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Lesson 4

Confucianism

Confucius, the Chinese philosopher has been influenc-
ing Korean psyche for more than a century. The Confucian

ethic is conservative. It emphasizes the tried and tested
methods of self-reliance, hard-work, and respect for elders.

But like all great philosophies and lifestyles that have survived
for so long, it is meeting opposition from modernity, and from

the Korean youth. The youth labels Confucianism as
conservative (in the sense of narrow-minded) and traditional

(in the sense of old). For instance, Koreans used to treat elders with respect,

yielding to their demands with no questions asked. The senior is given respect
just because he is older, nothing more. So if your mother insists that you should

disregard your feeling of love for this foreigner, and marry a nice Korean girl
instead, then you should. Or if you are the expressive or romantic type and you

suddenly have the urge to display your emotions in public (such as kiss or hug)
to your lover, then you should stifle the urge. The young generation thinks that

these strictures are so tight and they don’t allow individual freedom.” Why can’t

we be like the West, with its liberal ideas and personal freedom?” the youth
cries. But the older generation counters that the “oldies are the goodies” and

that without these tight rules, the society would be in chaos.

Comprehension

1. What does the Confucian ethic emphasize?
2. According to the article, why does the younger generation think
that the Confucian ethic doesn’t allow individual freedom?

Questions
1. What is your opinion about the article?
2. Give examples to illustrate your opinions.

Vocabulary & Expressions

psyche: mind
ethic: the discipline dealing with what is good or bad and with moral duty & obligation
conservative: one who adheres to traditional methods or views
stifle: to withhold from circulation or expressions
urge: a force or impulse that impels or constraints
counter: to act in opposition to
stricture: something that closely restrains or limits

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