The Background Behind Shinsegae's Translation of the Humanities Classic 'Pericles'

Humanities Revival Project 'Jisikhyangyeon'
Insights into the Life of Pericles, Who Brought the Golden Age of Ancient Athenian Democracy

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Shinsegae Group has published Donald Kagan's "Pericles" as a Korean translation book under the humanities revival project "Jisik Hyangyeon." For seven years, Shinsegae Group has been striving to spread the value and importance of the humanities and to nurture talents with humanities literacy through Jisik Hyangyeon. "Strong-rooted Korean translation" is one of the projects of Jisik Hyangyeon. "Pericles" is the third book in this project.

On the 14th, Shinsegae stated, "We hope that through the life of Pericles, who made Athens?a small city-state?into a world cultural heritage through outstanding leadership and dedication, our society will gain the wisdom to grow to the next level."

"Pericles" provides insight into the life of Pericles, who brought about the golden age of ancient Athenian democracy. It examines the birth, meaning, and present of democracy through various philosophers from Sophocles to Aeschylus and Phidias.

Pericles' greatest achievement is considered the expansion of democracy. Under Pericles' leadership, the Athenian Assembly granted direct power to citizens participating in the Assembly and the people's courts, made all decisions by majority vote, and most public offices were selected by lottery among capable citizens. He also expanded the scope of payment for public service to enable poor citizens to participate in decision-making processes. He allowed the lowest social class to hold the position of the nine highest administrative officials of Athens, the "Archons."

With the realization of Athens' national ideals of "equality before the law," "equality of speech," and "equality in power," Athenian democracy is regarded as having been completed during the era of Pericles.

Shinsegae Group has been conducting the "Strong-rooted Korean translation" project with the determination to properly introduce humanities books of outstanding value as world cultural heritage through accurate translation. In 2016, they translated and published "Italian Journey," and in 2018, "The Churchill Factor." "Italian Journey" is Goethe's record of his grand tour of Italy, where Goethe admired Italy's nature, magnificent ruins, and brilliant Renaissance art while focusing on his inner self. Just as leaders with humanities literacy like Goethe emerged through grand tours in Europe at that time, Shinsegae Group published this book hoping to provide an opportunity for today's youth and future talents to grow into great leaders.

"The Churchill Factor" is a book that traces the life of Winston Churchill, voted the greatest Briton by the British people. It offers ample clues and models on what kind of leader we need now and how to guide the rising generation as leaders through Churchill's courage and insight, who saved world civilization and laid the foundation for democracy amid an age of madness.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.