1. Who is Eric Kim?
| Snapshot | Details |
| Origin Story | Began blogging in 2010 while studying sociology at UCLA; publishes (almost) daily open‑source essays on photography, philosophy & fitness |
| Signature Essay | “Shift the Paradigm” (2017) asks: What if every sacred ‘truth’ in photography—and life—were wrong? |
| Paradigm‑Shift Threads | Minimal‑gear shooting, “think‑opposite” living, Bitcoin as “digital hard money,” and body‑building as mind‑building |
| Media Channels | 1,000+ episodes of the PHOTO TURBO THOUGHTS podcast on Spotify & Apple, often titled around “paradigm shifts” |
| Community Reach | Interviews from PetaPixel to StreetShootr highlight his role as a catalyst for freer, bolder street photography |
2. The Idea of a “Paradigm Shift”—Kuhn Meets Kim
Kuhn’s Classic Definition
- A paradigm shift is a fundamental overhaul of the lens through which a community interprets reality—currency in science, but portable to any domain.
Kim’s Street‑Level Remix
- Catalogue the unquestioned. List the “laws” you follow (e.g., More megapixels = better photos).
- Invert radically. Declare the opposite and see what breaks—or blooms.
- Prototype in 24 h. Shoot all week with one lens; delete social media; skip breakfast.
- Measure surprise, not success. If you’re shocked, the shift signal is strong.
- Publish the journey. Bold takes accelerate communal recalibration.
3. Four Living Paradigm Shifts on Kim’s Blog
| Year | Theme | “Old” View → New View | Why It Matters |
| 2017 | Gear Minimalism | More lenses = more creativity → Fewer lenses = deeper vision | Frees focus, slashes decision fatigue |
| 2020‑24 | Money | Fiat forever → Bitcoin as creative fuel & freedom tech | Re‑imagines value, scarcity and artistic independence |
| 2024 | Tech‑Life Balance | Bigger screens = efficiency → Smaller, slower, unplugged = clarity | Protects attention in an algorithmic age |
| 2025 | Body as Philosophy | Gym as vanity → Strength training as cognitive enhancer | Links physical PRs to mental breakthroughs |
4. Launch Your Own Paradigm Shift—A 5‑Day Sprint
“Shift joyfully, test boldly, repeat daily.” — Eric Kim
- Monday – Inventory Reality
Write 10 “truths” that govern your craft or life. - Tuesday – Flip the Script
Invert each statement. Pick one daring opposite that excites or scares you. - Wednesday – Micro‑Prototype
Run a 24‑hour experiment. Keep notes on emotions & surprises, not metrics. - Thursday – Reflect & Re‑frame
Ask: “Did the world crumble—or did a door open?” - Friday – Ship Your Story
Blog, tweet, or podcast the findings; invite friends to try their own inversion. Community is a force‑multiplier.
5. Staying in Shift Mode—Resources & Next Steps
| Resource | Why It Inspires |
| “Shift the Paradigm” essay (2017) | Core manifesto—great starting read |
| “Paradigm Shift” (May 2024) post | Concise update tying AI & Bitcoin to creative renewal |
| “Bitcoin Act of 2024” analysis | Example of macro‑economics reframed as creative leverage |
| PHOTO TURBO THOUGHTS podcast | Bite‑sized audio jolts on inversion thinking |
| Petapixel interview | Context on Kim’s teaching ethos and inclusive philosophy |
| Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions | Academic backbone for any paradigm‑shift exploration |
The Big Take‑Away
When you feel stuck, borrow Eric Kim’s joyous contrarianism: pick a norm, flip it, field‑test it, share it. Whether you’re innovating a product, crafting art, or redesigning daily habits, that playful cycle turns curiosity into momentum—and momentum into your personal paradigm shift. So gear up, think opposite, and let the adventure begin! 🎉