[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 10-1] Humanity’s Heritage: How Am I Connected to Our Legacy?

 

[HWPL Peace Education Textbook 10 Efforts Towards Preservation of Heritage]

[10-1] Humanity’s Heritage: How Am I Connected to Our Legacy?

 

◆Learning Objectives

1. Understand various human legacies and their values.

2. Recognize the importance of preserving and developing these legacies for future generations.

3. Acknowledge that the greatest legacy is world peace.

 

◆The Most Valuable Legacy – People are the most valuable legacy that a country and society must protect.

 

The Legacy of Hangeul (한글)

"Our country's spoken language differs from that of China, and thus cannot be communicated using Chinese characters. Therefore, many foolish people, though they have something they wish to express, are ultimately unable to do so. Feeling sorry for them, I have made twenty-eight new letters... It is my wish that all the people may easily learn them and use them conveniently in their daily lives."

Image from Pixabay 

The quote above is from the preface of the "Hunminjeongeum Haerye (훈민정음 해례본)." Huminjeongeum (훈민정음(訓民正音) also known as Hanguel (한글) means a guide to the proper sounds for instructing the people. Before Hangeul, existing Chinese characters were difficult for the common people to learn and use and illiteracy often led to grave mistakes among the common people. King Sejong of Korea created Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, out of deep love for his people and it was a crucial step in preserving the nation's autonomy and culture.

 

What is Humanity's Heritage?

Many preserved cultural heritages around the world reflect the spirit and history of different peoples. These legacies, both tangible and intangible, must be nurtured and passed on to future generations. Those who preserve and pass on these heritages are also part of the legacy.

 

Heritage to Preserve Worldwide 

- Colosseum in Rome: A historical stage for plays and gladiatorial contests.

- Seokguram Grotto (석굴암) in Korea: A Buddhist cave temple showcasing exceptional architectural beauty.

- Great Wall of China: One of the Seven Wonders of the World.

- Niagara Falls in Canada: A natural marvel demonstrating the grandeur of nature.

Image from Pixabay

These valuable assets, which connect the past, present, and future of humanity, are known as World Heritage sites. UNESCO defines World Heritage as assets we inherited from our ancestors, live in today, and must pass on to our descendants. These heritages have universal value, regardless of location, and are classified as natural, cultural, or mixed heritage.

 

Types of Heritage

- Natural Heritage: Includes natural monuments, areas, and habitats of various species with outstanding natural beauty and preservation value.

- Cultural Heritage: Encompasses monuments, buildings, structures, paintings, sculptures, and sites with exceptional universal value.

- Mixed Heritage: Combines elements of both natural and cultural heritage.

Traditional cultures and significant global records are also considered World Heritage.

Image from Pixabay

The Value of World Heritage

World Heritage sites hold immense value because they embody the spirit of ancestors who sought to leave a beautiful world for future generations. Although some heritage results from negative histories, these too serve as lessons and guideposts for humanity's future direction. Preserving heritage allows us to discover the lives and wisdom of our ancestors and create new futures. Well-preserved heritage sites are treasure troves of content and can generate new cultural and economic value.

Moreover, World Heritage sites bring various benefits to local communities, such as promoting industry, education, development opportunities, tourism, investment, job creation, and fostering a sense of belonging. They also establish a foundation for mutual understanding and peace, contributing to sustainable development.

Image from Pixabay

Spiritual Culture and Personal Legacy

Heritage includes not just visible structures but also the invisible histories and values they represent. For example, the tug-of-war, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage practiced in East and Southeast Asia, symbolizes community solidarity and the start of a new agricultural cycle.

Seeing Ourselves as Legacy

If we consider ourselves as part of humanity's legacy, we realize that our lives carry historical, cultural, and spiritual values. This perspective encourages us to live responsibly, knowing we are part of the legacy we pass on to future generations. Every person, with their life and spirit, is a vital heritage that nations and societies must cherish and protect.

By understanding and preserving our heritage, we not only honor our past but also pave the way for a peaceful and sustainable future. Let’s embrace our roles as custodians of peace and legacy, ensuring a harmonious world for the generations to come.

 

◆Reflection

1. What World Heritage sites can you find in your country? Discuss their values and significance.

2. If you consider yourself a legacy, what kind of heritage would you like to leave for future generations?