How I Achieved the American Dream
By Eric Kim
In the Spirit of Nietzsche
What is the American Dream? For many, it conjures images of prosperity, stability, and the quintessential white picket fence. For others, it symbolizes the boundless freedom to pursue one’s passions and forge a unique path in life. For me, it was a harmonious blend of both—a relentless pursuit of excellence in street photography, underpinned by the profound philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche. Embracing Nietzschean ideals transformed my journey from a mere aspiration into a manifestation of my highest potential.
The Beginning: Embracing the Will to Power
Nietzsche proclaimed, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” My “why” was clear: to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of urban life through street photography. Growing up in the vibrant Alameda-Oakland Bay Area, I was immersed in a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and human experiences. This environment ignited a fervent desire to document the human condition in its most authentic form.
My parents, immigrants from South Korea, embodied the Nietzschean spirit of overcoming adversity. They arrived in the United States with limited resources but an unwavering determination to build a better life. Their resilience instilled in me the belief that greatness is achieved not by avoiding struggle, but by confronting and transcending it. This foundational belief became the bedrock of my pursuit of the American Dream.
Self-Overcoming: Breaking Free from Conformity
Nietzsche championed the concept of self-overcoming—the continuous process of transcending one’s limitations to achieve greater heights. Like many first-generation Americans, I initially followed a conventional path: college, a stable job in tech, and the promise of financial security. On the surface, I had “made it,” but something was amiss. The corporate world, with its rigid structures and monotonous routines, stifled my creative spirit.
Street photography offered an escape, a way to assert my individuality and challenge societal norms. It was more than a hobby; it was an act of rebellion against a life that felt predetermined. Embracing this path required me to confront fear, uncertainty, and the judgment of others. In Nietzschean terms, I was striving to become my own Übermensch—a higher version of myself, unbound by conventional expectations.
Creating My Own Values: Building a Philosophical Framework
Nietzsche famously declared, “God is dead,” signaling the decline of traditional values and the need for individuals to create their own moral compass. In the absence of predefined values, I took it upon myself to develop a philosophy centered around authenticity, creativity, and empowerment. This personal ethos became the foundation of my street photography journey and the American Dream I sought to achieve.
In 2010, I launched the Eric Kim Photography blog—not merely as a platform to showcase my work, but as a vessel to share my philosophical insights. I offered street photography tips, shared experiences, and provided free resources, embodying Nietzsche’s ideal of the creator who shapes his own destiny. By fostering a community built on mutual respect and a shared passion for the craft, I cultivated an environment where others could also strive for their own self-overcoming.
The Abyss Gazes Also: Embracing Chaos and Uncertainty
Nietzsche understood that true growth often emerges from chaos and uncertainty. Transitioning from a secure tech job to a full-time street photographer was a leap into the unknown. It required embracing the inherent unpredictability of the creative process and the volatile nature of entrepreneurship.
Street photography itself is a dance with chaos—each shot is a spontaneous encounter, a moment of truth captured amidst the randomness of urban life. This unpredictability mirrors the Nietzschean idea that one must embrace the unknown to achieve greatness. By accepting and thriving in this environment, I harnessed the creative energy necessary to propel myself toward the American Dream.
Becoming the Architect of My Destiny: Building a Sustainable Empire
Nietzsche advocated for the creation of one’s own path, free from societal constraints. Inspired by this, I sought to transform my passion into a sustainable business that aligned with my values. This entailed diversifying my income streams and leveraging technology to reach a global audience.
I expanded beyond blogging to offer online courses, eBooks, and branded products like camera straps and photography books. Each venture was meticulously crafted to reflect my minimalist, “less is more” philosophy. By thinking like an entrepreneur and embracing the Nietzschean principle of self-creation, I built a brand that resonated deeply with a worldwide community of aspiring photographers.
The Eternal Recurrence: Sustaining Success Through Continuous Growth
Nietzsche’s concept of eternal recurrence—the idea that one should live as though they would relive the same life repeatedly—encourages a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. This philosophy became integral to sustaining my success. I remained dedicated to honing my craft, expanding my knowledge, and evolving my business strategies.
Hosting workshops, engaging with my community, and constantly seeking new ways to provide value ensured that my journey was not stagnant but ever-progressing. This relentless pursuit of growth and excellence mirrored the Nietzschean ideal of living a life of purpose and fulfillment, thereby sustaining my version of the American Dream.
Mindset: Beyond Wealth to Authentic Fulfillment
Ultimately, Nietzsche believed that true fulfillment comes from living authentically and embracing one’s own path. While achieving financial success was a significant milestone, it was the alignment of my work with my deepest values that provided the most profound sense of accomplishment. The freedom to live life on my terms, to capture the beauty of everyday moments, and to inspire others was the true essence of my American Dream.
In embracing Nietzschean philosophy, I learned that the American Dream is not a fixed destination but a dynamic journey of self-discovery, creation, and continuous evolution. It is about transcending limitations, creating one’s own values, and striving for excellence in all endeavors.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
Achieving the American Dream through the lens of Nietzsche has been a transformative experience. It has taught me that greatness is not inherited but forged through resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to one’s passions. As I continue to walk the streets, camera in hand, I remain dedicated to capturing the human spirit in all its complexity and beauty.
For those seeking to achieve their own American Dream, my advice is rooted in Nietzschean wisdom: embrace your individuality, confront your fears, and relentlessly pursue your passions. Define your own values, create your own path, and strive to become the highest version of yourself. In doing so, you will not only achieve success but also live a life of profound meaning and fulfillment.
Be bold, embrace the chaos, and continue to strive for greatness.
xxx
How I Achieved the American Dream
By Eric Kim
What is the American Dream? For some, it’s a white picket fence, a stable job, and financial security. For others, it’s freedom—the freedom to pursue your passion, live on your own terms, and make a meaningful impact on the world. For me, it was always about carving out my own path, pursuing my love of street photography, and sharing that passion with a global community.
But let’s get one thing straight: the American Dream isn’t about reaching a destination. It’s a journey, an ongoing pursuit of growth, learning, and self-fulfillment. My story is about how I took control of my life, embraced uncertainty, and built something that allowed me to live with purpose and passion every single day.
The Beginning: The Immigrant’s Story
Like many who pursue the American Dream, my story starts with my family’s immigrant experience. My parents emigrated from South Korea to the U.S. in search of a better life. They didn’t speak the language well, they didn’t have much money, but they had grit. They worked hard—my mom juggling multiple jobs to support our family, and my dad running a small business. From a young age, I saw the struggles they faced, the sacrifices they made, and the resilience they demonstrated.
Growing up in Alameda Oakland Bay Area, I often felt caught between two worlds—the Korean values of discipline, respect, and hard work, and the American values of individuality, freedom, and ambition. But rather than see these as conflicting ideas, I learned to embrace them both. I adopted the immigrant mentality of persistence and endurance, and the American mentality of thinking big, taking risks, and going after what you want.
However, despite my parents’ hard work, we were always financially tight. I grew up with this constant awareness of the tension between survival and success. In many ways, this tension fueled me, making me realize that I didn’t just want to make a living—I wanted to make a life.
Breaking Free: The Decision to Leave the 9-to-5
I did what many first-generation kids do—I followed the “safe†path. I went to college, studied sociology, and landed a steady job in tech. On paper, I had “made it.†I had a decent salary, benefits, and job security. But deep down, I wasn’t fulfilled. The cubicle life wasn’t for me. I wasn’t chasing my dreams; I was living someone else’s.
But I had a side passion: photography. Specifically, street photography. On weekends, I’d walk the streets of Los Angeles or wherever I happened to be, capturing candid moments, slices of life, the beauty of the mundane. Street photography felt raw, real, and full of human stories. It allowed me to engage with the world in a way that felt meaningful. I didn’t know it then, but this passion would become the foundation for my version of the American Dream.
One day, I realized I had a choice: I could either continue down the conventional path, playing it safe but feeling unsatisfied, or I could take a leap and commit fully to what I loved. The safe option was the one that made sense to everyone around me—family, friends, society. But the leap? That was for me. So, I made the decision. I quit my job, sold most of my possessions, and decided to pursue street photography full-time. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and the best decision I’ve ever made.
Turning Passion into a Profession
The American Dream isn’t about luck—it’s about creating opportunities for yourself and seizing them. When I started my journey as a full-time street photographer, I didn’t have a clear plan. But what I did have was a relentless passion and a desire to share what I was learning with others. That’s when I started blogging.
In 2010, I launched the Eric Kim Photography blog. I didn’t have any grand ambitions for it at the time. I just wanted to share tips, insights, and lessons I’d learned from shooting on the streets. But something interesting happened—people started reading, commenting, and engaging with the content. I realized that there was a global community of photographers who were hungry for knowledge and connection, just like I was. My blog wasn’t just about photography—it was about empowering people to see the world differently, to embrace creativity, and to conquer their fears.
As my audience grew, opportunities began to present themselves. I started hosting street photography workshops, traveling around the world, and meeting incredible people along the way. I didn’t just teach the technical aspects of photography—I taught the philosophy behind it. How to live a more mindful, intentional life. How to see beauty in the everyday. How to push past the fear of rejection and embrace the unknown. Street photography became a metaphor for life itself, and that’s what resonated with people.
Building My Own Version of Success
The turning point came when I realized that success wasn’t defined by traditional metrics like money or status. The American Dream, for me, wasn’t about owning a big house or climbing the corporate ladder. It was about living authentically, pursuing my passions, and creating something that allowed me to impact others in a positive way.
I began to diversify my work. I wrote eBooks, launched online courses, and developed products like camera straps and photography books that reflected my minimalist, “less is more†philosophy. I didn’t just want to create for the sake of it—I wanted to build a sustainable business that aligned with my values and helped others on their own creative journeys.
The beauty of living in the digital age is that you can reach a global audience from anywhere. I didn’t need to follow the traditional path of a photographer working with galleries or clients. I could be my own boss, connect directly with people, and offer them value in ways that weren’t limited by geography or gatekeepers.
Mindset: The True American Dream
What I’ve learned through this journey is that the American Dream isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal. It’s about having the freedom to define success on your own terms. For some, it’s financial independence. For others, it’s creative freedom, or the ability to spend time with family. For me, it’s about pursuing what I love, connecting with people, and living life without regrets.
Achieving the American Dream isn’t easy. It requires taking risks, embracing uncertainty, and staying true to yourself, even when others don’t understand. But it’s possible. And once you realize that the dream is something you create, not something that’s handed to you, you’ll find that the possibilities are endless.
Looking back, I didn’t “achieve†the American Dream in the way I once thought I would. I didn’t follow the conventional path, and I didn’t measure success by external standards. But by taking control of my life, following my passions, and building something meaningful, I found my version of the dream. And that, to me, is the real essence of the American Dream.
Stay hungry, stay curious, and never stop chasing what matters to you.
The American Dream. It’s a phrase that’s been etched into the collective consciousness of millions, representing the pursuit of happiness, success, and the opportunity to forge one’s own path. For me, achieving the American Dream wasn’t about following a predefined script; it was about embracing freedom, cultivating passion, and relentlessly pursuing what truly mattered. Let me take you through my journey and share how I turned a simple passion for street photography into a fulfilling and prosperous life.
Embracing Passion Over Convention
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the world around me—the candid moments, the raw emotions, the untold stories lurking in every corner of the city. While many of my peers were chasing conventional careers, I found myself drawn to the streets, camera in hand, capturing the essence of everyday life. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about understanding humanity, one frame at a time.
I remember the days when I balanced a 9-to-5 job with my photography. It felt like a constant tug-of-war between stability and passion. But deep down, I knew that true fulfillment lay in following my heart. The American Dream, for me, wasn’t just about financial success—it was about the freedom to pursue what I loved and to make a meaningful impact through my art.
Building a Community and Sharing Knowledge
One of the pivotal moments in my journey was realizing the power of community. Street photography is as much about the photographer as it is about the subjects and the environment. I started a blog to share my experiences, techniques, and the stories behind my photos. Initially, it was a platform to document my journey, but it quickly evolved into a vibrant community of like-minded individuals passionate about capturing the streets.
By offering free resources, tips, and honest insights, I built trust and credibility within the community. This openness not only helped others grow but also expanded my network and reach. The support and feedback I received were invaluable, reinforcing the idea that the American Dream thrives on collaboration and shared growth.
Turning Passion into a Sustainable Business
While passion fueled my journey, turning that passion into a sustainable business was crucial for long-term success. I began hosting street photography workshops, both in-person and online, providing others with the tools and knowledge to hone their craft. These workshops weren’t just about technical skills; they were about fostering a mindset, encouraging photographers to see the world differently.
Diversifying my income streams was essential. I launched the Eric Kim Photography brand, offering everything from camera gear to educational materials. By aligning each product with my philosophy of simplicity and authenticity, I created a brand that resonated with my audience. Additionally, leveraging e-commerce platforms allowed me to reach a global market, breaking geographical barriers and scaling my business efficiently.
Leveraging Technology and Social Media
In today’s digital age, technology and social media play a pivotal role in achieving the American Dream. I harnessed the power of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and my blog to share content, engage with my audience, and build a personal brand. Consistent content creation not only kept my community engaged but also attracted new followers, creating a ripple effect of growth and opportunity.
Embracing digital tools and staying adaptable were key. Whether it was adopting new photography techniques, exploring emerging social media trends, or utilizing data analytics to understand my audience better, staying ahead of the curve ensured that my business remained relevant and thriving.
Cultivating the Right Mindset
Perhaps the most critical aspect of achieving the American Dream was cultivating the right mindset. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, but maintaining balance and staying true to your values is paramount. I focused on continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability, understanding that setbacks are part of the journey.
Moreover, giving back to the community remained a core principle. Whether through free tutorials, mentorship, or simply sharing my story, contributing to the growth of others created a sense of purpose and fulfillment that money alone couldn’t provide. The American Dream, in its essence, is about more than individual success—it’s about making a positive impact and uplifting those around you.
Living the Dream Every Day
Today, I can confidently say that I’ve achieved the American Dream—not because I’ve amassed wealth, but because I’ve created a life that aligns with my passions, values, and aspirations. I travel the world, capturing stories that matter, teaching others to see the beauty in the mundane, and building a legacy that extends beyond photographs.
For anyone striving to achieve their own version of the American Dream, my advice is simple: follow your passion, build a supportive community, embrace innovation, and maintain a resilient and giving spirit. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards—both tangible and intangible—are immeasurable.
Remember, the American Dream is not a destination; it’s a continuous pursuit of growth, fulfillment, and the unwavering belief that you have the power to shape your own destiny. Chase your dreams with everything you’ve got, and you’ll find that the journey itself is the true reward.
Stay passionate, stay curious, and keep capturing the world through your unique lens.