Have you heard of the Humans of New York project? It started as kind of a hobby for a photographer named Brandon Stanton, a former stock trader who moved to New York City after losing his job. And it’s turned into a phenomenon.

Every day, Stanton walks the streets and takes photos of strangers — asking them to share their story, which is published on his website, Facebook and in a best-selling book.

The stories are varied:

But each one reveals a fascinating, often inspirational, behind-the-scenes look at seemingly ordinary people pursuing extraordinary lives.