The article presents arguments and evidence reflecting the spirit of its title, stating that Hanoi "is designed to categorize. Truly outstanding people are elevated to the top. The rest are slowly and gently squeezed dry, to the point that you don't realize you're being squeezed dry until you're 35, still living in rented accommodation, still stuck in traffic every morning, still telling yourself to wait another year and see…". Finally, the author suggests that if one has to leave Hanoi, the worst feeling is "losing face with acquaintances and feeling defeated."
The article had a powerful impact because it came at a time when the capital was becoming a massive construction site with large-scale projects, thousands of homes being demolished, and many people uncertain whether to stay or return to their hometowns. Along with that were thousands of people quietly returning home, unable to make a living selling goods on the sidewalks of Hanoi.
The dilemma of "living forever in the capital" (the title of a novel by writer Nguyen Huy Tuong) is indeed often bitter. Owning an apartment is an impossible dream with an average salary, then there are the high cost of living, smog, traffic jams, etc. Of course, if you don't stay in Hanoi, you're not a loser either; in fact, your life and career might even be more stable.
I'm not suggesting you "give up" and leave the capital, or stubbornly cling on. That's a personal decision, based on your own individuality and not influenced by anyone else. What I want to say is that life isn't based solely on simplistic, even extreme, dualistic thinking like staying/leaving, excellence/mediocrity, gain/loss, win/lose… If you only see opportunities for making money and gaining status, and dream of ideal living conditions, then go ahead. But you should give up early if luck doesn't come your way.
As for me, from the perspective of a creative individual, I am more drawn to this quote by the Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke, author of "Let it all come to you, both beauty and horror. Keep moving forward, no emotion is permanent."
Every aspect of life has its own destiny. Some people race to find opportunities, chasing luck, money, and status. Others walk slowly, escaping the hustle and bustle to learn, listen, and enrich their intellectual and spiritual lives.
There's nothing shameful or defeating about leaving Hanoi. If you see it as a battlefield, then when you leave, you'll only carry with you the chaotic image of a battlefield. But if you choose it as a place where you can truly grow, contribute, and mature faster than anywhere else, then you'll see so much greenery. Tomorrow, many will pack their bags and leave, but many others will also come...
Source: https://tienphong.vn/neu-khong-o-ha-noi-post1845518.tpo
