[One Thousand Characters a Day] Life Lessons Starting Again <5>

Editor's NoteDo you wish for a happier life? Do you want your life to be more beautiful? Recognize that being alive right now is an unparalleled fortune and gift, and be grateful for today’s life. Love each and every moment of every day. Love your whole self as you are, incomparable to anyone else. And sincerely cherish and maintain pure relationships with those who have truly cared for and loved you. Life is a long and lonely path that cannot be walked alone. This is the message emphasized by Lee Soon-guk, former chairman of ShinHo Group, aged 82, to readers preparing for the latter half of their lives. Word count: 959.

Looking back now, I realize I have met many good people throughout my life. When I was in school, I met good teachers; during my working years, good seniors; and after becoming a businessman, good partners. They held my hand whenever I was tired and struggling, lifted me up whenever I fell, and brightened my eyes whenever the future seemed dim and dark.

In life, it is necessary to have people who guide and support you, walking alongside you. People who have many precious companions are called “inbok” (人福), meaning people blessed with good fortune through others.

However, I think there is a slight misconception about the word “inbok.” Some might misunderstand it as suddenly receiving blessings from someone without any effort or actions worthy of others’ help. From my experience, such luck rarely happens. Most of the time, help comes when you are earnestly dedicated with a strong sense of urgency or during the process of persuading someone.

“Inbok” is not something that falls from the sky; it is the result of one’s own demonstrated abilities.

While networks can be formed through money or power, “inbok” is built through the sweat of sincerity and diligence. Networks tend to break or be forgotten when mutual help is no longer possible, but “inbok” lasts long as long as one’s sincerity and truthfulness remain unchanged.

When I need someone’s help to push forward with something, it is important to find that person, explain sincerely, seek cooperation, and become someone they can understand. It is impossible for someone to suddenly appear and help me or become my ally without me doing anything.

Do you have potential allies around you?

How many people are there who will hold your hand when you are tired and struggling, lift you up when you fall, and brighten your eyes when the future seems dim and dark?

Also, are you living as such a person for someone else?

- Lee Soon-guk, Life Lessons for Starting Again, Dongyang Books, 17,000 KRW