Short Memo

The true significance of reading is not to repeat the thoughts of others but to gain thoughtful questions.

The world is not an object for contemplation but a subject for practice.

That the bird struggles desperately writhing to fly is far more respectful then the idle domestic duck.

The human's capacity to adopt is a cradle of happiness but at the same time a grave of challenge.

Endurance is usually the coward's own choice.

From a distance one is afraid and revolves around a conflict but facing directly head-on and wrestling with the conflict fear is forgotten replaced with a creative joy.

Today the artist needs a bold coup d'etat. A clear separation from commercialism.

No matter whether the artist has protective benefactors or demanding sponsors they must not be slaves to consumers and the separation comes as a group and not as individuals.

The arts could clear itself of the ancient accusation of being a tool of pleasure by joining the historical flow of the people's conscience.

- by Shin Yong-bok - transliteration by Ae Ran Jeong (Friday, January 2, 2004)