[1000 Characters a Day] Park Sumil's Classics Calligraphy: "Qualities of a Good Leader"

Editor's NoteAsia Economy provides a daily calligraphy content for subscribers of the '10,000 Steps, 1,000 Characters a Day' newsletter. Each day's content is carefully curated from Eastern and Western classics, Korean literature, renowned columns, and famous speeches, with themes changing daily and monthly. In the final installment of Professor Park Sumil's series from Hanyang University, he advises that to become a good leader, one must engage in self-reflection, foster harmonious relationships with those around them, and face life with confidence. He also emphasizes that by copying such classics, one can broaden their perspectives and achieve inner growth. The article contains 1,288 characters.

What are the qualities of a good leader? Some leaders achieve outstanding results thanks to their exceptional abilities, while others excel at self-development. There are also leaders who command organizations with strong charisma. However, the classics offer a different perspective. According to them, a good leader is someone who knows how to skillfully manage relationships. Human relationships are subtle and relative. A small misunderstanding can lead to conflict among many, while a single word of praise can invigorate an entire organization. A good leader reads people's hearts and inspires them to act-not by force, but by gently touching their hearts. They embrace those with differing opinions generously.

Above all, an excellent leader does not make demands of others, but strives to stand upright themselves. The classics say, "Only by correcting myself can I change others, and only by devoting all my sincerity can I inspire others." A true leader is not someone who merely gives orders, but someone who leads by example and knows how to reflect on themselves.

There are other essential virtues as well. A good leader should possess a broad knowledge of the humanities. Today, human relationships are more complex than ever. Therefore, a leader must be able to read people's minds and harmonize these intricate relationships. To do this, one must cultivate a foundation in the humanities, develop inner discipline, and be able to express themselves appropriately in any situation.

This book contains excellent passages and virtues that a leader should possess. If you deeply reflect on each passage, they will serve as rich nourishment for your mind.

However, the qualities required of a leader are, in fact, virtues needed in everyone's daily life. Whether you are a leader or an ordinary person, the need to foster harmonious relationships, actively face the challenges of life, and endure solitude are universal conditions. The six themes presented here will help you affirm your life more positively, learn the value of relationships, and reflect on your own life. I hope that through reading and writing, anyone with wounds from complex relationships will find comfort and warmth restored to their heart.

No matter how excellent the writing, if you only read it with your eyes, you will soon forget it. Traditionally, writing by hand helps you remember longer and calms your mind. The act of writing by hand is called calligraphy. Studies have shown that copying texts by hand can calm the mind and improve cognitive abilities. As you slowly transcribe each sentence, you will find your capacity for thought growing and your warm sensibilities blossoming. I hope that as you calmly copy the contents of this book, you will take time to deeply consider human virtues and reflect on yourself.

-Park Sumil