1. As the year of the Fire Horse (Bính Ngọ) arrived, I suddenly remembered the saying: "If you can conquer the world while riding on horseback, what need is there for learning or studying?" by Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, the founder of the nearly 500-year Han dynasty in China. Born into a commoner family, a rough and uneducated emperor, Liu Bang once mistakenly believed that knowledge and intellect could not contribute to his imperial ambitions. But Liu Bang quickly realized that while one could conquer the world while riding on horseback, one could not rule it. He recognized the true value and contribution of knowledge and intellect, knew how to attract and utilize talented individuals to stabilize the nation and expand the empire. Therefore, many talented scholars were recruited under Liu Bang's tutelage, such as Li Ziji, Lu Jia, Shu Sun Tong, and others. These learned individuals contributed greatly alongside Emperor Gaozu of Han to building a prosperous dynasty that lasted for a long time in Chinese history.
In feudal times, the hierarchical order was an unchangeable principle. Those of lower status had to dismount and bow to those of higher status. However, historical records show that some "superiors" had to dismount to win the hearts of those of lower status. During the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei was merely an uneducated mat weaver, but it was precisely because of his humility and sincere respect for Zhuge Liang (Kong Ming) that he earned the gratitude of Zhuge Liang, who became his foremost strategist and advisor, helping Liu Xuande build his successful career in the Later Han Dynasty over 40 years…
2. Looking back at our history, there are many stories about the humble attitude of emperors who, for the greater good, were willing to "humble themselves" before renowned scholars. The attitude of seeking out talented people shown by Prince Nguyen Hue, who later became Emperor Quang Trung, is one example. The hero of the Tay Son dynasty used his virtue, character, and strategic talent to win over the scholars of the North in the cause of repelling foreign invaders, suppressing rebellions, and modernizing the country. Under Quang Trung's command were numerous renowned scholars who had previously only supported the Le dynasty, especially Ngo Thoi Nham. Under the Le dynasty, Nham was just an ordinary official, but with Quang Trung's "distinctive eye," he became an unparalleled strategist for the Tay Son dynasty.
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| Khue Van Cac - an enduring symbol of Vietnamese culture. |
The same applies to La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep. The relationship between Quang Trung and Nguyen Thiep was uniquely special, not truly a "king-subject" one, as Phu Tu remained loyal to the Le dynasty and did not necessarily side with the Tay Son. Perhaps their relationship was one of kindred spirits, sharing a common ideal for the people and the nation. Reading the historical accounts of scholar Hoang Xuan Han in his book "La Son Phu Tu" and other documents such as "Le Mat Tiet Nghia Liet," "Da Su Nhat Ky," and "Thoi Thuc Ky Van" further reveals the talent and character of the renowned figure Nguyen Thiep and the Emperor Quang Trung's humble and respectful attitude in seeking out talented individuals. This is also evident in the content of the letters exchanged and the dialogues during the meeting between these two outstanding figures in Vietnamese history at the foot of Phuong Hoang Mountain in Chan Loc, Nghe An ...
3. The practice of attracting and retaining talented individuals is clearly demonstrated in our era, the era of Ho Chi Minh . His heartfelt appeal, the brilliance of his intellect, and his great personality had a powerful appeal, leading many highly talented and virtuous individuals from the previous regime to actively cooperate with the fledgling Democratic Republic of Vietnam. These included famous names, former high-ranking officials such as Bui Bang Doan (Minister of Justice in the Nguyen Dynasty); Phan Ke Toai (Imperial Commissioner of Northern Vietnam in the Tran Trong Kim Government); Pham Khac Hoe (Chief of the Imperial Court in the Bao Dai Dynasty); Tham Tri Dang Van Huong; former Governor-General of Thai Binh Vi Van Dinh; former Governor-General of Ha Dong Ho Dac Diem; Ung Uy (a member of the Nguyen royal family); the renowned Sinologist Bui Ky; and lawyer Phan Anh (Minister of Youth in the Tran Trong Kim Government)...
In particular, scientists living and working abroad were ready to give up the privileges and luxurious lives they enjoyed overseas, returning to their homeland and people, actively participating in the resistance and nation-building under the extremely difficult and dangerous conditions of the resistance war against French colonialism. Uncle Ho's sincere devotion awakened the patriotic spirit and the righteous path of true intellectuals. The country welcomed back famous doctors, engineers, and researchers, who, along with the Vietnamese intellectual community, contributed greatly to the revolutionary cause; some notable figures include: Hoang Minh Giam, Vu Dinh Tung, Ta Quang Buu, Tran Dai Nghia (Pham Quang Le), Tran Huu Tuoc, Luong Dinh Cua, Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghiem Xuan Yem, Nguyen Xien, Nguyen Huu Tho, Huynh Tan Phat, Pham Ngoc Thach, Dang Van Ngu, Trinh Dinh Thao, Tran Duc Thao, and Nguy Nhu Kon Tum…
In his memoirs, Academician Tran Dai Nghia once wrote: “Especially for us intellectuals returning from abroad, about to embark on a difficult struggle, Uncle Ho paid close attention to our feelings, stirring up patriotism, strengthening our self-confidence, our belief in the collective, and our belief in the inevitable victory of the revolution. Uncle Ho’s words of trust and love captivated and won our hearts.” Professor Ton That Tung also expressed: “I belonged to a group whose only path was to counter-revolution, yet thanks to the Party’s education, I was awarded a medal. Today, on my chest, I have not just one medal, but many, and I am being honored as a Hero of Labor. How can I not be moved at this occasion, how can I not mention the gratitude I owe to the Party and to Uncle Ho…?”
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The essay by the patriot Than Nhan Trung, written in 1483 and inscribed on a stone stele at the Temple of Literature - National University, remains profoundly insightful: “Talented individuals are the lifeblood of the nation; when this lifeblood is strong, the nation prospers; when it is weak, the nation is weak and inferior. Therefore, enlightened emperors have never failed to consider the education of talented individuals, the selection of scholars, and the cultivation of the nation's lifeblood as essential tasks...”
In today's era, a time of national resurgence for Vietnam; a time of deep international integration, a knowledge-based economy, and the digital revolution, the role of intellectuals is even more crucial. Therefore, the intellectual workforce deserves utmost respect and should be united to form a powerful resource. They also need space, opportunities, and favorable working conditions to contribute; they need investment, preferential treatment in terms of living standards, and a democratic environment to contribute their intellect and efforts to the nation-building process.
Uong Thai Bieu
Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/van-hoa/202602/ngay-xuan-noi-chuyen-cau-hien-b4b46b8/
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