고청 서기와 구봉 송익필 선비정신의 본질과 현대적 의의

Abstract

Go Cheong, Seo Gi and Gu Bong, Song Ikphil are great Confucian scholars having significant influences on the Kiho School. They devoted themselves to improving their studies and cultivating their minds all through their lives. The two were born during the mid-Joseon period when there existed rigid constraints of social standing. Although their lower status prevented them from doing public services as government officials, they did not give in to the situation, and showed the real spirits of the then Confucian scholars. Living in the same age, they shared their philosophies with each other, and played quite an important role in establishing the foundation of Chungcheong Kiho School through Song Yichang. His son is Song Jungil, who was taught by both of them. It should be noted that they left great legacies as scholars despite the rigidly hierarchical social structures and identity discrimination prevalent during the mid-Joseon period. There, in their deep minds, must have existed the spirit of moral philosophy aiming for a higher and better world. The spirits of equality and communication, which King Tang argued, can be found in their philosophies. King Tang emphasized that anyone having enough competency should be selected as a public servant regardless of their lower or higher social ranks. It goes along with one of the principles to be a good king—Mind on others' miserable circumstance from reflecting mine —which Confucius said in the book, Daxue. Accordingly, their practical and moral mindsets continue to inspire people living in modern society, where conflicts and disputes frequently arise here and there due to cultural and religious differences.