Hamlet, who shouted “To be, or not to be; that is the question” was reflective, skeptical, weak and indecisive. As a result, tragedy came to many of his characters in his writings. And then there is Don Quixote who unsophisticatedly dove into many adventures. He rushes this way and that, with little regard for caution. Therefore, we associate ‘ Don Quixote’ as one who throws caution to the winds. We have seen people like ‘Don Quixote’ in our lives more than once. For example, have you ever seen a student who asks questions even though the answer is not important? Also, what about the person who disassembles the machine which has already been assembled? What are your thoughts on these types of people? Are you amazed, or do you look at these people with distain?
Why do we hate ‘Don Quixote types’ and try to ignore these types of people? In life, we tend to only respect people who fit nicely into our society. For example, Prof. Kim Ung-Yong, who is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for his high IQ, and who worked at NASA as a researcher one day returned to Korea. However, he was uncomfortable living in Korea because he didn’t have a university diploma. No matter how remarkable a Don Quixote is, our society does not accept those that go against the norm. Because of the design of our educational system here in Korea, we tend to stifle and suppress creativity. We shy away from and reject Don Quixote personalities. This type of thinking, rejecting Don Quixote types, defines who we are as a people. I compare this type of thinking with that in other countries and see our generation as the ‘Maybe Generation.’ Why? Because the answer to so many of are questions is “maybe”
Secondly, our society is a hierarchical culture, an organizational culture and a corporate culture. As Korean culture exists today, we are unaccepting to the Don Quixote way of thinking. Therefore, I feel our society and constitution is narrow in embracing new thought and actions, which break the existing framework. Class is an important aspect of Korean society, corporation workers and university professors hold some of Korea’s highest ranking social positions. And they are not welcoming to those that go against the established class system and cultural norms. They often dislike others who receive attention and stand out. They dislike attention being diverted away from them.
In our society, where we view non-conformity as negative, it is hard for people to express creative thought. I often wonder how Korean innovation has brought us this far when we look at Korea’s smart phones, and cars. How did these appear? It was possible, thanks to great men like Albert Einstein, Steven jobs, and Bill Gates who had great ideas and actualized those thoughts. If we continue to reject Don Quixote types in our society, progress won’t move forward. Don Quixote said, “Can you see that giant? I’m going to fight against him like you have not seen before. You pray for me and look on.” Don Quixote didn’t appear afraid and put his thoughts into action in everything.
In the history of human development, there were few Don Quixote types who stuck to their convictions and realized their ideal. For corporations and societies’ continuous innovation and development, we must recognize and respect creative thought, for it is essential for the development of our society and economy. We are currently going through a period where our society and economy is in stagnation. So, we need a genius like Don Quixote for a better future and to develop our society. Don’t be afraid of Don Quixote, his thinking will guarantee a better brighter future for all of us.
