[Window of the Mind] Simon Son Joong-ha, Jinsan History and Culture Classroom's Last Lecture… The Essence of Service

Simon Son Joong-ha, who has led the local community with his 41 years of teaching experience and deep literary insight , emphasized in his last lecture of the ‘ Jinsan History and Culture Class ‘ that he has been conducting for the past five years that we should recover the essence of service and consideration by overcoming the division and alienation of modern society .

[Korean Today] Simon Son Joong-ha explains the history of Jinsan to the members. He hopes that the local residents will contribute to the development of Jinsan by remembering the history and making efforts to connect the past, present, and future. © Reporter Lim Seung-tak

In his lecture, he cited the Chinese idiom “菽麥不辨” to point out the problems of modern society .

“ Like the foolishness of not being able to tell the difference between beans and barley , we are gradually losing our humanity and the essence of life . The stubbornness that pursues only survival and profit well represents today’s society .” He criticized that modern society has lost its sense of discernment and is only focused on competition and survival , and emphasized that the values of service and consideration must be restored .

In particular , he pointed out the absence of social ties and consideration, saying , “ In our lives, where we struggle to survive, we are losing the warmth we feel for our families , friends , and neighbors . “

The lecture also mentioned the proverb , “ My nose is three feet long . “ He pointed out the seriousness of the social problem of people not even being able to take care of their families or parents , saying, “ The reality of our current situation is that people are in dire situations where their noses are running three feet long and they don’t even have time to take care of others . “

He continued, “ In order to overcome this divided world, we must break away from a show-off life where we are conscious of other people’s gaze, “ emphasizing the need for a life that truly lives for oneself and others .

His message went beyond simple criticism and posed a practical challenge to restore the service and consideration that had been lost in modern society .

Simon Son Jung-ha has inspired countless people through his 41- year teaching career and his unique teaching style that combines music and literature . His essay collection , Chrysanthemum Pillow ( 2006, Yale Planning ) , contains this philosophy and insight , and his reputation as the winner of the Korean Rural Literature Award (2006 ) demonstrates his profound literary achievements .

In particular, while he was a teacher, he practiced the ‘ value of service ‘ in his life by communicating with people through education, literature , and music . The last lecture of Jinsan History and Culture Class was also an extension of this philosophy .

“ A society without service loses its role as a community .” Simon Son Joong-ha delivered this message powerfully in his last lecture . His call that we must recover our hearts for one another before it is too late and live authentic lives rather than just for show resonates deeply in today’s divided society .

Now, his teachings from his last lecture for members of the Jinsan History and Culture Classroom remain as a valuable message that reminds many people of the value of consideration and service beyond the classroom .

Simon Son Jung-ha (孫重夏)

Born in Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province

Daejeon Commercial High School , Gongju National University of Education Mathematics

Daejeon Daemun Elementary School Principal ( Former ) 41 years and 6 months of teaching experience

Awarded the Minister of Education’s Commendation and the Order of Civil Merit

Debuted in 2005 in Monthly Hanul Literature

Received the ‘ Korean Rural Literature Award ‘ in 2006

Current ) President of Jinsan History and Culture Research Association

 

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