Skip to product information
Live today more beautifully than yesterday
Live today more beautifully than yesterday
Description
Book Introduction
A lecture by Korea's leading lecturer in the field of communication and leadership
Wisdom from the Classics: Read and Write Idioms in 10 Minutes a Day
“A sentence a day, a time of thought that fills life,
“Quiet thoughts will help me grow.”

We constantly study to achieve our goals.
However, if the results are significantly less than the time and effort put in, then the method is wrong.
Modern people, who are fighting a war against speed, must pay more attention to efficiency.
In the end, quality is more important than quantity.
For example, studying classics that contain the wisdom of our ancestors, especially studying four-character idioms, is one method.

The book, "Live Today More Beautifully Than Yesterday," contains 180 idioms and their meanings carefully selected by Eunmi Kang, a leading instructor in the fields of communication and leadership in South Korea.
We introduce idioms one by one based on five topics that can be directly applied to modern life: resilience, goals and achievement, managing the mind and emotions, interpersonal relationships, and habits and attitudes.
In addition, it provides a page for transcribing idioms and answering questions, which greatly helps readers slowly savor the meaning contained in what they have just read and, further, to fully internalize the wisdom of our ancestors.


Letters are not just simple symbols.
It contains the philosophy, beliefs, and worldview of humanity.
So, transcribing letters can be said to be not only learning and internalizing the meaning within them, but also creating a foundation for putting it into practice.
As readers progress through this book, they will find themselves growing step by step, and before they know it, they will find themselves making strides toward achieving the goals they have set for themselves.
  • You can preview some of the book's contents.
    Preview

index
Prologue: Wisdom blossoming at your fingertips, and rest.

PART 1 - RESILIENCE

[The power that keeps you moving forward without getting tired]
“Pain is the truest lesson life gives us, and all strength is the mark of having overcome wounds.”
· Maegyeong Hango (梅經寒苦) - The energy of growth is condensed through patience in suffering 18
· Perseverance and perseverance - Don't let giving up become a habit 20
· Samho Mangjin (Three Houses Perish in Qin) - Even if my strength and effort seem insignificant, if I look far ahead, I can achieve results. 22
· Learning is not the end, but the beginning of a new beginning every day. 24
· The Dark Willow Flower Blooms - Even in the End of Despair, Flowers Bloom Again 26
· The power of forgetting is essential for a new beginning. 28
· Namwonbukcheol (Southern Bulgeum, Northern Bulgeum) - Are the goals and means properly aligned? 30
· A leaf knows autumn - Even small changes must be quickly recognized and managed. 32
· The Bitter Sacrifice Plan - Sweet Benefits Come Through Bitter Sacrifice 34
· Carving a Boat, Seeking a Sword - Are You Clinging to Old Ideas? 36
· High spirits - You must first cultivate a confident and unwavering spirit. 38
· The Gentleman's Leopard Changes - Constantly Imagine Change 40
· To do things right, you must forget about time. 42
· The moment your heart breaks, that's when you've truly failed. 44
· When in a panic, stick to small principles first. 46
· Life is not easy - No matter how hard it is, you won't die 48
· Unprecedented - Have the determination to achieve something unprecedented. 50
· Throwing an egg at a rock - If you keep going, you'll eventually break even a rock. 52
· A thousand thoughts turn into one mistake - Be tolerant of your own mistakes. 54
· A small difference at first makes a big difference 56
· Look at your own mistakes first (조고각하) - You must first reflect on your own mistakes 58
· Don't worry about problems that won't happen - Don't worry about problems that won't happen 60
· Kyeokhwasoyang (隔靴搔) - Don't avoid the core of the problem, but confront it head-on. 62
· Anbinnakdo (安貧樂道) - A person who lives anxiously and restlessly is truly poor. 64
· Control blindness - You must always maintain optimal condition to be able to respond well to problems. 66
· The Master is Invincible - Exceptional Concentration is the Modern Man's Key Weapon 68
· Fear the head, fear the tail - Don't be afraid, be bold and move forward. 70
· Spitting on one's face and drying one's face - One must be able to endure insults and humiliation. 72
· Self-Strengthening - Let's experience surpassing ourselves, just once. 74
· Swallows in the House - If you lose your sense of alertness, you will inevitably end up in danger. 76
· Gakgapsilji (脚踏實地) - Excitement and excitement are fleeting; one must cultivate the virtue of diligence. 78
· Hojilgigi (護疾忌醫) - If you find it hard to accept criticism, it's hard to change. 80
· Iron-grinding and acupuncture - Only after going through heavy and difficult times can one achieve success. 82
· Mastering Skills: The Importance of Repetition to Reach Professional Levels 84
· Ten Years of Cold Window - Loneliness is a time of concentration to enter a larger world. 86
· Yujigyeongseong (有志竟成) - To achieve much, arm yourself with a strong will. 88

PART 2 - Goals and Achievements

[Nothing is easy or quick from the start]
“Whether you believe you can or you believe you can't, you become what you believe.”
· A strong will to move forward without hesitation is the starting point of success. 92
· Gijajaengseon (棄子爭先) - If you don't give up on the little things, you'll end up empty-handed. 94
· Each governs for himself - Achievement is impossible without cooperation 96
· Buu Wan Hang (負隅頑抗) - Those who persevere to the end will ultimately win. 98
· Climbing high and falling low - To achieve big goals, you must start small. 100
· Yoksokbudal (欲速不達) - Do it quickly, but not in a hurry 102
· Mangmaehaegal (望梅解渴) - Thinking about a happy ending can reduce today's suffering. 104
· The mirror of Yin is not far away - We must learn from the example of others to shape our present selves. 106
· Nomasipga (駑馬十駕) - Don't be bound by your ability, but cultivate consistency. 108
· Seo Shibinmok (西施嚬目) - Don't blindly follow, but create your own know-how for success 110
· Jeguposin (除舊布新) - Learning from the past can double your momentum. 112
· Unwavering - If you don't want to be broken, you have to go a little slower. 114
· Correcting a mistake is good, but you can't ruin the whole thing. 116
· Teaching a child to gather firewood (敎子採薪) - Don't rely on short-term prescriptions; even if it's difficult, you should take long-term prescriptions. 118
· Lee Gwan-gyu-cheon (以管窺天) - Continuously expand your horizons through books and people 120
· Handan Zhibo (邯鄲之步) - Don't imitate others, but advance at your own pace 122
· Yeonggwahujin (盈科後進) - If what comes before is not fulfilled, what comes after will not be fulfilled either. 124
· Lamenting Over the Future - There's no need to be paralyzed by a sense of helplessness while looking too far into the future. 126
· A bamboo shoot grows from a heart - You must have a clear scenario in mind 128
· Ilsusa Gyeon (One Water, Four Views) - Never Lose Your Creative Perspective 130
· Galtaek-eo (竭澤而漁) - Don't just focus on immediate efficiency 132
· Sheep-quality tiger skin (羊質虎皮) - Always prioritize substance over appearance 134
· The last 10% destroys all the work you've done. 136
· An-eo-yang-yang (晏御揚揚) - You must first coldly assess your own reality 138
· The dagger in the bag (囊中之錐) - Develop your own skills before standing out to others. 140
· The head of a mouse and two ends of its tail - Peeking is not enough to put it into practice. 142
· Mo Zhi Zhi Shu (墨翟之守) - Don't ignore the opinions of others for the sake of protecting your convictions. 144
· Geokmulchiji (格物致知) - Think independently with your own head 146
· Banggigokgyeong (旁岐曲逕) - Unfair and forced methods will not work. 148
· The Foolish Old Man Moved the Mountains - You must believe that even seemingly impossible dreams can come true. 150
· Knowing when to step back is sometimes wisdom. 152
· Waiting for results without putting in the effort is foolish. 154
· Tanglanggeocheol (螳螂拒轍) - Abuse leaves wounds and destroys trust. 156
· Kwon Ui-ji-gye (權宜之計) - Use various methods according to changing circumstances 158
· The Cow Lives, the Horse Dies - In a moment of crisis, don't react too hastily. 160
· In desperate times, change is the key - Overwhelming execution power ultimately achieves the goal. 162

PART 3 - MAINTAINING YOUR MIND AND EMOTIONS

Managing your emotions is managing your life.
“Anger is the most foolish emotion, usurping wisdom.”
· Hanging from a Cliff - The Resolution to Disengage from the Emotions That Overwhelm You 166
· The best is like water - If you adapt gently like water, you will feel a little more comfortable. 168
· Love yourself and love others - Forgive and embrace your own mistakes. 170
· Ae-i-bul-bi (哀而不悲) - Don't be overly absorbed in sad emotions 172
· The saying "Literary people are light" (文人相輕) - Don't underestimate others just because you think highly of yourself. 174
· The devil doesn't win - Even if you get hurt, believe that you will ultimately win. 176
· Ten Capabilities of a Person - Have the determination to do it a hundred times, a thousand times. 178
· Sachengsau (乍晴乍雨) - If you react too much to every emotion, you will become exhausted. 180
· Excessive energy is sure to bring disaster - You must have both a generous and gentle heart 182
· Absolutely Abandoning Delusions - Thoughts and the Mind Can Be Controlled 184
· The Dark Demon of Doubt - Excessive suspicion makes you anxious. 186
· Child's Argument Day - Are you arguing over trivial matters? 188
· Brotherly investment - If you become greedy, throw it away without hesitation. 190
· Deukrongwangshuo (得望蜀) - With moderation and control, you won't be swayed by emotions. 192
· Riding the Ox Home - How I Spend My Day Shapes My Mind 194
· Controlling alcohol is controlling emotions. 196
· Not giving in and not choosing - Having a wide distribution is also helpful 198
· Great courage is like fear - If you reduce your desire to brag, your day will be peaceful. 200
· Junjoelchung (樽俎折衝) - Problems should be solved through communication, not force. 202
· Sujiyeowoo (守之如愚) - If you act arrogantly, you are bound to suffer. 204
· When there's a complaint, it's a cry - Solve your own problems alone 206
· Jaeseungdeokbak (才勝德薄) - The more talented you are, the more you need to cultivate your character. 208
· Don't make enemies of the masses - Don't make enemies of the masses 210
· The Sin of Excessive Love - Excessive Love Can Be a Problem 212
· Clear Mirror, Still Water - Maintain a calm and clear mind 214
· Weeping and Beheading Ma Su - Don't Make Decisions Based on Emotions 216
· A smile is worth a thousand gold coins - Positive thinking can't be bought with money. 218
· Hide your light and wait for the right time (韜光養晦) - Hide your talents and bide your time 220
· Gonwoosik (困于酒食) - If you have regrets, you can avoid difficulties. 222
· Establish your mind, but do not be stubborn - Establish your mind, but make it firm 224
· Cooperation - Even if you don't like it, you should be able to cooperate. 226
· The Sound of a Nation's Destruction - Don't Be Overly Intoxicated with Pleasure 228
· Liver and Gallbladder Mutual Aid - Sufficient Communication Unifies Emotions 230
· Don't rush into a desperate situation - Don't rush into a situation without any emotional response. 232
· Be careful with overly friendly words and gestures (巧言令色) - Be careful with overly friendly words and gestures (234)
· A Grain in the Sea - My Feelings Are Not Everything 236

PART 4 ​​- HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

Human relationships are difficult, but the answers are clear.
"What people need between them is not higher-order equations, but plus and minus."
· The more you want to have everything, the more you end up having nothing. 240
· Hangryongyuhoe (亢龍有悔) - The higher one rises, the more one should be grateful to those around them. 242
· Seeing profit and thinking about righteousness (見利思義) - Relationships are maintained when they remain unshaken even when profit is seen. 244
· Mohapsimli (貌合心離) - Only by creating a common mindset can we move forward together. 246
· Lee Taek-sang-ju (麗澤相注) - Pursue relationships that exert a positive influence on each other 248
· Song Mu-baek-yeol (松茂柏悅) - A jealous relationship can never last long 250
· Dobigansu (挑肥揀瘦) - I can't always choose what's good for me 252
· Yanggeumtaekmok (良禽擇木) - Human relationships begin with selection. 254
· The Rooster Cries, the Dog Steals - Even Small Talents Need to Be Valuable 256
· Bunjeong Hangrye (分庭抗禮) - No matter how close you are, you must observe proper etiquette 258
· A bad tree should not be given to a woman - There must be a shade that embraces people. 260
· Listening is more important than speaking. 262
· The sea does not yield water - If you discriminate against people, harm will inevitably come back to haunt you. 264
· Ga-gye-ya-chi (家鷄野雉) - The closer you are to someone, the more precious you should be. 266
· Majungjibong (麻中之蓬) - I need to meet someone who has what I lack. 268
· Sympathy and Virtue - When you give to others first, they become more sincere in return. 270
· Without trust, there is no standing - Without trust, there is no use. 272
· Prince Bulchu (往者不追) - Relationships don't last if you force them. 274
· Blowing hair and finding fault - If you try to find fault with someone, there is no end to it. 276
· A relationship that doesn't keep secrets cannot be a complete relationship. 278
· A smile hides a sword - Don't judge a person by their appearance. 280
· Topoakbal (吐哺握髮) - Offer hospitality that acknowledges one's very existence 282
· Softness and Strength - To seize the initiative, you must be soft. 284
· Build a strong fortress with the people around you. 286
· Baekrakilgo (伯樂一顧) - You should associate with people who understand you. 288
· The closer the ink is to the black (近墨者黑) - The other person will definitely influence me 290
· Ears, eyes, and ears - Being quick-witted is a great help. 292
· Drifting on a Stone Pillow - Stay Away from People Who Don't Admit Their Mistakes 294
· Taishan pressure on the egg (泰山壓卵) - You can't move people with an overbearing attitude 296
· The future is not without its challenges - Being older doesn't necessarily mean being outstanding. 298
· Samgajaesang (三可宰相) - Do not condemn others with excessive black-and-white logic. 300
· Never forget the help you received. 302
· Dog-biting wine and sour wine (狗猛酒酸) - If you're too grumpy, no one will be around you. 304
· Asimyeocheong (我心如秤) - Money is just money, it is never a person 306
· Woljodaepo (越俎代) - Excessive interference is also a problem 308
· Daewoo Tangeum (對牛彈琴) - If the tempo is not right, it is difficult to meet. 310

PART 5 - HABITS AND ATTITUDE

[It's almost always you who put yourself at risk]
“Excellence is a habit, not an act.”
· Practice and Nature - Let's create a better tomorrow than today 314
· Many words are too many to bear - Many life's problems begin with words. 316
· Sabulgeupseol (駟不及舌) - Everyone is listening and watching what I say 318
· Geoansawi (居安思危) - Think of danger when there is no danger 320
· A drop of water wears away a stone - Today's small efforts lead to future achievements. 322
· Mansongyeomik (滿損謙益) - We must pay attention to the benefits that humility brings. 324
· Self-Creation - Most suffering is self-created 326
· Gu-u-il-mo (九牛一毛) - Don't dwell on small flaws; look at the forest for the forest. 328
· You can't solve a problem by holding onto the root of the problem. 330
· Laughing at oneself - Composure is the ability to control oneself 332
· Seonwoohurak (先憂後樂) - To become happy, solve the difficult things first. 334
· Kyoto Sangul (狡兎三窟) - A wise person always has a plan 336
· Bangchon-iran (方寸已亂) - To set things straight again that have already been in disarray 338
Shooting a stone like a tiger - Superhuman strength ultimately comes from concentration. 340
· A small, sinking boat - You can't live a perfect life, but you can't live a sloppy life either. 342
· Shaolin Ilji (巢林一枝) - Developing yourself and going beyond your limits are different things. 344
· Hochubuldu (戶樞不) - Be extremely wary of stagnation. 346
· Virtue rises, insults come - Develop the habit of not caring even when someone insults you. 348
· A good traveler may fall into trouble because of something he is good at. 350
· The Golden Crab Sheds Its Shell - If Stereotypes Don't Change, I Won't Change 352
· Changrangjatchi (滄浪自取) - Whether I hear praise or criticism, it's all up to me. 354
· Don't judge others based solely on their current situation. 356
· Mokbulgyeoncheop (目不見睫) - You must hold yourself to strict standards and yardsticks. 358
· Self-Precepts of the Bell - Maintain an awake life with an attitude of constant awareness 360
· Kweului Sin-eon (闕疑愼言) - Stay away from uncertain knowledge 362
· Breaking the cauldron and sinking the boat - Sometimes, hitting the cauldron is also a method. 364
· Mokinseoksim (木人石心) - Only by overcoming temptation can self-confidence be achieved. 366
· The Curved Path to Firewood - Demonstrate decisiveness with foresight 368
· Yakpangso-seon (若烹小鮮) - Even great things begin with details. 370
Confucius Wears a Pearl - There is no one who has nothing to learn from. 372
· Night Walk in Brocade - Do things for yourself, not for show. 374
· Invest sufficiently to reap the fruits of life (華而不實)
· The Frog in the Well - Don't Assume You Know Everything 378
· Establishing the Way from the Basics - You can't move forward without starting from the basics. 380
· Not evil but severe (불악이엄) - Become weighty and present with dignity 382
· Shinsi Gyeongjong (愼始敬終) - Begin with care and finish with all your might. 384

Epilogue: Where Consciousness Dwells, Energy Flows 386

Detailed image
Detailed Image 1

Into the book
Don't let giving up become a habit.
When we anticipate that some difficulty will arise, our first instinct is to avoid it.
However, the behavior of continuing to avoid and step back can eventually become a habit.
If that happens, a situation will unfold where you will gradually lose what you already have, rather than gaining new things.
If you stand firm in your position and have the attitude to face difficulties, you will have a solid foundation to move forward in a better direction.

[You must first reflect on your own mistakes]
It means to find the cause of the problem within yourself.
Of course, the cause of the problem may be external factors.
This is a case where it has nothing to do with one's own fault.
But even in such matters, I need to first figure out what I did wrong.
This way, you can develop your own driving force for self-development and always be fully prepared for any problem.

[He who perseveres to the end will ultimately win]
In life, 'corners' represent crisis and uncertainty.
Even if you start out confidently, a crisis can strike at any time and your anxiety will never completely go away until it's over.
So, you need to have the mindset to always persevere until the end and persevere until the task is completed.
Only then, even if you fail in the short term, you can seize new opportunities next time.

[Even if you get hurt, think that you will win in the end]
It can often happen that you get hurt by the mean actions and words of others.
Every time that happens, I feel very bad, and it can even leave aftereffects, and I end up becoming reluctant to do that to people.
But the ancient sages say that what is cunning and greedy cannot overcome righteous virtue.
So even if something like that happens, there is no need to be hurt, and we need to believe that good and good always win.

[A relationship can only be maintained if it remains unshaken even when profits are visible.]
It means that even if it is immediately beneficial to you, you should not take it hastily, but think about whether it is right or not to take it.
In fact, everything in the world tends to flow towards profit, so it is not easy to think about what is right.
However, if you can maintain an unwavering mindset even in the face of profit, you can prevent your relationships from being ruined by profit.

[You have to be gentle to take the initiative]
We tend to think that strong people take the lead and have more control over relationships.
But the person on the other side of that strength is always prone to being dissatisfied and thus ready to strike back at any time.
In that sense, a truly strong person in the long run is someone who treats others with gentleness and maintains relationships through that.
You need to reflect on how you treat others in your relationships.

[Maintain an awake life with an attitude of constant awakening]
It is difficult to change oneself without external stimulation.
It would be possible to correct it if a respectable mentor continued to point it out, but that is not an easy task either.
Therefore, we need to constantly awaken ourselves even without external help.
You have to make it so that the moment the bell rings nearby, you wake up.
Through this, we can move from living an unconscious life to living a conscious life.
--- From the text

Publisher's Review
10 Minutes a Day to Build Yourself: A Mind Reset

There is a trap in convenience.
There is a lot of information, but many people get lost in it.
Worries are constant, and anxiety eats away at the mind.
As we compare ourselves to others and go back and forth between feelings of inferiority and superiority, we also experience burnout, a state of helplessness.
Is it right to spend my one and only life like this, exhausting myself?

Just as we need a physical detox to remove toxins from our bodies, we also need a mental detox to constantly remove toxins from our minds and inner selves.
Especially in this digitally saturated age, one of the best detox methods is the process of writing by hand during your alone time.
Rather than writing quickly as if typing on a keyboard, the process of writing each letter slowly by hand is close to a form of meditation.
This allows you to 'reset your mind' by getting away from the hustle and bustle, becoming calm, talking to yourself, and examining your inner turmoil.
One phrase a day, a small but consistent repetition, will give you 'room for rest' and a quiet joy in your alone time.

Idioms are undoubtedly the wisdom of our ancestors that has endured over 2,000 years of history and has been passed down to the present day.
It has already been proven in the lives of countless people and has also been passed down through generations.
Perhaps, as long as human society has existed, there has not been much shining wisdom that has been more solidly proven.
Therefore, transcribing idioms and slowly reflecting on their meaning resonates deeply with the mind.
By savoring short sentences, you will come up with positive thoughts and gain the wisdom to harmonize your scattered mind.
Above all, copying idioms serves as a very good guide for practicing the direction of a humane life, such as self-understanding, interpersonal relationships, and emotional control.

This book consists of a total of 180 idioms and contains the original meaning and its meaning.
It also makes me think about how to apply it to my life.
Just 10 minutes a day, copying one line of idioms and meaning that connect the wisdom of our ancestors to today's life, will definitely bring change to the lives of readers.
You will feel your words and thoughts change, and your attitude and perspective mature.
Also, 10 minutes a day, away from the hectic daily life, provides a true rest, a deep rest that allows you to catch your breath and enjoy intellectual freedom.
I hope that this one-liner idiom will bring quiet comfort and new vitality to your life.
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Date of issue: August 11, 2025
- Page count, weight, size: 388 pages | 694g | 152*215*25mm
- ISBN13: 9791193110706
- ISBN10: 119311070X

You may also like

카테고리