Understanding culture to promote "Vietnamese knowledge"

Collector Tran Huu Tai with his collection of The Tale of Kieu. Photo: T.A. — Collector Tran Huu Tai with his collection of The Tale of Kieu. Photo: TA

Nevertheless, deep down, Mr. Tài dreams of getting closer to "Vietnamese Knowledge," contributing his efforts to the journey of preserving and promoting national culture.

Collector Tran Huu Tai shared his thoughts on the "Vietnamese Knowledge" project he is currently undertaking.

* What concerns did he always carry with him during his journeys exploring the world ?

- It's about promoting the values of world-renowned cultural figures. Along with that, it's about elevating the cultural value of Vietnamese people on the world map.

We all know that Vietnam has seven UNESCO-recognized world cultural figures: Nguyen Trai, Ho Chi Minh , Nguyen Du, Chu Van An, Ho Xuan Huong, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, and Hai Thuong Lan Ong Le Huu Trac.

I think Vietnam should create its own brand of world-renowned cultural figures. That's how we can be proud and assert our position in the eyes of the international community.

* What emotions and perspectives on the word "culture" did each destination and each encounter leave you with?

- In every country I've visited, one thing that's easily noticeable is that the people always highly value their history and local culture. As a result, their indigenous values are diverse and profound.

To achieve that result, the field of education plays a crucial role. Culture is completely accessible and within the reach of everyone, regardless of age or level of education... It all depends on the approach and methods of cultural education.

Those I've worked with all share a common trait: a deep understanding of society and culture. Perhaps this is partly because they were born and raised in a well-structured, highly intellectual environment.

* What responsibilities does a cultural storyteller typically carry? What are the key elements, sir?

- It's about inspiring people with the core values of the culture. To do that, the storyteller themselves needs to understand those core values.

The storyteller's spiritual life remains connected to material elements. This is because material resources make it easier to consolidate culture.

One thing I've always believed is that building a cultural presence is very difficult. Therefore, combining economic activities with supporting those passionate about Vietnamese culture is how my CSO Gallery operates. Combining the material with the spiritual is key.

* For a cultural storyteller, will there be a balance or a precarious balance between the two aspects of "contributing to culture" and "receiving from culture"?

- As I just said, doing cultural work from a private perspective is very difficult. Therefore, the disparity between these two factors is enormous. The sacrifice and contribution of a cultural storyteller cannot be compared to what they receive.

However, difficult doesn't mean impossible. When cultural storytellers see the true purpose of their research and acquisition of cultural knowledge, they will naturally find a way to balance their own emotions. At that point, happiness will continuously inspire creativity.

* He often mentions the phrase "Vietnamese knowledge." Is that the ultimate goal he is striving for?

- Vietnamese books are the face and value of "Vietnamese knowledge". If more people read and collect rare books, it will help the nation preserve and develop "Vietnamese knowledge".

Currently, Vietnam possesses rare books hundreds of years old, yet their value is less than that of a bottle of wine, or a collection of rare Vietnamese books is valued on the market at less than half the price of a luxury car. This absurdity serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for Vietnamese people to better recognize the true value of precious books.

For example, digitizing rare books and documents for long-term preservation is a good approach. The continuous development of science and technology creates many opportunities for private collectors like us to better preserve our national culture.

* In the current period, what methods does he employ to preserve and develop "Vietnamese knowledge"?

Currently, CSO Gallery aims to integrate the values of seven Vietnamese cultural figures from around the world into a cohesive whole, creating a project branded "Vietnamese People - Vietnamese Knowledge".

The project is expected to be implemented over a period of 5 years. The central element in creating the project's uniqueness is the lesson from the proverb, "One tree alone cannot make a forest, but three trees together can make a high mountain."

Finding and combining the commonalities of seven prominent Vietnamese cultural figures into a unified whole is my dream and my ultimate goal.

This is extremely important as the country develops and its relationship with the world deepens. If we do not promote and maintain knowledge about our country's cultural figures, future generations of young people will easily lose their sense of national pride.

For me, Vietnamese people need to fully grasp their own cultural values before integrating with the international community.

Thank you for sharing such interesting insights!

Source: https://baodanang.vn/hieu-van-hoa-de-thuc-day-tri-thuc-viet-3300168.html