Never judge a book by its cover
Saturday, 15 December 2007
David Harvey
This is the 21st century, and many people all over the world perceived that this century will be a very ``special'' era in human history. During the 20th century, the world was embroiled in two world wars, a cold war and numerous regional conflicts.
The First World War, known as ``the war to end all wars''; created the hope that peace would prevail. Throughout the ages, people yearned for world peace. However, the lasting peace that people hoped for has never happened.
As a young man living in the United States, I had a great expectation of finding the meaning and essence of life.
The United States, with its position in the world like an ``elder brother,'' due to its wealth and influence, could not offer a deeper appreciation of life, heal some of the fractious relations within families, nor clarify the mysteries and secrets contained in the Bible.
What was I to do? I had the inspiration to look ``East!''
Asia has been viewed as a region filled with mystery and spirituality. The Western world seems to value logic and practicality. I had longed for a balanced or harmonised view of life.
Many of the world's great sages have come from Asia; Confucius, Buddha, Muhammed and Jesus. I understood that Asia has a great appreciation for the creation also. It is seen in its artwork, literature and cultures.
This discipline has within it the truth, that mankind is meant to live in harmony with the earth and not abuse or misuse it. Therefore, I set my sights on coming to Asia to gain the insight and understanding that would help me to achieve the ideals that I held deep within my spirit.
In looking to the countries of Asia, it was the Far East that had the most attraction for me, such as the nations of China, Japan and Korea. So, at the age of 19, I was prepared to come to the Far East.
However, an amazing miracle happened, the Far East came to me! I met a man who had come from the East, to the West. He talked about the very ideals, I was longing for within my heart. This man came from Korea, the land of the ``Morning Calm.''
I gained so much education and understanding about life, relationships, God and the Bible from this Korean man. I felt that Korea is my ``fatherland!'' I must go there to fully understand and appreciate the culture and peoples of this land.
This Korean man, Sun Myung Moon, is known throughout the world as the ``King of Peace.'' In August of this year, Dr. Moon opened a ``Peace Embassy'' in Pyongyang, North Korea, to service for the unity of the divided Korean people.
It is this action and others that has inspired me to appreciate the ethics of the Korean culture and to look deep into the hearts and minds of Korean people.
In conclusion, I realise that peace comes in the day-to-day relationships we establish. As I teach English to students in Korea, I have seen and learned that it is important not to ``judge a book by its cover!''
I have learned that my cultural experience may ``colour'' my observations and therefore I must have an open mind. I have learned that if I truly invest for the sake of the students, the resulting outcome will be meaningful and joyful!
Teaching English is not only learning a language, but understanding a culture. So, too, it can be said about learning Korean, it is not only a language, but understanding a culture and custom that has been in use for over five hundred years. Let us create peace for five thousand years! Mansei!
(The writer is a professor of English at Dong Eui Institute of Technology (DIT) in the southeaster port city of Busan)
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The Korea Times
This is the 21st century, and many people all over the world perceived that this century will be a very ``special'' era in human history. During the 20th century, the world was embroiled in two world wars, a cold war and numerous regional conflicts.
The First World War, known as ``the war to end all wars''; created the hope that peace would prevail. Throughout the ages, people yearned for world peace. However, the lasting peace that people hoped for has never happened.
As a young man living in the United States, I had a great expectation of finding the meaning and essence of life.
The United States, with its position in the world like an ``elder brother,'' due to its wealth and influence, could not offer a deeper appreciation of life, heal some of the fractious relations within families, nor clarify the mysteries and secrets contained in the Bible.
What was I to do? I had the inspiration to look ``East!''
Asia has been viewed as a region filled with mystery and spirituality. The Western world seems to value logic and practicality. I had longed for a balanced or harmonised view of life.
Many of the world's great sages have come from Asia; Confucius, Buddha, Muhammed and Jesus. I understood that Asia has a great appreciation for the creation also. It is seen in its artwork, literature and cultures.
This discipline has within it the truth, that mankind is meant to live in harmony with the earth and not abuse or misuse it. Therefore, I set my sights on coming to Asia to gain the insight and understanding that would help me to achieve the ideals that I held deep within my spirit.
In looking to the countries of Asia, it was the Far East that had the most attraction for me, such as the nations of China, Japan and Korea. So, at the age of 19, I was prepared to come to the Far East.
However, an amazing miracle happened, the Far East came to me! I met a man who had come from the East, to the West. He talked about the very ideals, I was longing for within my heart. This man came from Korea, the land of the ``Morning Calm.''
I gained so much education and understanding about life, relationships, God and the Bible from this Korean man. I felt that Korea is my ``fatherland!'' I must go there to fully understand and appreciate the culture and peoples of this land.
This Korean man, Sun Myung Moon, is known throughout the world as the ``King of Peace.'' In August of this year, Dr. Moon opened a ``Peace Embassy'' in Pyongyang, North Korea, to service for the unity of the divided Korean people.
It is this action and others that has inspired me to appreciate the ethics of the Korean culture and to look deep into the hearts and minds of Korean people.
In conclusion, I realise that peace comes in the day-to-day relationships we establish. As I teach English to students in Korea, I have seen and learned that it is important not to ``judge a book by its cover!''
I have learned that my cultural experience may ``colour'' my observations and therefore I must have an open mind. I have learned that if I truly invest for the sake of the students, the resulting outcome will be meaningful and joyful!
Teaching English is not only learning a language, but understanding a culture. So, too, it can be said about learning Korean, it is not only a language, but understanding a culture and custom that has been in use for over five hundred years. Let us create peace for five thousand years! Mansei!
(The writer is a professor of English at Dong Eui Institute of Technology (DIT) in the southeaster port city of Busan)
..............................
The Korea Times