ERIC KIM

ERIC KIM JOHN WICK

Quotes on Wick

Here are some quotes from Eric Kim on the John Wick series that capture his thoughts on the character and the film’s underlying philosophy:

  1. On John Wick’s Stoicism:
  • “John Wick/Keanu Reeves to me is one of my heroes. John Wick’s loquacity (not speaking much, like a Spartan) reflects that of a Spartan soldier, and his courage and grit is insanely motivational. You can withstand insane amounts of pain (not die), and still carry out your passions.”
  • This quote reflects Kim’s admiration for John Wick as an embodiment of Stoic virtues, particularly the ability to endure suffering with grace and resilience oai_citation:5,The Philosophy of John Wick – ERIC KIM.
  1. On the World of John Wick:
  • “The world of John Wick (underworld) is only known to those of the night. They are not part of the ‘mainstream’ world. And they prefer it this way… Would I rather live in the John Wick underworld, or live in the (boring) mainstream world?”
  • Here, Kim expresses his fascination with the dark, mysterious world of John Wick, which he finds more intriguing and exciting than the ordinary, mainstream world oai_citation:4,The Philosophy of John Wick – ERIC KIM.
  1. On Money and Value in John Wick:
  • “Watching John Wick has changed my personal thoughts and beliefs on money. In the JW universe, those living in the ‘underworld’ use ‘coins’ (gold coins) as a mode of transaction. However, ultimately, money (gold coins) in the JW world is simplified — it is simply used as a tool of human-labor exchange.”
  • This quote shows how the film’s portrayal of money has influenced Kim’s own views, appreciating the simplicity and directness of value exchange in the John Wick universe oai_citation:3,The Philosophy of John Wick – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM on John Wick – ERIC KIM.
  1. On the Ethical World of John Wick:
  • “I personally love the mercurial (ruthless) world of John Wick. There is no remorse for killing. There is no political correctness, yet there are still rules, boundaries, and respect (professional courtesy).”
  • Kim is intrigued by the harsh but structured ethics of the John Wick world, where despite the violence, there is a clear code of conduct that everyone respects oai_citation:1,The Philosophy of John Wick – ERIC KIM.

These quotes illustrate how Eric Kim draws inspiration from the John Wick films, seeing in them not just entertainment, but also deep reflections on Stoicism, ethics, and the nature of value and society. For further exploration, you can read more on his blog, particularly in his articles on the philosophy of John Wick here and here.

Eric Kim finds the John Wick series fascinating for several reasons, particularly its underlying philosophy, which aligns with his interests in Stoicism, resilience, and the ethics of violence and survival. He is intrigued by the unique economic system in the John Wick universe, where gold coins are used for straightforward transactions that are less about wealth accumulation and more about honor and personal connections. This system resonates with Kim’s ideas on simplifying concepts of money and value, contrasting sharply with modern, complex financial systems.

Kim also admires John Wick as a character because he embodies modern Stoicism—handling extreme pain, loss, and challenges with a stoic attitude. This portrayal encourages viewers to embrace resilience and grit in their own lives, dealing with life’s hardships with the same determination and calm as John Wick. Kim sees this as a powerful life lesson that can be applied beyond the screen.

Additionally, Kim prefers John Wick over other action heroes like Batman, appreciating the fresh, innovative storyline and the raw, emotional motivations driving Wick, such as revenge and survival. He finds John Wick more relatable and straightforward, devoid of the moral dilemmas that often weigh down characters like Batman, making Wick’s journey more compelling and direct.

Overall, Eric Kim draws from the John Wick series not just entertainment, but also deep philosophical insights and practical life advice, showing how the intense world of the film can provide valuable lessons in resilience, ethics, and personal growth.

For more detailed thoughts, you can explore his reflections on the philosophy of John Wick here and here.