For a while now, I've been trying to understand Korean culture because I find it interesting. I love their way of life. The way they show respect to their elders and fellow citizens is something that really interests me.
I was not all that in love with Korean culture even when I was introduced to Korean movies by a friend. I used to not be interested in Korean movies because it's always about love. Up till date, I'm actually not interested in Korean movies probably because I'm not a movie person, or maybe it's because majority of the girls over here, fall in love with Korean male actors. Lol.. Nonetheless, Korean films are actually great, but it's not just my thing.
I have been learning a few Korean adage for the past few weeks now. I actually love Korean quotes, most especially, the encouraging ones. So, I had some time today to flip through some Korean adage. Two of these adage actually made me seat back and think. I was captivated by these two adage in particular.
1 콩 심은 데 콩 난다. 좋은 씨앗만 심어라.
English translation: Plant beans, and the beans sprout. So plant good seeds.
From my perspective, I think beans in this context is actually a metaphor. For better understanding, this adage, to me, means that you can't be cruel to people and expect them to be kind to you.
I have an uncle like this. I would not say he is cruel, but then, he's a lot of work. He don't really give a care about anyone but himself. I remember when I was still in nursing school, I do meet him for some assistance but every time, he always turns me down with one story or the other. He's attitude towards me was actually something else. I began to wonder if he had issues with my family or something, but there was none. Well, I just gave up trying to connect with him in any way.
After graduating from nursing school, he asked me to come be his security. It got me really pissed. He's literally asking me to forget about my career pursuit and come be his security. This was the final straw and I cut off every connection I had with him.
I began to do well for myself and now, he's expecting me to come visit him with some goodies whenever he's around. He was cruel and distant initially, but now, he's trying to reconnect.
Personally, I would not want to reconnect with such person. I prefer to secure my peace and happiness than to be cool with someone who didn't want to see me progress. He gave me cruelty, he wanted to be a blockage to my success and now, when he was not successful, he's trying to reconnect. He planted cruelty and that's what he'll surely reap.
- 자신을 사랑하라. 그래야 남을 사랑할 수 있다.
English translation: Love yourself. Only then can you love others.
I love this quote a lot. It's like one of the best quotes I've ever come across. Many people preach of self love, but when it's time to truly show that they love themselves, they will slack either knowingly or unknowingly.
I love my self. Not just to say, but I really love myself. However, I don't love myself to the extent of being selfish, and unaccommodating. Yes, I have boundaries and I'm ready to leave any gathering if my boundaries get crossed.
Thank you for reading.
Adage 1 & 2 src
Quotes were already translated in the website.
Image belongs to me