{"id":32527,"date":"2016-10-18T00:44:09","date_gmt":"2016-10-18T07:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?page_id=32527"},"modified":"2016-10-18T00:52:30","modified_gmt":"2016-10-18T07:52:30","slug":"publilius-syrus","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/publilius-syrus\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Photography and Life Lessons From Publilius Syrus"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"eric
Toronto, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Publilius Syrus was once a former slave\u00e2\u20ac\u201d turned playwright and philosopher. He was best known for his \u00e2\u20ac\u0153aphorisms\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d a collection of self-contained quotes which is full of insight, wisdom, and advice. You can see all of his insights via “The Moral Sayings of Publilius Syrus<\/em><\/a>.”<\/p>\n

Whenever I need some direction in life, I always revisit these aphorisms and thoughts from Publilius Syrus. Here are some lessons you can learn, and apply to your photography:<\/p>\n

1. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t work on more than one project a time<\/h2>\n
\"Melbourne,
Melbourne, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153To do two things at once is to do neither.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We all know that multi-tasking is a myth. Whenever you try to do more than one thing at once, you end up doing nothing.<\/p>\n

The solution: only do one thing at a time.<\/p>\n

If you want to improve your photography, focus on just doing one thing at a time.<\/p>\n

For example, if you want to improve your vision \u00e2\u20ac\u201d focus only on black and white or color for a year.<\/p>\n

If you want to create a body of work, focus only on 1 project at a time.<\/p>\n

If you want to improve your framing, only use one lens and camera at a time.<\/p>\n

Think of how you can limit your options.<\/p>\n

Remember to do two things at once is to do nothing.<\/p>\n

2. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t rush yourself<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-color-kodak-portra-400-3\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153There is no fruit which is not bitter before it is ripe.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Working on a photography project takes a long time. And you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to finish your project and publish it before it is ripe.<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nothing can be done at once hastily and prudently.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When you try to rush your progress in your photography, you won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t improve. If you want a redwood to reach great heights \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you need patience.<\/p>\n

Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think of your progress in your photography in years. Think decades.<\/p>\n

Also when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not sure whether your photos are any good or not, consider how you can let your photos and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153marinate\u00e2\u20ac\u009d a while (before figuring out whether you like it or not).<\/p>\n

A great insight by Pubilius Syrus which you can apply to any aspect of your life:<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153There is nothing which the lapse of time will not either extinguish or improve.<\/strong>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For me, as time goes on \u00e2\u20ac\u201d there are certain photos that I end up liking more. And other photos I end up hating more.<\/p>\n

Time is always your wisest counselor.<\/p>\n

3. Desire little<\/h2>\n
\"Hanoi,
Hanoi, 2016 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No matter how much we have, we will always desire more. No matter how much we achieve, we will always want more success.<\/p>\n

The secret of photography? Being satisfied with what we have. Working hard in our photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201d not to please others, but to please ourselves.<\/p>\n

We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re always obsessed with getting more cameras, more social media followers, more gear, more likes, and more fame. But if we learn to curb our desires, we will find more satisfaction and happiness in life:<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That mortal needs least; who wishes least.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Another great insight:<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Who has the greatest possessions? He who wants least.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How much do we need? Enough:<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He can have what he wishes who wishes just enough.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t plan your photography projects too much in-depth<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-color-kodak-portra-400-9\"<\/p>\n

Another good insight we can take from Publilius Syrus \u00e2\u20ac\u201d always remain flexible with your projects, goals, and visions:<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153A well-planned project often turns out ill.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When we try to plan a project too much in-depth, we become rigid with the details.<\/p>\n

For example, let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re working on a photography project \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and you have it mapped out for the next 2 years. But what if suddenly one of your kids gets sick and you can no longer work on it? What if you are working on your photo project, and suddenly the situation changes?<\/p>\n

You need to plan as you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re working on the project. Meaning \u00e2\u20ac\u201d remain flexible, fluid, and don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t stick too rigidly to your plans:<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The gladiator lays his plans after he enters the arena.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5. The more you give, the more you will receive:<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-color-kodak-portra-400-7\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The more benefits bestowed; the more received.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How do you gain \u00e2\u20ac\u0153success\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in your photography and life?<\/p>\n

Simple: figure out how to add more value into the lives of others. Because the more value you give, the more rewards you will receive.<\/p>\n

For example, as a photographer \u00e2\u20ac\u201d think of how you can add value to the lives of others. Can you do this by creating utterly amazing images that inspire others? Can you do this by sharing your insights, tips, and how you edit\/post-process your photos?<\/p>\n

Can you add value to your photography by creating a photo book? By including prints? By offering classes, workshops, or talks?<\/p>\n

If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not receiving enough from others; you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re probably not giving enough to others.<\/p>\n

6. Quickly forget the favors you give others<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-sydney\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Never forget a favor received; be quick to forget a favor bestowed.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It is easy for us to forget all the things that others give us. We forget gratitude to our photography teachers, to our masters, and all our friends who have helped us get to where we are.<\/p>\n

Yet we tend to feel indignant \u00e2\u20ac\u201d because we think we help others more than others help us.<\/p>\n

Whenever others help us, never forget them. But whenever we help others, let us quickly forget it.<\/p>\n

This way we can continue to help our fellow photographers. We can continue to offer our guidance, feedback, and constructive critique to others. And we will never feel bitter for not receiving (as much) in return.<\/p>\n

7. Beware \u00e2\u20ac\u0153free\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-color-kodak-portra-400-15\"<\/p>\n

I wish I knew this when I started off in photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201d whenever a company, a person, or an organization offers \u00e2\u20ac\u0153free\u00e2\u20ac\u009d things to you \u00e2\u20ac\u201d or some sort of help, there will always be a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153catch\u00e2\u20ac\u009d:<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153To receive a favor is to pawn your freedom.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

My dream was to get free things from companies, to gain fame, wealth, and power. But in reality, the more free things I got \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the more enslaved I felt.<\/p>\n

Why? If you receive something for free, or get a favor \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you feel indebted to the other person to say nice things.<\/p>\n

If you value your freedom above everything else \u00e2\u20ac\u201d beware getting things for free, for getting \u00e2\u20ac\u0153favors\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, or for anything else that causes you to become indebted to someone else.<\/p>\n

8. Use your money wisely<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-11\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Money is worth something when good sense disburses it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Money is not an evil in itself. Money is worth something when we use it wisely.<\/p>\n

How can we best use our money? We can best use our money to pay rent, pay the bills, feed ourselves, help our friends and family, to empower ourselves through our art, to travel, and to have experiences.<\/p>\n

How can we poorly use money? By using it to buy superfluous things we don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need, to fall victim to luxurious goods, to show off, or to hide our insecurities.<\/p>\n

As a photographer, your best investment with your money is on your education. To invest in photography classes, workshops, travel, photography books, or mentorships. To see the world, to have novel experiences, and to publish your work.<\/p>\n

Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t waste your valuable cash on things you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need. Do you really need that new camera body, lens, or gadget? Will it really empower you? Or will it just empty your wallet?<\/p>\n

Education and experiences over gear.<\/p>\n

9. Always have a backup<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-color-kodak-portra-400-14\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It is well to moor your bark with two anchors.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In life, you always want backups or redundancy to prevent yourself from being screwed over.<\/p>\n

If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re shooting a wedding or a commercial gig\u00e2\u20ac\u201d you need to expect your gear to fail. You always need a backup.<\/p>\n

If you shoot digital photography, you always want a backup of your photos (or better yet, several backups). Backup on extra hard drives or on the cloud.<\/p>\n

If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re traveling for a long time (and don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t expect to see any camera stores along the way) \u00e2\u20ac\u201d bring a second body (just in case).<\/p>\n

10. Value your own opinion of your photos (over the opinion of others)<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-street-photography-suits-color-kodak-portra-400-8\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Consult your conscience; rather than popular opinion.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why is it that we care more about the opinions that others have of our photography and art, over our own opinion of ourselves?<\/p>\n

As humans, we want approval from others. It makes us feel appreciated, safe, and secure. Yet if we live a life according to the opinions of others, we will never create the art we want to make for ourselves.<\/p>\n

Many photographers fall into the trap that once they become successful \u00e2\u20ac\u201d they seek to keep pleasing their audience. They seek to please more and more people. And before they know it, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve lost their unique voice, which made their work valuable in the first place.<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Seek to please many, and you seek a failure.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why do you want the approval of many people? Isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the approval of just a few people enough? Especially if they are close friends, colleagues, and people whose opinion who matters to you?<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let your life be pleasing to the multitude, and it can not be so to yourself.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And never forget\u00e2\u20ac\u201d the most important person to impress in your photography is yourself.<\/p>\n

So take a look at your photos, and before you ask others what they think about your work, ask yourself: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do I<\/em> think of my own photos?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

11. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t just take one photo of a scene<\/h2>\n
\"New
New Orleans, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"1-contact-nola-2\" \"1-contact-nola-1\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let fly many arrows; and no two will hit in the same place.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We generally make the mistake of only taking 1-2 photos of a scene, and moving on. Rather, try your best to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153work the scene\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and take many photos of the scene. Because who knows\u00e2\u20ac\u201d a subtle change of perspective, framing, or timing can make the difference in the photo.<\/p>\n

Shoot many arrows, or shoot a lot of photos\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and no two will hit the same place.<\/p>\n

12. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t become a slave to the opinion of others<\/h2>\n

\"street-portrait-berkeley-eric-kim-street-photograpy-black-and-white-monochrome-25\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153To depend on another’s nod for a livelihood is a sad destiny.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sometimes we get addicted to external admiration on social media. We get addicted to how many likes we get on our photos, how many followers we have, and how many comments we get.<\/p>\n

Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t depend on the feedback and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153likes\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of others. Or else you will perpetually be in a state of anxiety \u00e2\u20ac\u201d always wanting more and more approval from others.<\/p>\n

13. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re only as good as your last photo<\/h2>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Men will judge your past deeds by your last.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

People are forgetful. They won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t judge you by your best actions of the past\u00e2\u20ac\u201d they will simply judge you by your last action. Psychologically, we have a bias towards recency. What is recent is relevant, and easily memorable.<\/p>\n

Know that in a personal relationship, it is easy for your partner to remember all the good things you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve done for them. They will only recall (the bad things) as well as your most recent actions. So make sure to make each action count.<\/p>\n

Similarly, people will judge you by your last photo, your last project, your last book, or your last exhibition.<\/p>\n

You always want to improve your work. If you feel your recent photos aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t as good as your past photos, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel obliged to share them. Only share your best work \u00e2\u20ac\u201d because that is what people are going to know you for.<\/p>\n

14. Build strong habits<\/h2>\n
\"Prague,
Prague, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Powerful indeed is the empire of habit.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Based on my experience, the best photographers aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the ones who are the most \u00e2\u20ac\u0153talented.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Rather\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it is the photographers who have the strongest drive, hustle, and positive habits.<\/p>\n

One of the most powerful habits a photographer can have is tenacity<\/strong> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the ability to stay motivated and inspired over decades.<\/p>\n

How can you build positive habits in your photography? Simple: just do what you love, and do it often.<\/p>\n

The great photographers don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to force themselves to take photos all the time, and to work on long-term projects. They do it because they love it; because it is their passion. They can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t help not<\/em> but to make photos.<\/p>\n

With you \u00e2\u20ac\u201d follow your heart, gut, and soul in photography. Build habits that will help you always carry your camera with you everywhere you go. Build a habit to look at great photography. Build a habit of looking at your photos with an objective eye. Build a habit of soliciting negative feedback on your photos (rather than positive feedback). Build a habit of thinking long-term in your photography. And perhaps build a habit of not<\/em> checking social media so much.<\/p>\n

What positive habits would you want to have in your photography? Decide what you want for yourself\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and work towards making it a daily endeavor.<\/p>\n

15. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be afraid of \u00e2\u20ac\u02dccopying\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 others; it will always be unique<\/h2>\n
\"Lisbon,
Lisbon, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153When two do the same thing; it is not the same thing after all.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One of the biggest fears I know photographers have is this: they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re afraid of imitating or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153copying\u00e2\u20ac\u009d others. They want to have their own style, voice, and vision \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and by doing what someone did before, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re afraid of not standing out.<\/p>\n

But in reality, no matter how hard you try to copy someone else, it will never be the same. Because you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re different. You will make different photos. You are in a different context \u00e2\u20ac\u201d even if you have a similar photo project idea.<\/p>\n

Just think about all the photographers who have done a project on America. Every version is different and unique. Because each photographer who has shot America has their own unique vision, life experiences, and perspective.<\/p>\n

If you want to pursue a photography project that has \u00e2\u20ac\u0153already been done before\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d just do it. Because you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t done it before. Disregard anyone who tells you not<\/em> to do a project because it has \u00e2\u20ac\u0153already been done.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

16. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t stop shooting<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-photography-smartphone-street-photogrpahy\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153A rolling stone gathers no moss.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As photographers and artists, we all hit dry spells. We have moments where we hit a wall, and don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel inspired.<\/p>\n

The secret to overcoming photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block is to just keep moving. To keep shooting. If we keep making images, looking for inspiration in the world, and looking at great images \u00e2\u20ac\u201d we will never collect dust or moss.<\/p>\n

Keep rolling forward.<\/p>\n

17. Eliminate fear<\/h2>\n
\"Huntington
Huntington Beach, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fear never advanced any man to the highest standing.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What are your biggest fears in photography and life? Are you afraid of taking a photo of a stranger in public? Are you afraid of starting your own photography business? Are you afraid of traveling to a foreign country? Are you afraid of starting a Kickstarter to fund your photography project or book?<\/p>\n

Know that fear has prevented many great people from achieving their potential. Never let fear get in the way of your dreams.<\/p>\n

In-fact, do the opposite. Do what scares you. Because fear is often a good guide\u00e2\u20ac\u201d the biggest growth opportunities are things that we fear.<\/p>\n

For example, when it comes to street photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201d I have a personal rule: I must photograph what I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m afraid of. So whenever I see a person or scene that makes me feel nervous, self-conscious, or afraid \u00e2\u20ac\u201d that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s my mind telling me: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey Eric \u00e2\u20ac\u201d this is a potentially good scene. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re only feeling afraid because you know it might be a good shot.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Shoot what you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re afraid of. Pursue what you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re afraid of. Reach the highest peaks in your photography and life. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t let fear hold you back.<\/p>\n

18. Everyone needs to start somewhere<\/h2>\n

\"eric-kim-photography-smartphone-street-photography\"<\/p>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do not despise the lowest steps in the ascent to greatness.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

No matter how famous or successful a photographer is, they always started from humble beginnings. Every great photographer was once a newbie \u00e2\u20ac\u201d who didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know how to use their camera, didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know what to photograph, or how to get their work out there.<\/p>\n

So if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re starting off in photography, be humble, patient, and hard working. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel frustrated. Know that the ascent to greatness in your photography will take a while. You will need to start on the low steps, to reach the highest peaks.<\/p>\n

19. Shoot everyday as if it were your last<\/h2>\n
\"In-and-out,
In-and-out, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Every day should be passed as if it were to be our last.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You never know when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going to die. Today? Tomorrow? The day after, a week after, a month after, a year later? A decade later? A few decades later? You never know.<\/p>\n

If you live your life like you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going to live forever, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re never going to achieve your personal maximum in photography. You need to have a sense of urgency.<\/p>\n

Imagine like today were your last day on earth. What would you photograph? What would you not photograph? What photo projects would you start pursuing, or perhaps complete?<\/p>\n

20. Focus on making great photos<\/h2>\n
\"Istanbul,
Istanbul, 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You need not hang up the ivy branch over the wine that will sell.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d – Publilius Syrus\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One of the common misconceptions that a lot of us have: we think that if we were just good enough at marketing ourselves, we would become more successful.<\/p>\n

It is true that great art often needs great marketing. But in reality, most of us don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t (yet) have great photos.<\/p>\n

I find once you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a great photographer, it is very easy to find people who will help promote and market you (as long as you have great photos).<\/p>\n

So don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worry about building a social media following, or becoming famous. Work on becoming the best photographer you can. Focus on building a meaningful body of work \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re finally ready, publish it as a book or exhibit. Then it will be easy to find bloggers to interview and feature your work, to have future exhibitions, and to spread your name and work.<\/p>\n

Put in the hard work to make great photos\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and then your work will eventually sell itself.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n
\"SF,
SF, 2016 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I have a secret to admit. I am not passionate about photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201d but life. Life is the most interesting thing to me\u00e2\u20ac\u201d photography is just a tool to help me suck more marrow out of life.<\/p>\n

Whenever we learn a philosophy about photography, let us see how we can apply it to life. And vice-versa.<\/p>\n

What life lessons can you learn that will keep you motivated, inspired, and encouraged until you die?<\/p>\n

Photography isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the most important thing in life. The most important thing is to do meaningful work, to have meaningful relationships, and to be grateful for what we have.<\/p>\n

Know that human nature is fixed. We will always be dissatisfied, we will always compare ourselves to others, and we will never have enough. Yet we can still retrain ourselves to break out of our laziness, our sense of self-doubt, and conquer our fears.<\/p>\n

It is a daily practice for us to count our blessings, for us to focus on our art, and for us to train our brains to think positively.<\/p>\n

Never give up in your photography, art, and life. Keep moving forward.<\/p>\n

Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t forget: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The rolling stone gathers no moss<\/strong>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Always,
\nEric<\/p>\n

Learn more about photography and philosophy ><\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Publilius Syrus was once a former slave\u00e2\u20ac\u201d turned playwright and philosopher. He was best known for his \u00e2\u20ac\u0153aphorisms\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d a collection of self-contained quotes which is full of insight, wisdom, and advice. You can see all of his insights via “The Moral Sayings of Publilius Syrus.” Whenever I need some direction in life, I always […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32371,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-32527","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32527"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32527\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32371"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}