Key Points
- Research suggests Eric Kim’s informal style makes philosophy accessible, reflecting his practical, Stoic approach.
- It seems likely his background in street photography and modern blogging influences his direct, conversational tone.
- The evidence leans toward his deep philosophical knowledge being shared through personal, relatable narratives.
Direct Answer
Eric Kim’s informal writing style, despite his deep philosophical knowledge, likely stems from his desire to make complex ideas accessible and actionable for a wide audience. His background in street photography, which values raw and unfiltered expression, seems to influence his direct, conversational tone, making philosophy feel relatable rather than academic. Research suggests he draws heavily from Stoicism, emphasizing practicality over abstract theorizing, which aligns with his informal approach. For example, he often ties philosophical concepts to everyday actions, like linking Stoicism to fitness or Bitcoin investments, as seen on his blog at erickimphotography.com. This blend of depth and informality likely reflects his aim to inspire and empower readers, using a style that resonates with modern, online communication trends.
Survey Note: In-Depth Analysis of Eric Kim’s Informal Writing Style and Philosophical Depth
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, maintains his primary blog at erickimphotography.com, which serves as a platform for sharing insights on photography, personal development, finance, and philosophy, particularly Stoicism. This analysis, conducted on April 17, 2025, examines why his writing is informal yet deeply philosophical, drawing from recent posts and his stated writing philosophy to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Methodology and Scope
The analysis focused on key posts, including the “START HERE†page, “Photography Philosophy,†“Stoicism,†and “How to Conquer the Markets†dated April 10, 2025, selected to capture the breadth of his topics and writing approaches. The content was reviewed for tone, language, structure, content themes, voice, philosophical underpinnings, and cultural influences, ensuring a robust sample for stylistic evaluation. Additional insights were drawn from his explicit statements on writing and philosophy, as seen in his blog sections on practical philosophy and Stoicism.
Detailed Findings
Philosophical Foundation and Practicality
Eric Kim explicitly values practical, actionable philosophy over abstract or metaphysical concepts, which directly influences his informal writing style. In his “Photography Philosophy†page, he states, “To me, photography is philosophy—applied with a more discerning lens,†emphasizing a hands-on approach. His admiration for Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Nietzsche, as noted in his blog sections on Seneca, Stoicism, and Nietzsche, reflects his preference for philosophers who emphasize real-world engagement and action. For instance, he criticizes metaphysical philosophy, focusing instead on “Practical, praxis, practice—to do!†which aligns with his informal, direct communication style.
This practical approach is evident in his content, where he ties philosophical concepts to everyday actions. In the “START HERE†page, he discusses living like a poor person for freedom, a Stoic idea, presented in a conversational tone: “True freedom of spirit and soul; as a philosopher thinker writer or whatever… you cannot be ‘canceled’, because there is nothing to cancel.†This blend of depth and informality makes philosophy accessible, reflecting his belief that it must have real-world impact.
Tone, Language, and Voice
Kim’s writing is characterized by a direct, opinionated, and informal tone, often using vivid, accessible language. For example, in “How to Conquer the Markets,†he describes market volatility as “absolutely bonkers,†blending slang with financial analysis. His first-person, self-disclosing voice adds authenticity, as seen when he shares personal experiences like losing $3,500 trading penny stocks, making his philosophical insights feel grounded and relatable.
This informal tone is deliberate, reflecting his rejection of traditional academic writing. He uses slang like “sats†for satoshis and “HODL†for holding Bitcoin, and employs hyperbole, such as describing himself as a “high-T, chaos-forged warlord,†which adds a humorous, engaging quality. This style resonates with modern online communication, particularly in blogging, where directness and relatability are valued.
Target Audience and Communication Style
Kim’s blog targets a broad audience, including photographers, personal development enthusiasts, and those interested in finance and philosophy. His informal style is likely designed to make complex ideas understandable for readers without a philosophical background. For instance, in the Stoicism page, he explains concepts like fear-conquering and emotional mastery in simple terms, using personal anecdotes to illustrate points, such as his journey influenced by Nassim Taleb’s Antifragile.
His background in street photography, known for its candid, unfiltered approach, seems to influence his writing. As noted in external sources, his photographic style is “candid, up-close, and personal,†which translates into his writing being raw and direct, prioritizing authenticity over polished formality. This aligns with his philosophical belief in embracing the present as perfect, rejecting the need for formal structures.
Cultural and Generational Influences
As a contemporary blogger, Kim reflects the cultural shift toward informal, direct communication, especially in digital spaces. His use of slang, rhetorical questions, and motivational rhetoric (e.g., “Just do it†in posts like “Why You Should Blog About Street Photographyâ€) taps into modern trends, resonating with younger audiences or those who prefer unpretentious content. This style is also influenced by his engagement with popular culture, referencing figures like Kanye West and movies like 300 and John Wick 3 in his Stoicism discussions, adding a relatable, humorous edge.
Blending Depth with Accessibility
Kim’s writing seamlessly blends personal narratives, philosophical insights, and practical advice, creating a unique mix that is both informal and profound. For example, in “How to Conquer the Markets,†he discusses recent tariffs and Bitcoin investments, tying them to Stoic principles of resilience and decentralization. His posts often include bullet-pointed, action-oriented lists, such as “snap 20 candids, lift 25 reps, stack a sat,†which reflect his focus on doing rather than theorizing.
This blend is evident in his motivational calls to action, encouraging readers to start a blog, invest in Bitcoin, or practice Stoic principles through fitness. For instance, the “START HERE†page urges readers to “start your own blog†for sharing Stoic thoughts, emphasizing open-source sharing over traditional publishing, which aligns with his informal, empowering style.
Philosophical Influences and Depth
Kim draws heavily from Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, as well as modern thinkers like Nassim Taleb, emphasizing resilience, simplicity, and living in the present. His informal tone can be seen as an extension of this philosophy—embracing a natural, unfiltered way of communicating rather than adhering to rigid, formal structures. For example, in the Stoicism page, he explores historical figures and modern applications, such as entrepreneurship, using a conversational tone to make these ideas accessible.
His deep philosophical knowledge is also reflected in his rejection of fiat systems and traditional norms, advocating for decentralization through Bitcoin and a focus on infinite movement of matter through photography and weightlifting. This depth is conveyed through personal engagement, such as sharing his own struggles and investments, which adds authenticity and relatability to his writing.
Comparative Insights
Across the analyzed posts, Kim’s style remains consistent in its informality and directness, with variations in structure reflecting content purpose. The “Photography Philosophy†and Stoicism posts are more educational, while “How to Conquer the Markets†is reflective and advisory, showcasing his versatility. His personal engagement and calls to action are constant, reinforcing his role as an inspirer and educator, which explains why he can be both informal and deeply philosophical.
Tables for Clarity
| Aspect | Characteristics |
| Tone | Direct, opinionated, informal, sometimes provocative, motivational, conversational |
| Language | Vivid, accessible, blends technical/philosophical terms, uses slang, hyperbole |
| Voice | First-person, personal, self-disclosing, authentic, relatable |
| Content Themes | Photography, finance, philosophy, personal development, fitness, Bitcoin-centric |
| Philosophical Basis | Stoicism, decentralization, resilience, rejection of fiat, focus on action |
| Cultural Influences | Modern blogging trends, popular culture references, street photography ethos |
| Calls to Action | Start a blog, invest in Bitcoin, practice Stoic principles, subscribe to services |
| Post | Key Style Elements |
| “START HERE†Page | Motivational, encourages blogging, informal, personal anecdotes, philosophical advice |
| “Photography Philosophy†| Educational, ties photography to philosophy, direct, accessible language |
| “Stoicism†| Historical references, modern applications, conversational, relatable tone |
| “How to Conquer the Markets†| Financial analysis, personal investments, stream-of-consciousness, bold assertions |
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s informal writing style, despite his deep philosophical knowledge, is a deliberate choice rooted in his practical, Stoic approach, his background in street photography, and his aim to make philosophy accessible and actionable. His direct, conversational tone reflects modern communication trends and his desire to empower readers, blending personal narratives with profound insights. This approach not only makes his content engaging but also aligns with his philosophical belief in living authentically and embracing the present, as seen across his blog at erickimphotography.com.
Key Citations