The inspirational story of Professor Phan Van Truong from Hai Duong

In literature, the autobiography genre is not only a true narrative of a person's life, but also a place to express deeply contemplated experiences, thoughts, aspirations and life skills. "A Life as a Pathfinder" by Professor Phan Van Truong is a typical example of that - a work that is both a valuable document and a liberating piece of writing that inspires many generations of readers.

Excerpted from the Literature 10 textbook - Connecting knowledge with life, the work is not only highly appreciated for itseducational significance but also for its depth of thought and emotional writing. This is one of the rare autobiographies written in a natural, wise tone, neither flattering nor pathetic, but enough to move readers with the sincerity and inner wisdom of a person who "like a pathfinder" throughout his life.

Professor and engineer Phan Van Truong (born in 1946) is a great intellectual of international stature, but his roots are always deep in his homeland. Born into a poor family in Tranh Xuyen village, Dong Tam commune (Ninh Giang), he overcame many difficulties to win a scholarship to France, studying at the prestigious University of Paris 1 - Panthéon - Sorbonne. Not satisfied with personal glory, he rose to become one of the first Vietnamese to hold senior leadership roles at large corporations such as Alstom.

Professor and engineer Phan Van Truong has been a permanent advisor to the Government of the French Republic on international trade since the 1990s. With his special contributions to France and international cooperation, he has been awarded the Chevalier Order twice by the President of France (the Order of Merit in 1990 and the Legion of Honor in 2006), the highest medals of this country. But what is more precious is that he has not forgotten his roots, always looking towards the Fatherland with the desire to contribute to promoting education, developing management thinking and inspiring the young generation of Vietnam. In 2010, he was awarded the Medal "For the Cause of Education" bythe President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

"A Life as a Pathfinder" is over 400 pages long, consisting of 20 chapters, divided into 6 parts, corresponding to 6 important stages in the author's life: from a poor childhood, a youthful period full of aspirations, to studying abroad, the ups and downs in his career, family life and finally his reflections on life. Each part is not simply a story but a profound slice, from which a portrait of a person who is both brave, kind and alert in every choice of life is formed.

Unlike many memoirs that use the “telling to show off” writing style, Professor Phan Van Truong chooses a gentle, contemplative writing style. He does not avoid failures, mistakes or personal injuries. On the contrary, he views them with tolerance and generosity, considering them an inevitable part of the journey to maturity. His writing is imbued with optimism, bearing the beauty of an experienced soul and always alert before life choices.

Many passages in the book are poetic, reminiscent of the sediments of Eastern philosophical literature: “Life is a journey of searching, and each of us is a seeker” ; “Failure is an inevitable part of life and it is an opportunity for us to learn and grow”. These are not just self-narrations, but also a motto of life with strong influence.

The precious thing about "A Life as a Pathfinder" is that it is not confined to the author's own story. Every experience, every decision and every lesson has an open meaning - opening up for readers to reflect on themselves, on society and on the world . Like a mirror, the author's journey becomes the reader's own journey: discovering themselves, overcoming adversity and living a valuable life.

The work is a powerful voice that promotes independent thinking, encourages lifelong learning and nurtures a never-ending desire. In the context of globalization, the book is like a call to the young generation to learn from the world but not forget their roots. It is the smooth combination of Vietnamese spirit and international spirit that makes the book widely spread, especially among young people who are struggling to find their identity and orient their future. Perhaps that is why the opening excerpt of this book has been included in the 10th grade Literature program, volume 2 - the book series Connecting knowledge with life.

The book is not only a summary of the life of a successful overseas Vietnamese intellectual, but also a symphony of determination, aspiration and dedication. The book is a living proof that every person can become “the writer of their own legend” if they are persistent, modest and courageous enough.

With its simple, profound writing style and humane message, “A Life as a Pathfinder” deserves to be a typical work in the modern Vietnamese autobiography genre - where literature not only recounts life, but also opens the way for lives that are searching for direction.

NGUYEN THI LAN ANH

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/cau-chuyen-truyen-cam-hung-cua-giao-su-nguoi-hai-duong-phan-van-truong-409544.html