In 2014, there were times when the mind-boggling news that the owner family of Korean Air wielded and abused power and smuggled some items illegally. The family members' anger was directed at the weak.
At that time, a piece of advice that my mother gave me came to my mind: The more you get upset, the angrier you get. This is also a result of the research and experimentation of a certain expert. It was reported that parts of the brain that get activated when angered or grumbling tend to get activated more, as you get more upset and infuriated. Conversely, the more you are thankful, the more you become thankful. It was hard to believe such famous people possessing big fortunes and status can be nasty with their vicious personalities.
It is said that money is the root of all evil. On top of this, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The more money and power you have, the more worries and concerns you have.
On one occasion I had a chance to buy some clothes and other items cheaply in a charity bazaar. I chose clothes that I needed as well as various items that I might need, thinking what a bargain it was. On returning home, I was very pleased at first. But as time went by, many miscellaneous thoughts came to my mind such as how I should choose and wear the clothes that would suit me well, how I could match the clothes with old ones that I already had, whether I bought clothes unfit for me and where I should put them in my closet. The initial pleasure disappeared soon and I got tired from such thoughts and worries. Having and possessing many things does not guarantee happiness.
This world has always evaluated and ranked people by their possessions of money, power and status. The have-nots have always been excluded and alienated. That is why everyone busily tries to gain more, climbing higher on the ladder of power and fame. Nonetheless, money and power do not necessarily mean or guarantee happiness. How ironic!
The power relations of modern disciplinary society which the French philosopher M. Foucault has argued on have been at work in our society as well. In line with this, the education system has tended only to evaluate, judge and grade students, rather than cultivating or building character. The labor market and job system are no exceptions.
Amid all this tough competition, discipline, exclusion and alienation, I discover the truth of life. While I am anxiously scrambling after more money and power stepping on and beating others in pursuit of a success myth, I cannot be happy at all. I must be into only ranks and ratings. Meanwhile, the existing social hierarchy of power will remain steadfast and I will become only an old weary person without much free time with friends and family members. Even though you might have all the things, your life can be unhappy, miserable and bitter.
When I was in high school, there used to be a book titled "The Importance of Living" (the Korean title of this book is "Discovery of Life") written by the famous Chinese thinker Lin Witang. I never read the book. Later I learned that the book had dealt with criticisms about modern culture, comparing Eastern and Western cultures. The writer was known to present his unique thoughts on life and happiness. Writing this essay today, I was reminded of that book. I do want to read the book someday.
Today I am discovering the little truth of life. Though not having a big fortune, a huge house and a distinguished career, I am happy here and now, just being me, caring for and loving folks around me. What else do I need? As I am happy here and now writing this essay for you.
Lee Nan-hee studied English in college and theology at Hanshin University.
'Discovery of Life'
24
0
26.05.2024
In 2014, there were times when the mind-boggling news that the owner family of Korean Air wielded and abused power and smuggled some items illegally. The family members' anger was directed at the weak.
At that time, a piece of advice that my mother gave me came to my mind: The more you get upset, the angrier you get. This is also a result of the research and experimentation of a certain expert. It was reported that parts of the brain that get activated when angered or grumbling tend to get activated more, as you get more upset and infuriated. Conversely, the more you are thankful, the more you become thankful. It was hard to believe such famous people possessing big fortunes and status can be nasty with their vicious personalities.
It is said that money is the root of all evil. On top of this, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The more money and power you have, the more worries and concerns you........
© The Korea Times
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