Eric Kim’s Essay Manifesto: Writing Philosophy & Core Principles: I’m so happy!

Context and Overview

Eric Kim is a prolific blogger, photographer, and essayist known for his bold, motivational writing style . Over hundreds of blog posts, he has shared an unapologetically honest philosophy on creativity, hustle, and self-expression – effectively an “essay manifesto” that guides how he writes and encourages others to write. While he hasn’t published a single document explicitly titled “Essay Manifesto,” his core writing philosophy is woven throughout his essays and posts. In essence, Kim champions fearless, authentic writing: just write with passion and clarity, without waiting for permission or perfection. Below we summarize the key principles and advice that emerge from Eric Kim’s writing manifesto, including excerpts in his own words.

Eric Kim’s Writing Philosophy

At the heart of Kim’s approach is the belief that writing should be personal, liberating, and fun. He treats writing as an act of self-expression and discovery – much like his photography – rather than a chore. A few defining aspects of his philosophy include: writing primarily for oneself (intrinsic motivation), embracing imperfection, and sharing ideas boldly. Kim often addresses readers as “Dear friend,” fostering a conversational tone, and draws on philosophy (like Stoicism) and personal anecdotes to inspire confidence . His tone is enthusiastic and empowering, urging readers to chase their passions and ignore societal expectations. Ultimately, Kim sees writing as a tool for self-empowerment: by writing regularly and honestly, you reclaim your voice and “design the life you want” on your own terms .

In Kim’s own words, one of his guiding mantras is to “just write it” and not overthink. He encourages writers to drop perfectionism and write with honesty and joy. For example, he writes:

“Just write it. Don’t worry about perfection or any of that silliness. Write honestly, directly, and from your own life experiences. Write what you care about, and don’t write out of a sense of ‘duty’ or ‘obligation’. Write because it is fun, interesting, and playful!”

This candid exhortation captures Kim’s ethos: the act of writing should be driven by genuine interest and playfulness, not by strict rules or external validation. In his view, writing isn’t about impressing others or achieving flawless prose – it’s about communicating your ideas clearly and with enthusiasm.

Core Principles of Kim’s Essay Writing

Eric Kim’s “essay manifesto” can be distilled into several core principles that he consistently promotes:

• Write for Yourself First: Kim believes the writer should be their own primary audience. “I am my own audience. I like to write things I would like to read,” he says, emphasizing that you should pursue topics and styles that genuinely excite you . By writing what you care about (rather than what you think others expect), your voice stays authentic. He shares his ideas with others in hopes they help, but the creative spark comes from personal passion .
• No Permission Needed – Just Start: A recurring theme is that you don’t need anyone’s approval to write or publish. “There are no longer any more gatekeepers,” Kim assures – anyone can start a blog, self-publish a book, or share their writing online . He encourages writers to boldly put their work out into the world instead of waiting for validation. “You don’t need permission… you can do it right now… The only thing holding us back is fear,” he says of any creative endeavor . In short, empower yourself to start writing and sharing now.
• Embrace Imperfection (80% Rule): Kim actively discourages perfectionism in writing. He often quotes Steve Jobs’ mantra “Real artists ship,” meaning it’s better to finish and publish a work than to endlessly polish it. He argues that getting a post to “80% good enough” and publishing it is far better than obsessing over making it 99% perfect . The difference in quality is usually negligible, but the extra time spent chasing perfection is huge – time that could be used to create new content . By accepting “good enough” and releasing work, writers can move forward and improve over time. Done is better than perfect in Kim’s book.
• Clarity Over Polish (Minimal Editing): In what he admits is a “controversial” stance, Kim says “I don’t edit” . He doesn’t believe writers must painstakingly revise their essays for style. Instead, the only reason to edit should be to make sure your ideas are clear. “The purpose of editing should be to clarify your thoughts… Simply strive to make your thoughts as clear and direct as possible,” he writes . He advises not to worry about fancy wording or strict grammar rules (“style guides or whatever”) beyond basic clarity . This principle frees writers from overthinking form – focus on expressing your idea plainly, then hit publish.
• Write Honestly and Passionately: Authenticity is a cornerstone of Kim’s philosophy. He urges writers to be candid about their life experiences, ideas, and even doubts. Writing should come from the heart – topics you genuinely care about. “Write honestly, directly, and from your own life experiences,” he says, and never out of mere obligation . This honesty makes your essays relatable and meaningful. Kim’s own blog often reads like a personal letter or diary, filled with anecdotes and frank opinions, which exemplifies this value. He would rather you write something bold and real (even if it’s rough or polarizing) than play it safe with generic, dull prose .
• Make it Fun (Playful Creativity): Far from treating writing as drudgery, Kim likens it to child’s play. “I write how a child plays,” he says – with curiosity and joy . A key part of his manifesto is that writing should be enjoyable. If a topic or approach bores you, why write it? He suggests following your excitement and treating the process as a creative game. In the quote above, he literally says “Write because it is fun, interesting, and playful!” . This mindset helps writers overcome fear and procrastination; if you’re having fun, you’re more likely to actually write. Kim even notes that forcing yourself to write daily when you’re uninspired can backfire – it “becomes a chore… no longer fun” . So, he recommends finding pleasure in the craft and not turning it into joyless homework.
• Consistency and Daily Practice: While Kim cautions against joyless forced writing, he also extols the benefits of writing regularly. He often mentions that creativity is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets . In practice, Kim himself maintains a high output: publishing “1–2 posts every day, seven days a week” on his blog . He challenges readers to try publishing something daily for 30 days to build discipline and confidence . The key is to integrate writing into your routine so it becomes second nature. Even if you don’t literally write every single day, consistency (e.g. a steady schedule or writing habit) fuels momentum. Kim’s philosophy is: create every day if possible – quantity breeds quality over time, and it keeps your ideas flowing .
• Draw Inspiration from Everywhere: Kim advises writers to seek ideas in all aspects of life. Many of his essays cross-pollinate disciplines (photography, philosophy, fitness, technology, etc.), showing that inspiration is everywhere. He suggests reading books and magazines, watching films, having conversations, traveling, and even daydreaming in a café to spark ideas . In his own process, he notes that ideas often come randomly – while walking, at the gym, or reading – so he captures them in a notes app immediately . His point is that writers should always be open and alert to interesting thoughts or observations; by recording them, you’ll never run out of essay material. Curiosity is a core value: ask “big, weird questions” about the world and explore them in writing .
• Optimal Writing Tools & Environment: In terms of practical advice, Kim promotes a minimalist toolkit. He writes in plain text (Markdown) using the app iA Writer in focus mode, which centers the text and dims everything else . This helps eliminate distractions and enter “flow.” Likewise, he recommends finding a conducive environment for creativity. Interestingly, Kim’s ideal writing spot is a busy coffee shop with music – the ambient noise and presence of people actually help him focus better than silence . “When you are inside a coffee shop, the distractions of other people help you focus… You need a distraction in order to trigger your focusing mechanism,” he theorizes . Each writer may have their own preference, but Kim’s example shows the importance of discovering where and how you write best (for some, it might be a quiet room; for him, it’s a bustling cafe). The goal is to create an environment where writing feels natural and enjoyable.
• Share Your Work Generously: A key part of Kim’s manifesto is encouraging writers to put their work out into the world without fear. He practices what he preaches by openly sharing all his content for free on his site – his motto on the blog is literally “ALL OPEN SOURCE EVERYTHING!” . Kim believes in the power of generosity and community: “Don’t have fear to share your ideas… Sharing is caring. It can be fun,” he writes . By sharing essays and ideas, you not only spread knowledge but also gain confidence. Kim notes that each time he publishes something new, he gains a bit more self-assurance and the world doesn’t end – often, he receives positive feedback or starts a meaningful conversation . His advice: don’t hoard your writing; give it freely. This openness can turn readers into supporters and creates a virtuous cycle where feedback and interaction fuel your growth. In line with this, he also warns not to obsess over metrics or others’ approval. “Blog not to get tons of views or comments, but because it helps you express yourself… You do it because you need to,” he says . Chasing likes or traffic can lead you to compromise your true interests (he admits that at one point he wrote more camera reviews for clicks instead of the topics he loved, and it “de-motivated” him) . So, share your work for its own sake and to help others, not to seek superficial validation.

Kim’s Essay Writing Methodology and Tips

Beyond broad principles, Eric Kim also offers concrete tips for the writing process – essentially his methodology for producing essays efficiently while staying true to his philosophy. Here is a breakdown of his approach:

1. Capture Ideas Spontaneously: Kim’s process usually starts with an idea that strikes him during everyday activities. He notes that ideas come randomly – “when I am walking, when I am working out at the gym, or when I am reading” . The moment he gets an interesting thought, he jots it down (often in the iPhone Notes app or a new document in iA Writer). This habit ensures no spark is lost. If an idea still excites him the next day, he’ll start writing it into an essay . Tip: Keep a notebook or notes app handy; treat daily life as idea fuel. Write down snippets, questions, observations whenever inspiration hits. Later, review these and pick the ideas that still resonate to develop into essays.
2. Write in a Focused Setting: To draft his essays, Kim uses minimal, distraction-free tools. He prefers iA Writer in “focus mode,” which centers the current sentence and fades out the rest . This helps him maintain flow. He writes in Markdown (a simple plain-text format) to avoid fussing with formatting while writing . Equally important is the physical environment – as noted, he likes writing in cafés with headphones on. The background bustle paradoxically makes it easier for him to concentrate, and being around people prevents the loneliness that sometimes comes with solitary writing . Tip: Experiment to find your optimal writing environment and tools. You might use a distraction-blocking app or go offline, write early in the morning when it’s quiet, or like Kim, thrive on ambient noise. The key is to enter a “flow” state where words come out freely.
3. Write What Excites You: When starting the actual writing, Kim’s golden rule is “write what you would like to read.” He literally advises, “Write what you care about” – the topics or questions you find fascinating or important. In his blog, if he’s passionate about Stoic philosophy or a new insight on photography, he dives deep into that. He also isn’t afraid to tackle “difficult questions” or unconventional topics . This keeps his writing energized. Tip: Don’t censor your interests. If you’re obsessed with a subject or have a burning question, that enthusiasm will fuel your essay. Your unique obsessions are an asset, not something to tone down. By writing what intrigues you, you’ll produce more original and engaging work.
4. Draft Quickly, Don’t Overthink: Kim’s method is to get the first draft out without agonizing. He does not spend a lot of time planning elaborate outlines or perfect sentences beforehand. Instead, he dives in and lets the essay take shape on the page. His motto “Just write it” reflects this bias toward action . He wants writers to overcome analysis-paralysis and start typing, following their train of thought. Tip: When you have your idea, start writing a rough draft immediately. Even if it’s messy, you can always clarify later. The biggest hurdle is often just beginning. Kim treats writing as a free-flowing process – more like having a conversation or brainstorming on paper – rather than a rigid task. This approach can help you beat procrastination and the fear of the blank page.
5. Minimal Revising for Clarity: Unlike many writing guides, Kim does not advocate heavy editing. Once a draft is down, he suggests doing just enough editing to make sure your main points are understandable. “Don’t worry about ‘style guides’ or whatever,” he says – the goal isn’t literary elegance, it’s clear communication . He primarily checks if his thought flow makes sense. If something is confusing, he’ll clarify it. But he explicitly states that he doesn’t do extensive rewriting for style’s sake . Grammar and spelling should be serviceable, of course, but he’s far more interested in raw ideas than in perfect syntax. Tip: Try adopting a “clarity edit” mindset. After writing, read your piece once and fix any points that might not be clear to a reader. Don’t spend hours tweaking every sentence for polish. Remember that an essay is successful if it conveys your idea and voice – not because it’s grammatically flawless or uses fancy words. Keeping editing light also means you can write more essays instead of getting stuck on one.
6. Ship It (Publish Your Essay): Kim strongly encourages publishing your work rather than letting it sit hidden. Hitting “publish” can be scary, but it’s a crucial step in his methodology. He notes that many people hesitate to share because of fear – fear of judgment or imperfection – but he frames publishing as a courageous, empowering act. “Don’t have fear to share your ideas… It can be fun,” he reminds us . On his own blog, he practices “open source” publishing: everything is public and free, from rough thoughts to polished articles. By sharing, you complete the creative cycle and open yourself to feedback or engagement. Tip: Put your essay out in the world, whether on a personal blog, a Medium post, or a social media note. Even if your audience is small, the act of publishing builds confidence. It also forces you to let go of the piece and move on to the next, which is healthy for continuous improvement. As Kim observes, if you publish regularly, over time “some of it will inevitably be great” and you’ll improve your craft in the process .
7. Stay Intrinsically Motivated: Throughout the process, Kim emphasizes writing for intrinsic rewards – the satisfaction of expressing yourself or helping others – rather than chasing applause. He warns against obsessing over views, likes, or external praise. Doing so can derail your authenticity. He speaks from experience: “I started to compromise my ideals… writing more camera reviews (because that gets page views) rather than writing photography-education articles (which is my true passion),” he admits . The outcome was burnout and disappointment. Now, he focuses on topics that fulfill him and trusts that the right readers will connect. Tip: Use metrics lightly or not at all. Kim even suggests disabling blog view counts and not checking stats frequently . Instead, measure success by how the writing process made you feel and whether you expressed what you intended. If you write something you’re proud of or that genuinely reflects your ideas, that’s a win – regardless of instant popularity. Over time, authentic writing tends to find an audience, but you have to give it time and keep producing.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from Kim’s Manifesto

Eric Kim’s essay manifesto can be summarized as a call to write boldly, authentically, and often. He wants writers to liberate themselves from self-doubt and perfectionism. Some final key takeaways:

• Start now – Don’t wait for the perfect idea or permission. Write what excites you and get it out there .
• Be clear and genuine – Favor clarity of thought over fancy prose. Say what you mean in your own voice .
• Enjoy the process – Approach writing with a sense of play and curiosity. It should be an adventure, not a chore .
• Persist with consistency – Treat writing as a practice. The more consistently you write, the more your creativity flows .
• Share and connect – Don’t hide your work. Sharing your essays helps you grow and might inspire or help someone else .
• Stay true to yourself – Write about what you love and believe. Don’t dilute your passion for clicks . Your unique perspective is your strength.

By following these principles, Kim suggests that anyone can develop their own voice and confidence in writing. His manifesto is ultimately about empowerment: using writing to discover yourself, influence others positively, and live life on your own terms. As he boldly puts it, “You already have all these hidden treasures inside of you… Don’t have fear to share your ideas” . In other words, your stories and insights matter – so start writing and share them with the world.

Sources: Eric Kim’s personal blog posts and essays (primarily “How I Write” and his blogging tips), analyses of his philosophy , and direct quotes from his manifesto-like writings on EricKimPhotography.com . These connected sources collectively illustrate the key ideas of his essay writing philosophy. All quotes are from Eric Kim’s own writing unless otherwise noted.