“The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.” (Ecclesiastes 1:5. King Solomon) The Sun Also Rises, a masterpiece of English literature by Ernest Hemingway, is one of the most impressive books I have read at college. The title−which covers the providence of nature−reveals the frustrations of the current “Lost Generation” in parallel with their hopes for the future. In light of the tragedies of war, life seems meaningless to some individuals. The novel depicts the lives and interactions of people constantly seeking fulfillment and happiness in fleeting things such as entertainment, lust, and liquor. It essentially boils down to the important questions of what is life and the pursuit of happiness. What does happiness mean to you? Just like the characters constantly seeking “happiness that does not have a hangover,” we seek contentment in things that cannot provide it as well. As the novel deals with the “Lost Generation,” there is a “Sampo Generation” here in Korea that seems to resonate similarity. This particular generation is one that has given up dating, marriage, and childbirth. Both generations share common ground in that they are filled with skepticism about society and are yet to find the meaning of true happiness.
“I cannot stand it to think my life is going so fast and I am not really living it.” This inspirational quote from the book is enough to strike a chord in the hearts of the readers. As the saying goes, “Time and tide wait for no man.” Thus, we often feel like we are running out of time. We simply feel it is nigh-on impossible to live our lives. Even after entering university and surviving the grueling exams, you should then strive to find a career and prepare for employment. Not so much an end, perhaps, as a new beginning. While experiencing frustration, you may begin to feel sick and tired of this repetitive life. However, when you realize that the human condition is a never-ending cycle of ups and downs, of happy and sad times, of triumphs and tragedies, it removes some of the sting of those painful events. Moreover, it helps bring you into the present moment instead of dwelling on what might have been. Russell Simmons once said, “Do not ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday. Let it go.” Though life is challenging, keep in mind that you can start over each morning. Let it go, but let us go.
Time flies and it is already near the end of the year. The end of the year marks a fresh new beginning for all of us. How was your 2022? Mine feels bittersweet to leave the Hanyang Journal, where I have spent more than half of my college life. As editor-in-chief of the Journal, I express my gratitude to all the reporters who have worked so tirelessly with me. A new start awaits us at Hanyang Journal. Even here, perhaps most especially, the sun also rises.
Farewell, 2022! Here we go, 2023!
