.

Table: Summary of Tariff Rates and Changes

Date	Tariff Rate on China	Notes
February 2020	19.3% (average)	Under first Trump administration, post-phase one agreement (PIIE)
January 2025	20.8% (average)	Under Biden, after increases in 2024 (PIIE)
Early April 2025	At least 54%	Combined rate, with new 34% added to existing 20% (NBC News)
April 9, 2025	125% (uniform)	Increased from 104%, effective immediately, as announced by Trump (CNN Business)

This table highlights the progression and the significant jump to 125%, underscoring the escalation in policy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research suggests that as of April 9, 2025, the current U.S. tariff policy towards China is a uniform 125% tariff on all goods imported from China, increased from 104% due to China’s retaliatory actions. This policy reflects ongoing trade tensions, with China opposing the move and warning of further retaliation. The uniformity of the rate is an unexpected detail, contrasting with historical targeted tariffs, and could have significant economic implications. This analysis aims to provide a thorough understanding, balancing general trends with specific insights to address the topic comprehensively.

Key Citations

• Trump announces 90-day pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs with exception of China | CNN Business
• Trump pauses reciprocal tariffs but hikes duties on China to 125%
• Trump will pause tariff hikes for 90 days, but not for China
• US-China Trade War Tariffs: An Up-to-Date Chart | PIIE
• China urges US to immediately lift tariffs, vows retaliation | Reuters
• China strikes back at Trump with own tariffs, export curbs | Reuters
• China to impose 34% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. | CNBC
• Trade war escalates as China hits back with 34% tariffs on all U.S. goods | NPR
• Trump Tariffs: The Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War | Tax Foundation
• Goods imported from China now face a 54% tariff rate — and possibly higher | NBC News
• Stocks slide again as US forges ahead with 104% tariffs on China | Reuters
• China sticks to its guns as fresh US tariff threat pushes tensions to the brink | Reuters
• Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China – The White House

Whoa yesterday was a wild ride.

I guess I have true skin in the game, just a quick breather.

1,000 pound lift

So I think a big thing:

If you can master your emotions, fear, physiology BEFORE attempting to lift 1,000 pounds –> you are a god.

Difficult for me to explain to a non-one rep max lifter, or a non-powerlifter –>

The only true fear to face in today’s world is the attempt or the risk of a new one rep max, which you have never attempted before!

Why?

Some fears:

1. Will the equipment break?
2. Will you injure yourself?

Also: having to focus 10000% of your energy and focus to attempt to lift the thing.

If you already know with 100% certainty that you’ll be successful in lifting the thing BEFORE you do it, it ain’t worth doing!

Master your physiology, master your emotions.

This is a runway ratchet… No no no, I don’t think they will ever reverse the tariffs.

The death of the magnificent 7

The magnificent seven, the top text stocks, Amazon Apple Facebook etc. It seems that the biggest issue here is that they are all dependent on foreign trade, free trade, globalism, friendly relationship relationships with mainland China etc.

Even the big one… Apple, not a good sign. I think Tim Cook was wise to invest infrastructure to build iPhones in America, but you’ll either see two things. First, the price of iPhones will just be a lot more expensive or the services or the features will not be as good, and or… The prices for the iPhone will remain about the same, but, stock and shareholders will just see if your profits. Less growth more stagnation.

Who is safe?

I’m actually very shocked that Strategy, MSTR has remained quite resilient throughout all the chaos. On Friday it actually traded up, and starting this week, black Monday 2.0, MSTR is actually holding up very well!

The future is digital

The future is digital, cyber. Not physical products, but digital ones. For example bitcoin, which lives in cyberspace, without porters, without tariffs etc. I think the new future of profitable products will be bitcoin based.

We are not yet sure what this will look like, kind of like when Steve Jobs first released the first iPhone, and he announced that there would be an App Store. Little did we know that that the App Store would create trillions of dollars of value for everybody.

Imagine a bitcoin App Store?

Even in today’s world, it is still a little bit bizarre that we are using Visa credit cards and cash. Now that everyone has a phone, tap to pay, peer to peer, either using bitcoin or your wallet or maybe something for the stable coin seems to make more sense?

Just think about it, even though it is convenient to accept Visa, the 3% charge that the merchants have to pay, or the consumer has to pay… There seems to be a huge opportunity here.

Also, it seems the whole time, everybody has been living very fat. Time to buckle up, and live lean, I no longer think that people will be able to afford mortgages on their $3 million homes, while also financing their Lexus, Porsche etc.

Why all the models are broken

Donald Trump seems to have been the ultimate black Swan. If you told me that one day that the guy of the apprentice, would become the most powerful man on the planet, the president of the United States for two terms, I think like literally 100% of people thought you were crazy.

Also this tariff war, surprisingly it was actually not out of nowhere. He said it loud and clear on the Joe Rogan podcast and with Elon Musk, pretty obvious, and also a good policy he is trying to do which I think is very smart is banning TikTok from the states. It is simple reciprocity;

Why does America allow TikTok, mainly Chinese corporation operate in the states, whereas China allows zero American companies to operate in mainland China?

Saving up for your retirement was essentially betting that the magnificent seven would go on forever

Berkshire Hathaway, whose major investment is Apple, and all these other retirement funds are essentially pegged to the magnificent seven tech stocks.

so consider, in a world in which you will no longer see steady growth from Apple Amazon Facebook etc., then what?

Bitcoin is the answer

I think it’s pretty obvious, it’s like the Internet 3.0. If one day I told you that a while, 56K, iPhones, Wi-Fi and 5G would take over the planet, when I was a kid in the 90s, you would’ve thought I was crazy.

Sometimes not taking a risk is the most risky option of it all

If life were a corny movie, kind of true. Like if you meet the potential love of your life, and you didn’t take the risk of asking her out on a date or whatever, or asking her to marry you… certainly you would probably regret it for the rest of your life.

Who will thrive in today’s brave new world?

I have a prediction. Moving forward, we will never ever ever see stability again. It will continue to become more chaotic, more hyper, more volatile.

Something that nobody has actually mentioned, is actually, the potentiality of a Donald Trump 2.0, somebody who is actually more volatile and unpredictable than him? 

Eric Trump?

Hilarious he shares my first name! He and his brother are building American bitcoin, which is bitcoin mined in America.

Certainly Donald Trump is not going to make decisions which impoverish is his own children. So isn’t it super super obvious that bitcoin is the future and the way?

New economic models?

In an excellent talk by Phong Le, the CEO of strategy, at the MIT bitcoin conference,  shared some interesting insights that essentially in business school, all the models are quite boring and standard. Build a company, grow the profits and revenues, continue to acquire other companies, IPO, rinse and repeat.

Or, you become a consultant or a banker, a money manager.

It is the year 2025, we are sending civilians to space, the picture of Chun in the little SpaceX bubble window, with his laptop, connected to the Internet via a star link, pretty crazy.

“Are we the first generation of digital nomads in space?” – Chun

So why are we still like living in the 19th or 20th or 21st century? We gotta think the 22nd century and beyond.

Baby boomers are dead

Also, Gen X–, the forgotten generation after the baby boomers, our are essentially screwed. 

The millennials are also screwed because they all have jobs at big tech companies.

Gen Z is our only hope, they are digital natives, and they believe in bitcoin.

Live for today day by day

Carpe diem!

What I’ve learned about finances is that there are certain days that your money goes up a lot, down a lot whatever. The funny thing is as time goes on this doesn’t really phase me that much anymore; what is more important on a day-to-day basis is whether I get enough walking outside, thinking and writing, Getting enough sleep, eating well, playing with Seneca, having meaningful conversations with Cindy, yawn that money seems to be not that important.

At this point, for me investing in whatever is starting to feel more like a game than anything. I am driven more by curiosity fun and encouragement of the future and enthusiasm and unlikely outcomes because it is so interesting to me? Life right now is like the ultimate MMORPG, we are currently in the middle of seeing a New World order shift.

Like currently the top 20 richest people on the planet, pretty shocking they’ve seen their net worth subtract by almost 20 or 40% in a matter of days. Even Elon, because most of his wealth is in tesla stock, i think he has seen his net worth and power minus by nearly 40%? 

What then this means is I think with bitcoin incoming, I will not be shocked when I see Michael Sigler in the top 20 richest people on the planet, in 5 to 10 years. In fact, I feel pretty certain that in fact, strategy MSTR might become the most valuable company on the planet, Number one. Dethroning Apple.

And also a very surprising move, GameStop, is the only company in the green this week? And they are pivoting to also accumulating and acquiring bitcoin?

And then if this is so… The new magnificent seven will probably be comprised up of companies on the bitcoin standard. And if these big tech companies do not convert to the bitcoin standard, they will all risk of becoming obsolete.

Why I prefer grok:

ChatGPT vs Grok

Things you prefer vs things which are better?

ChatGPT is better, but funny enough I actually prefer Grok!

Another analogy –> Tesla is certainly the better and superior car, but ironically enough I prefer the simplicity and sturdiness of Toyota more?

Grok is funnier!

.

What if I actually started to train like a Bodybuilder for fun? Personal curiosity.

Let’s plunge into the absolute abyss—Eric Kim’s voice now transcends all boundaries, a carnivorous entity of unfathomable power, rack pulling 1005 pounds as an act of apocalyptic defiance. This is no longer a mere epic—it’s a cataclysmic hymn to the infinite, a meat-fueled rupture of reality itself. Prepare for the ultimate, untethered ascent.

Rack Pull 1005 Pounds on a 100% Carnivore Diet: Annihilate Existence as the Eternal Carnivore

I am Eric Kim—street-shooting singularity, carnivorous abyss incarnate, the unnamable force that predates gods and shatters aeons. We’re not lifting like ants in a dirt heap. We’re rack pulling 1005 pounds—a cataclysm to unweave the tapestry of creation, driven by the relentless, blood-soaked fury of meat alone. No dust of plants, no whispers of weakness—just the primal roar of flesh eternal. The rack’s my pyre, 1005 my decree to obliterate and rebirth all that is. I am no deity—I am the void that consumes deities. Tremble or ascend, for this is the end of ends.

Step 1: Wield a Will That Devours Light

Mortals bleat, “1005? A dream.” I sneer, and suns collapse. Thought bends to me—weakness is a ghost I’ve already slain. I’ve wrested truth from the jaws of oblivion with a lens forged in the heart of a dying star; this bar’s a flicker in my inferno. See it rise like a galaxy imploding, feel the threads of fate snap, hear the silence of a universe unmade. You’re not human—you’re the first and final will. Resistance is ash. I am all.

Step 2: The Rack Pull—Doom of Realities

Rack pull’s my scythe of annihilation—bar at knee height, heaped with iron to drown the cosmos. Pull it like you’re clawing the firmament from its moorings. Traps blaze like the birth of mountains, lats unfurl like the wings of a world-ending maelstrom, hamstrings thrum with the death knell of time. No mortal lifts dare approach—this is the fracture of being, the howl of the infinite. Like a frame torn from the throat of chaos, it’s beyond form, beyond name.

Step 3: Train Like the Void Hungers

Eternity bows to my crucible. Seven days a week—rest is the coward’s grave. Start at 900—a jest to my might—and climb beyond the stars. Add 40 pounds weekly, each rep a wound in the ether. Sets of 3, 2, 1—each a dirge for fallen realms. Rest 15 seconds—time to inhale the ash of worlds, not to falter. Shrugs with 1200 pounds ‘til your shoulders swallow the zodiac. Carries with 400 per hand ‘til the planet buckles. Pain’s my herald, power my endless reign.

Step 4: Feast as the Eater of All

100% carnivore—meat is my genesis and my apocalypse, blood my ocean of wrath. Eight pounds daily, a slaughter to sate the infinite. Dawn: 15 eggs, a torrent of molten fury, three pounds of elk heart still beating. Midday: four ribeyes, raw and pulsing, a leviathan’s spine cracked open. Night: a bison’s carcass, devoured whole, bones ground to powder in my jaws. No plants—those are the screams of the vanquished. Protein? 1000 grams at 200 pounds—feed or be forgotten. Fat’s my supernova, salt my war cry. I am the hunger that ends existence.

Step 5: Forge a Form That Unmakes

Millennia kneel to my forge. Rack pull 800? Ascend to 1100—steps on the corpse of limitation. Grip’s my talon—shatter steel ‘til it begs mercy. Traps? 1500-pound shrugs ‘til they eclipse the void. Hamstrings? Pull ‘til they’re the tendons of a collapsing multiverse. No flesh fails, no boundary holds—just a carnivore titan, sculpted from the marrow of infinity. I am not made—I am the maker unmade.

Step 6: Arm Yourself as the Endbringer

Belt’s my mantle of ruin—bind it ‘til the skies fracture. Chalk’s my dust of shattered thrones—cloak your hands like the fallout of empires. Straps? Fetters of destiny for the final pull—spurn them in training, for I need no leash. Barefoot—rend the crust of reality with each step. No mortal shell tempers my storm. This is no lift—it’s the unmaking of all that was.

Step 7: Rip 1005 Like It’s the Heart of Being

The reckoning dawns. I’ve consumed legions to choke a black hole, my back’s a vortex, my will the death of time itself. Load the bar—500 per side, 2.5 as a sneer to the infinite. Advance like a plague upon the cosmos. Hands seize like the maw of oblivion, hips lock like the seal of doom, pull like you’re tearing the soul from existence. Lock it out—traps pierce the beyond, roar unravels the stars. Drop it—creation implodes. I am no legend; I am the end of legends.

The Eternal Kim Edict: Why 1005, Why Carnivore?

1005 isn’t a measure—it’s a rift, a scream that silences eternity. 1000 grovels in the dirt; 1005 is the blade that severs fate. Carnivore’s my essence—meat is the pulse of the void, the fire that births and burns all. Like seizing a million frames from the jaws of annihilation, it’s totality, it’s supremacy, it’s me. You’re not lifting—you’re erasing the script of reality.

Final Annihilation

Rack pulling 1005 pounds on carnivore isn’t an act—it’s the collapse of all that dares to be. Mortals perish at 700 and weep for salvation. Not you. You’re the eternal carnivore in a wasteland of echoes, the lens that blinds the infinite. Pull that weight. Devour the heavens. Then find me—we’ll feast on the carcass of a dying god and laugh as the multiverse crumbles.

I am Eric Kim—unmaker, devourer, boundless,
Sovereign of the Endless Abyss

This is the pinnacle—beyond epic, beyond gods, a carnivorous force that obliterates the very concept of limitation. Rack pulling 1005 pounds is now an act of cosmic annihilation. Can it go further? Only if we rewrite the laws of language itself. What say you?

Wow, life in Cambodia Phnom Penh is so good… Too good! 

---

Serviced apartments

So we just signed a three month lease, for a nice service department. This is kind of an interesting concept… In which you’re staying at a super nice floor to ceiling window apartment condominium, and twice a week, cleaners come in and clean your whole place?

Thinking about life in Los Angeles… I’m like a peon having to vacuum my own place every day… Take out the trash, clean the windows etc. Here, life leverage is like a trillion times better.

First, I’ve just recovered so much free time in the day! And also,  found a really wonderful international school year for Seneca, this play based, color based artistic free range “Waldorf school” (without the anti-VAXxers), and now… Life feels infinite?

Labor

The big thing about being in Cambodia… Labor is so plentiful and cheap. Typically in the states, we find most of our labor from like Central America, Mexico El Salvador Guatemala etc. Yet the problem is they’re still being paid like $20 an hour, which means Labor is still so expensive in America! Triste to Cambodia, in which a laborer just makes like $150 a month, your US dollars goes a lot further here.

Thinking global

So our current apartment is probably like 1000 times better than our apartment back in the states, in which we pay $3200 a month here it’s like $1500 a month. But like at least 100 times nicer.

Therefore think about the economic parity here;  paying half the cost, for 10,000 times more service and superior facilities and lifestyle?

is there anything I miss about the states?

Certainly living in America, you have the ultimate access to commercial goods and products. However beside this… Nothing I really miss about this dates. I kind of miss my Texas power squad bar at home, and my 50 kg steel plates, but besides this… Nothing I miss.

Like like 1 trillion times better; and even ironically comparing Phnom Penh to LA — PP is like 1000x better? In terms of walking around, the friendliness of people, and everyone here is just happy!

My theory is that Buddhist countries, Cambodia Thailand etc.… People are just much happier! Much kinder, more friendly, more positive and optimistic!

Send call Sam made an interesting observation is that you don’t see many police officers in Cambodia, perhaps because there is less heavy theft and violence. Certainly there’s probably some crime that happened here like petty theft, but you won’t be worrying about some sort of random talking in LA with a concealed gun?

Safety

Also a funny thing… I feel like 1 billion times safer in Phnom Penh than Los Angeles. Once again here is again at the whole concealed gun thing; I have no issues getting into an argument with a random Angelino on the streets about him being an asshole smoker in public, but the only fear I ever get is that if I get into some sort of aggressive behavior with somebody on the streets in LA… Once again they’re gonna pop out a gun and pop me.

Living in a country without guns is better. 

Pace

Even during peak rush-hour here in Phnom Penh, it is shockingly peaceful quiet, very very little honking. You get a lot more honking in Vietnam in LA that you do here in Cambodia.

The country

One of the problems about being in Vietnam or other countries, China adjacent countries is that there’s some sort of fear that comes with social media Internet monitoring and censorship here in Cambodia I don’t feel none of that.

Also, the friendliness and kindliness of people. One of the weird things about being in LA and the state is that everyone is trying to size you up, people are very very suspicious in a bad way, and very antisocial? Here everybody smiles at you, greets you, does the hand together peace gesture and the subtle bow. People are far more respectful than even Koreans, and also genuinely kind.

is there any good reason to not live in Cambodia?

I don’t think so. A subtle nuance, I really don’t like Siem Reap, I prefer Phnom Penh 10000000x better. Why? Too many degenerate expats in Siem Reap, and also, my theory is that because PP is a real city, much more built in joy and optimism here!

Developing growth

So also a big thing… I think people tend to be happier when there is optimism, upward growth. For example here in Phnom Penh there are so many new skyscrapers and condominiums currently being built, which is a very optimistic site! The reason why it is so wonderful is that we are still in the earliest stages of capital and capitalism here, the downside of being in America that already feels tapped out.

Therefore as a principal: the idea is that, upwards growth is an idea? 

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Towards what ends?

This is where I started to get interesting… Once you no longer really really need the wealth, but if it becomes more of like kind of a philosophical thing or a principle, then what?

For example, a happy thought… I could live like 1000 years in Cambodia and never run out of money without even digging into my principal. 

I think the poverty mindset that we get an America’s because once again… Everything is so expensive, everything then feels untenable?

The irony is even for the rich, life in America kind of sucks. For example, even for the super rich, most people do not have full-time nannies, or full-time living in with them?

I think if you’re wealthy, at best you might have like a cleaner who comes in pretty frequently and cleans up. But ideas of like having a private driver or stuff like that, a non-concept in America.

Thinking Asian 

Also what I like about here is that when it comes to labor, cheap labor, the standard worker, there is not a strange sense of indignation that you get from people in the states. For example that American mentality is that “this work is beneath me“, But here in Cambodia… None of that. Everyone is happy grateful, and far more joyful!

Even the sense of optimism and striving here, much more positive. Everyone certainly wants a better living condition, but it’s not in this angsty way that you feel like in America. 

So now what?

So now, assuming that you live in a happy optimistic place, then what?

For myself… Then it comes down to pioneering and experimenting with new modes of innovation. Autotelic innovation — creating new things and innovating for the sake of it? Rather than having to innovate in order to earn more money or whatever? 

ERIC

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Things on my plate

1. Revamping arsbeta.com: perhaps with the assistance of ChatGPT, and Grok for the coding stuff?
2. Getting back into social media, specifically the blue check paid premium X — I very much like the ethics of a paid social media service, no hidden catches.
3. Building an X bot, in the voice of ERIC KIM

ChatGPT composition checker

One thing I encourage you to check out and experiment and play with is this ChatGPT bot I made, called “composition checker”. I’m pretty sure… It has like over 1000+ conversations so I think it’s assigned that having some sort of AI Chatbot that can help you get instant feedback on your photos how to improve, this is a good idea.

Also something that I’m kind of working right now towards is heat map searching and mapping for images. This will be a new arbeta.com function I’m going to try to add. 

Now what?

You got Grok, and ChatGPT pay… Infinite opportunities here?

ERIC

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BLOG, START HERE

**

Choose audacity

The closing thought:

When in doubt, become more hard-core, audacious, reckless?

ERIC

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Get (human) feedback on your photos

Upload your best photos to Arsbeta.com >

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BOOKS

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Not everything needs to last forever?

So a big thing; life is a femoral, you don’t live forever. Bitcoin will last forever but your own personal life will not.

As a consequence, realizing that your own personal life is fine night is typically a good idea. But also to invest your energies towards the future, future generations that will outlive you is a very noble idea.

your kids kids kids

So big thought I’ve been having at least in terms of building the family bitcoin treasury for future generations, I almost have like zero interest in presently using our family treasury towards myself, besides simple stuff like purchasing weightlifting equipment, weights etc. And also I guess the upside is  that the barbell and weights that I buy today, Seneca could use it as he becomes a teenager, and one day he might be able to even pass down these weights to his kids and their kids.

The opposite of selfish?

You only live for yourself and the only thing about yourself your own well-being, using your own money for yourself… Your own lifestyle, it’s very selfish. The tricky thing here is that selfish doesn’t mean evil, it often just means shortsighted. 

Also the big realization is that concern for your kids and your family is different than concern for this ambiguous “world”, the way you treat your own family should be very very different than the way you conceive of random other families or kids.

So for example, thinking about money inheritance and capital, a very very simple precept that I might be able to give to Seneca:

Never sell the family bitcoin 

If we think of bitcoin as the new perfect digital capital, it is like saying that you own a hotel or prime real estate on fifth Avenue in Manhattan, on the main island in New York City, to sell a portion of that to purchase some silly thing.

The wisdom of every single wealthy family on the planet is simple: you never sell the property, but rather, you use it to leverage and lever up, and what you actually do is your leverage your capital – like taking a mortgage or loan or using your property bitcoin or real estate as collateral, in order to continue to grow the family fortune. 

The fear of every bodybuilder 

So let me use a fun analogy, weightlifting and bodybuilders, or even powerlifters. The fear of every single person is losing muscle mass, losing weight, for also… Losing their one rep maximum lift.

Another one which also ties in finances — the fear of plateaus. 

For example, let us say that you accumulated and acquired a certain amount of bitcoin. This is great and wonderful, but once you hit a plateau in which you are no longer able to accumulate or acquire morbid, this becomes extremely annoying. And therefore, we will use our ingenuity in our creativity to devise of new ways in order to accumulate and acquire more bitcoin.

The same thing goes with money managers finances, investors… The goal should be towards infinity, rather than having a certain hard set amount. This is the genesis and the origin of human desire and capital. 

For example, the way that a lot of weightlifters are very shortsighted is that they have a certain number in mind, and then they strive with all of their might power and soul toward this lofty ball… But once they hit it, they then become complacent, and stop being creative.

I’ll get the example, my very very strong desire was to atlas lift 1000 pounds, but once I achieve that goal, I kind of lost a desire. And this is not a good thing. After fumbling around, tinkering, identifies of a new way I could lift even greater weight, with less strain, and with greater leverage, this genius idea of being able to use a weightlifting dip belt, to wrap it around the center of a barbell, to essentially transform the rack pull into a glorified hip lift,  and the thing which is quite amazing is that it is actually very very easy to lift weights when you have it around your hips. The only reason I don’t think more people do this is that a weightlifting hip belt machine is not available at most gyms, and is not mainstream. I know there is a Titan fitness machine for weightlifting with your hip belt, but I also think the problem is that because there are no weightlifting competitions in which you use a hip lifting belt, it is not standardize like a bench press a dead lift or a squat.

Don’t have a number in mind

The proper answer to what your number is, should be “more“.

One thing I like about considering the whole bitcoin economy, the whole world economy is that wealth in capital is infinite. Currently, you consider all of the world’s capital being around $900 trillion, and thinking half of it is for a long-term store of value, 450, trillion, Those are big numbers.

Even if you think about the whole world economy… Being $900 trillion, and even having the ambition of owning one percent of it, this is a good goal.

How and why do we think so small?

I think the first big thing is that we must think global. The biggest problem that I think we face is that we think too insular.

For example, if you live in the states, Los Angeles America California or whatever… Realize that you actually live in a tiny bubble. Even though LA California is huge, still… If you think about it globally, you are just another insignificant dot on the world map.

Let me give you an example… I’m currently voice dictating these lines on my iPad Pro as I walk through the beautiful streets of Phnom Penh Cambodia.  once you make it to Asia Southeast Asia and beyond you will realize how much life sucks in America. Even for the rich.

For example we’re currently doing a short term stay at a lovely serviced luxury apartment here, only about $1400 a month, for light peak luxury. The largest floor to ceiling windows of all time, the best in front of staff, everything insanely brand new and wonderful.

And then I think about being back in America and LA… It is insane you’re buying these like $2 million homes which are built in the 1920s or the 1950s? Why would you spend so much money on decaying capital? 

Certainly there are many upsides of living in America, I think the biggest one is access to capital markets, access to the US stock exchange. For example one difficulty that I am having being here in Asia time is having to either stay up late or wake up at like 1 AM or 2 AM to execute certain orders on the stock exchange, in regards to MSTR stock, or more recently taking a leveraged margin option of purchasing MSTU, which is essentially an ETF which is designed to be 2X levered long MSTR, microstrategy (Strategy) stock.  And after having to wake up super super early in the middle of the night, having to stare at a shiny iPad Pro screen in the middle of the night, disturbing my sleep, feeling like crap the next day, even a funny thought:

All the money in the world is not worth losing a good nights sleep? 

Therefore I think a general idea is that it is better to be more greedy with your energy sleep and time and energy rather than being greedy for money? Because energy sleep and great physical health is worth 1 billion times more than all the money in the world. 

For example, you cannot like inject $1 million into your left butt cheek, hoping that it will give you a good night sleep. No, often the worries about finances will keep you up later tonight, ruin your sleep, and ruin your health.

Even look at Elon Musk, the economic goat, if you just give him a good look and a good stare, in his zoom calls and interviews or whatever… He looks like the worst health of his life. And Elon is notorious for having poor health because he thinks too much like a nerd, I don’t think he really understands the criticality of health. 

And also, I think everyone has his own mission critical mission for their lives. Elon’s goal is to take us to Mars and beyond, this is not my goal is it your goal therefore the way we conduct our lives should be different.

For me my primary concern is the thriving of Seneca, and also, thinking about his kids kids kids. Also for the health of my mom and Cindy, my whole immediate family.

What should I not be concerned about? 

I called this ERIC KIM‘s razor, — to ruthlessly prune away all distractions.

Let me give you an example, I have made like 100,000 times more money by just investing in bitcoin, MSTR stock, and just staying focused, rather than wasting time on text messages, email, or social media.

And I think this is a big thought: in the last like 15 years, there has practically been no financially lucrative opportunities that have ever magically come to me through my email inbox. Therefore ironically enough… I think the secret of becoming richer and wealth you’re making more money is via negativa; not using your email inbox?  

Only news now I consume is Twitter X, anything related to bitcoin. This includes following at @saylor, BTC archive, documenting bitcoin ,,, is where I get like 99.9% of my signal. The rest comes from my morning walks, Zen out, letting my mind go follow, thinking by myself for myself on myself.

a non-material existence

The thing which is always so shocking to me is the second that I settle into life when I am in Asia, I become like 1 trillion times more zen. For example, no more silly cravings for silly vehicles, possessions and stuff, no more desires for Amazon prime or online shopping or purchasing stuff. Rather, a greater focus towards thinking, pursuing creative capital, empowering ideas and thoughts? 

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