Eric Kim – well known as a street photographer, blogger, and educator – has openly embraced Stoic philosophy and woven it into his creative life. On his blog and in videos, Kim frequently explores Stoicism’s timeless principles, translating them into practical advice for photography and everyday living. He often declares “Stoics shall inherit the planet!” – a bold rallying cry that reflects his belief in Stoicism as a path to personal empowerment and triumph . From foundational essays on Stoic theory to offbeat tips for courageous photography, Eric Kim’s work offers a unique, motivational take on ancient wisdom.
Stoicism in Eric Kim’s Writings and Philosophy
Eric Kim has written extensively about Stoicism on his website, blending ancient insights with his own energetic twist. He first discovered Stoic philosophy through Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s book Antifragile, which sparked him to devour the works of Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus . The result is Kim’s own practical interpretation of Stoicism – one geared toward living fearlessly, staying positive, and thriving in both photography and life . On his blog you’ll find articles like “Stoicism 101,” “How to Become a Stoic,” “My Stoic Beliefs,” and “Stoicism is Armor for the Mind,” where he distills Stoic ideas for modern readers. In these writings, Kim emphasizes classic Stoic themes such as mastering one’s emotions, being resilient in the face of adversity, and focusing only on what one can control.
A few recurring key ideas emerge across Kim’s Stoic essays. First and foremost is fearlessness: “The first thought on stoicism is that it is just fear conquering,” he explains plainly . For Kim, Stoicism is a tool to build mental toughness – whether that means overcoming the fear of failure, rejection, or uncertainty. His piece “Becoming Stoic” encourages readers to intentionally seek discomfort (like taking cold showers for a month) as training for the mind . In “Stoicism 101,” he even quips that a true Stoic should be as robust as a Spartan warrior, advocating physical strength alongside strength of character . This colorful approach – envisioning Stoics with “the physique of Brad Pitt in 300” – underlines his view that physical vigor and courage are pillars of Stoicism . In essence, Eric Kim portrays Stoicism as a philosophy of action and power: be strong, be bold, and no obstacle can stop you.
Another major theme is turning every downside into an upside. Kim is relentlessly optimistic in his Stoic outlook. He practices the Stoic exercise of negative visualization – imagining the worst-case scenario – in order to rob misfortune of its bite . Citing trader-philosopher Taleb, Kim notes that if you assume your investments could go to zero each day, anything above zero is a win . In the same spirit, he famously summarizes Stoicism in one punchy line: “Life is all upside, no downside.” Embracing this mindset, he sees every experience (even hardship) as a bonus or opportunity for growth. Kim’s Stoic writings often urge the reader to welcome setbacks as fuel: if you accept the worst in advance, then whatever happens becomes a cause for gratitude and progress . This cheery amor fati attitude – loving one’s fate – runs through his blog like a current of positive energy.
Kim also stresses minimalism and independence as Stoic virtues. Inspired by Seneca’s advice, he preaches the “upsides of simulated poverty” – voluntarily living simply even if you don’t have to . By needing little, you become truly free. “Even Seneca said… living like a poor person when you don’t need to… is the ultimate position to be in. Why? True freedom of spirit and soul,” Kim writes, echoing the Stoic notion that wealth is the ability to want less . He applies this ethic by keeping his life and gear lean: “Own nothing” is one of his provocative article titles, and he is known for using one camera and one lens, wearing simple black clothing, and generally decluttering life . As he puts it, “true luxury is negative” – meaning the less you own, the more mental clarity and freedom you gain . This minimalist streak in Kim’s philosophy aligns with both Stoicism and Zen, reinforcing focus on what truly matters. Indeed, Kim often blends Stoic ideas with Eastern philosophy, describing Stoicism as a flexible “toolkit” rather than a strict doctrine . He loves to remind readers that even Marcus Aurelius never explicitly called himself a “Stoic”; the label isn’t important – living by the principles is what counts . This open-minded approach keeps his tone pragmatic and upbeat. Stoicism, in Kim’s hands, is not about being grim or detached – it’s about laughing at life’s absurdities, staying cheerful and adaptable no matter what comes .
In summary, Eric Kim’s writings present Stoicism as a vibrant, action-oriented philosophy. He combines classical wisdom (quotes from Seneca or Epictetus) with personal anecdotes (pushing himself in extreme workouts or world travel) to illustrate Stoic lessons. The overall message is empowering: With a Stoic mindset, you can conquer fear, find joy in adversity, and create a life of meaning and freedom. Kim’s passionate essays have essentially become guideposts for his followers, showing them how to live Stoicism in the modern world – from the streets with a camera to the everyday challenges of work and art.
Applying Stoic Principles to Photography and Work
One of the most interesting aspects of Eric Kim’s engagement with Stoicism is how he applies Stoic principles to his craft – especially street photography – and to his role as a blogger and educator. In Kim’s view, photography is more than an art; it’s a mental and spiritual training ground. He often says that “99% of street photography is simply conquering your fears.” By this he means the biggest obstacle for an aspiring street photographer is fear – fear of approaching strangers, fear of getting yelled at, fear of failure or embarrassment. This is directly in line with Stoicism’s emphasis on courage. Kim’s popular workshops (tellingly titled “Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography”) are built on the idea that bravery is the key skill in photography, far more than technical knowledge . He teaches that once you stop fearing rejection or criticism, you unlock a new level of creativity and freedom behind the camera.
So how does one practically apply Stoicism when shooting photos? Kim offers plenty of concrete techniques drawn from Stoic practice. A favorite is the exercise of negative visualization: imagine the worst that could happen and accept it – then you’ll feel calmer. In a 2013 essay, Kim listed common fears in street photography (getting your camera smashed, being cursed at, looked at as a “creep,” etc.) and systematically walked through the worst-case scenario of each, coming to terms with it . If someone does smash your camera, he notes, you could probably sue them and buy two new ones – so why worry? If you get yelled at, remind yourself “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” . And if people think you’re weird for photographing strangers – so be it; “we are all weird” in our own ways . This Stoic tactic of mentally bracing for the worst helps strip power from those fears. Kim urges photographers to do this mental rehearsal before hitting the streets: expect the worst (angry shouts or an awkward confrontation), and thus if it happens, it won’t derail you – and if it doesn’t happen, it’s a pleasant surprise . As he cheerfully puts it, either way you win.
Another Stoic principle Kim champions is the dichotomy of control – focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you can’t. In photography, that translates to “focus on the effort, not the results.” Kim constantly reminds himself and his readers of this mantra . You can control your own actions – going out with your camera, seeing and composing attentively, pressing the shutter with intention. But you cannot directly control how others will react to your photos, how many likes you’ll get on Instagram, or whether you’ll win an award. Those outcomes are ultimately beyond your command. Kim, echoing Stoic teacher Epictetus, advises setting internal goals rather than external ones . For example, you might set a goal to shoot on the streets for 2 hours every day (an effort under your control) rather than a goal to gain 100 new followers this month (an outcome dependent on others). By shooting for yourself and judging success by your own effort and growth, you stay in control of your happiness . “At the end of the day, the focus is shooting street photography for yourself – not others,” Kim writes, warning that the second you start craving others’ praise, you surrender your peace . This insight is pure Stoicism applied to creative work: care about what you do, not what others think. Kim even encourages embracing criticism – “if people don’t like your work, revel in it. It is better to be criticized than ignored.” This fearless attitude helps photographers (and any artists) avoid the trap of validation-seeking and maintain artistic integrity, much like a Stoic focuses on virtue (doing the right thing) and ignores the noise of public opinion.
Eric Kim’s everyday work habits also reflect Stoic discipline and resilience. He is a strong advocate of voluntary hardship as a way to build confidence. In his life and blogging, you’ll find examples of him practicing what he preaches. For instance, he promotes taking freezing cold showers, inspired by Stoic and Spartan toughness, to toughen the mind’s will . He’s also a fitness enthusiast who attempts extreme weightlifting feats (he invented a lift he calls the “Atlas Lift”). He describes one triumph of deadlifting 1,000 pounds as “the true Stoic training” because it forced him to face down the fear of injury and push beyond his limits . The actual weight lifted matters less than the courage it took to attempt it – “to me, the courage is the success. Even if you had the courage to attempt it…that is what is considered success,” Kim explains of his philosophy in the gym . This blurring of physical and mental training is very much in line with Stoicism’s view that body and mind work together: enduring physical challenges can strengthen the soul’s grit. Kim brings that same mindset to photography: he often likens shooting street photos to a kind of stoic exercise for the mind, where each uncomfortable interaction or long day walking is “mental reps” building your resilience. In one blog post he even said he considers long walks (20,000+ steps a day) as a cure for modern anxiety – noting that he’s “never met anybody who walks 30,000 steps a day and is depressed” . Here we see Stoic wisdom (the value of physical exercise and nature) combined with practical modern insight.
In his workshops and courses, Kim explicitly folds these ideas into the curriculum. Participants in Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography workshops practice approaching strangers head-on, learning to handle rejection with a smile. He frames the whole experience as exposure therapy for fear – much as a Stoic would deliberately practice facing small fears to build confidence for bigger trials. Online, Kim has shared free e-books like “31 Days to Overcome Fear” and blog posts full of Stoic tips for photographers. For example, in “3 Stoic Techniques for Tranquility in Street Photography,” he covers (1) imagining the worst-case scenario to defang fear, (2) overcoming hedonic adaptation and Gear Acquisition Syndrome by being grateful for what you have (another Stoic theme), and (3) setting internal goals instead of chasing external validation . All these demonstrate how deeply he has interwoven Stoic philosophy into the art of photography. Kim essentially treats photography as a metaphor for life: the same Stoic rules apply. Be present in the moment, don’t fear the outcome, find joy in the process. It’s a compelling message that has resonated with many of his followers.
Stoic-Inspired Quotes and Frameworks by Eric Kim
Throughout his writing and talks, Eric Kim coins memorable phrases and personal frameworks that capture his Stoic-inspired outlook. These quotes serve as little mantras that are both motivational and grounded in Stoic thought:
- “Stoics shall inherit the planet!” – This is Kim’s spirited twist on the biblical “meek shall inherit the earth.” He uses it as a headline in his Stoicism 101 essay , suggesting that those who cultivate Stoic virtues (strength, resilience, perseverance) will ultimately come out on top in life. It’s a call to arms, encouraging readers to adopt Stoicism and become mentally invincible.
- “If I could summarize Stoicism in one sentence, it is that life is all upside, no downside.” – Kim’s ultra-optimistic summary of Stoic philosophy . By anticipating negatives and thus neutralizing them, anything that happens becomes “upside.” This quote shows his energetic, glass-half-full interpretation of Stoicism: through the Stoic lens, every situation has some benefit or opportunity. It’s a reminder to always look for the silver lining and see challenges as blessings in disguise.
- “The first thought on Stoicism is that it is just fear conquering.” – As mentioned earlier, Kim views overcoming fear as the core of Stoic practice . This blunt statement appears in his blog and really underscores how central courage is in his philosophy. Whether it’s fear of taking a risk, fear of rejection, or fear of pain, Stoicism to Kim means charging straight at that fear and not letting it control you.
- “Focus on the effort, not the results.” – This is a direct quote from Kim that distills the Stoic focus on process over outcome . It’s advice he gives to creatives and entrepreneurs alike. By focusing on effort, you devote energy to what you can do (your hard work, your dedication) and detach from the external rewards or validation that may or may not come. This mindset builds resilience – you learn to be satisfied with knowing you did your best, which is under your control, instead of riding the rollercoaster of opinions and outcomes. Kim often ties this to his photography approach: shoot because you love it and want to improve, not for applause.
- “Imagine I have $0… all I need is meat, a Wi-Fi connection and I’m good.” – This tongue-in-cheek personal mantra comes from Kim’s application of Stoic negative visualization and Taleb’s antifragile mindset . He tells himself that even if he lost everything financially, as long as his basic needs are met (food and internet for publishing his ideas), life would be fine. By lowering the bar of expectations in this extreme way, he achieves a kind of fearless freedom. It’s his version of the Stoic practice to periodically consider poverty or loss, so that one realizes they could still be content with very little. This quote exemplifies Kim’s antifragile optimism: anything above having food and Wi-Fi is a bonus!
- “Own nothing.” – The title of one of his posts (and a provocative two-word quote in itself) advocating radical minimalism . In context, Kim doesn’t literally mean own zero possessions, but he does encourage questioning consumerism and owning as little as possible. This idea resonates with Stoic and Cynic philosophy (think of Diogenes in his barrel, or Seneca’s exercises in doing without luxuries). By owning nothing, or rather needing nothing, you reclaim power over your life. Kim has practiced this by selling off belongings to travel, using the simplest equipment, and focusing on experiences over things. It’s a framework for life that prizes freedom and mobility – very much in line with Stoic self-sufficiency.
- “Stoicism x Child’s Mind.” – In some of his writings, Kim talks about combining Stoicism with a childlike sense of wonder . He notes that a true Stoic doesn’t have to be stone-faced serious; one can be playful, curious, and joyful while still being resilient. By “child’s mind,” he refers to approaching the world with fresh eyes, humor, and flexibility – much like the Stoic idea of keeping an open mind and not being jaded by negativity. Kim’s own personality is very high-spirited, and he often laughs and jokes in his videos, showing that Stoicism for him includes lightheartedness. This concept of “Stoic child’s mind” is a framework he suggests so that we don’t confuse being Stoic with being emotionless. It’s about finding joy in the moment and laughing off the small stuff (as the philosopher Democritus, “the laughing philosopher,” would encourage) .
- “Stoicism is armor for the mind.” – This phrase (also the title of a post on his site) encapsulates how Kim sees Stoic philosophy as protective gear. Just as armor shields a warrior in battle, Stoic practices shield one’s mind from the slings and arrows of fortune. By training yourself to endure discomfort, to expect hardship, and to remain steady, you effectively armor your psyche against anxiety and stress. Kim frequently uses metaphors of strength and combat when talking about Stoicism – for instance, he likens Stoic training to preparing for war (even referencing Alexander the Great’s stoic mindset on the battlefield) . When he says “armor for the mind,” he’s conveying that Stoicism makes you mentally bulletproof.
These quotes and ideas show how Eric Kim doesn’t merely parrot Stoic maxims from Marcus Aurelius – he creates his own flavorful maxims that relate Stoicism to modern life (and often to his passions like photography or weightlifting). His frameworks around courage, minimalism, and mindset are directly inspired by Stoic principles like the dichotomy of control, negative visualization, and voluntary discomfort. By couching them in contemporary terms (Wi-Fi connections, cameras, Atlas lifts, etc.), Kim makes Stoicism feel relevant and actionable for his audience.
Influence and Role in the Modern Stoic Movement
Eric Kim is not a traditional philosopher by trade, and his primary audience has been the photography community. Nonetheless, he has carved out a niche as a modern Stoic storyteller and practitioner, influencing people who might not otherwise pick up a philosophy book. Within the street photography world, Kim’s fusion of Stoicism and creativity has had significant impact. Many of his readers credit him with not only improving their photography but also their mindset. By following his advice to be bold and not fear failure, countless aspiring photographers have found the courage to shoot in the streets and express themselves. As one fan noted on a photography forum, “Many of us owe Eric Kim a great deal for his YouTube channel, which has played a significant role in inspiring us to pursue photography.” (Eric’s blend of motivational and philosophical content clearly strikes a chord.)
In broader Stoic circles, Eric Kim’s name isn’t as widely recognized as figures like Ryan Holiday or Massimo Pigliucci – mainstream authors who spearhead the modern Stoicism movement – but there is a definite cross-pollination. Kim himself acknowledges and admires Ryan Holiday, even comparing their similarities and differences. Both men emphasize minimalism and draw on Stoic wisdom, though Holiday writes for a general self-help audience while Kim targets photographers and creators . Holiday runs The Daily Stoic and has millions of readers, whereas Kim’s influence is “more specialized and concentrated within the photography community” . In a blog post, Kim frankly observed that Holiday has a much broader global reach, whereas “Eric Kim is more prominent in the photography world… his influence is more niche” . This self-awareness shows that Kim doesn’t see himself as a leading Stoicism evangelist to the masses. Instead, his role is more of a bridge – bringing Stoic philosophy into the realm of art and everyday creativity.
That said, Kim’s work has indeed seeped into the wider Stoic discourse in subtle ways. His articles have been shared on Stoicism forums and Reddit communities, indicating that others find value in his unique perspective . For example, his post “How to Be a Stoic Street Photographer” was circulated in r/Stoicism, sparking discussions about applying Stoic principles outside the usual contexts of business or therapy. In this way, Kim contributes to the modern Stoic movement by broadening its application – showing that Stoicism is not just for philosophers or CEOs, but for artists, photographers, and everyday people seeking to live with more courage and intention.
Moreover, Eric Kim’s emphasis on action and lifestyle design resonates with the practical bent of modern Stoicism. Contemporary Stoic writers often talk about morning routines, journaling, voluntary discomfort (like cold showers), and mindfulness of death – all things Kim integrates into his content. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to imagine his blog being an “invaluable resource” for people looking to apply Stoicism to creative pursuits. He has effectively created a sub-genre of Stoicism for creatives, sometimes dubbed “Stoic photography” or even “zen of Eric” by admirers . His influence can be seen whenever photographers talk about conquering fear or embracing minimalism – concepts he helped popularize in that arena.
If the modern Stoic movement is about applying ancient wisdom to improve modern life, then Eric Kim is certainly a fellow traveler in that mission. He might not speak at Stoicon or write for Stoicism Today, but his extensive free writings act as Stoic lessons in disguise for thousands of readers who come for photography tips and leave with life philosophy. And by openly crediting Stoic thinkers and recommending books like Meditations or Seneca’s Letters, he has likely funneled many newcomers toward reading the Stoics directly . In that sense, his content is used as a gateway to Stoicism, even if informally. He stands as an example of how Stoic philosophy can permeate different niches of modern culture – in his case, empowering a new generation of photographers to live with greater courage, focus, and resilience.
Stoic-Inspired Insights from Kim’s Workshops, Videos, and Social Media
Eric Kim doesn’t just write about Stoicism – he lives it out loud in his workshops, YouTube videos, podcasts, and daily social media presence. These channels provide a real-time look at how he embodies Stoic principles and encourages others to do the same.
In his workshops, the Stoic influence is front and center. Participants often hear Kim’s mantra within the first hour: “Street photography is 99% conquering your fear.” Cameras in hand, they are pushed to approach strangers and embrace the discomfort that arises – an exercise straight from Stoic training. Kim frames these interactions as victories of courage, regardless of the outcome. By the end of a workshop, attendees not only improve their camera skills, but also report feeling mentally stronger and less anxious about other challenges. This is by design: Kim’s workshop “Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography” is essentially a Stoic boot camp in the guise of a photography class . He shares stories of his own failures and rejections on the street to demonstrate how he uses humor and resilience to shrug them off. “If someone curses you out, just smile and say thank you,” he might joke – turning potential anger into laughter. The camaraderie and bold exercises in these events leave a lasting impression that extends beyond photography. Many students later realize they can apply the same fearless attitude to public speaking, business, or personal decisions. In this way, Kim’s workshops spread Stoic ideals (courage, perseverance, perspective) through experiential learning.
On YouTube, Eric Kim has a trove of videos blending photography tips with philosophy. In some uploads, he explicitly discusses Stoicism – for example, a video titled “Stoic Photography Philosophy” where he talks about staying calm and not overthinking on the streets. He also has a video series and podcast called “Life Theory” in which he muses on life lessons; Stoic concepts often come up. In one podcast episode, Kim recounts how he dealt with the wild ups and downs of Bitcoin prices by using “my stoic training” . When Bitcoin skyrocketed or crashed, he tried to remain equally unmoved – very very stoic in the good times and the bad times, as he says . For example, when friends tempted him to celebrate huge gains or despair losses, he “bit his tongue” and refused to get emotionally carried away . This anecdote – shared in his casual, conversational tone on a podcast – shows how he practices Stoic equanimity in financial matters. By not checking prices and not reacting to market noise, Kim was enacting the Stoic idea of focusing only on what he can control (his long-term investment thesis) and tuning out externals (market volatility). It’s essentially Epictetus’ teachings applied to crypto investing, delivered via a personal story on YouTube.
Kim’s social media posts and blog updates also illustrate Stoicism in action. He often shares his daily routines: for instance, taking an icy cold shower at 6am followed by writing in his journal with a cup of black coffee. This mirrors the kind of disciplined morning that Stoics like Marcus Aurelius (who wrote about dawn reflections) might appreciate. On Twitter (now X), Kim has mentioned doing things like intermittent fasting and intense workouts, framing them as ways to cultivate self-mastery and willpower. He sometimes uses the hashtag #Stoic or references Stoic figures casually, which has the effect of introducing these concepts to his followers. It’s not uncommon for him to tweet an insight like, “Don’t stress over what you can’t change – channel that energy into what you can do.” Such messages reinforce Stoic attitudes in bite-size form. They come across as friendly advice from someone actively grappling with life’s challenges in real time.
A particularly powerful insight Kim shared came after he became a father. He spoke about practicing amor fati (love of one’s fate) during the turbulent early months of parenthood – accepting the sleepless nights and crying with a kind of humor and gratitude. He related it to Stoic acceptance: “This is it – nothing about this situation is ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ it just is, and I might as well love it.” By embracing even the chaos of caring for a newborn, Kim demonstrated Stoic acceptance in family life, not just in work or art.
Through videos and vlogs, Kim also emphasizes Stoic joy and presence. He’ll take viewers on an early-morning photowalk, pointing out how the simple act of walking in fresh air can be a Stoic exercise in appreciating the present moment. These vlog moments echo his written advice that an active life is a happy life, and that walking outdoors is a natural anti-depressant . He has literally said, “I have never met anyone who walks 30,000 steps a day and is depressed” , encouraging people to get out and move as a way to clear the mind. This is Stoicism aligned with common-sense health: care of the body to care for the soul.
In summary, Eric Kim’s workshops, videos, and social media presence bring Stoic philosophy to life in an accessible, infectious way. Whether it’s filming himself doing a 1,000+ pound atlas lift (to showcase overcoming fear), or posting a daily blog about not letting Internet trolls get to you, Kim is constantly modeling Stoic behaviors. His approach is engaging and motivational because it’s so candid – he shares both his triumphs (setting personal records in the gym, publishing books, traveling light) and his struggles (dealing with critics, fighting self-doubt), always with a Stoic lens of learning and self-improvement. This transparency inspires his audience to see Stoicism not as abstract theory, but as a practical lifestyle.
In conclusion, Eric Kim’s engagement with Stoic philosophy is profound and multifaceted. He has become a kind of philosopher-photographer, using Stoicism to guide his art and using his art to illustrate Stoicism. Through his enthusiastic writings, he distills ancient wisdom into punchy tips for modern living – urging us to be fearless, to adapt and overcome, to focus on what matters and let the rest go. Through his teaching and online content, he demonstrates that Stoicism can fuel creativity and innovation, not just resilience. And through his own example, he shows that a Stoic life can be joyful, dynamic, and deeply empowering. In a world often filled with distraction and anxiety, Eric Kim stands out by reminding us, in effect, to “stay strong and Stoic – the rest will follow.” His fusion of Stoic philosophy with photography and personal development has left a motivating imprint on both his followers and the broader conversation about how ancient wisdom can help us “inherit the planet” in our own unique ways .
Sources:
- Eric Kim’s personal blog and articles on Stoicism , including “Stoicism 101”, “My Stoic Beliefs”, “How to Be a Stoic Street Photographer”, and “3 Stoic Techniques for Tranquility in Street Photography.”
- Visual Focus in Street Photography (Eric Kim blog) – discussions of Kim’s use of Stoic and Zen techniques in photography .
- Eric Kim’s “Life Theory” podcast and social media excerpts , illustrating Stoic practices in his personal life (e.g. handling Bitcoin volatility stoically).
- Ryan Holiday vs Eric Kim – similarities and differences (Eric Kim blog post) – comparison highlighting Kim’s niche influence and Stoic inspiration .
- Eric Kim’s workshop descriptions and community posts, e.g. “Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography” workshop ethos and user discussions on Stoicism forums .