The original title of this book is *The Education of Children*, and it explores the theme of “inferiority complex” in children’s psychology. It also provides a clear explanation of the behaviors children exhibit when they try too hard to appear superior in order to hide that sense of inferiority. For example, it invites readers to imagine a scene where a child who cannot swim climbs onto a diving board and jumps into deep water recklessly, risking danger, just to appear to his friends as if he were a good swimmer. This is something that could happen because the child hates feeling inferior among friends more than the fear of drowning. While anyone can feel inferior when comparing themselves to others in certain areas, what really resonated with me was the message that the important thing is “how to overcome that inferiority,” and that children grow through that process. Just as the Korean saying goes, “You mature as much as you suffer,” this means that children become stronger and more resilient adults through failure and frustration. This book made me ask myself how to accept the emotion of inferiority and how much I can learn from it to grow into a better person.
As a father raising three sons myself, I had been constantly pondering the best way to raise them, so this book came at a very opportune time. Conflicts stemming from feelings of inferiority among siblings are clearly illustrated in the relationship between Esau and Jacob, the two sons of Isaac in the Bible—and at the root of it all was ultimately parental favoritism. Set against the backdrop of Isaac, who favored his eldest son, and Rebekah, who loved her second son more, the story unfolds of Esau—who foolishly sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew—and Jacob, who seized the birthright through his mother’s scheme after biding his time. This book prompted me to reflect deeply once again on how excessive feelings of inferiority and superiority can lead to family tragedy. I realized that the firstborn is prone to becoming arrogant due to an excessive sense of superiority, while the younger sibling can commit such reckless acts because of a sense of inferiority.
Looking back, I used to be consumed by an excessive sense of superiority and filled with the confidence that “I can do anything.” Then, after experiencing the depths of depression following a business failure, I, on the other hand, felt an extreme sense of inferiority that cut to the bone. Perhaps because of my parents’ excessive praise and encouragement, I had fallen into a sense of superiority that was inflated beyond my true self. I mistook small successes for major ones and charged forward without looking back. Having walked a relatively smooth path—from landing a job to getting promoted and changing careers—without major difficulties, I ended up taking on the challenge of a startup despite lacking the necessary skills and experience. It wasn’t until I experienced failure that I realized I had failed to recognize how many people had given me opportunities along the way and how God had been guiding me.
Conversely, when I sank into depression and everything felt like a failure—to the point of thinking, “I am a worthless person”—I was constantly plagued by regret and self-reproach due to my sense of inferiority. At times, I even felt as though I were the most pitiful person in the world. However, that was ultimately an illusion created by excessive self-pity—and another manifestation of “pride,” the most terrifying of all sins. On the surface, it seemed as though my inferiority complex was fading away as I received comfort and encouragement, but only recently have I finally realized that at its core lay pride—the desire to view the world solely through my own lens—and excessive self-pity. Now, I intend to completely break free from the weakness of rationalizing my situation to myself. I am grateful for the health to live this day and for the tasks entrusted to me, and I resolve to hold fast to God’s encouragement rather than the superficial encouragement of people. I reaffirm my commitment to carry out the work given to me quietly and diligently, so that glory may be given to God alone.
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