[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.
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?
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