Professor Jeong Il-young shares lessons on overcoming failure and 'blaming others'

Professor Jeong Il-young's essay collection, "Eventually, It Works Out Somehow," offers a candid look at navigating life's adversities, particularly relevant for those facing academic or career disappointments. The author, who spent eight years studying in France and earned a doctorate, endured nearly three decades as a part-time lecturer, repeatedly failing to secure a full-time professorship and experiencing panic disorder.

His unexpected rise to public attention came through an appearance on the popular YouTube channel "Calm Down Man." In the interview, Jeong spoke candidly about his life, leading to a significant surge in his popularity. The book delves into several themes he wishes to impart, especially to his daughter, who is currently a high school senior facing academic pressure.

Key among these themes are critiques of South Korea's education system, which he feels overly relies on rote memorization. He also recounts his personal journey of overcoming repeated failures through dedicated engagement with "writing" and "singing." A central piece of advice from Jeong is the "aesthetics of blaming others." He argues that when efforts fall short despite full commitment, it's crucial not to solely internalize the blame. Instead, one should consider uncontrollable environmental and structural factors, thereby preserving one's sense of self.

The article suggests that the resilience needed to endure life's unpredictability stems from the ability to rise after falling and take at least one more step forward. Inspired by Jeong's approach, the author of the article has begun "collecting joy," choosing to look for positive outlets rather than dwelling solely on hardship. The piece concludes with the author's intention to share passages from Jeong's book with her daughter, highlighting the book's potential to offer comfort and perspective.

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When it doesn't go my way, the driving force to endure life is to not stay down after falling, but to get up and take at least one step forward.