Autobiography

2007

March 19

Confucianism is an ancient Chinese ethical and philosophical system which in my personal opinion is far superior to any (western moral - hoping to avoid and oxymoron) guidance system governing western society. In comparison to the land of my origin, it shines like a beacon on a dark and stormy ocean of ethical and moral decay.

The following is the unique style of grave markers used in Korea. Korean culture places a great emphasis upon family and all relations to the family. There records are maintained in detailed genealogical records registered in Seoul. Each family leader has several book that record and maintain all the details of who the main family leaders are followed by the closest corresponding sons and then daughters.

On the image of my father-in-law's burial head stone are listed family names which are listed in the manner consistent with Confucian Filial Piety . The father's name first followed by the names of his first son then second son. Since his first son's daughter tragically died in a accident just before my father-in-law's death, her name was omitted from this family listing; however his second son's wife was still alive and thus listed in the hierarchy following the relationships to the sons which comes first in Confucian consideration.

Following the sons and their living relations come my father-in-laws daughters (my wife) Jung Sung-hee and her younger sister Sung-neem. Following the listing for my father-in-laws daughters comes a listing of their daughters last; beginning with the daughters of his first son followed by the daughter of the second son.

It can be noted that all female births associated with my father-in-law's daughters are not listed at all since the direct relationship to the father through a son is considered significant in Confucian genealogical notation and those of the daughter are not. Thus the final names on this and all other Korean burial head stone ends with a listing of daughters born only to the deceased father's sons.

In the line that addresses "Sons-in-law" my name (Michael) stands out as the only English transliterated name due to the fact that I'm married to woman whose name appears in the line above my name as the first daughter of her father.

 

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