Biography and Background
Eric Kim (born 1988) is an American street photographer and blogger who has garnered widespread recognition through his educational photography content and philosophical musings. Raised in California, Kim studied Sociology at UCLA, where he developed an interest in the human condition and its expression through photography . After graduating, he traveled extensively to practice street photography and began teaching workshops worldwide. His personal blog (started in 2010) evolved into one of the most popular street photography blogs online, known for its open sharing of insights and techniques, which has attracted a large, dedicated following . Over time, Kim’s interests expanded beyond photography into broader life philosophy – particularly influenced by Stoicism – which he increasingly incorporated into his writing and videos.
Philosophical Positions and Stoic Approach
Kim’s approach to Stoicism is highly practical and personal. He openly dislikes abstract or purely theoretical philosophy, focusing instead on usable wisdom for everyday life . What appealed to him most about Stoic philosophy is its utility in reducing anxiety, managing stress, and finding contentment. He has said that Stoicism helped him face uncertainty, avoid regret over past decisions, and constantly remember the importance of mortality – all of which refocus him on what truly matters (for Kim, that includes creative work and “helping empower others”) . In essence, Kim embraces Stoicism as a life toolkit for resilience and mental toughness rather than an academic pursuit.
Several key Stoic-influenced principles recur in Kim’s philosophy:
- Focus on What You Can Control: Kim frequently echoes the Stoic dichotomy of control. He advises focusing on one’s own efforts and attitude, not on external results beyond one’s control . For example, in photography he suggests measuring success by the effort and practice put in – not by others’ reactions or by every shot turning out perfect . This mindset reflects Epictetus’ teaching that we cannot control events, only our responses, which Kim applies to creative endeavors and life challenges alike.
- Negative Visualization (Expect the Worst): Another Stoic technique Kim emphasizes is premeditatio malorum – imagining the worst-case scenario so as to lessen fear. He writes that one should “always imagine the worst-case scenario” in any endeavor . By mentally bracing for adversity or even failure, one is not caught off-guard by it; anything better than the worst-case feels like a relief . Kim applies this when shooting street photography – expecting hostile reactions or failure – which he says functions like “Stoic body armor” against fear . In his view, Stoicism is a mental armor that fortifies one against external “weather.” As he puts it, “There is no such thing as bad external circumstances, only bad mental armor” – meaning that our mindset is what truly protects us in rough situations.
- Memento Mori (Awareness of Death): Drawing from Stoic and other philosophies, Kim often reminds readers to contemplate mortality. He believes regularly thinking about death brings clarity to what’s important. This echoes Marcus Aurelius’s and Seneca’s advice to live with death in mind. Kim credits this perspective with helping him prioritize meaningful activities and relationships over trivial matters . By acknowledging life’s brevity, he finds motivation to live more fully and intentionally in the present.
- Emotional Resilience (and Controversial Views on Emotion): A notable aspect of Kim’s Stoic stance is his extreme take on emotional control. He argues that a “real strong” person should rarely display negative emotions at all, considering most emotions “petty, unnecessary, ridiculous” . In his view, it takes more “courage, strength and power” to repress anger or annoyance than to express it . This perspective aligns with Stoicism’s aim to temper destructive passions, but Kim’s tone is unusually uncompromising. He even critiques the common idea that repressing anger will cause an “explosion” of rage later, calling this a flawed analogy – instead, he suggests that venting anger often increases one’s anger by reinforcing the belief one was wronged . Thus, he advocates mastering one’s temper internally and “not caring whether we are vindicated” in others’ eyes . Kim’s hard-line stance on emotion, couched in terms of “real men” and strength, is a distinctive (and contentious) element of his philosophy, setting him apart from more moderate interpretations of Stoicism that allow for healthy emotion transformed by reason.
- Strength, Masculinity and Virtue: In Kim’s modern Stoic ethos, there is a recurring theme of strength and masculine virtue. He often invokes heroic figures – for instance, saying a true Stoic should resemble Hercules or Achilles in strength and courage . He sometimes writes in a tongue-in-cheek braggadocio (calling himself a Brad Pitt-like figure in Fight Club shape ), but these references underline his ideal of Stoicism as a form of personal heroism and toughness. Kim admires characters like the fictional assassin John Wick as embodying Stoic traits – unflinching, self-disciplined, and guided by personal principle (he has noted Wick’s calm under pressure as a modern Stoic parallel). This framing of Stoicism strongly emphasizes grit, self-reliance, and an almost Spartan endurance of hardship. It resonates with some practitioners as motivational, though it can stray toward a stereotypically “macho” interpretation of Stoicism.
- Unconventional Ethics (Diet and “Natural” Hierarchies): Kim’s application of Stoic-style reasoning to ethics yields some controversial views. For instance, he has publicly dismissed concerns for animal welfare and environmentalism as misguided or sentimental. He characterizes movements like “animal rights” or “saving the planet” as a kind of “new pseudo world religion” that people follow uncritically . In an extreme assertion, Kim writes “Animals are animals… lower on the hierarchy… Man is the apex predator… Should we care for animal ‘rights’? No. Animals are our slaves.” . This stark position – essentially denying moral consideration to animals – is not derived from classical Stoic teachings (ancient Stoics did place humans above animals due to reason, but also emphasized justice and empathy as virtues). It appears to be Kim’s personal ideology of human dominance and self-interest, which he grafts onto his Stoic outlook. Likewise, Kim follows an austere diet (a one-meal-a-day carnivorous regimen) and intense physical training, reflecting a Stoic-like embrace of hardship and simplicity in lifestyle. These views underscore how Kim’s Stoicism skews toward an individualistic, perhaps quasi-Nietzschean interpretation – prioritizing strength and personal excellence even at the expense of ideals like compassion for all life. Such positions have led some to label Kim a contrarian within modern Stoicism, as his take diverges from the more cosmopolitan or ethically expansive approach of many contemporary Stoic thinkers.
It’s worth noting that Kim’s introduction to Stoicism was through modern writers who connect philosophy to life’s challenges. He cites reading Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s Antifragile as the spark that got him curious about Stoic ideas . Inspired, he “consumed every single book [he] could find on stoicism, even the obscure ones” – delving into works by and about Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, and others. This self-directed study informs his interpretations, though he tends to cherry-pick the aspects that speak to his personal experience. In summary, Eric Kim’s philosophical stance centers on Stoicism as a mode of self-empowerment – stressing mental fortitude, radical self-control, and acceptance of hardship as the path to a good life.
Stoic Themes in Kim’s Writings and Media
Kim has woven Stoic themes throughout his blog posts, essays, and even videos, effectively bridging ancient philosophy with contemporary life and art. He has not authored a traditional book on Stoicism, but his online output serves a similar role. Notably, Kim compiled an “Introduction to Stoicism” primer (available as a free PDF on his site) aimed at distilling Stoic lessons for beginners . In it and related posts, he attempts to “cut through the BS” and provide a straightforward Stoic guide based on his own understanding and practice.
Some prominent Stoic-themed writings by Eric Kim include:
- “Stoicism 101” and Primer Articles: In these, Kim defines Stoicism in accessible terms and shares why he finds it the most “useful philosophical model to live everyday life” . He recounts the origin of Stoicism (the ancient Athenian stoa or porch where Zeno taught ) and then quickly pivots to practical advice. For example, he emphasizes Stoicism’s relevance during the COVID-19 lockdown: likening open public spaces (like the park where he exercised daily) to a “new stoa”, a modern forum for discussion, reflection, and camaraderie under the open sky . Such analogies show Kim applying Stoicism to find meaning and joy even in adverse times (e.g. using makeshift workouts with a heavy rock during quarantine, as he describes, to cultivate resilience and gratitude for simple freedoms). Throughout these introductions, Kim keeps the tone conversational and peppered with personal anecdotes – inviting readers to see philosophy not as an academic subject but as “guys hanging out talking about life” (much as ancient philosophers did in the stoa) .
- “How to Be a Stoic Street Photographer”: This 2016 blog post is a clear example of Kim fusing his two passions: photography and Stoicism. It presents a list of Stoic principles directly applied to photographic practice . For instance, Kim’s rule #1 is “Focus on the effort, not the results.” In creative work, as in life, we can control our effort but not the outcome – so he counsels photographers to shoot for the sake of the craft, not for external validation or guaranteed success . Another lesson from that essay is to “imagine the worst-case scenario” on a photo walk – you might get yelled at or your shots might all fail – and accept it ahead of time, which frees you from fear . He also advises to “always think about death” (a direct invocation of memento mori) as a way to not take any day of shooting for granted . The post reads as both a photography how-to and a personal manifesto for fearless living. By sharing how Stoic philosophy can make one bolder and more tranquil even in something as everyday as taking pictures, Kim demonstrates Stoicism’s broad applicability.
- Essays on Stoic Mindset: Kim has written numerous short reflections connecting Stoicism to mindset and mental health. For example, in “STOICISM IS ARMOR FOR THE MIND”, he elaborates on the metaphor of Stoic practice as protective gear . Just as a coat and boots shield one from bad weather, a Stoic mindset shields one from life’s “bad weather” – e.g. misfortune or insults – by reframing them. He notes you cannot change the external reality (storms will come) but “you can change your mindset and your own internal reality” . The piece is filled with such metaphors (your camera as your sword, etc.) and exclamations like “BRAVE ON!”, reflecting Kim’s energetic, informal style. Another piece titled “Emotions?” (late 2024) explores the paradox of expressing vs. repressing emotions, essentially arguing in favor of Stoic reserve as discussed earlier . Kim also touches on forgiveness, expectations, and handling criticism from a Stoic viewpoint in various posts – often with provocative titles like “A REAL STOIC DOESN’T WANT OR NEED APOLOGIES.” This punchy approach aims to grab readers’ attention and challenge them to rethink their habitual reactions (for instance, a Stoic shouldn’t need apologies because one’s peace of mind shouldn’t depend on others’ remorse).
- Use of Anecdotes and Pop Culture: A hallmark of Kim’s Stoic writing is his use of personal anecdotes, historical references, and pop culture all blended together. He might recount a confrontation he had while doing street photography to illustrate overcoming fear, then cite a line from Nassim Taleb or Marcus Aurelius, and then compare it to a scene from a movie or a video game character. This eclectic mix keeps the tone relatable. For instance, as mentioned, Kim draws inspiration from the Spartan warriors and even modern fictional heroes. In one blog post he admires John Wick as a model of modern Stoic virtues – unwavering focus, self-control, and acceptance of fate – albeit in an extreme narrative setting. By referencing such figures, Kim ties ancient Stoic ideals (like courage, or pursuing one’s duty without complaint) to narratives that resonate today. This storytelling approach is reminiscent of what other popular Stoic writers do (Ryan Holiday, for example, often uses historical anecdotes), but Kim’s examples skew more personal and pop-cultural. The result is a body of work that serves as a running commentary on living Stoically in the modern world – as a creative professional, as a traveler, as a husband (he occasionally mentions family), and as an everyday person facing stress and uncertainty.
Importantly, all of Kim’s Stoic content is freely accessible on his websites. He has embraced an “open source” ethos, publishing his essays, videos, and even downloadable books without paywalls. This approach has made his work widely read among not only photographers but also readers looking for down-to-earth philosophy. While his informal, unfiltered style is not to everyone’s taste (some critics find it unrigorous or overly brash), it has undoubtedly lowered the barrier to entry for Stoic ideas among a segment of his audience. Someone who might not pick up Seneca’s Letters or a philosophy textbook may well stumble on Eric Kim’s blog for photography tips and end up learning about Marcus Aurelius. In that way, Kim has become a bridge between creative/artistic communities and modern Stoic thought, showing how ancient wisdom can inform even the act of taking a photo or dealing with internet trolls.
Comparison with Other Modern Stoics
Eric Kim occupies a unique niche in the landscape of modern Stoicism. To understand his place, it’s useful to compare him with a few other notable contemporary Stoic writers and thinkers – Ryan Holiday, Massimo Pigliucci, and Donald Robertson – each of whom has a distinct approach:
- Ryan Holiday: Perhaps the best-known popularizer of Stoicism today, Ryan Holiday comes from a marketing and writing background. Holiday’s books (The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, The Daily Stoic, etc.) package Stoic principles into accessible narratives for a broad audience, especially in business, sports, and personal development. As Holiday himself explains, his works feature Stoicism by distilling ancient teachings into practical advice illustrated with inspiring stories . For example, The Obstacle Is the Way takes a single idea from Marcus Aurelius – the impediment to action can advance action – and builds a framework of historical anecdotes around it . The tone of Holiday’s Stoicism is motivational and pragmatic: it’s about achieving goals, overcoming challenges, and finding one’s “good life” through discipline and perception shifts . Comparison: Like Holiday, Eric Kim emphasizes actionable Stoic wisdom and writes in an informal, engaging style rather than academic prose. Both focus on real-life application over theory. However, Kim’s content is even more personal and idiosyncratic. While Holiday often quotes classical Stoics directly and uses well-researched historical examples, Kim draws more from his own life experiences and bold opinions. Holiday’s style is polished and broadly palatable – which has helped make Stoicism mainstream in self-help circles – whereas Kim’s style is rawer and occasionally polarizing. Another difference is scope: Holiday tends to universalize Stoicism’s lessons (applying to leadership, etc.), whereas Kim tailors them to his subculture (photographers, creatives, digital nomads). Holiday seldom courts controversy in his interpretation; Kim, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to challenge social norms or push Stoicism toward edgy conclusions (e.g. his remarks on diet and emotion). In summary, Ryan Holiday could be seen as a gateway to Stoicism for the masses, providing a structured introduction, while Eric Kim offers a more niche, experimental take that might resonate with those who appreciate a maverick persona applying Stoicism in unconventional ways.
- Massimo Pigliucci: Dr. Massimo Pigliucci is a philosopher and professor who has been a leading figure in the modern Stoic revival from an academic perspective. He authored How to Be a Stoic and co-authored A Handbook for New Stoics, and he regularly writes on Stoicism as a living philosophy. Pigliucci’s approach is grounded in understanding Stoicism as a comprehensive virtue ethic – a way of life that emphasizes moral character, rationality, and cosmopolitanism. He often reminds readers that Stoicism is not just about personal resilience but about becoming a better person in a social context. For instance, Pigliucci describes Stoicism as “a philosophy that emphasizes good emotions and works toward controlling negative ones… a philosophy of love and concern.” This highlights that in Stoic doctrine, the end goal is virtue (excellence of character) and compassionate rationality, not just suppressing feelings. Pigliucci is also cautious about misinterpretations; he sometimes critiques “pop Stoicism” that neglects the deeper ethical framework. Comparison: In contrast to Pigliucci’s scholarly and ethically rich take, Eric Kim’s engagement with Stoicism is more selective and pragmatic. Kim cherry-picks Stoic ideas that help him with personal empowerment and often sidesteps the more complex or communal aspects of Stoic ethics. For example, whereas Pigliucci might emphasize justice and kindness as Stoic virtues (even debating, say, whether Stoicism implies caring for animals or the environment), Kim’s writings outright reject concern for animals and seem to glorify an almost egoistic self-reliance . This would likely draw Pigliucci’s criticism, as it conflicts with the Stoic idea of oikeiosis (affinity and care for others as part of the human community). Additionally, Pigliucci, as a scientist, values empirical reasoning and often updates Stoicism with modern insights (he speaks of Stoic modernized physics and adapts doctrines to be compatible with contemporary science). Kim’s use of Stoicism is less formal – he is not concerned with aligning Stoic theory to science or examining its logical consistency. Rather, he uses it as a grab-bag of life hacks and inspirational slogans. One might say Pigliucci represents Stoicism as a philosophy of life in the fullest sense, including its discipline and humility, whereas Kim represents Stoicism as a personal mindset for toughness and success. Their audiences likely differ: Pigliucci appeals to those who want a philosophically robust practice, possibly including academics, while Kim appeals to those who want quick, digestible Stoic wisdom to apply right now (creatives, entrepreneurs, etc.). Despite these differences, both share a genuine belief that ancient Stoic principles can improve modern lives – they simply focus on different dimensions of that improvement.
- Donald Robertson: Donald Robertson is another influential modern Stoic, known for blending Stoic philosophy with psychology. A trained cognitive-behavioral therapist, Robertson has written books like Stoicism and the Art of Happiness and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor (a biography of Marcus Aurelius with Stoic self-improvement lessons). He is also a founding member of the Modern Stoicism organization and actively involved in Stoicon conferences and Stoic Week events . Robertson’s approach emphasizes Stoicism’s therapeutic aspects – indeed, he shows how Stoicism informed the development of CBT in modern psychotherapy. He often quotes Epictetus (“It’s not things that upset us, but our opinions about things”) to illustrate how our thoughts shape our emotions . His style combines historical scholarship (he delves into original texts and Stoic history) with practical exercises for managing emotions, fear, and trauma using Stoic techniques. Comparison: Eric Kim and Donald Robertson share an interest in Stoicism as a tool for mental well-being, but they operate at different levels of depth and formality. Robertson approaches Stoicism in a methodical, therapeutic manner – his works sometimes read like manuals for psychological resilience, complete with case studies or ancient examples. Kim’s approach is more personal and ad-hoc, less formally therapeutic but rather motivational. For example, both might agree on the Stoic idea that “it’s all about how you frame things in your mind,” but Robertson would explain this by referencing cognitive distortions and Epictetus, while Kim might just exhort readers to “change your internal reality” and share a story of how he brushed off an insult with a laugh. In terms of community, Robertson is very much embedded in the Modern Stoicism movement (educational initiatives, online communities, etc.), lending authority to Stoicism’s revival. Kim, by contrast, is a lone wolf – he’s not formally associated with Stoic organizations and his audience comes more from his personal brand than from Stoic circles. The two also differ in tone: Robertson’s work is professional and educational; Kim’s is colloquial and provocative. Nonetheless, both highlight Stoicism’s capacity to improve one’s mental state. If Robertson is like a therapist-teacher guiding one through Stoic practice systematically, Kim is like a friend enthusiastically sharing what’s worked for him – even if some of it is unorthodox. Both have contributed to making Stoicism accessible: Robertson through structured programs and writings grounded in scholarship, and Kim through free-flowing online content and real-world applications.
In summary, compared to these peers, Eric Kim stands out for the blending of Stoicism with creative lifestyle and self-branding. His voice is less formal than Holiday’s, less traditionally ethical than Pigliucci’s, and less clinical than Robertson’s. Kim occupies a sort of grassroots influencer role: he picked up Stoicism informally, found personal success with it, and then broadcasted it to an audience that might not frequent philosophy blogs or academic lectures. This has made him something of a maverick Stoic figure. While he may not have the widespread acclaim of a Ryan Holiday or the academic credentials of a Pigliucci, Kim has carved out his own following by delivering Stoic wisdom in a relatable, if sometimes controversial, package. In doing so, he contributes a diverse voice to modern Stoicism – reminding us that this philosophy can wear many hats in today’s world, from boardrooms and therapy offices to city streets with a camera in hand.
Influence, Audience, and Contributions
Eric Kim’s influence can be observed in both the photography community and the wider realm of self-improvement enthusiasts who have encountered his work. Through a decade and a half of blogging, he built a reputation for demystifying street photography and empowering aspiring photographers. His frank, encouraging writing style (“Dear friend,…” is a frequent opener in his posts) made readers feel personally mentored. As his content shifted to incorporate Stoicism and other life philosophies, many in his audience were introduced to these concepts in a down-to-earth way. It’s not uncommon to find comments or testimonies from readers saying that Kim’s articles led them to read Marcus Aurelius or try Stoic exercises to overcome anxiety while shooting photos. In this sense, Kim has been a catalyst for bringing Stoic ideas to a niche (photography) that traditionally had little to do with ancient philosophy.
Kim’s audience today is eclectic. It includes: long-time followers of his photography journey; young creatives who resonate with his minimalist, travel-centric lifestyle advice; and readers interested in personal growth who find his blog via search engines or social media. Kim has a YouTube channel with over 50,000 subscribers, where content ranges from photography tips to philosophical rants. He also engages with followers through newsletters and an online forum where he shares “kim-isms” – pithy thoughts on life and art. This multi-platform presence has amplified his reach. While not a household name in Stoicism circles like some authors discussed above, Kim has a significant grassroots following. His influence is perhaps strongest among those who appreciate a mix of creativity, entrepreneurship, and philosophy. These are people who might see him as a role model for living unconventionally – traveling light, creating art, staying fit, questioning societal norms, and thinking deeply about existence, all at the same time.
In terms of contributions, Eric Kim’s work is a trove of accessible material that others have drawn from. He has openly shared PDF books on topics like street photography and on Stoicism (often encouraging readers to remix or redistribute them). This open-source mentality means students and bloggers around the world have translated or reposted his articles, spreading his ideas further. Additionally, Kim’s incorporation of Stoicism into daily practices (like his concept of “Stoic photography”) can be seen as an innovative contribution – he showed how Stoic principles can enhance creativity and not just serve as abstract life advice. This has sparked conversations in forums and workshops about the mental game of creative work, with Stoicism as a framework.
Kim’s stance has also provoked healthy debate in the Stoic community. His more extreme assertions (e.g. on emotion or ethics) challenge others to articulate why Stoicism should not be interpreted in that way, thereby indirectly reinforcing more moderate interpretations. For example, a reader encountering Kim’s claim that “animals are our slaves” in a Stoic context might seek out other Stoic writers to get a second opinion, thus engaging more critically with the philosophy. In this way, Kim’s contrarian angles have prompted clarification and discussion on what Stoicism means today (highlighting the diversity within modern Stoicism).
Ultimately, Eric Kim’s presence in the modern Stoic landscape illustrates the broad appeal and adaptability of Stoic philosophy. He has shown that even a non-academic, non-traditional teacher can successfully integrate Stoicism into their life’s work and inspire others to do the same. His fusion of Stoicism with personal narrative and practical tips has made ancient ideas feel relevant to readers who might never pick up a philosophy book. While some of his views remain controversial and his style is unorthodox, there is no doubt that Kim has contributed a recognizable voice to the 21st-century Stoic revival. In the grand tapestry of modern Stoicism – from scholarly expositions to YouTube sermons – Eric Kim’s work adds a bold, personal thread that speaks to living Stoically on one’s own terms.
Sources:
- Eric Kim’s blog and writings (personal biography, Stoicism essays and primers) .
- Writings and interviews by other modern Stoics for comparison: e.g. Ryan Holiday’s interviews , Massimo Pigliucci’s articles , Donald Robertson’s profiles .
- “Eric Kim: Street Photography, Education, and Empowerment” – profile on AboutPhotography blog .
- Eric Kim Stoicism posts (e.g. “How to Be a Stoic Street Photographer”, “Stoicism is Armor for the Mind”, etc.) on erickimphotography.com .
- Modern Stoicism blog and other sources for context on Holiday, Pigliucci, Robertson .