DescriptionGriffis discusses the inherent sameness of humanity through a newly shattered lens of occident vs. orient as he comes to terms with the ubiquitous role of authority and creation myths as the foundation for society. Rather than focusing on the uniqueness of these cultures through the eyes of a Westerner, Griffis uses the fundamental idea of creation as a point of comparison between Western culture and China, Japan, and Korea. Nationalism is an ideological formation that is not bound by any sort of geographic delineation. Instead, culture and society are formed through the relationship between the “Creator” and the masses. The fundamental set of morals and ideologies are a reflection of ancestry, and the adherence to these ideals acts as appreciation to said ancestors. Heavenly praise for geographic features of the homeland is unique to each country, and descriptions follow a cultural context that is not so dissimilar to Western descriptions of beautiful landscapes.
NoteThis project was assisted by a grant from the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, Seoul, Korea.
NoteIncludes a clipping found between pages 2 and 3: "Across the depths of the mighty canyon of "Bambutsuso," in the outer Kongo, as Diamond Mountain region is known in Japanese, one looks upon ridge after ridge of towering peaks that melt into the distance. This is the most spectacular scenic district of Chosen (Korea) and has been compared by those visiting it to the Yosemite Valley in California. It lacks the tremenous size of that wonderul place but within the confinds of its rocky defiles and rugged peaks, presents many views of striking similarity and grandeur..."
Name: Inventory to the William Elliot Griffis Collection (East Asia), 1859-1928
Detail: The items in this record are part of the William Elliot Griffis Collection. A finding aid with information about the contents of the collection is available online.
CollectionKorea letters and manuscripts in the William Elliot Griffis collection
Organization NameRutgers University. Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives
RightsThe organization that has made the Item available reasonably believes that the Item is not restricted by copyright or related rights, but a conclusive determination could not be made. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.