정암 조광조의 정치지도자론

Abstract

Cho Kwang-jo was eager for the lords, men of supreme powers, to realize his ideal model which he believed in and shaped on himself. Therefore, the essential qualifications of leader that he suggested were what was necessary for leading the most ideal country. Here are the qualifications of a political leader which have been suggested by him:1) A leader should definitely suggest an ideal model of the society that he aims. 2) Among all the qualifications, the most important ones are especially intelligence, clearness, determination and discernment. 3) A leader should certainly draw a sharp line between official and private matters and distinguish justice from profit. 4) A leader should serve for his country as a virtue of family relations from Confucianism. He should treat his vassals with a sense of family members. 5) A leader should strictly follow principles and at the same time, should attempt flexible change. From these lists above, it can be said that Cho Kwang-jo put strong emphasis on the innocent part of an ideology which society or nation aimed for, rather than solving specific problems of the reality. This is not irrelevant to the situation of this time. Although his political leadership theory was a call for the supreme leaders of Chosun Dynasty, it still has significant meaning in this modern society.