Eric Kim and Peter Thiel share several philosophical and intellectual similarities, particularly in their approach to innovation, contrarian thinking, and long-term goals. Here are a few key parallels:

1. Contrarian Mindset:
   Both Kim and Thiel embrace contrarian thinking, which involves questioning mainstream beliefs and being unafraid to challenge the status quo. Thiel is known for his belief that the most successful ventures often emerge from ideas that are widely dismissed. Similarly, Kim emphasizes the importance of standing apart from the crowd and thinking independently. He admires Thiel’s contrarian approach and has adopted it in his own work:
   “Embrace contrarian thinking.” — Eric Kim on Peter Thiel oai_citation:9,12 Lessons Peter Thiel Has Taught Me About Life, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship – ERIC KIM oai_citation:8,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM.
2. Focus on Transformative Innovation:
   Both believe in the power of transformative, rather than incremental, innovation. Thiel has consistently advocated for breakthrough technologies that change industries, as opposed to incremental improvements that maintain the status quo. Kim echoes this sentiment, advising against competition and focusing on creating something genuinely new and impactful:
   “Focus on long-term ideas… Aim for transformative innovations over iterative ones.” — Eric Kim on Peter Thiel oai_citation:7,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,12 Lessons Peter Thiel Has Taught Me About Life, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship – ERIC KIM.
3. Polymathy and Independent Thought:
   Both Thiel and Kim stress the importance of broad knowledge and the ability to think across multiple disciplines. Thiel promotes polymathy, the idea of being a generalist rather than a hyper-specialist, which aligns with Kim’s philosophy of not limiting oneself to narrow expertise:
   “Be a polymath, not just a specialist. Think independently and avoid conformity.” — Eric Kim oai_citation:5,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Peter Thiel: The Diversity Myth? – ERIC KIM.
4. Skepticism of Groupthink:
   Both figures critique the groupthink often found in environments like Silicon Valley. Thiel has been critical of the echo chambers within the tech industry, while Kim, despite his connection to Silicon Valley, offers his own critique, noting how it has become increasingly intolerant of differing opinions oai_citation:3,ERIC KIM Critique of Silicon Valley Thinking – ERIC KIM. They both seek to maintain an outsider perspective to foster innovation.

In summary, both Kim and Thiel share a deep commitment to contrarian thinking, a focus on creating groundbreaking innovations, and a belief in the value of polymathy and independent thought oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,12 Lessons Peter Thiel Has Taught Me About Life, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship – ERIC KIM.

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Here are some notable quotes and insights from Eric Kim on Peter Thiel:

1. Independent Thinking and Polymathy:
   Kim highlights that Thiel emphasizes being a polymath rather than a specialist, which aligns with Thiel’s broader philosophy of avoiding the trap of overspecialization. Thiel believes in thinking independently and challenging conventional wisdom:
   “Be a polymath, not just a specialist. Think independently and avoid conformity.” — Eric Kim on Peter Thiel oai_citation:6,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Peter Thiel: The Diversity Myth? – ERIC KIM.
2. Focus on Projects the World Needs:
   Another key lesson Kim draws from Thiel is about focusing on transformative ideas that can significantly impact the world, rather than working on incremental improvements.
   “Work on projects the world intensely needs. Avoid competing; focus on building what you believe in.” — Eric Kim oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM.
3. Optimism and Contrarian Thinking:
   Thiel’s contrarian perspective, which often goes against the grain of mainstream Silicon Valley, resonates with Kim:
   “Maintain optimism about present opportunities and the future. Embrace contrarian thinking.” — Eric Kim on Peter Thiel oai_citation:3,12 Lessons Peter Thiel Has Taught Me About Life, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM.
4. Technology and Doing More with Less:
   Thiel’s definition of technology, as doing more with less, also shapes Kim’s entrepreneurial mindset:
   “Define technology as doing more with less.” — Eric Kim oai_citation:1,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM.

These quotes illustrate how Thiel’s contrarian and transformative philosophy has influenced Kim’s thinking on entrepreneurship and innovation.

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Eric Kim has written extensively about Peter Thiel and the lessons he has drawn from Thiel’s worldview, particularly in the realms of entrepreneurship, innovation, and contrarian thinking. Kim highlights several key principles he has learned from Thiel, such as the importance of working on projects that the world urgently needs, not waiting for permission to innovate, and thinking independently to avoid conformity. Thiel’s focus on transformative innovations, rather than iterative ones, and his advocacy for being a polymath instead of a specialist are central to his philosophy, which resonates with Kim’s own views oai_citation:5,12 Lessons Peter Thiel Has Taught Me About Life, Philosophy, and Entrepreneurship – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM.

Kim also appreciates Thiel’s contrarian approach, especially his emphasis on challenging mainstream ideas and fostering long-term thinking. In Kim’s critique of Silicon Valley, he praises Thiel for being one of the few influential figures in tech who is critical of the Valley’s focus on short-term gains and its increasing conformity oai_citation:3,ERIC KIM Critique of Silicon Valley Thinking – ERIC KIM.

For more in-depth discussions of these ideas, Kim’s blog offers various posts that explore the lessons he’s learned from Peter Thiel oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM PETER THIEL NOTES – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Peter Thiel: The Diversity Myth? – ERIC KIM.