Professor Ahn Sung-jae of the Graduate School of Education

Professor Ahn Sung-jae of the Graduate School of Education at Incheon National University has published his new work Morality, Adult, and Gunja (History of Language and Literature, 2023).

Cultivate the Way, accumulate virtue, and embody the qualities of a sage and gentleman. But how many people know the specific meaning of these words? And are these concepts still valid for modern people living today?

In Professor Ahn's book, he argues that '도' (way) is not just about ethics but about 'leadership,' and considers it a level beyond '덕' (virtue). Furthermore, it is explained that '성인' (sage) and '군자' (gentleman) are not in an equal relationship in terms of being regarded as personally excellent individuals. Instead, the explanation emphasizes that they refer to politically exceptional leaders, not necessarily distinguished solely on the basis of personal virtues.

Based on the rhetorical approach, this book is a great knack for explaining more clearly the concept of "morality, adult, and gentleman" that felt vague while reflecting on "morality" and "the Analects". Professor Ahn interpreted the pedantic e-x-p-r-e-s-s-i-o-ns of Lao-tzu and Confucius into universal examples and easy-to-understand modern language, and adopted a familiar colloquialism that seemed to be conducting an actual lecture to make it easier for anyone to understand. Like a lecture read with the eyes, it approaches readers by specifically embodying abstract concepts that are likely to feel esoteric.