I've been doing a little research (by little, I mean I've read through the Lonely Planet Korea Book) on Confucian practice and something struck me this morning as I got to the end of the page.
After reading through points that outlined the importance of 'honouring the family' and 'educating oneself being the sole purpose in life', the last line summed it up quite..well...frankly:
'Life is serious, it is not about fun'
After living in the 'the country that invented fun' (otherwise known as 'the craic') I'm beginning to understand why the transition has been such a challenge.
The Koreans do seem to have fun. But Korea is supposedly the most Confucius place in Asia. And it does seem that quite a few things that they do are to create the exact opposite of fun.
A bit sad really. But I guess old traditions die hard. And, if they feel as though their hardships and un-fun-ness will directly benefit something here on earth or beyond, they how can you really change that mindset?
After reading through points that outlined the importance of 'honouring the family' and 'educating oneself being the sole purpose in life', the last line summed it up quite..well...frankly:
'Life is serious, it is not about fun'
After living in the 'the country that invented fun' (otherwise known as 'the craic') I'm beginning to understand why the transition has been such a challenge.
The Koreans do seem to have fun. But Korea is supposedly the most Confucius place in Asia. And it does seem that quite a few things that they do are to create the exact opposite of fun.
A bit sad really. But I guess old traditions die hard. And, if they feel as though their hardships and un-fun-ness will directly benefit something here on earth or beyond, they how can you really change that mindset?
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