Grand Tour—The Path to Acquiring Wisdom About the World

The essence of the humanistic journey embodied in the great classic “Letters of the Earl of Chesterfield”
From the art of navigating society and cultivating intellectual refinement to genuine moral dignity:
Through a fresh translation, incisive commentary, and a modern perspective, rediscover the “adult wisdom” that is urgently needed today!

The world-renowned masterpiece “Letters of the Earl of Chesterfield” has been translated by Professor Kim Sang-geun, a scholar of the humanities. This new edition not only preserves the original text’s intrinsic value but also enriches it with extensive commentary, presenting it in a revitalized form.
Drawing on his profound experience in humanistic education and a strong sense of mission, Professor Kim Sang-geun has long personally practiced and championed the revival of the “Grand Tour” tradition—a tradition that once served as a catalyst for educational culture and the humanistic revival in early modern Europe—and has dedicated himself to integrating its value and significance into contemporary society. This new work is a crystallization of that spirit, offering a modern interpretation of the classic masterpiece “Letters of the Earl of Chesterfield,” which embodies the very essence of the Grand Tour.

The Grand Tour, a cultural phenomenon that emerged in the 16th century during the height of the Renaissance, was a journey of travel and adventure undertaken by the sons of European aristocrats to cultivate their humanistic literacy. Rooted in an intellectual curiosity about the origins of European civilization—the ancient Greek and Roman worlds—the Grand Tour, centered in Italy, gradually expanded to Germany, France, and other regions, evolving into a continent-wide cultural practice.

Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, a British statesman and man of letters, wrote a series of letters to his son embarking on a Grand Tour, filled with earnest advice and wise counsel, in order to ensure that his son would successfully complete this intellectual journey and emerge as a well-rounded “complete person.” These letters cover the worldview that a civilized individual should possess, the cultivation of knowledge, and the skills needed to uphold one’s character, making them a treasure trove of knowledge that has profoundly influenced generations to come.

This book not only carries the original intention of the Earl of Chesterfield—to pass on life wisdom to his son on his journey—but also reflects the heartfelt aspiration of Professor Kim Sang-geun, a scholar of the humanities, to reinvigorate the cultivation and wisdom embedded in this classic and to refine and transmit them to the younger generation of today.

Kim Sang-geun
A scholar of the humanities, translator, and educational practitioner. He excels at transforming profound academic ideas into accessible life wisdom, with an elegant and insightful writing style that combines intellectual depth with readability. He is dedicated to building a bridge for cultural dialogue between the East and the West.

As a practitioner of humanistic education, Kim Sang-geun not only disseminates knowledge through his writings but also revitalizes classical wisdom in the contemporary world through hands-on educational initiatives. His works represent a perfect fusion of academic rigor and passionate commitment to education.

Kim Do-geun (Photography)
A graduate of Keimyung University, where he majored in photography and philosophy. He is committed to visually presenting history, civilization, and human stories, traveling around the world to create photographic works. He is currently collaborating with the Busan Tourism Organization on the “VISIT BUSAN” project and works at Eum Media, where he produces photography and video content.