A Lesson For A Young Man

Lee, Whang (1501-1570) is one of the most distinguished scholars in Korean history. He was known not only for his scholastic achievement, but also for his virtues and wisdom. One day a young scholar was on his way to Lee, Whang's study to receive private instruction. He came to a stream with no bridge. There were no stepping stones either. In order to cross the stream, he would have to take off his socks and shoes and roll up his baggy pants. He thought it was too undignified for a Yang Ban (a person from the elite class). He looked around. Nearby, an old man was gathering wood twigs for fuel. This young scholar called out for the old man to come near him and said to him, "You couldn't possibly expect a Yang Ban like me to take off my shoes and socks and get my feet wet. Carry me on your back to the other side of the stream."

The old man gladly agreed, let this young scholar get on his back and started crossing the stream. The young scholar asked the old man, "Do you know the way to 'Do San Suwon?'" (This was Lee Whang's private study.)

"Yes, sir," answered the old man.

"Then you must know the famous scholar, Lee, Whang?"

"Of course, I know him very well."

"How do you know the scholar, Lee, Whang so well?" the young scholar kept asking. Beaming with smiles on his wrinkled face, the old man answered, "I am Lee, Whang."

Can you imagine how this young scholar must have felt? He felt as if he were struck by lightning. He was so embarrassed that he did not know what to do. The young man begged Lee, Whang to allow him to get down from his back. But, Lee, Whang kept calmly crossing the stream saying, "You might as well remain on my back until we cross the stream." He carried him to the other side.

Koreans hold men of virtue and wisdom like Lee, Whang in highest respect. "Ears of rice humbly bend as the rice ripens," says a Korean proverb.