Ms. Jeon’s, called Korean Grandmother of Goethe, bright soul and the efforts she has made to illuminate her path with a diligent life are not only commendable but deeply moving. Her struggles, like those of many who follow their passion, were undoubtedly numerous, but her perseverance and dedication shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

I’ve always believed that my gift lies in perceiving the deeper layers of a person’s soul. When I come across a truly unique spirit, I feel an indescribable thrill – a sensation that words can hardly capture. It’s these moments of soulful delight that I’m eager to share with you.

So, let me take you on a journey – a journey that began unexpectedly through a screen encounter. This experience made me realize just how many remarkable souls inhabit our universe. It’s astonishing how, in the vastness of our existence, the only limitation we face in appreciating these souls is time. It feels as though there’s simply not enough time to fully admire and appreciate them.

A Humble Scholar

One such soul is Ms. Jeon, Young Ae, a retired professor formerly teaching at Seoul National University in South Korea. Her academic focus was German literature, specializing in Goethe. But what truly drew me to her wasn’t her impressive CV. It was her life journey, starting from the moment she chose to live in harmony with nature.

Ms. Chun made a bold move: she invested her remaining only asset which was her deposits of her small apartment near to work to buy for the a piece of wild land, where she built a modest shed with her own hands. This shed, devoid of electricity and basic amenities, was the seed that blossomed into a haven of beauty and thought. Today, several lovely structures adorn her land, and it’s a place where people frequently gather to converse and reflect.

Yet, it wasn’t the physical transformation of her land that captivated me. When I saw Prof. Jeon’s hands and her humble abode, I was deeply moved. Her hands spoke volumes about her life – a life of simplicity, humility, and profound richness. Her tiny room, without even a bed of her own, revealed a person who, despite being a millionaire in the truest sense, lives a life beyond the constraints of material wealth. Her value in today’s world is immeasurable, and her lifestyle offers invaluable lessons to our current generation.

This encounter with Prof. Jeon has been a profound reminder of the beauty and depth of the human soul. It’s a testament to the fact that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the richness of one’s spirit and the life one chooses to lead. As we navigate our own journeys, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wonderful souls around us, for they are the true treasures of our world.

Strike My thick Bias toward German

My encounter with Prof. Jeon, Young Ae led to an unexpected transformation in my own perceptions, particularly towards German culture and history. Like many, I harbored deep-seated stereotypes influenced by historical events and a general lack of interest in European countries. My viewpoint was admittedly narrow, confined to my own biases.

However, Professor Jeon’s profound passion for German literature and culture sparked a change in me. Initially, I admired Germany for its excellence in engineering and culinary products, but these aspects alone were not enough to stir a deeper curiosity in me about their language and culture. It was through Ms. Jeon’s dedication and the way she embraced the learning process that truly inspired me. Her enthusiasm was contagious, leading me to consider embarking on my own journey of exploring German culture.

Ms. Jeon has translated numerous works of Goethe into Korean and has integrated his philosophies into her life. Her achievements in Goethe’s literature are recognized globally, having received prestigious awards and accolades. Yet, what strikes me most is her modesty and forward-thinking attitude. She doesn’t seem overly concerned with external recognition but is more focused on how she can impart her knowledge and wisdom to others, especially the next generation.

Through Ms. Jeon’s story, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson: our biases and preconceptions can often blind us to the beauty and richness of other cultures. It’s through open-mindedness and the willingness to learn from others that we can truly expand our horizons. Ms. Jeon, with her deep connection to German literature and her humble yet impactful lifestyle, serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a more inclusive and enlightened understanding of the world. Her life is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and the dedication to sharing it can transcend cultural barriers and create lasting, positive change.

Identified as 5 Slaves for the values..

Her self-identification as the “five slaves” is particularly poignant. This metaphor, reflecting her dedication, implies that she is a slave to her garden, her library, her books, and the people she enlightens. It’s a powerful testament to her commitment to nurturing both the natural world and the realm of ideas.

Her journey towards realizing her dream began even before she retired from her professorship. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, she purchased a piece of land to build a small house dedicated to her studies. This decision was profoundly influenced by her father, who became her life mentor and role model. In an act of immense support and belief in her dreams, he donated his entire savings, amounting to $100,000, to aid her pursuit. This gesture was the catalyst that propelled her to chase her aspirations. Indeed, love often provides the strength and motivation to overcome challenges and fuel our passions.

Now, Ms. Jeon’s private library and garden have become a place of pilgrimage for many. Her spaces are consistently booked, with a never-ending line of people eager to meet her and absorb her wisdom. Her ability to capture and convey Goethe’s intentions and achievements through her life and books in Korea is nothing short of remarkable. It leads one to ponder whether Goethe himself could have imagined that his thoughts and messages would be so deeply understood and relayed by a scholar from South Korea.

Why Goethe?

When asked in an interview, “Why Goethe?”, Ms. Jeon’s response was enlightening. She stated that Goethe himself wasn’t the central focus for her; rather, it’s the attitude towards life that matters. What is important is how we approach life and how we choose to live it.

The elements that shape and sustain Ms. Jeon are her insatiable desire for knowledge and a life marked by diligence. She approaches her studies with the same dedication and care as she does her garden, transforming it from a space overrun by weeds into a place of beauty and contemplation. In this, she mirrors Goethe’s discipline, who famously wrote every day from 5:30 am to 1:00 pm. Ms. Jeon applies a similar effort and consistency to her studies and to the way she lives her life.

Her story is a testament to the power of dedication, love, and a life-long commitment to learning. Prof. Jeon exemplifies the profound impact that one individual can have by living a life true to their passions and beliefs. Through her, Goethe’s legacy continues to inspire and resonate, bridging cultures and centuries. Her life reminds us that our approach to learning and living can leave enduring impressions, not just on our own lives but on the world at large.

What We learn from her life and her Soul

Her humility and diligence

Her life reflects a profound focus on her passions and values. She embodies the essence of doing what she loves, sharing what she loves, and pursuing her interests with relentless diligence. This dedication and authenticity are truly inspirational.

Her humility and diligence resonate deeply with me. There’s a certain magic in how she immerses herself in her work, a trait that is both rare and beautiful. I find myself drawn to her writings, eagerly filling my book cart with her works. The thought of delving into her books late into the night, exploring her thoughts penned down in her small room in Germany and Korea, fills me with anticipation. It’s like embarking on a journey through her mind and spirit, a chance to see the world through her eyes.

Prof. Jeon’s bright soul and the efforts she has made to illuminate her path with a diligent life are not only commendable but deeply moving. Her struggles, like those of many who follow their passion, were undoubtedly numerous, but her perseverance and dedication shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her journey is a vivid reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a deep love for what one does, it’s possible to overcome challenges and make a significant impact.

Her story is not just about her achievements or the recognition she has received but about the sheer joy and fulfillment she finds in her pursuit of knowledge and sharing it with the world. Her life is a testament to the idea that when we align our actions with our true selves, we can live a life that is not only meaningful to us but also inspires and enlightens those around us. Prof. Jeon,Young Ae, through her humble yet profound approach to life, teaches us that the greatest impact we can have is often found in pursuing our passions with heart and soul.

If you want to visit her soul’s place, please visit her garden in south Korea. Please let me know how’s your impression after visit. Below is the website.

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