Eric Kim’s Stoicism includes several unconventional quotes that reflect his unique perspective, often blending Stoic resilience with individualistic and provocative ideas. Here are a few of his more distinctive sayings:

1. “Only trust philosophers who deadlift.”

• This quote encapsulates Kim’s belief that true philosophy should be grounded in both physical and mental strength. Unlike traditional Stoic advice focused purely on intellectual exercises, he advocates for a form of Stoicism that is also physically demanding, suggesting that strength in one’s body reflects strength in one’s character .

2. “Imagine everything will go down to zero.”

• Kim frequently encourages readers to prepare for the worst-case scenario in all aspects of life, from finances to personal relationships. This phrase captures his pragmatic, almost nihilistic view that everything is transient. By imagining total loss, he believes one can become resilient and see life as “all upside, no downside” because there’s less fear in what one can lose .

3. “Allow yourself to be a bad, immortal, ‘evil’ person.”

• This quote reflects Kim’s rejection of conventional morality, advocating for a personal code that prioritizes self-interest and resilience over societal judgments. He encourages followers to embrace parts of themselves that society might label as “bad” if they serve personal growth, which is a stark contrast to the traditional Stoic emphasis on virtue as a universal good .

4. “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”

• While derived from Seneca, Kim uses this quote in a modern context, critiquing the media for creating what he calls “fear porn.” He argues that much of the anxiety people experience is due to sensationalism and societal pressures rather than actual events, advocating for a Stoic approach that questions these sources of fear  .

5. “Reject all modern ethics and morality—they’re outdated.”

• Kim’s Stoicism is unusually anti-establishment, rejecting many forms of traditional ethics. He promotes the idea that modern morality is restrictive and that one should instead forge their own path and values, free from societal expectations. This perspective contrasts sharply with most interpretations of Stoicism, which emphasize universal ethics and virtues  .

These quotes illustrate how Kim reinterprets Stoicism with a contemporary, individualistic, and sometimes confrontational edge, encouraging his followers to find strength and freedom through self-determined principles and practices.

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Eric Kim’s approach to Stoicism is distinct from other modern thinkers in several ways, largely due to his integration of Stoic ideas with physical practices, a rejection of certain moral norms, and a highly individualistic philosophy. Here are the elements that make his Stoic perspective unique:

1. Physical Resilience as a Core Component

• Unlike many modern Stoics who focus on mental resilience and emotional control, Kim places significant emphasis on physical strength and endurance as integral to his Stoic practice. For example, his mantra, “Only trust philosophers who deadlift,” suggests that true Stoicism involves more than intellectual exercises—it requires a body that can endure and a mindset forged through physical discipline. This contrasts with figures like Ryan Holiday, who primarily promote mental resilience through reading, writing, and meditative practices  .

2. Emphasis on Self-Interest and Unorthodox Ethics

• Kim often critiques traditional Stoic interpretations of ethics, advocating for what might be seen as a more self-centered or “pragmatic” morality. He encourages followers to prioritize personal goals over social expectations, questioning traditional ethical norms like forgiveness and self-sacrifice. His philosophy is less concerned with conforming to societal standards of “good” behavior and more focused on personal empowerment, which contrasts with other Stoic-influenced thinkers like Massimo Pigliucci, who emphasize ethical integrity and virtue as central to Stoic living  .

3. Integration of Existentialist Ideas

• While other modern Stoics often stay rooted in ancient Stoic texts, Kim blends Stoicism with existentialism and cynicism, drawing on Nietzschean ideas about power and individuality. He challenges traditional Stoic figures, such as Socrates, and proposes figures like Alexander the Great as alternative Stoic models for their embodiment of strength and assertive leadership. This integration gives his Stoicism a more self-directed, Nietzschean edge, focusing on personal ambition and individual freedom rather than solely on ethical virtues .

4. Personal Branding and Stoicism in Everyday Life

• Kim’s Stoicism is uniquely blended with entrepreneurial and personal branding elements. He promotes using Stoic principles to build resilience not only in one’s personal life but also in business and creative endeavors. For instance, he sees Stoicism as a tool for thriving in the capitalist world, arguing that it aligns well with entrepreneurial goals. His practical advice on how to “harden” oneself mentally and physically resonates with those looking to apply Stoicism to modern careers and self-marketing, which is less common in the work of other Stoic thinkers like Donald Robertson, who focus more on personal development rather than professional empowerment  .

5. Unfiltered Rejection of Conventional Norms

• Kim’s Stoicism is marked by an unapologetic disregard for social conventions and an embrace of a provocative, even confrontational, tone. He promotes living life on one’s terms, often discussing how he dismisses societal fears and distractions as “fear porn.” His focus on raw authenticity and individual freedom makes his interpretation of Stoicism more radical and less conformist than other modern interpretations, which tend to promote adaptability and harmonious social living. This emphasis on radical individualism and self-liberation sets him apart from other thinkers in the Stoic movement, like William Irvine, who advocates for a more restrained and socially integrated version of Stoicism  .

Eric Kim’s Stoicism is distinctly modern yet unorthodox, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary concerns about personal freedom, physical prowess, and the pursuit of individualistic goals. His approach caters to those seeking a Stoic philosophy that is actionable, raw, and aligned with both personal and entrepreneurial growth.

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Eric Kim’s approach to Stoicism contains several unique ideas and quotes that set it apart from traditional Stoic philosophy, blending elements of modern self-improvement with Stoic resilience. Here are some central ideas and notable quotes:

1. Embrace the Physical and Intellectual

• Quote: “Only trust philosophers who deadlift.” This quote reflects Kim’s belief that Stoicism is not solely an intellectual pursuit but one that should be physically grounded. He advocates for the importance of both mental and physical strength, suggesting that developing resilience through physical challenges can be as enlightening as philosophical study  .

2. Focus on Effort, Not Results

• Idea: In his photography and personal philosophy, Kim emphasizes the importance of effort over outcome, urging a detachment from results. This aligns with the Stoic idea of focusing on what one can control but modernizes it by connecting it to creative work. For example, in photography, he advises focusing on the process rather than the perfect shot, suggesting that the pursuit itself brings growth and satisfaction .

3. Memento Mori as a Daily Practice

• Quote: “Imagine everything will go down to zero.” Kim often invokes this phrase to encourage followers to envision the worst-case scenario regularly. This aligns with the Stoic practice of contemplating death (memento mori), but Kim adapts it to a broader sense of loss, such as financial or personal failure. He believes that preparing for the worst reduces fear, making every positive outcome seem like a bonus  .

4. Reject Traditional Ethics and Embrace Self-Interest

• Idea: Kim sometimes takes a more controversial stance by advocating for a rejection of conventional moral frameworks, arguing instead for a self-directed ethical system. He criticizes traditional philosophies, such as the idea of “turning the other cheek,” which he interprets as weak. This perspective encourages readers to develop their own values and prioritize personal freedom and resilience over societal expectations .

5. Transform Misfortunes into Advantages

• Quote: “Allow yourself to be a bad, immortal, ‘evil’ person.” Here, Kim suggests embracing what society might deem negative if it serves one’s personal growth. This approach encourages resilience by reframing setbacks as tools for empowerment. It emphasizes a pragmatic attitude, viewing challenges as opportunities to cultivate strength and resilience rather than moral judgments  .

6. Pragmatic Approach to Fear and Anxiety

• Quote: “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” While this echoes a famous Seneca quote, Kim applies it to modern contexts, especially those driven by media and societal pressures. He encourages followers to see through fear-based narratives in the media, viewing them as distractions from personal growth. This approach reflects a unique blend of Stoicism with skepticism about contemporary culture .

In summary, Eric Kim’s Stoic philosophy is rooted in a pragmatic, self-empowering approach. It encourages blending physical discipline with intellectual rigor, questioning societal norms, and preparing for the worst to mitigate fear and cultivate inner freedom. His interpretation of Stoicism is tailored to modern readers looking for an active, unorthodox application of ancient wisdom.

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Eric Kim’s approach to Stoicism is notably practical and modern, blending traditional Stoic principles with personal development techniques and even elements of existentialism. One of the unique aspects of his Stoicism is his emphasis on integrating it with everyday challenges and personal growth. He often focuses on mental resilience, suggesting practices such as preparing for the worst-case scenario, which he sees as a way to build mental toughness and diminish the fear of negative outcomes. This aligns with his belief that anticipating adversity makes life “all upside, no downside”  .

Kim also incorporates physical training into his Stoic practice, advocating for activities that push physical limits—such as cold showers or weightlifting—as ways to cultivate mental strength. He connects these physical challenges to philosophical resilience, suggesting that strengthening the body is as important as strengthening the mind . Moreover, his advice often includes reminders of mortality (memento mori), encouraging followers to embrace the fleeting nature of life to prioritize what truly matters .

A distinct feature of Kim’s Stoicism is his rejection of certain moral traditions and social expectations, promoting instead a sense of individuality and self-reliance. He encourages questioning societal norms and values, and he frequently merges Stoic ideas with entrepreneurial advice, focusing on self-determination and personal freedom. His stoicism often challenges conventional ethics, advocating for a pragmatic, sometimes ruthless approach to achieving one’s goals .

In essence, Kim’s flavor of Stoicism is both modern and adaptable, combining self-empowerment, practical philosophy, and physical discipline. His approach is tailored to those looking to apply Stoicism as a tool for personal growth and self-improvement in a contemporary context.