Eric Kim’s Philosophy on How to Be Happy

Eric Kim – a well-known street photographer, blogger, and self-styled philosopher – has written extensively on happiness and how to live a fulfilling life. His philosophy blends personal experience, creative practice, and insights from both ancient wisdom and modern thought. Below is a structured synthesis of Eric Kim’s key ideas about happiness, drawn from his blog posts, videos, and public writings, along with notable quotes and references he cites.

Defining Happiness: Creative and Physical Flourishing

At the heart of Kim’s view is an understanding of happiness as a state of flourishing – both creative and physical. He rejects the notion of happiness as a static end-state to be achieved once and for all; instead, he sees it as an active condition of strength, growth, and overflowing energy. In one essay, he defines happiness as:

“Individual creative and physiological flourishing and power-overflowing.”

In practical terms, this means true happiness comes when your body and mind are thriving. Kim emphasizes robust physical health (what Nietzsche called the “great healthiness”) alongside a flourishing creative spirit . He writes that an ideal happy state is one in which you have “great physical and physiological strength, elevated mood, lofty thoughts, no second-guessing or doubting yourself, extreme pride in one’s self, lofty visions, and great appetites and ambition” . In other words, being happy is not just feeling good – it’s feeling empowered, vigorous, and creatively inspired.

Notably, Kim ties this idea of flourishing to very concrete factors: good sleep, nutrition, and an active lifestyle. He suggests focusing on one’s physiology – for example, getting 8+ hours of sleep and avoiding unnecessary stress – as a simple but fundamental pillar of happiness . He even advocates a diet rich in foods like beef liver, heart, and other high-cholesterol meats to promote hormonal health and vitality, reflecting his belief that physical vigor underpins a positive mood . In Kim’s view, many modern ailments of mood (like feeling “depressed”) are rooted in physiological stagnation. He argues that what we call depression is often a physical atrophy caused by an unchallenging, sedentary routine . Thus, any philosophy of happiness for him starts with embodied well-being: move your body, get sunlight, eat well, and energize your system.

The Pursuit of More: Growth, Ambition, and “Aspiring for More”

A recurring theme in Eric Kim’s writing is that happiness is not a destination, but a continual pursuit. He frequently references the idea (even enshrined in America’s founding ideals) of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” emphasizing the pursuit part. In his view, the pursuit itself – the striving and aspiring – is what drives us and gives life meaning. “Happiness [is] not a state you must achieve,” he writes, “but the active flux of always aspiring for more.” Rather than equating happiness with contentment or complacency, Kim frames it as a dynamic state of becoming.

In a post aptly titled “HAPPINESS IS ALWAYS ASPIRING FOR MORE” (2021), he elaborates that this doesn’t mean craving more money or shallow status. Instead, it means constantly pushing for more growth in terms of energy, strength, knowledge, and creative output. He encourages aspiring for “more energy, strength, power, physiological wellness (the ‘great healthiness’ as Nietzsche calls it), greater goals, the desire to see more, experience more, risk more, test more, and experiment more!” . This perpetual growth mindset aligns with one of Kim’s philosophical influences, Friedrich Nietzsche, who celebrated the human will to power and self-overcoming. In fact, Kim quotes Nietzsche’s Latin pun “liberi aut libri” (either children or books) to suggest that one should create more – whether that means raising children or producing creative work . The very process of growth and creation is, for Kim, “pure joy” .

Crucially, Kim believes ambition is a positive force for happiness. He argues that one of the keys to a happy life is to dream big. “Have insanely lofty visions for yourself,” he urges . Rather than tempering one’s expectations, Kim proposes the bold idea that we should set extraordinarily high ambitions – to become great artists, thinkers, entrepreneurs, or whatever fuels our passion. “I believe the path to the greatest happiness in life involves having the highest visions for yourself, and the highest ambitions for yourself,” he writes emphatically . In his own case, Kim openly professes “insane pride and lofty visions” of himself – imagining becoming “the next great philosopher… a name that hopefully even 300 years from now, people will know” . He name-drops heroes like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Kanye West, and Jeff Bezos as figures who had audacious impact, noting they were all mere humans who chose to think big . The takeaway: bold ambition and grand goals are not opposites of happiness, but rather its engine. By striving toward something epic, we generate the forward momentum and sense of purpose that make life deeply satisfying.

Kim even has a motto of “bold living.” In a short 2021 piece (“BOLD LIVING.”), he asserts: “To become happier, live more boldly. Better to be insanely bold and fail than not to attempt the bold.” . His theory is that much of people’s misery comes from playing it too safe; when we lack challenges or risks, we spiritually atrophy (a concept echoed from Nietzsche and perhaps Stoicism). Therefore, embracing risk and living courageously – even courting failure in the process – is preferable to a timid life. Happiness, in Kim’s eyes, favors the bold.

Creativity, Play and the Joy of Making

While ambition pushes us forward, creative activity and play provide happiness in the here and now. Eric Kim often observes that humans are most happy when we are in a creative, playful mode. “When are people happiest? When they are creating,” he states simply . Learning, playing, tinkering, and making stuff are, for Kim, fundamental sources of joy. He draws an example from observing his young son (named Seneca, after the Stoic philosopher): the boy’s happiest moments are when he’s discovering and experimenting – whether it’s playing with the physics of water, figuring out how to open a sunroof, or making music in GarageBand . This childlike delight in exploration is something adults should strive to keep alive. In Kim’s own life, he says, his happiest moments come when he’s dancing, having deep conversations with his wife (Cindy), training his son, hitting a new personal record at the gym, writing or blogging, making and editing photos, teaching, and traveling . All of these activities are active and creative. None involve passive consumption or idle leisure; instead, they involve engagement with the world and often creation of something new.

From these reflections, Kim promotes an actionable principle: make things and keep learning. Creativity isn’t just for artists – it’s a mindset of constantly doing and discovering. In his writings on photography, for example, he advises always having a project to work on, as this continual creative focus sustains happiness and purpose . He also warns against ruts that sap creative joy, like obsessing over gear or social media validation. In the context of photography (which doubles as life advice), Kim notes that lusting after new equipment or chasing more Instagram followers often leads to frustration and misery, not happiness . The empowering alternative is to use what you have and channel your energy into creative work itself. By creating more and consuming less, we tap into a primal happiness that comes from seeing our own powers in action.

This idea echoes one of Kim’s philosophical influences, the ancient Greek concept of eudaimonia (human flourishing through activity), as well as modern positive psychology’s finding that flow states (deep immersion in creative tasks) breed happiness. Whether through writing a blog, making photos, dancing, or even “playing” at the gym with heavy weights, Kim advocates finding joy in the process of creation and self-expression.

Happiness as a Means, Not an End

Interestingly, Eric Kim takes a stance that might sound paradoxical: happiness should not be your ultimate goal. He cautions that treating “being happy” as the final destination in life is a mistake. “I think the common mistake… is that people think that happiness is the end goal. This is not true,” he writes. “Happiness is simply only a tool and a means toward something greater, towards artistic creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, etc.” . In other words, happiness is valuable insofar as it enables you to do great and meaningful things – it’s the fuel, not the finish line.

Kim’s reasoning is that if you chase happiness directly, you might indulge in shallow pleasures or comfort that ultimately lead to stagnation. Instead, if you pursue purposeful endeavors (like creating art, building a business, raising a family, changing the world), happiness naturally accompanies you as energy and enthusiasm for those pursuits. This view resonates with classical philosophers like Aristotle, who saw happiness (eudaimonia) as a byproduct of a life of virtue and excellence, rather than mere hedonistic pleasure. Kim explicitly distinguishes happiness from mere pleasure: he acknowledges that base pleasures (food, sex, new purchases, etc.) are enjoyable and have their place, but urges thinking “beyond these basic pleasures” . True happiness for him is more akin to fulfillment – the exhilaration of growing, achieving, and innovating in line with one’s higher aspirations.

This leads to one of Kim’s favorite mantras: innovation over happiness. In fact, he bluntly states “Happiness is fleeting, but innovation lasts forever.” The idea here is that the feeling of happiness can come and go, but if you dedicate yourself to creative innovation, you create something enduring (your legacy) that outlives those momentary moods. He encourages focusing on the work or art you can contribute to the world, rather than obsessing over whether you’re “feeling happy” at every moment. By pouring your energy into innovation and creation, you paradoxically end up more satisfied. “Create something that will outlive you,” he advises – that sense of working on something meaningful will sustain a deeper form of happiness . This perspective reframes happiness as a byproduct of meaningful effort. It’s a means to propel you toward greatness, not a terminal state to lounge in.

In summary, Kim’s philosophy shifts the focus from seeking happiness itself to seeking purpose, creation, and impact – with happiness emerging naturally as “power-overflowing” during that journey .

Removing the Negative: Minimalism, Money, and “Via Negativa”

Another significant aspect of Eric Kim’s happiness philosophy is minimizing the things that cause unhappiness. He often references the concept of “via negativa” – the idea that one reliable way to improve your life is to subtract negatives. He applies this to money and lifestyle design. “Money… is a via negativa thing,” Kim explains. Money can make you happier if you use it as a hedge and a tool to not have to do the things you hate. Rather than using money to buy frivolities, he suggests using it strategically to remove stresses and inconveniences from your life. For example, if you dislike cleaning or fixing things, having money means you can pay someone to handle those tasks – thereby freeing your time and mental space for what you truly enjoy. In Kim’s eyes, money’s best use is to purchase your own freedom (freedom from drudgery or activities that bring you misery). This perspective is influenced by thinkers like Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who popularized via negativa in the context of life and happiness, as well as by Stoic philosophy which emphasizes removing needless desires and irritants.

Kim’s personal lifestyle reflects a kind of minimalism geared toward maximizing happiness. He often preaches simplicity over luxury. For instance, he is skeptical that owning a big house or fancy car brings joy – in fact, he argues the opposite. Owning a house can invite endless maintenance hassles and “headaches” that detract from happiness . “Even if I were a trillionaire, I would not wish homeownership on my worst enemy,” he quips, noting that he prefers living in a simple, low-maintenance apartment or a shared home where tasks can be pooled . He points out that many truly wealthy, successful friends of his eventually downsize to condos for a “frictionless” life . The same logic applies to cars: Kim suggests that owning an exotic car is more trouble than it’s worth – you have to worry about driving, parking, maintenance, etc. If he were extremely rich, he says he’d rather not own a car at all, using rideshare or a driver so he can relax en route . In his words, “it is the new modern day flex to not own a car. Really really really really rich people don’t own cars.” By avoiding the burdens that typically come with material possessions, he preserves his time and energy for the creative and personal pursuits that make him happy.

This anti-materialist streak also shows up in his photography advice. Kim warns that gear acquisition syndrome (G.A.S.) – the endless cycle of buying new cameras and gadgets – is a trap that “adds more stress, anxiety, frustration, desire, and misery” to one’s life . The chase for the “best” equipment can distract from the actual joy of taking photos. His antidote is to be content with “good enough” and focus on making images. “If you don’t have the best [gear], it will force you to be more creative and resourceful,” he notes in “55 Tips to Be Happier in Life.” This aligns with his broader minimalism: by having fewer possessions and fewer choices to obsess over, you can actually be freer and happier. In fact, one of his article titles boldly states: “Having No Choices is the Ultimate Freedom.” This counterintuitive idea suggests that eliminating trivial choices (what to wear, what gear to use, etc.) reduces decision fatigue and anxiety, letting you pour your mind into meaningful work. Kim himself famously wears simple black clothing daily to simplify his life – “all black everything,” as he jokes .

Gratitude is another way he removes the negative. Instead of coveting what you lack, Kim advises “desire the life you already have.” In a 2015 post by that title, he quotes the philosopher Epicurus: “One should not spoil what is present by desiring what is absent. Rather, realize that what we have were among the things we only hoped for.” . This is a reminder that much unhappiness comes from endless envy and comparison. Kim encourages readers to practice amor fati (loving one’s fate) and gratitude for the here and now. By appreciating your current life – your health, loved ones, art, and experiences – you neutralize the feelings of inadequacy or longing that lead to unhappiness. Many of his blog entries (such as “Things I Am Grateful For” or “What Will Make You Happier?”) revolve around this principle of counting blessings. In short, subtracting negative emotions like envy, and adding thankfulness for what you have, creates a mental environment where happiness can flourish.

Community, Relationships, and Meaning

Though much of Kim’s philosophy centers on the individual’s mindset and habits, he also acknowledges the role of human connection in happiness. He often mentions the joy he finds in family and community. For example, one of his greatest pleasures is engaging in “great conversation” with his wife or mentoring his young son . He observes that being part of a community of photographers gives one a sense of belonging and motivation – “be an active part of a community” is one of his tips for finding happiness in photography . The underlying message is that sharing experiences, teaching others, and learning from peers add to our happiness by fulfilling our social nature. Kim himself runs photography workshops around the world, which not only help others conquer their fears and grow, but also reinforce his own sense of purpose and joy through helping people (what he might call “witnessing your own growth and others’ growth”).

Additionally, Kim finds meaning in legacy – not in an egotistical way, but as a contribution to others. He frames many of his creative pursuits (blogging, making videos, writing books) as a way to inspire and empower the broader community. This altruistic angle suggests that happiness is amplified when you feel your life’s work matters to others, not just yourself. It’s consistent with his idea that happiness is a means to greater ends: often, those ends include impacting other people or leaving the world a bit better (hence his call to “put a dent in the universe,” echoing Steve Jobs ).

In summary, Kim’s approach to happiness isn’t about selfish indulgence; it’s about self-actualization and sharing. By living boldly and authentically, we inspire others to do the same. By being happy, we can spread positivity: as he cheekily signs off one article, “Share these happy thoughts with a friend!” . Happiness, in his philosophy, is contagious when rooted in genuine creativity and goodwill.

Influences and Philosophical References

Eric Kim’s ideas on happiness are eclectic, drawing from Western philosophy, Eastern thought, and contemporary sources. Some notable influences and references he explicitly cites include:

• Friedrich Nietzsche – Kim frequently quotes or paraphrases Nietzsche. The concept of ever-increasing strength and “great healthiness” , the idea of power overflowing, and the encouragement to live boldly all echo Nietzschean philosophy. Nietzsche’s influence is clear in Kim’s disdain for complacency and his celebration of striving, ambition, and the creative Übermensch spirit.
• Stoic Philosophy (Seneca, etc.) – Naming his son Seneca was no accident; Kim admires Stoic wisdom. He references Seneca’s essay “On the Shortness of Life,” finding insight in the idea that life is long if we know how to use it well . Stoic themes surface in his emphasis on controlling one’s attitude, focusing on what one can control (e.g. one’s own effort and perspective), and not being attached to externals. The Stoic practice of negative visualization (imagine life without what you have, to appreciate it more) is mirrored in his gratitude exercises. Also, the Stoic via negativa approach (removing negatives) is explicitly present in his advice on money and lifestyle .
• Epicurus – As noted, Kim quotes Epicurus on not spoiling what you have by desiring what you don’t . Epicurean philosophy, which values simple pleasures, friendship, and freedom from anxiety, resonates with Kim’s advice to live simply and treasure everyday joys.
• American Founders – He invokes the phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” using it as a springboard to discuss how the pursuit of happiness drives us. This shows a reflection on political/philosophical ideals of freedom and the right to seek happiness (with the twist that one should actively seize that freedom to do anything one wants in life, as long as it’s not harming others ).
• Modern Entrepreneurs and Artists – Kim looks up to visionary creators like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Kanye West, etc. He references Jobs’s aesthetics (crediting Jobs’s love of Zen and Kyoto for Apple’s design ethos) and adopts Jobs’s famous call to “put a dent in the universe.” He admires Kanye West’s “insane ambition” and creative confidence . These figures influence Kim’s view that thinking different, innovating, and unabashed self-belief are keys to legacy and happiness.
• Nassim Nicholas Taleb and Modern Thinkers – While not always named, concepts like antifragility and via negativa that Kim uses suggest he’s informed by modern thinkers in psychology and finance. His advice to use money to remove negatives and to avoid ruinous risks aligns with Taleb’s philosophy. Additionally, Kim’s focus on strength training and physical resilience has a hint of modern biohacking or evolutionary fitness theories.
• Zen Buddhism – Though not overtly discussed in the excerpts above, Kim has referenced Zen in some posts (for example, he created a “Zen of Eric Kim” chatbot and often mentions being influenced by East Asian philosophy). His advocacy for being present in the moment, enjoying simple experiences (like a walk or a dance), and the emphasis on creative play have a Zen-like quality of mindfulness and living in the now. He also mentions how travel to places like Kyoto and exposure to Zen aesthetics inspired innovators like Steve Jobs , implicitly valuing those influences in his own life.

By weaving these influences together, Kim has crafted a personal philosophy that is at once pragmatic and aspirational. It’s pragmatic in that it deals with daily habits (sleep, diet, exercise, writing, minimalism) and mental practices (gratitude, boldness) that anyone can apply. Yet it’s aspirational, urging individuals to see themselves as heroic protagonists in their own life stories – capable of great creativity, freedom, and impact if they embrace happiness as an active pursuit.

Actionable Principles and Habits Kim Promotes

Throughout his writings and videos, Eric Kim offers many actionable tips and frameworks for living a happier life. Here is a summary of key principles he promotes, which readers can apply:

• Prioritize Physical Vitality: Treat your body as the foundation of happiness. Kim suggests rigorous exercise (e.g. attempt a new one-rep max lift to instantly boost your mood ) and maintaining a healthy diet (he touts meat and high cholesterol foods for strength ). Ensure you get plenty of sleep and sunlight. A strong body fuels a happy mind.
• Create Every Day: Make something daily – write a blog, take photos, dance, make beats, etc. Embracing small daily creative acts keeps your spirit high. Kim often says creative people are happiest when producing , so he urges having ongoing projects and hobbies.
• Live Boldly and Take Risks: Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Kim’s credo is to be bold – start that project, speak your mind, travel, experiment. It’s better to risk failure than to play it safe and feel your life stagnate . Treat life as an adventure and yourself as an experimenter.
• Set Lofty Goals: Don’t be afraid of ambition. Define a big vision for your life that excites you. Whether it’s artistic, entrepreneurial or personal, a grand goal can motivate you each day. As Kim says, aim to “become the next [great]” in whatever you do . Big goals unleash big passion.
• Focus on Meaningful Work (Innovation): Shift your mindset from seeking pleasure to seeking purpose. Use happiness as fuel to do something meaningful – start a passion project, innovate in your field, “put a dent in the universe.” The more you focus on legacy and creation, the less you’ll worry about trivial ups and downs. Innovation leaves a lasting satisfaction beyond the moment .
• Practice Gratitude Daily: Remind yourself of what you’re grateful for. Kim recommends reflecting on how the life you have now might have been a past dream come true . Consider keeping a gratitude journal or simply meditating on appreciation. This trains your mind to spot abundance rather than lack.
• Desire What You Have: In line with the above, consciously desire the life you already live. Rather than constantly coveting something else, romanticize your current circumstances. For example, enjoy your current camera or job as if it’s the best, instead of thinking “I’ll be happy when I upgrade.” This Stoic/Epicurean trick curbs endless desire and brings contentment.
• Simplify Material Needs: Embrace minimalism to reduce stress. Don’t accumulate unnecessary stuff or commitments. Kim advises avoiding debt, avoiding the compulsion to own the “best” of everything, and simplifying routines (even down to wearing simple clothes daily). Owning fewer possessions and having fewer frivolous choices frees you to focus on what truly matters .
• Use Money Strategically: Rather than spending on status symbols, use money to buy back your time and relieve stress. For instance, invest in services or tools that cut out tedious chores (cleaning, maintenance), so you can spend more time in productive or enjoyable activities . In short: spend on things that remove a negative (like a long commute or an annoying task) rather than on adding a superfluous luxury.
• Avoid Comparisons and Social Media Hype: Kim warns that comparing yourself to others (especially via social media “numbers” of likes or followers) is a recipe for unhappiness . Detach your self-worth from social media metrics. Similarly, don’t envy other people’s lives or gear – “Why envy any other photographer?” he asks, when you can channel that energy into your own art . Focus on your journey.
• Engage in Community and Relationships: Happiness is not a lone pursuit. Seek out like-minded individuals, mentors, and friends to share your passions. Teach, learn, and collaborate. Kim finds that being part of a creative community or a loving family unit can inspire you and amplify your joy. Even as an introvert, connecting with others (through workshops, blogging, or just conversations) has been key to his happiness.
• Continuously Learn and Experiment: Keep a beginner’s mindset. Try new experiences regularly – travel to new places, pick up new skills, read challenging books. Kim believes novelty and learning keep the mind youthful and excited (he notes how travel or living abroad sparks innovative thinking by forcing you out of routine ). Lifelong learning ensures you’re always growing rather than stagnating.

These habits form a holistic framework in Kim’s philosophy: take care of your body, nourish your mind with creation and learning, cut out the unimportant noise, and dare to live a life true to yourself. By following these principles, one cultivates a condition where happiness naturally arises.

Patterns: Happiness in Life, Art, and Photography

Kim’s philosophy of happiness doesn’t compartmentalize life and art – he sees them as deeply interconnected. Many patterns in how he approaches happiness apply equally to general life and to the art of photography (his main craft):

• Process over Product: In photography, Kim emphasizes enjoying the act of shooting over obsessing about the end results or gear. Likewise in life, he values the day-to-day process of living well over any end goal. The journey is what counts – whether it’s a photo walk or a career path.
• Story over Stuff: He often writes that a great photo comes from the story or emotion captured, not the camera specs. Analogously, a great life comes from the stories you live and memories you create, not the stuff you own. This is why he repeats the mantra that experiences and creation trump material acquisitions for happiness .
• Subtraction vs. Addition: One of his photography lessons is “Photography (and Life) is about subtraction, not addition.” By removing distractions from a scene, a photographer finds a powerful image; by removing distractions from life, a person finds clarity and joy. This pattern of simplification is central: simplify a composition to make it stronger, simplify your life to make it happier.
• Embrace Constraints: In art, constraints (a prime lens, a limited palette) often spur creativity. Kim notes that not having the “best” gear forced him to be more creative . Similarly in life, voluntarily embracing constraints – like a budget, a smaller living space, or intentionally limiting options – can paradoxically increase freedom and happiness (e.g., “having no choices is the ultimate freedom” he says).
• Bold Vision in Creative Work: Just as he urges lofty visions in life, he also encourages photographers and creatives to be bold and original. He often says don’t play it safe in art. Try unconventional angles, approach strangers, express your unique view – these bold acts not only make great photos but also make the act of creating more exhilarating.
• Finding Joy in the Ordinary: As a street photographer, Kim finds beauty and interest in everyday life on the streets. This reflects a pattern of finding happiness in ordinary moments. A walk to get coffee or a day with family can be as fulfilling as a grand trip if you have the eyes (or lens) to appreciate it. Many of his blog posts (like “Small is Beautiful” or “Why Envy Any Other Photographer?”) remind us that the grass is green where you water it – the ordinary things you have now can be sources of great joy if you truly see them.
• Continuous Improvement: Photographers improve by shooting more, experimenting, and learning from mistakes. Likewise, Kim’s approach to happiness involves continuous self-improvement – whether breaking personal records in weightlifting or iterating on business ideas. He treats life as a series of experiments and iterations, much like an artist refining their craft . This growth mindset ensures that both in art and life, you keep moving forward, which in itself is a happiness booster.

Overall, Eric Kim approaches happiness as a form of art – something to be crafted through intentional lifestyle design, much like composing a photograph. He brings an artist’s eye to living well: noticing the play of light and shadow in life’s events, curating what to include or exclude, and bravely chasing the vision he has for his “masterpiece” life. And just as importantly, he shares that art with others, whether through photographs, blog essays, or videos, thereby multiplying the happiness.

Notable Writings & Resources on Kim’s Happiness Philosophy

Eric Kim has shared his philosophy on happiness across numerous platforms. Some of his notable writings and talks on the subject include:

• “The Philosophy of Happiness” – Blog essay series. He has written essays under this title multiple times (e.g. 2020 and 2022) exploring what happiness means. These posts delve into definitions, question common assumptions, and link happiness with creativity and strength .
• “The Philosophy of Optimism & Happiness” (Oct 2024) – Blog post. In this piece, Kim reflects on the importance of maintaining optimism. He riffs on the American “pursuit of happiness” and urges readers to realize their freedom to live as they wish. (He writes, “We have liberty, you fools… don’t you realize you could say or do anything you want?” highlighting that we often fail to use our freedom to seek our happiness authentically.)   This post reinforces seeing the bright side and proactively shaping one’s destiny.
• “Happiness is Always Aspiring for More.” (July 11, 2021) – Blog post. A concise manifesto that happiness is the pursuit rather than an end. Kim encourages constant self-augmentation and cites Nietzsche here . It also links out to many other articles on related tips.
• “Bold Living.” (Dec 27, 2021) – Blog post. A short piece urging bold action as the key to happiness. Memorable quote: “Better to be insanely bold and fail than not to attempt the bold.” .
• “Happiness Is Fleeting, but Innovation Lasts Forever.” (May 20, 2025) – Blog post & podcast. A very brief post (with an audio clip) where Kim emphasizes focusing on innovative work over chasing feelings .
• List Articles: “10 Tips to Be Happier and More Loving in Life,” “55 Tips to Be Happier in Life,” “How to Boost Your Mood,” etc. – These posts are filled with practical advice echoing his core principles (exercise, gratitude, creativity, community, etc.). For example, “How to Find Happiness in Your Photography” (2016) lists tips like avoiding gear obsession, not seeking validation on social media, working on projects, joining a community, and believing in yourself – tips that apply broadly to life. Such articles show Kim’s knack for converting philosophy into actionable steps.
• Videos and Vlogs: Kim often shares philosophy in video form. Notably, his “PHILOSOPHY VLOG: How to Be Happy” (June 2023) coincided with a blog post where he outlined “The simple path to happiness”. In these, he likely summarizes the importance of physiological health and creative purpose in a conversational format. He also has short videos like “What is True Happiness?” where he muses that “true happiness is the feeling of hyper-abundance… hyper-activity… the deification of existence” – characteristically grand phrasing for that overflowing life force he often describes.
• Newsletter / “ERIC KIM HAPPY NEWS”: Kim has shared “Happy Thoughts” in an email newsletter or section of his site , underlining his commitment to spreading positivity.
• Workshops and Talks: Through his photography workshops, Kim indirectly teaches life lessons. For example, helping someone conquer fear in street photography often doubles as a lesson in confidence and bold living. His workshop mottos (like “Conquer your fears” ) tie courage to happiness.

All these writings and resources reinforce the same cohesive philosophy: that happiness is an active, physical and creative state of being that we cultivate by living boldly, creating freely, staying strong, and sharing generously.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s philosophy of happiness is a robust blend of physical vigor, creative passion, ambitious purpose, and mindful simplicity. He believes happiness comes from doing – from the adventurous pursuit of one’s loftiest visions and the daily practice of creation – rather than from passive comfort. In Kim’s world, the happiest life is one of perpetual growth: building strength, gaining knowledge, making art, and daring greatly. It’s also a life trimmed of needless burdens, enriched by gratitude for what one has, and shared with a community of others on similar journeys.

In essence, Kim proposes that we can all be the hero of our own story, crafting a life that energizes us. Happiness isn’t something we find by accident; it’s something we forge through our habits, choices, and attitudes. By following principles like staying physically healthy, living with boldness, focusing on meaningful work, and appreciating the present, we create the conditions for genuine happiness. As he succinctly put it: “Happiness not as a state to reach, but as the power and play you experience in striving for more.” By internalizing this ethos, anyone can begin to “innovate on” in their own life – using happiness as the ultimate tool to not only enjoy life, but to create something that truly matters .

Sources:

• Eric Kim, “The Philosophy of Happiness,” EricKimPhotography Blog (2020) – Definition of happiness as creative/physical flourishing ; discussion of happiness beyond base pleasures .
• Eric Kim, “The Philosophy of Happiness (II),” EricKimPhotography Blog (Dec 4, 2022) – Emphasis on physical strength, mood, and creative activity in defining happiness ; advice on ambition and having lofty visions ; view of happiness as a means to creativity and innovation ; via negativa approach to money and life simplicity .
• Eric Kim, “Happiness is Always Aspiring for More,” EricKimPhotography Blog (July 11, 2021) – Argues that happiness is the active pursuit of more (strength, experience, creativity) , invoking Nietzsche and the joy of witnessing one’s growth .
• Eric Kim, “Bold Living,” EricKimPhotography Blog (Dec 27, 2021) – Suggests living boldly as a path to happiness: “To become happier, live more boldly. Better to be insanely bold and fail than not to attempt the bold.” .
• Eric Kim, “Happiness is Fleeting, but Innovation Lasts Forever,” EricKimPhotography Blog (May 20, 2025) – Advocates prioritizing creative innovation and legacy over chasing transient happiness .
• Eric Kim, “How to Find Happiness in Your Photography,” EricKimPhotography Blog (2016) – Practical tips that parallel life advice: avoid material obsession , don’t seek external validation, engage in projects and community , and have confidence in yourself.
• Eric Kim, “Desire the Life You Already Have,” EricKimPhotography Blog (2015) – Cites Epicurus on appreciating what you have ; encourages gratitude as an antidote to dissatisfaction.
• EricKimPhotography.com – “Happiness” category/tag page listing numerous related articles (e.g. “What Will Make You Happier?”, “10 Tips to Be Happier…”, “On the Shortness of Life”) , demonstrating the breadth of Kim’s writing on this theme.
• Eric Kim, YouTube Vlogs/Podcasts (2023): “PHILOSOPHY – How to Be Happy” and “What is True Happiness?” – Kim’s spoken reflections reinforcing that true happiness is an energetic, overflowing state of hyper-abundance and creative vitality . These complement his written philosophy, showing consistency across mediums.