Simple Is Stronger Than Clever in Life and Golf - 단순함이 똑똑함보다 더 나은 경우들

Sometimes, people believe that being clever is the best way to get ahead.

Life has taught me something different.

Simple is stronger than clever.

A few days ago, I worked as an English interpreter.

After the payment was deposited, I noticed the same amount had been deposited again by mistake.

I immediately contacted the person in charge.

After confirming the mistake, I sent the extra money back.

For just a second, a funny thought crossed my mind.

"Could I simply keep it?"

Then I smiled.

No.

Keeping the money would have made my life more complicated.

Returning it took only a few minutes.

Keeping my peace of mind was worth much more.

That experience reminded me of something else.

Golf.

Sometimes I play friendly rounds where we have a very small bet.

Nothing serious.

Just enough to make the game a little more exciting.

But I have noticed that some golfers touch or improve the lie of their ball almost automatically.

Unless everyone agrees because of heavy rain or an unusually poor lie, I never touch my ball.

Not because I am trying to be perfect.

Simply because I want to play the game honestly.

Oddly enough, whenever I improve my lie without a good reason, I don't feel comfortable.

In fact, I often play worse.

My swing becomes less confident because my mind knows something isn't quite right.

I have learned that peace of mind is more valuable than a slightly better lie.

The same lesson applies to life.

Many years ago, I knew someone who was extremely clever.

He always knew how to find shortcuts.

At first, I admired that ability.

Later, I realized how exhausting that kind of life could become.

Then I discovered something important.

I didn't have to beat him by becoming more clever.

I simply refused to play the same game.

That was enough.

Golf has taught me many things.

One of them is this:

A good score means very little if you lose your honesty along the way.

Looking back, honesty has rewarded me many times.

Not always with money.

Sometimes with trust.

Sometimes with unexpected opportunities.

And always with a peaceful heart.

The older I become, the more I believe this.

Simple is stronger than clever.

---

KR Summary

사람들은 종종 잔머리를 잘 쓰는 것이 더 유리하다고 생각한다. 하지만 나는 살아오면서 단순하고 정직한 삶이 결국 더 강하다는 것을 배웠다. 최근 통역비가 두 번 입금되었을 때 바로 담당자에게 연락해 돌려준 것도 돈보다 마음의 평안을 선택하고 싶었기 때문이다.

골프에서도 같은 생각을 한다. 작은 내기를 할 때도 비가 많이 오거나 모두가 동의하는 로컬룰이 아니라면 볼의 라이를 바꾸지 않는다. 조금 더 좋은 라이를 만드는 것보다 정직하게 플레이하는 것이 더 중요하다고 믿기 때문이다. 이상하게도 규칙을 어기면 오히려 마음이 불편해서 샷도 잘되지 않는다.

예전에 잔머리가 뛰어난 사람을 만난 적도 있었지만, 결국 그 사람을 이긴 방법은 더 많은 잔꾀를 배우는 것이 아니라 그런 게임에 참여하지 않는 것이었다.

돌이켜 보면 정직은 언제나 나에게 보답해 주었다. 그 보상은 항상 돈이 아니라 신뢰였고, 예상하지 못한 기회였으며, 무엇보다도 편안한 마음이었다.

The path for walking with dogs - the beautiful Jeju's sea just before sunrise

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