[One Thousand Characters a Day] 'Love Is Stronger Than Death' <2> - Babo

Editor's NoteToday's calligraphy content introduced to the readers of Asia Economy's morning newsletter 'One Day Ten Thousand Characters a Day' is the prose poem by Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev, the great Russian writer of the 19th century. This work vividly showcases Turgenev's unique style, which satirizes the absurdities of human beings and society with simple and straightforward poetic language, while also containing a cold and sharp critical consciousness. It seems to deliver a sharp rebuke not only to the Russian society of the time, which was confused by generational and class conflicts, but also to modern people living today, as if saying, "In a world where cowards gather, fools run rampant." The text contains 1,142 characters.

Once upon a time, there lived a fool.

For a long time, he lived with a peaceful mind. However, rumors that he was a thoughtless idiot gradually spread here and there, and he heard them too.

The fool, whose mind became troubled, began to worry about how to get rid of these unpleasant rumors.

At last, an unexpected idea flashed through his dark brain... He decided to put that idea into action without delay.

He met an acquaintance on the street who began praising a famous painter...

The fool shouted, "What nonsense is that! That painter has long been outdated. Didn't you know? To say such things... you are really behind the times." The acquaintance was startled and soon agreed with the fool's words.

The second acquaintance said to the fool, "Today I read a truly excellent book!"

The fool scolded, "What nonsense is that! Aren't you ashamed? That book is useless everywhere. Everyone threw it away long ago. Didn't you know? You are really behind the times."

This acquaintance was also surprised and agreed with the fool's words.

The third friend said to the fool, "My friend N. N. is truly a wonderful person! A really dignified person!"

The fool shouted, "What nonsense is that! N. N. is a notorious swindler! He took all his relatives' property. Who doesn't know this? You are really behind the times!"

The third acquaintance was also shocked, listened to the fool's words, and broke off friendship with that friend. Whenever anyone praised anything or anyone nearby, the fool responded only with criticism.

Sometimes he added in a critical tone.

"Do you still believe in authority?"

The acquaintances began to say a word about the fool.

"He is a hot-tempered and nervous friend! But he is really smart!"

Others joined in. "He speaks well! He is truly talented!"

Eventually, a newspaper publisher offered the fool to take charge of the editorial department.

And the fool, without changing his own way or his scolding at all, began to criticize everything and everyone.

The fool who once shouted in rebellion against authority has now become authority himself. Young people both worship and fear him.

Well, what can the poor young people do? In fact, even if there is no need to respect him, those who do not respect him will be left behind!

Fools will be able to live among cowards.

- Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev, , translated by Jo Joo-kwan, Minumsa, 10,000 KRW