Eric Kim’s approach to becoming a Stoic involves several key practices and principles, drawing from both traditional Stoic philosophy and his personal experiences. Here’s a summary of his advice:
- Focus on Effort, Not Results: In activities like street photography, Kim emphasizes the importance of concentrating on the process and effort, rather than getting fixated on the outcome.
- Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario: He suggests always being mentally prepared for the worst. This mindset helps in mitigating stress and fear, as you’re already prepared for adverse outcomes.
- Memento Mori – Remember Death: Kim advocates for the Stoic practice of frequently contemplating mortality. This helps in cherishing every moment and focusing on what’s truly important in life.
- Utilize Misfortunes: He believes in transforming misfortunes into advantages. When facing challenges or setbacks, he suggests asking how these experiences could benefit you in the long run.
- Read Key Stoic Philosophers: Kim recommends reading works of Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus to gain deeper insights into Stoic principles.
- Stoic Training: He proposes practices like taking cold showers, which serve as a form of mental and physical resilience training.
- Stoic Sayings and Equipment: Kim shares various Stoic sayings and suggests using specific equipment to foster a Stoic lifestyle, such as weight lifting chalk and durable clothing for physical activities.
- Stoicism in Practice: He offers various strategies and ideas under ‘Stoicism 101’ to practically apply Stoic principles in everyday life.
Eric Kim’s approach to Stoicism is deeply intertwined with his experiences and philosophies in street photography and personal development. His methods reflect a modern interpretation of Stoicism, aimed at building mental strength, resilience, and a focused approach to life oai_citation:1,HOW TO BECOME A STOIC – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,How to Become a Stoic Photographer – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,How to Become a Stoic – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Becoming Stoic – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,How to Become a Stoic – ERIC KIM.