[Choi Kyungpil's Book Column] Meditations for the 'Kkondae' Who Reject Reform

French Nobel Literature Laureate Anatole's Meditation Book 'Epicurus-ui Jeongwon'

“The boredom felt by poets is gilded, so there is no need to pity them too much. The singer knows how to soothe their own despair. There is absolutely no magic that can counter the magic of words. Poets comfort themselves using images like children.”

This passage is part of a letter from the writer Anatole France (1844?1924) to the novelist and playwright Pierre Veber (1869?1942). In the opening lines of this letter, the author offers a fresh interpretation of Matthew 24:24 from the Bible.

“The fate of Judas Iscariot is astonishing beyond measure. He is the one who came into the world to fulfill the ancient prophecy. (Omitted) Without Judas, the mystery of Jesus would not have been completed, and the salvation of humanity could not have been achieved.”

The letter then continues with the story of Father Auger, who worshipped Judas Iscariot. Thus, Anatole, who was a novelist, released a meditation containing his imagination and worldview to the world 100 years ago.

One hundred years ago, the French novelist Anatole was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in recognition of his achievements in literary works including Penguin Island. To commemorate this, his meditation book The Garden of Epicurus has been translated and published.

The title of this meditation book refers to the “garden” where the Greek philosopher Epicurus discussed his philosophy. Anatole’s deep understanding and respect for the philosopher Epicurus, whom he admired, can be felt throughout the book. It also offers a glimpse into Anatole’s understanding and reflections on ancient Greek and Roman writers and philosophers.

Born in 1844, Anatole France was the son of a bookseller and spent his life surrounded by books. He was a novelist and critic who personally experienced the turbulent times of his homeland France. Known for his satirical, skeptical, and sophisticated criticism, he was regarded as an ideal literary figure of his era in France.

He lived through the era following the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, the Napoleonic Empire, the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under Louis XVIII after Napoleon’s fall, and the July Revolution and February Revolution leading to the establishment of the Second Republic.

His life philosophy, shaped by living through a period of transformation and revolution coinciding with the expansion of the French colonial empire and the establishment of the principle of separation of church and state, is reflected in his works.

The recurring theme throughout this book is “Let us cultivate our garden.” This aligns closely with the spirit of the philosopher Voltaire and is one of Voltaire’s most famous phrases. Anatole is critical to the extent that he says, “Those who have started revolutions cannot endure the situation where future generations want to start revolutions.”

This refers to the phenomenon where revolutionaries become the establishment, refuse new revolutions and changes, and scoff at the demands of future generations, becoming so-called “kkondae” (conservative elders). Looking at our own history, have we not seen those who dream of permanent rule and lifelong power?

Anatole’s meditation, filled with such themes and messages in letters to famous French writers, also offers abundant messages to the older generation living as “kkondae.” Why does The Garden of Epicurus (published by B612 Books) still resonate with such a relevant message even 100 years later? Perhaps the answer lies within this book.

Book columnist Choi Kyung-pil, Asia Economy Honam guest reporter

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