Yi I

Yi I, known by his pen name Yulgok, was a Korean Neo-Confucian philosopher and statesman of the Joseon dynasty, regarded with Yi Hwang (Toegye) as one of the two greatest Korean Confucian thinkers. He passed the state examinations with top honours and held high office, pressing for reforms of taxation, administration and defence. Against Toegye's dualism he stressed that principle (i) and material force (gi) are inseparable, holding that only gi acts. The Essentials of the Learning of the Sages (Seonghak jibyo), presented to King Seonjo in 1575, sets out self-cultivation and government for a ruler.

Key ideas

• Principle (i) and material force (gi) are never separate: gi moves, and principle 'rides' on it.
• Principle is universal while material force is particular, so one principle is expressed differently in different things.
• The 'four beginnings' of virtue are not a separate source from the 'seven feelings' but their good part.
• A ruler's own learning and self-cultivation are the foundation of good government.
• Confucian government must answer the changing needs of the time with practical reform.

Major works

• The Essentials of the Learning of the Sages (Seonghak jibyo) (1575)
• Essentials of Eliminating Ignorance (Gyeongmong yogyeol) (1577)
• Questions and Answers at East Lake (Dongho mundap) (1569)
• Memorial in Ten Thousand Words (1574)

In the Book corner

• The Essentials of the Learning of the Sages (Seonghak jibyo) 1575 · Advanced
  A Neo-Confucian handbook compiled by Yi I, known as Yulgok, and presented in 1575 to the young King Seonjo of Joseon. Its…

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