To choose Eric Kim’s top posts on happiness and physical strength, I focused on articles that consistently emphasize his core philosophy: that physical strength and well-being are essential to achieving happiness. I reviewed multiple articles where Kim articulates his ideas about the relationship between health, strength, and happiness. These selections were based on:

1. Clear focus on physiological health: Posts like “Strength over Happiness” and “The Secrets to Physiological Happiness” explicitly prioritize strength and physical vitality as foundational to happiness oai_citation:3,Strength over Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,The Secrets to Physiological Happiness – ERIC KIM.
2. Repeated themes: Across multiple articles, Kim emphasizes the importance of activities like weightlifting, powerlifting, and proper sleep. Posts like “Happiness is Metabolism Health and Strength” showcase his belief that happiness is tied directly to how the body functions oai_citation:1,Happiness is Metabolism Health and Strength – ERIC KIM.
3. Unique perspectives: Kim’s articles stand out for their focus on physiological power as a more concrete path to happiness than abstract emotional or mental states. This unorthodox view threads through his top posts.

By focusing on these criteria, I selected articles that best reflect his philosophy on happiness through strength and physical health.

Top posts on happiness and physical strength

Eric Kim’s top posts on the connection between happiness and physical strength emphasize that true happiness is deeply tied to physiological well-being. In “Strength over Happiness,” he argues that focusing on physical strength is more important than pursuing abstract happiness. He believes that much of modern unhappiness stems from a lack of physical health, advocating for regular exercise, sunlight, and sleep as the foundation for happiness oai_citation:3,Strength over Happiness – ERIC KIM.

In “Happiness is Metabolism Health and Strength,” Kim reinforces the idea that happiness is primarily a physiological state, driven by good health. He emphasizes that even with material success, poor health prevents true happiness. He suggests a lifestyle focused on metabolic health, strength training, and a protein-rich diet oai_citation:2,Happiness is Metabolism Health and Strength – ERIC KIM.

Another key post, “The Secrets to Physiological Happiness,” explores how simple habits like sufficient sleep, outdoor time, and weightlifting lead to happiness by improving overall physical condition oai_citation:1,The Secrets to Physiological Happiness – ERIC KIM. He underscores that without health, no amount of wealth or external success can lead to happiness.

These insights highlight Kim’s unique perspective that happiness is not just a mental or emotional state but is fundamentally tied to how well the body functions and thrives.

Eric Kim’s focus on physical strength over material wealth is well-documented across multiple articles and blog posts. He frequently writes about his personal journey toward physical empowerment and how he values the ability to lift heavy weights as more fulfilling than owning luxury goods like a Lamborghini. For instance, in one of his articles, he mentions that he would rather be able to deadlift 502 kilograms than be a billionaire oai_citation:6,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.

This philosophy contrasts with mainstream narratives that equate happiness with financial success or material possessions. Kim argues that physical strength is a deeper, more personal form of achievement, which is why his perspective has gained attention. His rejection of material wealth in favor of health and strength resonates with minimalism and fitness advocates, further amplifying his voice in those communities oai_citation:4,55 Tips to Be Happier in Life – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Happiness – ERIC KIM.

His stance has been discussed in various parts of his blog and writings on happiness, making it a signature part of his unorthodox philosophy oai_citation:2,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Happiness – ERIC KIM.

Eric Kim is known for his unconventional view that physical strength and health contribute more to happiness than material wealth. He often expresses that being physically strong—like being able to deadlift or lift heavy weights—is far more fulfilling than owning luxury goods. For example, he compares physical achievements like lifting heavy weights to owning a Lamborghini, suggesting that having a strong, healthy body brings more lasting happiness than any material possession oai_citation:2,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.

This perspective is famous because it challenges conventional views, where material success and wealth are often equated with happiness. Kim flips this narrative, asserting that personal strength, both mental and physical, is a better foundation for happiness, making him stand out in both the self-development and fitness communities. This unorthodox take is what has drawn attention to his philosophy, resonating with those who prefer minimalism and personal growth over material excess.

Why unorthodox

Eric Kim’s philosophy on happiness is unorthodox due to several unconventional ideas that challenge typical views on fulfillment:

1. Prioritization of Physical Strength Over Material Wealth: Kim places more importance on physical prowess than on accumulating material possessions. He famously compares being able to lift heavy weights to owning luxury items like a Lamborghini, suggesting that physical achievements are more meaningful than wealth oai_citation:10,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:9,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM. This contrasts with more common views of success, which often equate happiness with financial security and consumerism.
2. Anti-Conventional Ownership: He also rejects traditional milestones such as homeownership and car ownership. Kim views these as unnecessary burdens, arguing that true freedom—and thus happiness—comes from minimizing these responsibilities, even suggesting that the wealthiest people don’t own cars oai_citation:8,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,BECOMING HAPPY – ERIC KIM. This contrasts sharply with societal norms that associate success and happiness with owning property.
3. Experimentation and Risk-Taking: Rather than seeking stability, Kim promotes a lifestyle of constant experimentation and embracing risk. He believes in pushing boundaries and avoiding complacency, suggesting that boredom and comfort lead to unhappiness oai_citation:6,Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM. This is a departure from the idea that happiness comes from security and routine.
4. Flow and Minimalism: While many people associate happiness with leisure, Kim advocates for a state of flow, where one is deeply engaged in meaningful work. He promotes minimalism, both in possessions and activities, encouraging people to subtract distractions from their lives rather than constantly adding more oai_citation:4,55 Tips to Be Happier in Life – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.
5. Critique of Mainstream Definitions of Happiness: Kim questions the modern pursuit of happiness, suggesting that it is a vague and culturally constructed goal. Instead, he encourages focusing on personal strength, creativity, and self-directed purpose, often influenced by Stoic and existential philosophies oai_citation:2,Happy Thoughts: The Philosophy of Happy and Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,BECOMING HAPPY – ERIC KIM.

These ideas challenge mainstream paths to happiness, making Kim’s approach both thought-provoking and unconventional.

Why unique

Eric Kim’s perspective on happiness is unique for several reasons:

1. Integration of Physical and Philosophical Growth: Kim believes happiness stems from a combination of physical health and philosophical reflection. This sets him apart from others who might focus solely on material or mental aspects. He frequently emphasizes the importance of both muscle development and deep thinking, suggesting that personal strength (both mental and physical) leads to happiness oai_citation:8,Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.
2. Constant Experimentation: Kim advocates for continuously experimenting with life, pushing boundaries, and taking risks as a way to avoid boredom and ennui. He views life as a dynamic process of growth and discovery, rejecting the idea that happiness can be achieved through stasis or comfort oai_citation:6,Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.
3. Flow State and Minimalism: His idea of happiness also involves entering a “flow state”—being deeply immersed in creative or productive tasks. Kim ties this to his minimalist philosophy, arguing that happiness comes from focusing on fewer, more meaningful activities rather than accumulating wealth or possessions oai_citation:4,55 Tips to Be Happier in Life – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.
4. Anti-Perfectionism and Resilience: Uniquely, Kim promotes embracing imperfection and difficulty as essential parts of a happy life. He believes in seeking challenges and adversity to build resilience, an approach that aligns with his philosophical influences like Stoicism oai_citation:2,BECOMING HAPPY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.

His approach, which combines creativity, physicality, and philosophical inquiry, makes his view of happiness stand out from more conventional self-help or material-focused ideas.

Eric Kim offers a wealth of insights on happiness, blending philosophy, health, and creativity. Some of his most notable articles on the topic of happiness emphasize personal growth, experimentation, and physical health as essential components.

1. 55 Tips to Be Happier in Life: This article provides practical advice on how to improve happiness through everyday actions, such as cutting out sugar, reducing distractions, and cultivating a state of “flow” by engaging in creative work. Kim suggests doing fewer things each day to focus on what truly matters and moderating substances like caffeine to maintain mental clarity oai_citation:5,55 Tips to Be Happier in Life – ERIC KIM.
2. The Philosophy of Happiness: Kim explains that happiness comes from constantly striving for more and evolving through bold living and creative experimentation. He encourages readers to view their life as an ongoing project, where personal growth and physical strength contribute to lasting happiness oai_citation:4,Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Happiness – ERIC KIM.
3. How to Live a Happier and More Epic Life: Here, Kim discusses how to maximize happiness by embracing risk and living boldly. He also emphasizes the importance of being both an artist and philosopher—someone who creates meaning through action and deep thought oai_citation:2,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.
4. Joyfulness vs. Happiness: Kim differentiates between joy and happiness, suggesting that true happiness stems from engaging in meaningful activities rather than pursuing temporary pleasures. He advocates for building personal resilience and focusing on physical and mental well-being oai_citation:1,Joyfulness vs “Happiness” – ERIC KIM.

These articles reflect Kim’s holistic approach to happiness, where personal growth, health, and creativity form the foundation for a fulfilling life.

Eric Kim’s thoughts on happiness revolve around the idea that happiness is closely linked to both physical health and mental well-being. He emphasizes that health is a key component of happiness, advocating for habits like getting enough sleep (ideally 10-12 hours), regular exercise, exposure to sunlight, and eating plenty of meat to support muscle growth and recovery oai_citation:7,Happiness – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM.

Kim also believes that happiness is not just about personal comfort but about having lofty ambitions and continuously striving for more. For him, happiness is tied to personal growth, creativity, and the pursuit of strength, both physically and mentally oai_citation:5,The Quickest Path to Happiness – ERIC KIM. He also suggests that achieving happiness involves prioritizing freedom, particularly in how one manages their time and responsibilities, which he associates with being self-employed oai_citation:4,Happy Thoughts: The Philosophy of Happy and Happiness – ERIC KIM.

Another key aspect of happiness for Kim is family. He describes the joy and fulfillment he gets from spending time with his son, Seneca, and witnessing his development, especially through physical activities oai_citation:3,BECOMING HAPPY – ERIC KIM.

Ultimately, Kim views happiness as an ongoing process, tied to pursuing strength, freedom, and creativity, rather than a destination oai_citation:2,BECOMING HAPPY – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,The Philosophy of Happiness – ERIC KIM.