세종의 호학(好學)

Abstract

Sejong, widely being referred as 'Sejong the Great', would probably be a typical example of ideal leader of a nation. His accomplishment surpasses one's expectation, across field of arts, sciences, law, military defense and diplomacy. Moreover he has been highly regarded for his devotion and dedication to his people. Currently at this point, as almost a decade has passed since we entered the new millenium, we may question ourselves the possibility of encountering a leader like Sejong once again in this contemporary, highly industrialized society. If Sejong could be described as the one who had set the fundamental criteria for Chosun dynasty, what are the contents and conditions of those criteria that we may learn from? In order to find answer to such question, we should first examine Sejong's mentality, ability and attitudes that would have operated as the precondition to his achievements. This article is aimed at examining those factors, especially focusing on Sejong's devotion to the pursuit of knowledge. Every deed done by a human being is, indeed a human consequence. What I meant by human in the latter context is one's very nature. In other words, one's deed that takes form of external action is, in a sense, merely an expression of one's internal nature. When it comes down to a matter of genuine leadership and thoughts, political rhetorics or techniques thereby cease to be the real issue. Sejong's leadership as well as his thoughts in criminal law would likewise be, an expression of his human nature or humanity, after all. As a matter of fact, Sejong was a leader who had been utterly devoted to reading. Historical archives demonstrate that he had never ceased reading day and night. As the old proverb goes, he was the one chosen to be a wise king(‘擇賢’). Moreover, he went onto establishing an official institute, where he would gather the wise men(‘集賢’) to pursue knowledge, namely the Jiphyeonjeon. In addition, it is noteworthy that Sejong was the very first figure in korean history, who brought in the system of academic sabbatical year. Sagadokseo(賜暇讀書) opportunities were being granted by the king, literally to encourage scholars to concentrate on reading and writing in quiet places like temples or countrysides, without their wages being cut-off. In comparison to Jeongjo, who had also been renowned for his devotion to studies, Sejong had a very different style, in terms of pursuing studies as a king. While Jeongjo was more of a speaker, who enjoys debates and teaching, always trying to draw others from the front, Sejong, on the other hand, could be described as more of a listener, who prefers discussion, trying rather to give supports from behind than from the front. As we may perceive from the Annals of King Sejong, he frequently gives instructions as to report to me after searching for references in old documents. It indicates that whenever he confronted moments of making important decisions, he referred to wise ideas of wise men from the past. This indicates us why devotion to the pursuit of knowledge is crucial virtue that every respectable leaders would, and should be armed with.