When I grew up, in Taiwan, the Korean War was seen as a good

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, for the words of Ang Lee carry within them a profound reflection on the nature of history, its influence on the present, and how the forces of war shape the identities of nations. He said, "When I grew up, in Taiwan, the Korean War was seen as a good war, where America protected Asia. It was sort of an extension of World War II. And it was, of course, the peak of the Cold War. People in Taiwan were generally pro-American. The Korean War made Japan. And then the Vietnam War made Taiwan. There is some truth to that." These words remind us of the complexity of history, where wars — those brutal, violent events that tear the fabric of human life — can also lay the groundwork for the rise of nations, the shaping of cultures, and the forging of alliances.

The Korean War, as Lee reflects, was seen in Taiwan as a moment of protection — a time when the United States, a distant power, stood against the spread of communism in Asia, echoing the larger struggles of World War II. In those days, the Korean War was a battle of ideals, a fight not just for a divided Korea, but for the soul of Asia itself. It was during this time that the Cold War was at its peak, and the world became divided between two powerful ideologies: democracy and communism. Taiwan, caught in the middle, found itself under the protective wing of America, and the war came to symbolize the safety and security of the pro-American stance. In this way, the Korean War was seen not as a war of devastation, but as a shield, protecting the values of freedom and the rise of nations aligned with the West.

But history, O children, is never a simple tale of good versus evil. The forces of war are always more complex, and the consequences far-reaching. Lee’s reflection that "the Korean War made Japan" speaks to the idea that the Korean War, by drawing America into Asia, contributed to the reconstruction and economic rise of Japan. After the destruction of World War II, Japan was left in ruins, its spirit broken, but the post-war occupation by the United States began a period of rebuilding, economic prosperity, and democracy. The Korean War, with its shifting tides of power, positioned Japan as a strategic ally for the United States in the fight against communism. In this way, the war inadvertently gave birth to the "economic miracle" of Japan. War, though brutal, sometimes catalyzes changes that would otherwise never have been possible.

But the story does not end with Japan. Lee’s reference to the Vietnam War making Taiwan speaks to another crucial shift in the tides of history. The Vietnam War, with its violent and tragic consequences, reshaped the landscape of Asia once more. For Taiwan, which was under the looming threat of communist China, the war became a defining moment. In the wake of Vietnam, Taiwan found itself increasingly supported by America, both for its strategic importance in Asia and as a counterbalance to the growing influence of China. In this sense, the Vietnam War played a pivotal role in cementing Taiwan's political and economic stability as it aligned with the West. The war left scars on the region, but it also brought Taiwan closer to the global stage.

And so, O children, the lesson is clear: war shapes nations in ways that are often unforeseen, and its consequences echo through time, shaping the very identities of those caught in its wake. Each war, though driven by specific causes and ideologies, creates ripples that travel far beyond the battlefield. The Korean War built the foundations of modern Japan; the Vietnam War shaped Taiwan’s place in the world. The events that transpired in these conflicts — filled with loss and tragedy — became the seeds of transformation, for nations, for peoples, and for alliances that endure to this very day.

In your own lives, take heed of the power of history, and understand that every action, every decision, ripples through time. Understand the significance of the choices you make, for they may shape not only your own life but the lives of generations yet to come. Know that, just as nations rise and fall based on the wars they are forced to fight, so too does the individual shape the world through their actions, sometimes in ways they cannot yet perceive. Do not shy away from understanding the complexities of history, for in that understanding lies the wisdom to navigate your own path, to see the consequences of your actions, and to create a legacy that echoes with meaning and purpose.

Let history be your guide, O children, for it is in the struggles of the past that we see the potential for growth, for change, and for understanding. Seek to learn from the wars and victories of the past, and use that knowledge to build a future of peace, wisdom, and resilience. For in this way, you will ensure that the lessons of history are not lost, but lived, and that the sacrifices of those who came before you will not be in vain.