World's oldest living author shares code for long life anyone can do
Kim Hyung-suk, 105, is the world's oldest living male author and one of South Korea's most respected philosophers. Here's what he says about longevity.
The world's oldest living male author and one of South Korea's most renowned philosophers has shared his secret to a long and fulfilling life.
Kim Hyung-suk, a 105-year-old professor of philosophy at Yonsei University, has dedicated over a century to contemplating what it means to live well. His philosophy? Avoid anger and embrace peace.
He said: "If I had to give advice, it would be to stay young at heart, to hold a sound faith and to live without despair."
Born in 1920 during Japanese colonial rule, he has witnessed war, partition, authoritarian rule and dramatic modernisation, yet he remains remarkably active, continuing to lecture, write columns and publish books.
Kim was 103 when he penned 100 Years of Wisdom, a work that earned him recognition from Guinness World Records as the world's oldest male author.
Now, at 105, he has released another book, titled A Hundred Years of Legacy, and in doing so has broken his own remarkable record once more.
Speaking at a recent press conference in Seoul, Kim appeared as composed and mentally alert as ever whilst reflecting on his remarkable longevity.
He recalled that as a youngster he was so frail that his mother feared he wouldn't live beyond 20, yet, through sheer determination, he has outlived countless peers and remained professionally active well into later life.
When questioned about the secret behind his extraordinary longevity and unwavering spirit, Kim revealed it has little connection to medicine or fortune and almost everything to do with his mindset.
Amongst his peers who also lived to 100, he believes he's observed comparable traits.
Kim said: "They didn't speak ill of others, and they didn't lose their temper. Criticising or losing one's temper is a sign of emotional fragility... The mind itself never ages. Life is about nurturing yourself, about allowing the heart to grow."
Even today, Kim maintains that hope remains the driving force behind everything he does. His most recent book emphasises the importance of conscience, truth and humanity in an era transformed by technology.
"My time is drawing to a close," he declares in his latest work. "But hope grows even stronger for the younger generations. My hope is for them."
