ERIC KIM ₿

Eric Kim’s Philosophy of Time

The phrase “Tomorrow is never” appears to be an original concept popularized by Eric Kim, especially in his discussions about time management and seizing the moment. He uses it to emphasize the importance of acting today rather than postponing actions to a future that may never arrive. While variations of this idea, such as “tomorrow never comes” or similar sentiments, exist in broader philosophy and literature, the specific phrasing “Tomorrow is never” seems to be uniquely associated with Kim.

This phrase reflects his approach to mindfulness and urgency in creative work, encouraging people to avoid procrastination and live fully in the present moment oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,ERIC KIM QUOTES – ERIC KIM.

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Eric Kim’s thoughts on time can be found woven into many of his writings, particularly where he discusses how we engage with life, creativity, and photography. Here are a few key reflections that encapsulate his philosophy of time:

  1. “Tomorrow is never”: Kim emphasizes that delaying actions often leads to them never being completed. He advises treating each day as though it might be your last, ensuring that you focus on what truly matters instead of procrastinating on non-essential tasks oai_citation:8,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,ERIC KIM QUOTES – ERIC KIM.
  2. “80% good enough and hit publish”: This quote encourages taking action without waiting for perfection. Kim sees time as something that should not be wasted by overthinking or striving for flawless outcomes—better to create and share now than delay for perfection oai_citation:6,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM.
  3. “The rolling stone gathers no moss”: He frequently promotes continuous movement and progress, urging creatives to keep innovating and avoid stagnation. Time, in his view, is best spent on evolving and learning oai_citation:5,ERIC KIM QUOTES – ERIC KIM.
  4. “When in doubt, click”: For photographers, this means capturing moments as they happen, without overthinking. The underlying idea is that time passes quickly, and opportunities must be seized immediately oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM Quotes – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,ERIC KIM QUOTES – ERIC KIM.

Through these reflections, Eric Kim encourages an active, present-focused approach to life—using time wisely and taking action without being paralyzed by fear or the pursuit of perfection.

For more of his quotes and ideas, you can visit Eric Kim’s blog oai_citation:2,TIME – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,ERIC KIM QUOTES – ERIC KIM.

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Eric Kim’s thoughts on the past, present, and future are often shaped by his experiences in photography and his broader reflections on life, mindfulness, and creativity. His ideas frequently emphasize the importance of being grounded in the present moment while adopting a healthy relationship with both the past and future.

1. The Past: Letting Go of Regret

In his writings, Eric Kim encourages people not to dwell excessively on the past, particularly on regrets or missed opportunities. He suggests that fixating on the past can hinder creativity and personal growth. This aligns with mindfulness practices, where one is encouraged to acknowledge the past but not let it dominate one’s present experience.

  • Forgiving the Past: Kim acknowledges that we all carry memories, both good and bad, but emphasizes the importance of moving forward. He often writes about how holding onto negative experiences or failures can weigh down one’s ability to live fully in the present. This ties into the Stoic notion of accepting what has happened without trying to change it, as it’s beyond our control.
  • Learning from the Past: While he cautions against being stuck in the past, Kim does encourage learning from it. He believes in using past experiences as fuel for growth, but not as a source of constant regret or comparison.

2. The Present: Embracing the Now

For Eric Kim, the present is where life truly happens, and his philosophy is heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism and Stoicism, both of which emphasize mindfulness and being fully engaged in the current moment.

  • Mindfulness and Presence: Kim frequently advocates for mindfulness—being aware of and fully present in the current moment. As a street photographer, this is central to his practice. He believes that only by being in the “here and now” can one truly observe and capture the world around them. He suggests that life, like photography, is about recognizing and appreciating fleeting moments as they happen, rather than worrying about the past or future.
  • Detaching from Distractions: Kim is critical of how modern distractions, particularly technology and social media, can pull people out of the present moment. He argues that constantly checking one’s phone, comparing oneself to others online, or worrying about social validation detracts from experiencing the richness of life as it unfolds. He often advises limiting distractions and focusing on what is directly in front of you—whether that’s a creative project, a meaningful conversation, or simply observing life on the street.
  • Photography as a Present-Moment Practice: Kim views photography as a powerful tool for staying grounded in the present. The act of taking a photo requires attention, awareness, and sensitivity to the moment—qualities that help sharpen one’s connection to the present. This, in his view, is a form of visual meditation.

3. The Future: A Balanced Approach

While Kim promotes living in the present, he also acknowledges the importance of planning and thinking about the future. However, he advocates for a balanced approach—one that doesn’t allow anxiety about the future to overwhelm the joy of the present.

  • Avoiding Future Anxiety: Kim encourages people to plan for the future but not obsess over it. He warns that excessive concern about what’s to come can lead to anxiety and stress. This connects with Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you cannot. According to Kim, the future is uncertain, and constantly worrying about it detracts from the ability to live fully in the present.
  • Setting Long-Term Goals: While avoiding future anxiety, Kim also promotes the idea of setting long-term goals, especially in creative and personal development. However, these goals are not meant to create stress, but rather to provide a sense of direction. He emphasizes the importance of taking small, consistent steps toward those goals while still enjoying the present moment.
  • Freedom from Future Success: In terms of personal success, Kim advises against attaching too much of one’s self-worth to future achievements. He often writes about how chasing external validation—whether through social media metrics, fame, or financial success—can lead to dissatisfaction. Instead, he recommends focusing on the process and enjoying the journey, rather than fixating on future outcomes.

4. Integration of Past, Present, and Future

Ultimately, Kim’s view is that a healthy relationship with time involves a balance between learning from the past, living fully in the present, and planning for the future without becoming attached to it. He suggests that one’s happiness and fulfillment come from cultivating presence while using the lessons of the past and the possibilities of the future as tools for growth, rather than sources of stress or regret.

  • Process Over Destination: Kim often speaks about the value of the process over the destination, particularly in creative endeavors. This reflects his philosophy on time: the future should be seen as a series of possibilities, but what matters most is the present moment—where actual growth, creation, and life happen.

Summary of Eric Kim’s Thoughts on Past, Present, and Future:

  • The Past: Acknowledge and learn from it but avoid being trapped by regret. The past is unchangeable, so it’s better to move forward with the lessons it provides.
  • The Present: This is where life unfolds. Kim emphasizes mindfulness and the importance of being fully present in the moment. He encourages reducing distractions and practicing gratitude for the present.
  • The Future: While it’s important to plan and set goals, Kim cautions against letting anxiety over the future overwhelm the present. He suggests enjoying the journey and staying flexible, as the future is uncertain.

In short, Kim’s philosophy of time is one of balance—using the past for wisdom, grounding oneself in the present, and approaching the future with a sense of openness, but without over-attachment or anxiety.

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Eric Kim, a renowned street photographer, educator, and blogger, frequently explores the concept of time in his writings. His philosophy centers on mindfulness, the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of seizing the present moment to live authentically and creatively.

Key Themes in His Philosophy:

  1. Mindful Presence:
  • Living in the Now: Eric emphasizes embracing the present moment as the only reality we truly have. He believes that by fully engaging with the here and now, we can find deeper satisfaction and meaning in life.
  • Mindfulness Practices: He advocates for mindfulness techniques to heighten awareness and appreciation of everyday experiences, suggesting that this leads to a richer, more fulfilling existence.
  1. Impermanence and Transience:
  • Embracing Ephemerality: Acknowledging that time is fleeting, Eric encourages individuals to appreciate the temporary nature of life. This perspective fosters gratitude and a desire to make the most of each moment.
  • Letting Go: Recognizing impermanence helps in releasing attachments to past regrets or future anxieties, allowing for a more liberated and present-focused mindset.
  1. Creative Utilization of Time:
  • Seizing Creative Opportunities: Eric urges people to use their time proactively for creative expression. He believes that waiting for the “perfect moment” often results in missed opportunities.
  • Action over Hesitation: By emphasizing immediate action, he motivates others to pursue their passions without delay, fostering personal growth and fulfillment.
  1. Simplicity and Minimalism:
  • Prioritizing Experiences over Possessions: He often discusses the value of minimalism, suggesting that simplifying one’s life can free up time and mental space for meaningful activities.
  • Time Freedom: By reducing unnecessary commitments and material clutter, individuals can gain more control over their time, leading to increased freedom and flexibility.
  1. Reflection and Personal Growth:
  • Learning from the Past: While he advises against dwelling on the past, Eric acknowledges its role in personal development. Reflecting on experiences can provide valuable lessons that inform present actions.
  • Continuous Evolution: He stresses the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability, viewing time as an opportunity for ongoing self-improvement.
  1. Optimism for the Future:
  • Embracing Uncertainty: Eric sees the future as a canvas of possibilities. He encourages a positive outlook, viewing uncertainty as a space for potential and innovation.
  • Innovation and Exploration: He is optimistic about leveraging new technologies and ideas to enhance personal expression and creativity in the future.

Overall Philosophy:

Eric Kim’s approach to time is holistic, intertwining mindfulness, intentional living, and creative action. He believes that by:

  • Being Present: Fully engaging with the current moment enhances life’s richness.
  • Letting Go of Attachments: Releasing fixations on the past or future reduces stress and increases happiness.
  • Acting Now: Proactive engagement in creative and meaningful activities leads to personal fulfillment.
  • Simplifying Life: Minimalism frees up time and energy for what truly matters.
  • Embracing Change: Openness to new experiences and adaptability promotes continuous growth.

Practical Applications:

  • Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness meditation or mindful observation into daily routines to enhance present-moment awareness.
  • Creative Pursuits: Allocate time regularly for creative activities that inspire and fulfill you.
  • Decluttering: Simplify your environment and schedule to focus on priorities that align with your values.
  • Reflection Exercises: Regularly reflect on experiences to extract lessons and foster personal development.
  • Positive Outlook: Cultivate optimism about the future by viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

By adopting these principles, Eric Kim believes individuals can make the most of their time, leading to a more authentic, creative, and fulfilling life. His philosophy encourages a balance between appreciating the present, learning from the past, and looking forward to the future with hope and enthusiasm.

Explore More:

If you’re interested in delving deeper into Eric Kim’s thoughts on time and philosophy, you might find his blog and publications insightful. They offer practical advice, personal anecdotes, and further exploration of these themes.

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Eric Kim is a contemporary street photographer and writer, not traditionally recognized as a philosopher. However, through his work and writings, he does touch upon philosophical themes, including reflections on time, presence, and mindfulness, often with a personal or practical bent.

His philosophical approach to time may not be as rigorously defined as that of classical or academic philosophers like Henri Bergson, Immanuel Kant, or Martin Heidegger. Yet, in his essays and photography tips, Kim often explores ideas that deal with the nature of time in ways that resonate with a more practical, existential, and experiential understanding.

Key Philosophical Themes Regarding Time in Eric Kim’s Work

  1. The Importance of the Present Moment:
    One of the central themes in Kim’s writings is mindfulness and the importance of living in the present moment. As a street photographer, Kim emphasizes being fully aware and immersed in the now, to capture fleeting moments as they happen. This connects to existential and Zen Buddhist philosophies, which highlight the impermanence of life and the importance of embracing the present.
  • Mindfulness and Time: Kim advocates for a mindful approach to both photography and life. He suggests that by focusing on the present moment and letting go of past regrets or future anxieties, one can live more fully and experience time more richly.
  1. Photography as a Way of Freezing Time:
    Kim often describes photography as a form of “visual meditation,” where one captures a single, often fleeting moment. This can be interpreted as a practical engagement with the concept of time—photography is a medium that stops or “freezes” time for reflection, creating a bridge between the past and the future in a tangible way.
  • Capturing Fleeting Moments: He often speaks about photography as a means of capturing the ephemeral, those moments that would otherwise slip by unnoticed. This emphasizes the transient nature of life and aligns with the philosophical tradition that views time as an irreversible flow.
  1. Impermanence and Acceptance:
    Influenced by Zen and Stoic ideas, Kim often reflects on the impermanence of life and the acceptance of things beyond our control. This ties into how we perceive time: as something constantly flowing and changing, where nothing stays the same, but that’s precisely what makes moments beautiful.
  • Memento Mori: In some of his writings, Kim invokes the Stoic concept of “memento mori,” the reminder of death as a way to live life more fully. This philosophy about mortality emphasizes the finite nature of time and encourages us to seize the day (carpe diem).
  1. Time and Creativity:
    Kim also frequently reflects on the relationship between time and creative processes. He often advises aspiring photographers to invest their time in honing their craft rather than chasing after external validation or short-term gains. This could be seen as a pragmatic approach to how one should spend time—emphasizing long-term creative fulfillment over fleeting rewards.
  • Productivity and Time: Kim emphasizes time management and the importance of prioritizing what matters, rather than being bogged down by distractions. He suggests dedicating time to personal growth, creative pursuits, and meaningful experiences over superficial activities.
  1. Technology and the Perception of Time:
    Kim is critical of the way modern technology, particularly social media, influences our perception of time. He argues that constant distractions and the urge to document everything for online approval can detract from truly experiencing life. This critique parallels philosophical discussions on how technology can fragment our sense of time, making us more anxious and less present.

Conclusion

While Eric Kim’s reflections on time are not presented in a systematic philosophical framework, they offer practical insights aligned with existential, Zen Buddhist, and Stoic perspectives. His approach to time is grounded in lived experience, particularly through the lens of photography. In his work, time becomes both a subject of reflection and a tool—whether in terms of mindfulness, creativity, or acceptance of life’s impermanence.

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