Don't Argue with Idiots for the Sake of Writing

Do you like that kind of thing?
How is that a dream?

There are seemingly insignificant remarks that, upon closer inspection, are incredibly rude.

The question 'Do you like that kind of thing?' can be a simple expression of curiosity, but it can also be a sarcastic remark. In the latter case, it implies a sense of 'I don't understand why you like that, you're so strange.' There's no need to justify your preferences to others, so if you encounter someone like that, simply respond with 'Yes' and leave it at that.

And the question 'How is that a dream?' signifies that they don't understand why it's a dream and are asking for an explanation. However, you have no obligation to answer this question either. Even if you explain yourself thoroughly, they are likely to misunderstand and only say what they want to say anyway.

Often, you encounter individuals who dictate the genre or direction of someone else's writing. For some, novels might be supreme, while for others, essays might hold the top spot. For yet others, web novels or drama scripts might be the pinnacle. Everyone has their own preferences.

It's not unusual for individuals to have different preferences for what they read and write. True writing enthusiasts tend to focus on their current work rather than being fixated on specific genres. While feedback can be valuable, encountering individuals who excessively impose their opinions can be tiresome. In such cases, it's often easier to just agree with them and move on.

It's incredibly draining to be stressed by individuals who nitpick anything that doesn't align with their standards. It's often more productive to spend time writing rather than trying to convince others. There's a saying, isn't there, 'Ignore fools' (병먹금)?

▶ Happiness is a sense of satisfaction that can be achieved by striving in accordance with one's individuality and talents. To achieve this, one must recognize among the things they wish to accomplish those that are suitable for them, unique to them, and enjoyable only to them. Finding work that suits one's personality and making the right choices is the most crucial starting point for happiness.

-Kang Yong-su, *Schopenhauer for the Forties*

※Ignore fools (병먹금): 'Ignore fools' (literally, 'Don't feed fools')