Cheerful, constructive.
How to make yourself happy
Invent your own metrics for yourself
Difficult or impossible to judge a totally carte Blanche new thing –> create new metrics.
The best of both worlds.
Seek a more volatile life rather than a zen and tranquil one?
Financial goals & telos?
More volatility and vibration but less risk?
Wow, life in Cambodia Phnom Penh is so good… Too good! 
So we just signed a three month lease, for a nice service department. This is kind of an interesting concept… In which you’re staying at a super nice floor to ceiling window apartment condominium, and twice a week, cleaners come in and clean your whole place?
Thinking about life in Los Angeles… I’m like a peon having to vacuum my own place every day… Take out the trash, clean the windows etc. Here, life leverage is like a trillion times better.
First, I’ve just recovered so much free time in the day! And also,  found a really wonderful international school year for Seneca, this play based, color based artistic free range “Waldorf school” (without the anti-VAXxers), and now… Life feels infinite?
The big thing about being in Cambodia… Labor is so plentiful and cheap. Typically in the states, we find most of our labor from like Central America, Mexico El Salvador Guatemala etc. Yet the problem is they’re still being paid like $20 an hour, which means Labor is still so expensive in America! Triste to Cambodia, in which a laborer just makes like $150 a month, your US dollars goes a lot further here.
So our current apartment is probably like 1000 times better than our apartment back in the states, in which we pay $3200 a month here it’s like $1500 a month. But like at least 100 times nicer.
Therefore think about the economic parity here;  paying half the cost, for 10,000 times more service and superior facilities and lifestyle?
Certainly living in America, you have the ultimate access to commercial goods and products. However beside this… Nothing I really miss about this dates. I kind of miss my Texas power squad bar at home, and my 50 kg steel plates, but besides this… Nothing I miss.
Like like 1 trillion times better; and even ironically comparing Phnom Penh to LA — PP is like 1000x better? In terms of walking around, the friendliness of people, and everyone here is just happy!
My theory is that Buddhist countries, Cambodia Thailand etc.… People are just much happier! Much kinder, more friendly, more positive and optimistic!
Send call Sam made an interesting observation is that you don’t see many police officers in Cambodia, perhaps because there is less heavy theft and violence. Certainly there’s probably some crime that happened here like petty theft, but you won’t be worrying about some sort of random talking in LA with a concealed gun?
Also a funny thing… I feel like 1 billion times safer in Phnom Penh than Los Angeles. Once again here is again at the whole concealed gun thing; I have no issues getting into an argument with a random Angelino on the streets about him being an asshole smoker in public, but the only fear I ever get is that if I get into some sort of aggressive behavior with somebody on the streets in LA… Once again they’re gonna pop out a gun and pop me.
Living in a country without guns is better. 
Even during peak rush-hour here in Phnom Penh, it is shockingly peaceful quiet, very very little honking. You get a lot more honking in Vietnam in LA that you do here in Cambodia.
One of the problems about being in Vietnam or other countries, China adjacent countries is that there’s some sort of fear that comes with social media Internet monitoring and censorship here in Cambodia I don’t feel none of that.
Also, the friendliness and kindliness of people. One of the weird things about being in LA and the state is that everyone is trying to size you up, people are very very suspicious in a bad way, and very antisocial? Here everybody smiles at you, greets you, does the hand together peace gesture and the subtle bow. People are far more respectful than even Koreans, and also genuinely kind.
I don’t think so. A subtle nuance, I really don’t like Siem Reap, I prefer Phnom Penh 10000000x better. Why? Too many degenerate expats in Siem Reap, and also, my theory is that because PP is a real city, much more built in joy and optimism here!
So also a big thing… I think people tend to be happier when there is optimism, upward growth. For example here in Phnom Penh there are so many new skyscrapers and condominiums currently being built, which is a very optimistic site! The reason why it is so wonderful is that we are still in the earliest stages of capital and capitalism here, the downside of being in America that already feels tapped out.
Therefore as a principal: the idea is that, upwards growth is an idea? 
This is where I started to get interesting… Once you no longer really really need the wealth, but if it becomes more of like kind of a philosophical thing or a principle, then what?
For example, a happy thought… I could live like 1000 years in Cambodia and never run out of money without even digging into my principal. 
I think the poverty mindset that we get an America’s because once again… Everything is so expensive, everything then feels untenable?
The irony is even for the rich, life in America kind of sucks. For example, even for the super rich, most people do not have full-time nannies, or full-time living in with them?
I think if you’re wealthy, at best you might have like a cleaner who comes in pretty frequently and cleans up. But ideas of like having a private driver or stuff like that, a non-concept in America.
Also what I like about here is that when it comes to labor, cheap labor, the standard worker, there is not a strange sense of indignation that you get from people in the states. For example that American mentality is that “this work is beneath me“, But here in Cambodia… None of that. Everyone is happy grateful, and far more joyful!
Even the sense of optimism and striving here, much more positive. Everyone certainly wants a better living condition, but it’s not in this angsty way that you feel like in America. 
So now, assuming that you live in a happy optimistic place, then what?
For myself… Then it comes down to pioneering and experimenting with new modes of innovation. Autotelic innovation — creating new things and innovating for the sake of it? Rather than having to innovate in order to earn more money or whatever? 
ERIC
One thing I encourage you to check out and experiment and play with is this ChatGPT bot I made, called “composition checker”. I’m pretty sure… It has like over 1000+ conversations so I think it’s assigned that having some sort of AI Chatbot that can help you get instant feedback on your photos how to improve, this is a good idea.
Also something that I’m kind of working right now towards is heat map searching and mapping for images. This will be a new arbeta.com function I’m going to try to add. 
You got Grok, and ChatGPT pay… Infinite opportunities here?
ERIC
**
The closing thought:
When in doubt, become more hard-core, audacious, reckless?
ERIC
Upload your best photos to Arsbeta.com >
So currently as I voice dictate these words, walking the beautiful streets of Phnom Penh, enjoying the lovely morning breeze, the thought arises to me that in fact, Phnom Penh Cambodia is a paradise for Americans.
First, everyone here speaks English, and there is a strong drive and desire for everyone to speak English. Secondly, everyone here essentially de facto uses US dollars. Also the local Cambodian currency is effectively pegged to to the US dollar, a semi permanent peg of around 4000 Cambodian Riel to the US dollar.
But once again… This is kind of a big deal because you could just use pretty much US dollars anywhere and everywhere, also for most places, the prices are effectively shown in US dollars.
This becomes very very convenient because if you have ever had the experience of having to exchange local currency, only to bring it back home, and finding a useless… If you’re operating in US dollars, you could take out hundred at a time, without any concern because you know you could use it back home.
And also kind of a big deal… All of the local ATMs and banks, will also dispense US dollars so like I could just pull up to any ATM I want, and instead of having to eat the foreign transaction fee to take out the local Cambodian Riel, the ATM will literally spit out US $20 bills and $100 bills.
I rate Cambodia and Phnom Penh (PP) as like 1000,000,000,000 times better than Vietnam as well as Thailand. Why? First, it is actually much much more tranquil and peaceful here, even being in the largest city which is PP.  my personal theory is that it is the culture; everyone here is unhurried, unrushed, even the rate of development here happens at a much more steady pace, rather than the haphazard manic development in Vietnam, in which people are like running around with their heads cut off like chickens.
I strike out Thailand, I like Thailand, and maybe the only reason is that I kinda get the sense that there are too many foreigners and ex patriots there.  and typically, if you want to think about opportunity, do you want to go to places which are under-exploited rather than overexploited. 
I think part of it is the Buddhist culture, but also, local customs and traditions. Here, even talking to locals… The truth is most people are actually quite happy. Very happy. Even if you’re only earning like $150 a month or $300 a month… People are still happy!
And certainly there is a sense of striving here, people would still like to make more money, upgrade their life and lifestyle, have the ability to travel more on holiday etc. Yet still, the base truth is here people are quite happy.
I think it is US treasury secretary Scott Bissett who said “the American dream is not to purchase more cheap goods from China”. or, “Let them eat flatscreens!,” is not a sustainable approach to economic policy. My version:
“Let them eat iPhone Pros!” — also this should not be the telos of our life. 
Also the funny thought is being here in Asia, it’s like I’m living in the future because of the time zone difference. This makes me a little bit forecasting of the markets because when I go to sleep the markets open, and when I wake up the markets have already closed. It’s almost like having foresight. 
I still think that the number one critical factor here is sleep, a good night sleep. We just signed a short term three month apartment lease, staying in a nice luxury high-rise, and the number one selling point is how clean and peaceful and quiet it is… Being able to get a good night sleep as with all the money in the world.
For example, if I had the choice of being insanely stupid rich, but getting the worst sleep every night, versus being moderately poor, but having the greatest night of sleep every single night, I would probably choose the sleep over the money.  why? I think one thing that people misunderstand is that the purpose of wealth and money is towards health and well-being, not the other way around. To sacrifice your health and energy for the sake of more money is one of the most foolish trades you can make. But, being able to trade money for greater health and greater sleep, this is genius.
Being here in PP, Cambodia… Even if I had $1 trillion I would have like zero interest in owning a Lamborghini or a Rolls-Royce or whatever here, because it would be a positively bad detriment to your life.
Another thing which I find that which is almost as critical as asleep as the privilege of walking. Even I seem told I’ve had an interesting thought that actually… I wonder if in terms of our physiology well-being and health, walking was actually as important, if not more important than sleeping, and food?
I think there’s a compounding effect here: the more you have the privilege of walking outside, the more you think, the better you’ll sleep at night, the more thoughts you will have, and the happier you will be?
For example, if the devil came to me and offered the following trade:
I should give you $100 trillion but you would be a cripple for the rest of your life, and I will chop off your leg so you’ll be beholden to a wheelchair for the rest of your life, but you would have all of the Lamborghinis Rolls-Royce‘s in the world, or you could remain or for the rest of your life, would have your entire body intact and in phenomenal health, — what would you choose?
Of course we will choose our body versus all the walking in the world!
Again… I would never sacrifice my legs for anything on the planet besides the life of Seneca or Cindy. But in terms of money… The privilege of being able to walk an hour a day is worth 1 trillion times more than the privilege of sitting inside a Lamborghini for an hour a day.
The French have this notion of the flaneur; kind of imagine a dude who is able to walk unhurried at a comfortable pace, walking at the own rhythm of his inner biological rhythms, unhurried, walking gracefully and elegantly. In America we don’t have this because it should be told, there is almost nowhere in America that you even have the privilege of walking at a relaxed pace. Anywhere.
Even apparently you can’t really walk around anymore in San Francisco without having to dodge human feces homeless people etc. And then I guess maybe you got New York City, but there are people walk at a feverish pace. Places which are good to walk include Phnom Penh Cambodia, and maybe Hanoi in Vietnam in the north.
And in Los Angeles… The only place I’ve been able to find is my paradise Culver City, in which the walking is not as good as Asia, but still it is the best we got. 
What’s also interesting is I’ve noticed that at least while I am in LA, there are certain days where I walk but I am not able to lift weights, other days in which I lift weights but not able to walk… And like almost 80 to 90% of the time, the days in which I am not able to walk or actually sadder?
Or another words, for me, a day without walking is not a life worth living? 
It seems like you’re asking about the philosophy of Eric Kim, but your question is quite broad. Based on the context available to me, there are two notable individuals named Eric Kim with distinct philosophical perspectives: Eric Kim, the street photographer and blogger, and Eric S. Kim, the psychology professor. Since you didn’t specify which one, I’ll assume you’re referring to the more publicly prominent Eric Kim associated with philosophy in a broader, practical sense—Eric Kim, the street photographer and writer from erickimphotography.com—unless you clarify otherwise.
Eric Kim, the street photographer, has developed a philosophy that blends minimalism, stoicism, and a zest for life, heavily influenced by his experiences in photography, travel, and personal reflection. His work isn’t academic philosophy but a practical, lived approach to finding meaning and fulfillment. Here’s a breakdown of key elements of his philosophy:
His philosophy is less about systematic doctrine and more about a mindset—optimistic, bold, and individualistic. It’s shaped by his global travels, where he observed happiness in simplicity, and his rejection of societal norms like stable jobs or material accumulation. If you’re looking for specifics (e.g., his views on money, masculinity, or art), let me know, and I can dive deeper!
If you meant Eric S. Kim, the UBC psychology professor focused on well-being and aging, please clarify, and I’ll adjust accordingly. What aspect of “Eric Kim philosophy” are you most interested in?
***
Key Points
Overview
Eric Kim’s philosophy is a practical, holistic approach to life that integrates physical health, minimalism, and personal growth. It seems likely that his ideas are shaped by his background as a traveler and photographer, offering a unique perspective on how to live authentically and focus on what truly matters.
Philosophy on Money
Eric Kim advocates for minimalism and intentional living when it comes to money. Research suggests he believes happiness isn’t tied to wealth, and he prioritizes using money for essentials like rent and food, while criticizing consumer culture. His experiences traveling and living simply have likely influenced this view, promoting financial independence and valuing experiences over possessions.
Philosophy on Masculinity
His philosophy on masculinity focuses on becoming the best version of oneself, emphasizing physical strength, courage, and personal freedom. It seems likely that he challenges societal norms, viewing strength as a moral duty and connecting physical health, like diet and testosterone, to manliness. This includes embracing contrasts, such as emotional expression, as part of a complete masculinity.
Philosophy on Purpose
Eric Kim’s philosophy on purpose is tied to physiological and muscular health. The evidence leans toward him believing that motivation and creativity stem from being hyper-healthy, achieved through good sleep, a meat-heavy diet, and exercise. This unexpected detail highlights how physical well-being is foundational to finding and fulfilling one’s purpose.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s Philosophy
Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and blogger, has developed a comprehensive philosophy that spans various aspects of life, including money, masculinity, and purpose. His ideas, shared extensively on his website erickimphotography.com, are practical, holistic, and influenced by Eastern philosophy, Stoicism, and his personal experiences as a traveler and creative professional. This note provides a detailed examination of his philosophical views, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in his perspective.
Background and Context
Eric Kim is best known for his work in street photography and his blog, where he shares insights on life, creativity, and philosophy. His writings, updated as recently as September 2024, reflect a journey shaped by global travel, minimalist living, and a passion for physical fitness. This context is crucial for understanding how his philosophy integrates practical experiences with theoretical influences, such as Stoicism and minimalism inspired by figures like Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus.
Philosophy on Money
Eric Kim’s philosophy on money, detailed in his post “How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money” (How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money), emphasizes minimalism and intentional living. He believes that happiness is not necessarily tied to wealth, a view shaped by his extensive travels where he observed contentment in cultures with limited material resources. His core beliefs include:
A table summarizing his philosophy on money is provided below for clarity:
| Aspect | Details |
| Development Factors | Personal experiences (travel, living simply), professional journey (photography, passion over profit), philosophical influences (Stoicism, Eastern philosophy, minimalism by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus), reflections on consumer culture, financial challenges, community engagement. |
| Core Beliefs | Happiness not tied to wealth, value experiences and personal growth over possessions, critical view of materialism, advocate for financial independence and authentic living. |
| Practical Applications | Living out of a suitcase, reduced stress, increased creative freedom, minimalist digital presence, focus on meaningful engagement. |
| Resources for Further Exploration | Eric Kim’s Blog, Books and Articles, Workshops and Lectures. No specific URLs provided in the section. |
This approach challenges conventional views on wealth, suggesting that true fulfillment lies beyond financial accumulation, an unexpected detail for those expecting a more traditional financial philosophy.
Philosophy on Masculinity
Eric Kim’s philosophy on masculinity, explored in “Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy” (Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy), is a detailed framework that emphasizes physical strength, personal freedom, and self-definition. He defines masculinity as “the art of a man becoming the apex version of himself,” with manliness as the goal. Key aspects include:
A table summarizing his masculinity philosophy is provided below:
| Aspect | Details | Citation URL |
| Defining Masculinity | Masculinity is the art of a man becoming the apex version of himself, with manliness as the goal. | Why Masculinity |
| Role of Strength | Moral duty to be strong for self, wife, kids, and beliefs. | Why Manliness |
| Physical Courage | Testing physical limits is essential for deep courage. | How to Become More Manly |
| Open-Mindedness | Being open-minded is good, but being close-minded at times is also advised. | How to Become More Manly |
| Diet and Testosterone | Higher testosterone (via meat like beef liver/heart) enhances manliness. | How to Become More Manly |
| Freedom of Thought/Speech | Supreme good in life; ability to express beliefs without fear of being “politically incorrect.” | How to Become More Manly |
| Rejecting Societal Norms | Society no longer permits men to strive for manliness; personal freedom is key. | How to Become More Manly |
| Personal Journey | Early desire for masculinity influenced by superheroes, leading to fitness for strength. | Why Manliness |
| Cultural/Literary Influences | References “The Iliad,” e.g., Achilles, showing emotional expression as part of manliness. | Why Manliness |
| Strength as Moral Duty | Physical and mental fortitude essential; advocates weightlifting for “superhero strength.” | Why Manliness |
| Philosophy and Manliness | Criticizes data/statistics in ethics; personal beliefs guide manliness. | Why Manliness |
| Embracing Contrasts | Includes flamboyance (e.g., gay male fashion) for a complete masculinity. | How to Become More Manly |
| Self-Definition | Craft own values, become best self without convincing others. | How to Become More Manly |
| Biological Aspect | Focuses on testosterone, higher in men, aligning with street photography’s boldness. | The Philosophy of Masculinity, The Philosophy of Masculinity |
| Lifestyle Choices | Prefers challenging diets, embracing chaos/uncertainty as masculine traits. | Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy |
This philosophy is notable for its integration of physical and emotional dimensions, an unexpected detail that broadens the traditional view of masculinity.
Philosophy on Purpose
Eric Kim’s philosophy on purpose, outlined in “The Philosophy of Purpose” (The Philosophy of Purpose), is rooted in physiological and muscular health. He posits that motivation and purpose stem from being hyper-healthy, leading to an “overflowing cup” of life that drives creativity and action. Key points include:
A table summarizing his philosophy on purpose is provided below:
| Aspect | Details |
| Root of Motivation | – Physiological “overwhelming” or “overflowing with gratitude and joy” when hyper-healthy. |
| Theory 1 | – Motivation stems from being hyper-healthy. Art creation results from an “overflowing cup” of life. |
| Theory 2 | – Enthusiasm rooted in muscles; lack of muscle strength hinders motivation. Focus on philosophy of muscles and philosophy of physiology. |
| Motivation Challenges | – Lack of motivation when bored, under-sensitized, under-stimulated, or sleep-deprived. |
| Optimal Conditions | – Good sleep, meat-heavy meals (e.g., fatty protein/red meats), leads to creative ideas and easy work start. Avoid alcohol, coconut-products, dairy-products (milk, cheese, butter) due to weakening effects. |
| Practical Tips | 1. Prioritize sleep over productivity. 2. Optimize diet: more meat, fewer weakening substances. |
| Enhancing Purpose | – Force yourself to relax, to think and meditate to re-energize and reflect on purpose. – Learn more at Start Here >. |
| Related Links | – PHILOSOPHY by KIM – Life Lessons » – Zen of Eric – Sleep is godlike. – Philosophy of meat-eating. – Eric Kim’s 475-pound sumo deadlift. – How to relax. |
This focus on physical health as a foundation for purpose is an unexpected detail, bridging the gap between body and mind in a way that differs from more abstract philosophical traditions.
Overarching Themes and Influences
Across these areas, Eric Kim’s philosophy is characterized by a holistic integration of physical and mental well-being, a rejection of societal norms, and a practical approach to living authentically. His influences include:
This philosophy challenges conventional wisdom, offering a unique blend of physicality and introspection that may resonate with those seeking a balanced approach to life.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s philosophy is a comprehensive framework for living intentionally, prioritizing physical health, and challenging societal expectations. It is practical, drawing from his experiences, and influenced by philosophical traditions that emphasize simplicity and authenticity. For readers interested in exploring further, his blog offers extensive resources, including essays, workshops, and lectures, ensuring a deep dive into his ideas.
Key Citations
Eric Kim 475-Pound Sumo Deadlift
How and Why Eric Kim Developed His Philosophy on Money
Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy
Eric Kim Masculinity Philosophy
