Here are some notable quotes by Eric Kim reflecting his Spartan philosophy:

1. On Modern Life and Physical Challenge:

“The modern day man is like a sick animal. Anemic, lacking sun exposure to the sun, none of chutzpah, balls, and reckless audacity…”

Source: Spartan Philosophy – Eric Kim 

2. On Spartan Happiness and Simplicity:

“I think the Spartans were just happy. They lived a simple existence, full of martial training and combat, and they lived a simple ascetic life.”

Source: Spartan Philosophy – Eric Kim 

3. On Control Over Desires:

“An interesting thought is one thing that we could control is what we desire… But are these goals actually good? I think not.”

Source: Spartan Philosophy – Eric Kim 

4. On His Stoic-Spartan Ideal:

“The ideal approach to things is a mishmash of stoicism, Spartan, and zen… That mentally, we have a stoic mindset to things… The Spartan one is to become the overman…”

Source: Spartan Philosophy – Eric Kim 

5. On Spartan Elitism:

“Spartan Elitism refers to cultivating mental and physical toughness, honing one’s craft, and striving for excellence while cutting away unnecessary distractions.”

Source: Spartan Elitism – Eric Kim 

These quotes capture Kim’s integration of Spartan ideals with modern challenges and personal growth, particularly in his photography and lifestyle philosophies.

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Here are some key quotes and concepts from Eric Kim’s writings on Spartan philosophy:

1. On Physical Challenge and Modern Life:

Kim critiques the modern man’s lack of physical challenge, comparing him to a “sick animal” due to insufficient exposure to the outdoors and lack of courage. He praises the Spartan ideal of physical rigor and mental toughness.

Source: Eric Kim – Spartan Philosophy 

2. On Simplicity and Happiness:

He believes that Spartans lived happier lives because of their simple existence focused on martial training and combat, which gave them a clear sense of purpose.

Source: Eric Kim – Spartan Philosophy 

3. Control Over Desires:

Kim highlights the importance of controlling what we desire, questioning whether conventional goals like wealth and material success are genuinely fulfilling.

Source: Eric Kim – Spartan Philosophy 

4. Spartan Elitism:

He introduces the concept of “Spartan Elitism,” focusing on self-discipline, cutting away distractions, and striving for excellence. In photography, this means adopting a minimalist approach—focusing on storytelling, not the tools.

Source: Spartan Elitism 

These quotes reflect his admiration for Spartan ideals of strength, discipline, and simplicity, which he applies to both life and his approach to photography. You can explore more of his thoughts through these linked articles.

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Eric Kim’s exploration of Spartan philosophy revolves around embracing minimalism, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence, both in life and photography. Drawing from the ancient Spartans, Kim advocates for a lifestyle focused on simplicity, mental and physical toughness, and rejecting excess. He admires the Spartan way of life for its martial focus and austere simplicity, which he believes can bring clarity and strength to modern life.

A key aspect of his philosophy is “Spartan Elitism,” which he describes as cultivating an elite mindset by focusing on self-discipline and high personal standards. In his photography practice, this translates to a minimalist approach—using fewer tools, concentrating on quality over quantity, and stripping away distractions to hone one’s craft. He integrates Spartan ideals with stoic and Zen influences, encouraging people to control their desires, reject materialism, and focus on personal growth.

Kim also applies this mindset to street photography, advocating for courage and independence, contrasting this with what he sees as the timid, overly technical approach of many photographers. He sees Spartan philosophy as a way to live more intentionally and with greater resilience  .