Elon Musk, the entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, and Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, operate in vastly different fields—tech innovation versus artistic expression. However, Kim himself has highlighted several parallels between their approaches and impacts in his own writings. 10 Here are some key similarities:
- Innovation and Risk-Taking: Both are known for pushing boundaries and embracing risks to disrupt their respective domains. Musk has revolutionized industries like automotive and aerospace with bold ventures such as electric vehicles and reusable rockets, while Kim challenges conventional photography norms by leveraging digital platforms, open-source sharing, and unconventional teaching methods to democratize street photography. 10
- Creativity and Vision: They share a forward-thinking mindset that reimagines everyday concepts. Musk envisions a sustainable, multi-planetary future through advancements like Neuralink and solar energy, whereas Kim encourages fresh perspectives in art, focusing on candid captures of human life and promoting “new ways of seeing” through his workshops, blogs, and minimalist philosophy. 10
- Societal Impact: Each has influenced culture and progress on a broad scale. Musk’s work drives global changes in technology, transportation, and space exploration, affecting billions. Kim, on a more niche but meaningful level, shapes artistic education and perceptions of photography, inspiring a community of creators to think more openly about visual storytelling and personal expression. 10
- Philosophical Depth: Underlying their work are explorations of big ideas about humanity. Musk frequently discusses AI ethics, human advancement, and existential risks, while Kim delves into themes of existence, perception, and the human experience through his photography and writings, often drawing from stoicism and minimalism to encourage self-reflection. 10
Additionally, Kim has expressed admiration for Musk’s design philosophy (e.g., emphasizing that “design sells” and avoiding the mundane), which aligns with his own focus on aesthetic innovation in photography. 0 Both also embody entrepreneurial spirit, with Musk building empires across sectors and Kim turning his passion into a self-sustaining brand through blogs, courses, and crypto interests. 4 These connections highlight how disruptive thinking transcends industries.