In this blog post, I will reflect on life, dreams, and hope, focusing on the aphorisms found in Kang Jun-man’s *Even in the Quagmire, the Stars Shine*.
Reflections on Life and Aphorisms
We live a single life, experiencing joy, sorrow, love, and grief, and ultimately return to a handful of dust. Even if we ask ourselves whether we are spending each day meaningfully until the day we die, there are likely not many people who are satisfied with their lives. This book consists of essays by Professor Kang Jun-man that illuminate our lives through aphorisms. Beginning with a concise, single-line theme, the stories go beyond general explanations, revealing the author’s sometimes unconventional thoughts without reservation, rather than offering didactic lessons. Composed of examples and reflections that anyone can relate to, the book was written with the hope that it would serve as an opportunity for serendipity, ultimately inspiring hope and resolve.
Dilemmas and Warnings Regarding Dreams and Hope
We frequently encounter stories about dreams in the media, popular music, and lectures. For example, you’ve likely heard various sayings such as “Pursue your dreams,” “Dreams come true,” “Aim high,” “Adjust your dreams to your circumstances,” or “Don’t even bother dreaming—wake up from your dreams.” There is no single correct answer to these topics. This is because words that deeply inspire one person can feel like a dagger to someone facing hardship. We must also recognize that even those who preach or advocate for dreams sometimes deliver their lectures fully aware that their words are nothing more than an empty echo. Ultimately, I believe the answer lies in dreaming big while keeping those dreams realistic and in line with one’s circumstances.
As the book’s title suggests, everyone experiences ups and downs from the moment they are born. In particular, it conveys the message that even when faced with difficult situations, one should not let go of the thread of hope and must keep moving forward. However, in Korean society, there are terms like “torture by hope” and “voluntary retirement under the guise of hope.” These are expressions that are like curses disguised as hope. The author’s concern that the word “hope” should no longer be used as a tool of deception is evident.
In the past, Zeus gave the first human woman, Pandora, a beautiful box and ordered her not to open it. However, Pandora could not resist her curiosity and opened the box, releasing all manner of evil, disaster, and misfortune. Panicked, Pandora quickly closed the lid, but she was unable to retrieve the hope that remained inside the box. Thus, humans live on, dreaming of the hope that has yet to be taken out of the box. A death row inmate in a prison where hope and dreams have vanished merely survives day by day, unable to die. If we have no dreams or hope, we might not be much different from that inmate. Though dreams and hope are highly subjective and intangible, they are like precious gems that we must always cherish in our hearts.
In the midst of a global pandemic like the one we are facing today, where depressing and heartbreaking events occur daily, we must never let go of the thread of hope. On the contrary, if we overcome this crisis, we will be better equipped to prevail in the battles against future viruses.
