Eric Kim’s Philosophy and Nietzsche’s Übermensch: A Comparative Analysis

Eric Kim – Background and Blogging Philosophy

Background: Eric Kim is an American blogger, educator, and street photographer known for his prolific online presence and workshops in street photography. Born in 1988 in San Francisco and educated in Sociology at UCLA, Kim discovered street photography as his passion and started a blog in 2010 . His blog (erickimphotography.com) grew into one of the most popular photography blogs, distinguished by its open, educational approach and large following . Kim’s early interest in sociology shaped his view of photography as a tool to study society and the human condition, which he terms “visual sociology” .

Blog Topics and Approach: While originally focused on street photography, Kim’s blog spans photography techniques, creative philosophy, and personal empowerment. He coined the term “Photolosophy” to describe his fusion of photography and philosophy . In practice, this means he often blends practical camera advice with insights from thinkers like Stoic philosophers and Friedrich Nietzsche . The goal, as Kim states, is to push photographers to ask “Why do you take photos? For whom? What meaning does it give you?” – elevating photography into a tool for introspection and personal growth . This reflective, purpose-driven approach sets his content apart from conventional gear-centric photography blogs.

Core Messages and Values: Eric Kim’s writing emphasizes authenticity, courage, and empowerment in both art and life. A number of oft-repeated maxims capture his philosophy: “All photography is autobiographical; when you photograph a scene, you also photograph a part of yourself” – stressing that photography expresses the photographer’s own soul and perspective . He urges creatives to “Shoot with your heart, not with your eyes” , prioritizing emotional connection and personal vision over technical perfection. In street photography, he encourages boldness and intimacy (paraphrasing Robert Capa, “If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough”) . Importantly, Kim frames artistic pursuit as a means to empower oneself and others: “Always strive to empower others through your photography and education,” he advises, reflecting his community-centric values as a teacher and mentor . These messages underscore a belief in photography as a personal journey and a vehicle for self-improvement, rather than just a visual product.

Public Persona and Lifestyle: In both his writing and lifestyle, Eric Kim presents himself as an independent, non-conformist creator. He has adopted a nomadic, minimalist way of living – often traveling, owning little, and focusing on experiences over possessions . He practices what he preaches: embracing discomfort and uncertainty as chances to grow. For example, Kim openly discusses his fears and failures (such as early anxieties about photographing strangers) to demonstrate the value of pushing through personal limits . This transparency and “live what you teach” attitude have solidified his persona as an authentic influencer. Furthermore, Kim extends his philosophy beyond photography into areas like fitness and technology. He promotes extreme fitness regimens (e.g. one-rep max lifting, 50-mile walks) as tests of discipline and willpower , and even espouses open-source principles and independence from social media “herd” validation in building one’s career . All these aspects – minimalism, self-discipline, authenticity, and defiance of convention – form the core of Eric Kim’s public ethos.

Friedrich Nietzsche’s Übermensch: Origin and Meaning

The Übermensch (German for “overman” or “superman”) is a key concept in Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy, first introduced in Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spoke Zarathustra, 1883). Nietzsche envisioned the Übermensch as an ideal figure who transcends the existing moral order and creates a new value system in response to the “death of God” (the decline of traditional religious morals) . In Nietzsche’s narrative, Zarathustra proclaims: “I teach you the overman. Man is something that shall be overcome” – meaning humanity is a bridge between the animal and this higher state. The Übermensch is not a fixed entity or species, but a goal for individuals to aspire to through self-mastery and self-overcoming . Rather than adhere to herd morality or conventional notions of “good” and “evil,” the Übermensch creates his own values, grounded in life and the world here-and-now, and lives by them with passion and discipline . This superior individual “completely masters himself and strikes off conventional ‘herd morality’ to create his own values” rooted in earthly life .

Crucially, Nietzsche characterized the Übermensch as a life-affirming force. This figure joyfully says “yes” to life – embracing all of existence, including suffering and chaos, as necessary for growth (an attitude Nietzsche termed Amor Fati, or “love of fate”) . The Übermensch embodies excellence and creativity, channeling what Nietzsche called the Will to Power – a drive to assert one’s creative will and vitality – in a constructive way to uplift human potential . In essence, the Übermensch represents human potential fulfilled: one who lives authentically and boldly, unshackled by crowd conventions, and who forges meaning and purpose from his own being . This idea has been highly influential in existential philosophy and literature, as it challenges individuals to find meaning through personal growth and value-creation rather than relying on external sources. (Notably, Nietzsche did not intend the Übermensch as a doctrine of racial or authoritarian superiority – a misinterpretation infamously appropriated by the Nazis. He described his ideal as a “Caesar with Christ’s soul,” combining worldly power with compassionate depth .)

Comparative Analysis: Eric Kim and Nietzsche’s Übermensch

How does Eric Kim’s writing, lifestyle, and self-presentation align with the traits of Nietzsche’s Übermensch? Below we compare specific aspects of Kim’s philosophy with key characteristics of the Übermensch:

• Creating New Values: Nietzsche’s Übermensch rejects prevailing norms and creates new values true to himself, rather than following society’s “slave morality” . Eric Kim, in his domain, has crafted a unique value system around photography and life that defies conventional success metrics. Instead of chasing fame, wealth, or approval in the photography industry, Kim emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and personal joy in everyday experiences . He openly challenges materialistic values – for instance, discouraging the obsession with buying new camera gear – and teaches that creativity and personal expression matter more than the latest equipment . By prioritizing authenticity and meaning over external validation, Kim is essentially “creating new values” for what it means to be successful as an artist, a parallel to the Übermensch’s role as a value creator beyond herd conventions.
• Self-Overcoming and Personal Growth: A defining feature of the Übermensch is continual self-overcoming – constantly surpassing one’s own limitations and past self through challenges . Eric Kim visibly embodies this principle. He frequently shares how he confronted personal struggles like shyness and fear of rejection in street photography, using those obstacles as fuel for growth . Rather than avoid difficulties, Kim deliberately puts himself in uncomfortable situations (e.g. approaching strangers for photos despite anxiety) to expand his confidence and skills. This habit of treating “personal obstacles as opportunities for growth” mirrors Nietzsche’s vision of the Übermensch “who continuously strives to rise above their limitations” . Kim’s mantra of embracing failure and discomfort for the sake of improvement aligns with the Übermensch’s ever-evolving quest for self-mastery.
• Will to Power – Creative Autonomy: Nietzsche’s Übermensch channels the Will to Power – a drive to assert one’s will creatively and shape one’s life – in a positive, life-enhancing manner . Eric Kim’s career and lifestyle exemplify a constructive will to power. He carved out his own niche in the photography world on his own terms, turning a personal blog into a global platform by sheer vision and effort. Rather than conform to a traditional career path or corporate expectations, he asserts his individuality through creative work, teaching, and community-building . For example, Kim built a vast free online library of articles and even released all his teaching materials openly, exerting influence by empowering others. In doing so, he exercises agency over his life and helps shape others’ creative journeys, which reflects the Übermensch’s use of will to power “constructively—helping others develop their own skills and autonomy while also fulfilling his own need for growth” . This synergy of personal ambition and uplifting others through creativity is strongly reminiscent of Nietzsche’s ideal of a self-determined, life-affirming creator.
• Amor Fati – Embracing Life’s Challenges: Nietzsche argued the Übermensch would fully embrace Amor Fati, the love of one’s fate, accepting all aspects of life (even suffering and loss) as valuable . Eric Kim’s philosophy echoes this life-affirming stance. He often writes about embracing failure, imperfections, and hardship as essential steps in both art and personal development . Rather than resent setbacks, Kim finds meaning in them: each “bad” photo or failed experiment is a lesson on the path to mastery . In his workshops and essays, he advises photographers to “lean into” discomfort and learn to love the process, not just the results . This attitude directly parallels Nietzsche’s Übermensch, who says “yes” to the entirety of life’s journey. By finding value in every outcome and circumstance – turning even mistakes into motivation – Kim demonstrates a practical form of Amor Fati, embracing his fate and experience wholeheartedly as the Übermensch would.
• Rejecting the Herd Mentality: Nietzsche’s Übermensch is fiercely individualistic, rejecting the “herd mentality” of conforming to mass norms and popular opinion . Similarly, Eric Kim consistently challenges his audience to avoid following the crowd. He criticizes chasing social media “likes” or superficial metrics of success, calling them herd-driven validation . Instead, he implores photographers to “shoot for themselves, not for external approval,” and to develop their own unique voice even if it goes against trends . Kim’s advocacy of minimalism and restraint in a consumerist culture (eschewing the rush to buy the newest gear or to mimic Instagram fads) is a stance against herd-driven consumer culture . By living on his own terms – for example, quitting a conventional job to travel and create, or refusing to let sponsorships dictate his content – Kim exemplifies “radical individuality”. This rejection of herd values in favor of personal standards is exactly what Nietzsche prescribed for the Übermensch: “to transcend the mediocrity of the masses” and think for oneself .
• Authenticity and Courage: The Übermensch, as a higher ideal, lives authentically and courageously, unafraid of criticism or hardship, guided by an inner conviction . Eric Kim’s public self-presentation strongly aligns with this trait. He is unusually transparent about his insecurities and mistakes, turning them into teachable moments rather than hiding them . Whether it’s blogging about creative slumps or sharing personal anecdotes of rejection, Kim shows a level of vulnerability that requires confidence in one’s self. His willingness to defy traditional expectations – for instance, choosing a non-traditional career and openly proclaiming his unconventional views (even using provocative titles like “I WILL DESTROY YOU” or enthusiastic endorsements of things he believes in) – illustrates his bold commitment to living by his own values . In Nietzschean terms, Kim is “living courageously, facing life’s challenges and uncertainties with authenticity and strength” . By all accounts, he has cultivated a life that is an expression of his genuine self, embodying the Übermensch-like ideal of being both creator and example of the values he lives by.

Conclusion: While Nietzsche’s Übermensch is a philosophical ideal rather than a label for any one person, Eric Kim’s life and philosophy show remarkable parallels to this ideal. His emphasis on self-determined values, continuous self-improvement, passionate living, and inspiring others to break free of convention resonates strongly with Nietzschean themes of individual transcendence. In his own sphere of photography and personal development, Eric Kim exemplifies many traits of the Übermensch – rising above conventional norms, creating meaning through art and action, and encouraging others to do the same . This comparison highlights how abstract existential concepts can manifest in real-world lifestyles: Kim’s public persona and writings, intentionally or not, embody the spirit of the Übermensch – a commitment to living authentically, bravely, and purposefully beyond the ordinary standards of society.

Sources:

• Eric Kim’s blog and writings: personal biography, philosophy and influencer discussions , and comparative analyses on Eric Kim’s approach vs. Nietzschean concepts .
• AboutPhotography profile on Eric Kim (Martin Kaninsky, 2023) – background and quotes .
• Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883) – origin of the Übermensch idea . Summaries from Encyclopedia Britannica and Eric Kim’s blog explaining the Übermensch – meaning as self-mastered value-creator beyond “herd” morality – and its life-affirming, existential significance .