By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

In the ancient Chinese history book "Jwajeon 左傳," there is an old saying, “Sunmangchihan脣亡齒寒”. It translates to “Your teeth will freeze if you do not have lips,” and the lesson is that when one part of a tightly knit community breaks down, the others are jeopardized. It's not just a parable, but a reminder of the importance of community and the value of coexistence, which resonates deeply in modern society.

Modern society is changing rapidly in the logic of technological advancement and competition. Individualism and independence are emphasized, and the phrase “I can live well on my own” has become fashionable. However, humans are social animals who need to help and rely on each other to survive.

When a community that holds together like lips and teeth is weakened, the consequences trickle down to the individual. For example, the breakdown of communities leads to a lack of education, security, and welfare, which translates into a lower quality of life for each individual.

Of particular concern in today's society is the behavior of the political class. It has been argued that political forces, which have become special interest groups, are fostering division rather than unity. Political ideologies and interests divide people along party lines, and mutual accusations weaken the very foundation of society. People become the victims of these political conflicts, which in turn jeopardizes the entire society.

Politicians need to learn the lesson of “Sunmangchihan." Only when they support each other, true politics for the people is possible. Instead of focusing on short-term gains, we should prioritize national unity and community stability.

Small actions such as greeting neighbors and lending a helping hand to those in need can make a big difference in our busy lives.

You should also fulfill your responsibilities as a member of society by volunteering in your community or participating in environmental campaigns.

You can also take small steps to support a thriving economy by supporting local businesses and buying fair trade products.

This “Sunmangchihan" is not just an ancient teaching. Caring and helping each other is the way to protect both individuals and communities. From the political sphere to the grassroots, we need to build a society where we protect and rely on each other, just as we do with our lips and teeth. That will be the true legacy we leave to future generations.