Colonel, Doctor Nguyen Thanh Hai, Head of the Department of Culture, Aesthetics, and Ethics (Faculty of Marxist-Leninist Philosophy), still sits diligently reading each line, occasionally pausing to correct a few places or making notes on issues that need further clarification in the doctoral dissertation draft of a research student. Many times, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai returns home when his wife and children are already asleep...

The path to cultural philosophy

Over 30 years ago, Nguyen Thanh Hai left his hometown of Phu Van commune, Kim Bang district, Nam Ha province (now Phu Van ward, Ninh Binh province) to enlist in the Army, joining the Weapons Department (now the Military Equipment Department, General Department of Logistics and Technology). His work at the time involved warehouses, inventory, and the preservation of weapons and equipment... it was very quiet but extremely arduous. Recalling that time, he confided: “Those early years in the army gave me many experiences and valuable practical materials that I later used to reflect upon and contemplate on Philosophy, making me understand Marxist-Leninist Philosophy even more deeply.”

Colonel, Doctor Nguyen Thanh Hai.

After graduating from the platoon-level political officer training program in 2003, Nguyen Thanh Hai was retained as a student management officer at the Political Academy. His practical work continued, but this time it was in student management and education and training at an institution that had always been a leading center for research and teaching in social sciences and humanities within the military and the country. This "practical experience" gave him a new perspective on life and the military field, further broadening his philosophical thinking and fueling his determination to one day stand on the podium and impart the wisdom of humanity and Marxist-Leninist philosophy to students. Recognizing Nguyen Thanh Hai's research and teaching abilities, the Party Committee and the Board of Directors of the Political Academy successively sent him for lecturer training, assigned him to teach in the Department of Marxist-Leninist Philosophy, and then continued his doctoral studies in Philosophy.

The more he studied, taught, and researched, the more he found harmony with cultural philosophy—a narrow but profound discipline that helped him discover the "essence" and the most general laws to explain the movement and transformation of spiritual values, the rich and vibrant expressions of customs, lifestyles, and behaviors of people in general, and military personnel and the military field in particular. "Cultural philosophy demands a truly profound perspective, the ability to disregard all trivial, superficial manifestations of life to reach the 'sediment' weathered beneath the surface of each culture. And that is precisely the wisdom of our ancestors, incredibly profound, incredibly deep, yet also extremely subtle and delicate. Our responsibility is to delve into that treasure trove of wisdom and learn from and develop it," Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai's eyes lit up with a passionate scientific spirit in every enthusiastic word.

Colonel, Doctor Nguyen Thanh Hai participates in academic activities with lecturers in the Department of Culture, Aesthetics, and Ethics (Faculty of Marxist-Leninist Philosophy, Political Academy).

Driven by this passion, Nguyen Thanh Hai has independently delved deeply into and contributed to the development of philosophical and cultural theory with numerous scientific outputs, including dissertation topics, dozens of articles published in prestigious scientific journals, two departmental-level scientific projects, six academy-level projects, and many textbooks and materials. Simultaneously, as Head of Department, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai has always wholeheartedly guided and nurtured the faculty members in the Department, both in content and methodology, continuously improving the quality of teaching and scientific research. Embracing the spirit of "unity, cooperation, and collective achievement" in carrying out their duties, he and the faculty of the Department of Marxist-Leninist Philosophy and the Department of Culture, Aesthetics, and Ethics are increasingly effectively exploiting the potential of national culture and the essence of human culture, applying them to building a revolutionary and scientific worldview and methodology, educating and cultivating cultural character for future political commissars, teachers, and scientists.

Think creatively to ignite passion.

Attending a lecture by Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai at a training course for regimental and brigade political commissars, I truly understood what the lecturers and staff of the Department of Marxist-Leninist Philosophy said about him. In contrast to his pensive demeanor while working on his dissertation, he transformed into a completely different person, full of youthful energy and enthusiasm for his students. Each point was meticulously crafted, clearly and logically explained, with many witty yet profound examples.

"Studying with Instructor Hai is tiring, but it's a lot of fun!" Major Nguyen Van An, a student in Class 61B, System 1, told me during a break.

"Why is that, comrade?" I asked.

- Because the professor raised many issues that forced us to think and debate. Some issues that the trainees had previously considered "sensitive" and always avoided were targeted by Professor Hai. For example, with the question: "Is there or is there not a fading of military cultural identity among soldiers?", we debated enthusiastically for dozens of minutes before reaching a consensus...

Increasing interaction with students and placing them in cognitive situations that force them to think for themselves is how Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai applies the flipped classroom model, a reversed teaching method, to implement the breakthrough policy of the Party Committee and Board of Directors of the Political Academy to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

"But I don't always teach like that in every lesson!" Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai suddenly interrupted my train of thought.

- Perhaps on days when the weather is unpredictable, you'll be a little less "passionate"? - I was joking with him.

- Oh no, when I teach, I have to be passionate. But for each group of students, I have to use a different teaching method, and the content has to be adjusted quite a bit. To do that, I have to think a lot!

For Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, no single lecture is suitable for all audiences, nor is there a single "universal" teaching method. Even with the same audience, each lecture is the result of pedagogical work, reflection, and careful consideration to innovate. For decades, despite his busy schedule, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai has never missed a day of watching the evening news and morning news broadcasts on Vietnam Television. This is his primary source of information to supplement and update his daily lectures. Therefore, his lectures are always full of information, data, names of people, events, and more, making them incredibly engaging.

"But how do you 'bridge the gap' between the abstract theories of cultural philosophy and the 'dry, rigorous' practice of military operations?" I asked curiously.

"If that's what I want, I'll take on the role of a student again to learn more from practical experience!" he replied.

To make his lectures more relevant to military life and activities, he proactively reported his aspirations and was assigned to practical training at a grassroots unit, holding the position of Deputy Head of Political Affairs of the 604th Signal Brigade, Military Region 2. Participating in leading and directing Party and political work activities at the unit, he gained a deeper understanding of military culture and military ethics. Constantly concerned about the need to improve the practicality of his teaching, whenever he felt that the unit's knowledge was "far removed" from the students', he did not hesitate to go to the location and directly meet with the students to learn more about the nature of their tasks and operational characteristics before they enrolled. Therefore, when listening to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai's lectures, everyone seems to see a reflection of themselves in them.

Through his diligent efforts and dedication to his duties, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai's achievements have steadily increased over the years. In 2024, he was awarded the title of Excellent Lecturer at the Ministry of National Defense level, and for five consecutive years, he has received the title of Excellent Lecturer at the grassroots level. For two consecutive years (2024 and 2025), he was awarded the title of Emulation Soldier at the grassroots level and was nominated for a commendation from the Minister of National Defense. During the peak emulation campaign "Raising the Red Flag of August" to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, he achieved outstanding results and received a certificate of merit. For Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, the recognition from the Party committees and commanders at all levels, and the trust of his colleagues, are sources of encouragement and motivation for him to continuously innovate and create, continuing to "pass on the flame" of philosophy and culture to the students.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/cuoc-thi-nhung-tam-guong-binh-di-ma-cao-quy-lan-thu-17/nguoi-thay-truyen-lua-triet-hoc-van-hoa-1016060