Dosan’s Philosophy and Teachings

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Dosan’s spirit and philosophy are expressed as “Be truthful, work hard, love.” He believed that people should first and foremost have a truthful moral character that serves as a role model in thought, speech, and action. Secondly, a healthy personality should be a productive professional possessing at least one area of expertise and production capability. Thirdly, he held the view that one must have a strong body, starting with one’s posture and living conditions, without which one cannot become an independent citizen. He greatly disliked the attitudes of carelessness and irresponsibility, criticizing such traits as deceitful and calamitous for the nation.

He dedicated the first half of his life to protecting his country and the second half to reclaiming his lost nation. He lived by the patriotic and ethnically devoted philosophy that “An individual fulfills their duty to humanity and heaven by working for their nation.” He was a leader of honest heart and integrity, who practiced his beliefs physically. Dosan taught the youth, “Even in death, let there be no falsehood. Do not lie even as a joke. If you lose sincerity even in a dream, repent.”

He lived his life for the independence of Korea, asserting, “I have lived for the independence of Korea, whether I am eating or sleeping, and this will not change until my life ends.” He believed that only through love can harmony and unity be achieved, and true happiness obtained. He spoke of righteousness and divine unity.

Dosan always longed for a society where “everyone greets each other with a smiling face,” and he himself often smiled first. Every morning, he spent an hour meditating and praying for the fate of Korea and the prosperity of its people, a practice he called “Yeom Joseon.” His ultimate dream was to make the Korean people respected worldwide and to transform his country into an ideal nation. He aimed to create community villages everywhere, fostering communal and social life to shed familial selfishness and cultivate national social habits and manners.

Dosan also taught his followers to remember four principles: nationalism, organization, education, and industrialism. Nationalism was meant to arouse a spirit of independence; organization was to stabilize the individual’s spirit and provide plans for action; and industrialism was about making oneself sufficiently capable. He also emphasized the four virtues of integrity, reversal, loyalty, and bravery. He saw the ultimate hope and goal of humanity as complete happiness, which is the mother of civilization and can be achieved by striving to transform oneself. He equated life’s endeavor with transformation and related it to the biblical concept of repentance.

Dosan’s house in LA

Dosan’s Letter

In 1924, a series of articles dictated by An Chang-ho to Yi Gwang-su in Shanghai were serialized in the Donggwang magazine. These writings, created in the year 1924 and known as “Gapja Nonseol,” were partially deleted and banned from serialization by the Japanese authorities, and the deleted parts have not been found even after liberation.

Letter to Fellow Koreans from 1924 (dictated to Yi Gwang-su in Beijing)

“(Omitted) When I look at our Korea today, I wonder why, despite the need to unite, we form factions and engage in conflicts. The sounds of blaming and chastising each other fill the land of Korea, showing that we are not united but divided. Today, Koreans seem to be earnestly waiting to unite. Therefore, as rightful owners, we must take responsibility for this unity, study methods of unity, and strive to practice it.”

Message to My Countrymen (January 23, 1925): “I cannot hold back my desire to speak, and within the limits of what can be conveyed, I wish to ask and tell a few things.”

Pessimistic or Optimistic? (Donga, January 24, 1925): “I firmly believe there will be success if we rally together, establish righteous goals with righteous qualifications, and steadily achieve righteous deeds, without regarding the current political situation as a big problem. Therefore, there is no pessimism, only optimism.”

Complaint and Sympathy (January 25, 1925): “The moment we start to complain about society, we must redirect our thoughts toward sympathy.”

Owner or Stranger? (Donggwang, June 1926): “In our national community, those who believe in themselves are the owners, and those without a sense of responsibility are strangers.”

Unity and Division (Donggwang, May and June 1926): “When we call upon our people, the unity based on national sentiment is already a natural habit. The first condition for unity is having a common goal, and the second is setting policies and plans in each individual’s mind to achieve that goal.”

Leader (Donggwang, May and June 1926): “If the moral standard of our national community is low, then today, anyone acting with the spirit of a great person is a great person.”

When Choosing Leaders (Donggwang, May, June, August 1926): “One must act with a fair and honest heart, irrespective of close or distant relations, based on the interests of the entire crowd.”

Vanity and Substance (September 1926, Donggwang): “Vanity is the root of failure, while substance is the foundation of success. Vanity ignores the principle of cause and effect, eschews proper calculation and effort, and hopes for a stroke of luck with exceptional behavior.”

Today’s Tasks (November 1926 Issue): “The most important tasks for us today involve healing our bodies and our homes because everything we manage is based on these two foundations.”

Today’s Korean Students (Donggwang, December 1926): “The survival of human society depends on human activity and preparing well for it; the one who prepares these tools is the student.”

Youth’s Decision-Making and Perseverance (Donggwang, January 1927): “The great enemy blocking Korean youth, which leads to wandering and hesitation, is indecision—pondering whether to act or not, and often opting not to.”

Responsibility in Business (Donggwang, February 1927): “The purpose of business is ultimately for our societal life. The measure of value, whether present or not, can only be determined after one takes responsibility for their body and home and possesses the concept of being an owner to the nation and ethnicity. There are public and private businesses; those for one’s body or home are private, while those for the nation, ethnicity, or humanity are public. Both are necessary and inseparable, so let everyone work rather than eat and wear through idleness.”

Appeal to the Youth (Donggwang, February 1931): “The most important and strenuous tasks—personality training and unity training.”

Everything in the world is a product of strength; without strength, nothing can be achieved. (Heungsa Danbo, July 1946): A lack of personality that fits the knowledge and trust appropriate for an organization is one major cause. To transform a heartless society into a compassionate one, we must first create a kind society. By studying how to cultivate justice, we will learn the true taste of life. In cultivating justice, take care not to meddle in others’ affairs, respect individuality, do not infringe on freedom, avoid material entreaties, do not confuse justice, and be sure to maintain your integrity and respect manners.”

“To my beloved wife Hyeryeon (June 1, 1933): Love, this is the greatest truth to pursue in life and all happiness in life comes from peace and love among humanity. Believing in, harboring, and acting on love will place one’s heart in extraordinary peace, receiving boundless happiness that others cannot measure.”

“To my beloved wife: It has been a long time since we sacrificed the happiness of our home. Moreover, you too are undergoing sacrifices for our nation. Oh! Hyeryeon! My loyal beloved Hyeryeon! (Omitted) My body has already been dedicated to our nation and people, hence I can only use it for them, and I am unable to perform my duties to you as I wish.”

“To my beloved son Philip: The way to become a good person involves two very important things: carefully choosing good friends and selecting good books to read. – Your father from Hong Kong, China”

“To my beloved daughter Susan: Although you must be very busy, take care to clean up the yard and nurture the flowers well. This too is a process that cultivates a love for beauty.”

Correspondence between Dosan and Korean-Americans

In his correspondence with Korean-Americans, Dosan primarily discussed issues derived from public duties. He also encouraged correspondents in their personal lives and patriotic spirit. Those who wrote to Dosan discussed their career paths, future plans, and personal concerns. There were also those who requested financial support or made highly personal requests. Kang Myeong-hwa, Kang Yeong-so, and Kang Yeong-dae, father and sons, made significant contributions to the Korean National Association. Kang Myeong-hwa was responsible for the North American General Assembly of the Association. In 1912, after ceasing activities with the Association, he focused on his personal business, but his sons took on important roles in the Association and Heungsadan, leading to substantial personal sacrifices, which he expressed dissatisfaction about through his letters. Particularly after Kang Yeong-so fell ill and Kang Yeong-dae gave up his studies, he requested that they be excused from the independence movement. In response, Kang Yeong-dae explained that his abandoning studies and Kang Yeong-so’s stay in San Francisco were out of love for the Association, and he sent a letter apologizing for his father’s misunderstanding.

Among Kwak Rim-dae’s letters is one notifying An Chang-ho of a one-month disciplinary action because a member failed to submit a routine report while he was an inspector for Heungsadan. Baek Il-gyu sent a letter expressing regret that the funds raised for independence fell short of expectations.

Song Jong-ik took over the operation of the Korean National Association and Heungsadan in America after An Chang-ho went to Shanghai, discussing issues related to the management of Heungsadan and the North American Industrial Stock Company. Yang Ju-eun, who settled in San Francisco in 1906 and was active as a Heungsadan member, frequently corresponded with An Chang-ho. Yeom Man-seok, a founding member of Heungsadan active around San Francisco, reported the Korean situation there to Dosan through letters.

In 1915, Dawee Lee(Pastor David Lee), who invented the intertype Korean typewriter, sent a letter to Dosan proposing the establishment of a Korean character company to advance Korean language development after Japan enacted a law banning the manufacture and sale of Korean typewriters. Lim Jun-gi, who played a significant role in fundraising for the Heungsadan and the Korean National Association, informed about managing the North American Industrial Stock Company and agricultural management. Choi Jeong-ik, having received reports from individuals in China and Russia, sent numbered official letters to An Chang-ho, the central chairman.

In the 1910s, Syngman Rhee sent letters asking about An Chang-ho’s well-being and seeking his guidance, and after being appointed President of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in 1919, he requested An Chang-ho’s influential support.

In 1911, invited as the chief editor of Shinhan Minbo, Hong Eon came to North America and made significant contributions to the organization and development of Heungsadan as a founding member. He was close enough to Dosan to be the one who named Dosan’s daughter, An Soosan. His correspondence shows a strong bond with Dosan’s family. The main characters in the correspondence from North America included workers and farmers, deeply patriotic despite the strenuous efforts to root themselves in American society, always waiting for the call of their homeland. Kim Jong-rim, a founding member of Heungsadan and a wealthy farm manager, informed and discussed with An Chang-ho various situations related to rice farming and the issue of raising funds for independence efforts.

Dosan, the Natural Orator

Dosan was early recognized as a talented orator.

On July 25, 1898, during the birthday of Emperor Gwangmu, a public meeting called “Kwaejaejeong” was held at the Pyongyang branch of the Independence Association. At 21, Dosan, addressing a crowd unfamiliar with the concept of public speaking, made a speech urging the awakening of the people by discussing pleasant and unpleasant matters. This speech marked the beginning of his reputation as a great speaker.

Whenever Dosan spoke, the venue was always packed. His speeches, filled with rich knowledge, logical persuasiveness, and passionate patriotism, deeply moved the audience. He often spoke about the era of national competition, the necessity of independence for national survival and individual existence, and the need for everyone to strive to become morally upright and technically skilled talents. Listeners described his speeches as being profound and expansive, like “water gushing forth and mountains rising.”

Dosan typically began his speeches with “Men and women of Korea.” He lamented the government’s helplessness, urged the eradication of national defects, and called for self-reform to prevent national ruin, often moving the audience to tears. His speeches clearly outlined titles, provided examples, clarified their significance, and pointed out the consequences, making them easy to understand and often interspersed with simple, fitting analogies and humor.

His peak as a public orator was from 1907 until he went into exile in China in April 1910. After World War I, in October 1908, he addressed Heungsadan members with a speech titled “The End of the War and Our Tasks.” On March 13, 1919, at a Korean National Association meeting, he spoke on “Continuing the March 1st Movement,” urging the sacrifice of both property and life. His speeches were always hopeful, ending with cries of “Long live Korean independence,” revitalizing the spirit of the nationless Korean people. Namgang Lee Seung-hoon, inspired by Dosan’s speech, cut off his topknot and returned home to establish Osan School.

When Dosan returned to America, at a welcome ceremony in San Francisco on December 25, 1924, he emphasized, “The sole responsibility of Koreans in San Francisco is to gather and love each other to warm the air of San Francisco. Whether you are in Sacramento, Stockton, or anywhere else, the love among all Koreans will warm the national atmosphere, which is absolutely necessary for our future success.” He strongly emphasized the love among Koreans.

Dosan’s speeches often took place in schools. On April 27, 1907, at a union rally at Manwoldae, about 2,000 people gathered, and on July 8, a meeting in Pyongyang drew about 3,000 attendees. In a speech at Gyunmyeong School in 1907, he suggested raising the national flag and singing the national anthem every morning to foster patriotic spirit. His speeches covered practical issues like commercial development, home improvement, playground installation, model farm establishment, overseas student dispatch, and the implementation of compulsory education.

Typically lasting over two hours, one of his speeches in February 1908 lasted nearly four hours. A reporter covering Dosan’s speech remarked that it was too profound to be conveyed in writing. From June 14, 1908, Dosan’s speeches were independently recorded in the Daehan Maeil Shinbo under “An’s Speeches.”

There are many episodes about his speeches, including one where a Japanese detective, moved to tears while taking notes, expressed willingness to forsake everything and obey Dosan as an honor.

Dosan’s last official domestic speech was “Despotism and Hope” at the YMCA on January 14, 1909.

Dosan deeply and concretely studied ways for Korea to break free from Japanese control and prosper eternally as an ideal nation, believing that independence could only be achieved through victory over Japan. He developed theories on preparing for an independence war and envisioned building a democratic country where everyone could live freely post-independence. He believed in nurturing talents for the nation, thus focusing on establishing schools and developing.

Dosan deeply and specifically researched ways for our people to escape the oppression of the Japanese and to create an ideal nation that could enjoy eternal prosperity. He believed that the only path to independence was through victory in a war against Japan, and he established a theory of preparation for an independence war. After independence, the goal was to build a democratic country where everyone could freely prosper. He considered nurturing individuals for the nation to be crucial. Thus, Dosan focused on establishing schools and developing individuals who were balanced in intelligence, virtue, and physical health. The Heungsadan movement was aligned with this effort. He emphasized that saving the country involved not only politics but also economic power, advocating that promoting industry was patriotic and a form of national salvation, and he worked to make people realize that economic invasion was more fearsome than military invasion.

Moreover, Dosan valued the dissemination of the national spirit and culture through the publishing business, often saying, “A bookstore is also a school. A book is a teacher. Bookstores are even more formidable schools, and books are even more formidable teachers.” He believed that books and publications played a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s power. Dosan asserted that the national enhancement movement should focus on moral activities, making a clear distinction from politics. He argued that cultivating the true capabilities of the nation preserved its eternal life more than the temporary ups and downs caused by politics. Dosan also valued conversation and recreation, suggesting that group life should involve sharing knowledge, gathering virtue, and jointly experiencing laughter and joy to make everyone happy.

Helen (Hyeryeon), Dosan’s wife and a graduate of Jungshin Women’s School, lived a life of sacrificial spirit, matching her husband’s dedication to the nation and people. After their marriage, she told Dosan, “You belong to the nation, so work for the nation and our people.” She raised their three sons and two daughters almost without her husband’s help, enduring a challenging life.

Their eldest son, Philip, born in Los Angeles in 1905, was among the first Korean-Americans born in the USA. He remained a bachelor all his life and significantly highlighted the image of Asians by appearing in over 300 films and TV shows in Hollywood for about 40 years. The second son, Philseon, studied chemistry and worked as an expert in this field at Hughes Aircraft for 30 years.

The third son, Philyoung, was born in 1926 after his father had left for Shanghai and never saw his father. He served as a naval soldier during World War II and made a name as a football player during his time at Cal State LA. He also joined his brother in managing the Moongate restaurant. The eldest daughter, Susan, was the first Asian female officer to teach fighter jet shooting during her time as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. The second daughter, Sura, graduated from the University of Southern California and served society as a social worker. She managed Moongate for 30 years together with Philip.

Organizations and Institutions Founded by Dosan

Friendship Societies, Heungsadan, San Francisco Friendship Society, Public Association, Shinminhoe, Youth Student Association, Sooyang Friends Association, Pyeongyang Dae Sung School, Heungsadan, North American Industrial Stock Company, Dongmyeong Academy in Nanjing, People’s Association, Korean National Association.

Education / Osan School, Dae Sung School, Bochang School, Yangsil School, Shinan School,

and dozens of other schools.

Industry / Pyeongyang Ceramics Manufacturing Joint Stock Company, Commercial Association Hyupseong Company, Textile Company,

tobacco factory, mining industry.

Publishing / Taeguk Bookstore, Joseon Guangmunhoe, Anakmyeonryohak Association

Academic Societies / Five established from 1907 to 1908.

Dosan’s wife meticulously preserved every piece of Dosan’s diaries and documents, including envelopes and notes, both during his lifetime and after his passing. These materials have been donated to the Independence Hall and Memorial Business Association, serving as invaluable resources for studies on the Korean national movement or independence movement history.

Dosan’s diaries can be divided into those written during his studies in the U.S. in 1902 (lost in a fire during the Korean War on June 25) and those written while serving as a minister in the Provisional Government in Shanghai (from January to August 1920, covering about eight months).

The diary entries, recorded on paper measuring 20 cm by 27.5 cm, are densely packed with daily records. Dosan was the only person who kept a diary throughout the 26 years the Provisional Government existed. His diaries are invaluable for understanding and researching the early activities of the Provisional Government. They also contain much about Heungsadan and his efforts to purchase airplanes in Shanghai when he was establishing a flying school in Northern California’s Willows. He also sought pilots capable of flying these airplanes. Financial supporters and operators of the flying school, including Kim Jong-rim and Roh Baek-rin, along with instructors and students such as Han Jang-ho, Oh Rim-ha, Jang Byung-hoon, and Lee Yong-geun, were all members of Heungsadan, showing the interconnectedness of these efforts. It is believed in academic circles that Dosan’s diaries, written in a mix of Korean and Classical Chinese, might have been organized by someone else.

During his many meetings with domestic and international figures, Dosan recorded the names and discussion content meticulously, focusing on the situation of the independence movement centered around the Provisional Government and detailed information related to Heungsadan. The materials concerning Dosan’s lifelong involvement in the national independence movement, other activities, and the overall independence movement under Japanese rule have been organized and preserved by Dosan and his wife, Lee Hyeryeon.

Dosan Memorial Projects

1947 Founding of the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Memorial Business Association.

1962 The Government of the Republic of Korea posthumously awarded him the Republic of Korea Medal for National Foundation Merit.

April 21, 1969, his wife, Lee Hyeryeon, passed away in the United States.

November 10, 1973, on the 95th anniversary of Dosan’s birth and the 60th anniversary of Heungsadan’s founding, the remains of Dosan and his wife Lee Hyeryeon, which were initially in Manguri Cemetery, were moved and buried together in Dosan Park. The newly created road from Cheongdam-dong to Nonhyeon-dong was named Dosan-daero.

March 9, 1985, founding of the Dosan Thought Research Society.

December 5, 1986, construction of the Dosan Hall on the former site of Seoul National University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Dongsung-dong, Seoul.

February 3, 1994, with permission from the city of Los Angeles, ‘Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Square’ was established in front of the Korean National Association Hall at 1368 Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles. Statues were erected in Seoul’s Gangnam and its sister city, Riverside.

In 1998, Dosan’s remains were moved to Dosan Park, created at 649-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu.

In 2003, a bill spearheaded by U.S. Representative Diane Watson was passed in Congress to rename a post office in Los Angeles Koreatown as the ‘Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Post Office.’ The dedication ceremony took place on September 18, 2004, at 3751 W 6th St. in Koreatown.

State Senator Kevin Murray’s resolution to name the ‘Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange’ passed, and on June 11, 2004.


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