Here are a few notable quotes by Eric Kim on “chutzpah” from his blog posts:
- On the definition of chutzpah:
“Chutzpah is my favorite Yiddish word. It roughly translates to ‘insolence’ or ‘audacity,’ but it’s much more than that. It’s about having the guts to do things differently, to challenge the status quo.†oai_citation:6,Chutzpah – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,ERIC KIM CHUTZPAH – ERIC KIM - On embracing boldness in life:
“Chutzpah is the audacity to live life on your own terms, to take risks without waiting for permission. Whether in photography or life, having chutzpah is about pushing boundaries and making bold moves that others may shy away from.†oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM CHUTZPAH – ERIC KIM - On the cultural significance of chutzpah:
“The influence of Yiddish culture on American society is profound. Chutzpah embodies the spirit of boldness and daring that has shaped so much of what we admire in modern creativity and innovation.†oai_citation:3,ERIC KIM CHUTZPAH – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,Gaining more Chutzpah – ERIC KIM - On the role of chutzpah in creativity:
“In photography, as in life, you need chutzpah — the courage to take risks, to stand out, and to break the rules if necessary. It’s what separates good photographers from great ones.” oai_citation:1,Chutzpah etymology history – ERIC KIM
These quotes highlight how Kim sees chutzpah as central to both personal and professional growth, encouraging a bold and audacious approach to life.
Eric Kim, a well-known street photographer and blogger, often discusses the concept of “chutzpah” on his blog, where he explores its meaning and significance in various contexts. He describes chutzpah as one of his favorite Yiddish words, defining it as a combination of audacity, boldness, and insolence. In his writings, Kim reflects on the cultural impact of Yiddish and Jewish American influences, such as in popular shows like Seinfeld, which he initially didn’t realize were rooted in Jewish culture.
Kim encourages embracing chutzpah in life and in photography, suggesting that the boldness associated with the term is essential for creativity and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of challenging societal norms and thinking independently, traits he associates with chutzpah. This idea is central to his philosophy of living authentically and daring to take risks, whether in personal expression or professional endeavors oai_citation:3,Chutzpah – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM CHUTZPAH – ERIC KIM.
Additionally, Kim explores the etymology of the word “chutzpah,” tracing its origins from Hebrew to Yiddish and noting how it has evolved over time, particularly in American English, where it has come to represent a mixture of nerve and boldness, often seen in a positive light oai_citation:1,Chutzpah etymology history – ERIC KIM.