The power of cultural depth

Culture is emphasized as the spiritual foundation of society, an intrinsic strength, and a resource and driving force for the sustainable development of the country. This is also the overarching spirit affirmed in the documents presented at the recent 14th National Congress of the Party, a congress that marks a milestone in ushering the country into a new era.

However, there is always a gap between correct understanding and correct action. This gap widens when culture—a field that is both abstract and easily simplified—is not thoroughly understood in terms of its depth and fundamental values. If the entire political system and the people do not correctly understand and internalize the true nature of culture, progressive policies are easily distorted, even perverted, implemented in the name of cultural development but going against the spirit of humanism and the goal of human development.

Therefore, we must first agree on a core understanding: cultural development, ultimately, must begin with people, with building cultured individuals. Without cultured individuals, there cannot be a sustainable culture; and without a sustainable culture, all other achievements of development are very fragile.

At its deepest level, culture is inseparable from humanism. Humanism is rooted in humanity, specifically in independence and freedom, honor and dignity, success and happiness, and the ultimate goal of holistic human development. And it is precisely humanism that serves as the yardstick for distinguishing cultural development from misguided development.

This humanistic approach must be concretized in all areas of social life. A humanistic administration is one that serves the people, not manages or bestows favors. A humanistic education system is one that aims at human development, not turning people into products of examinations or tools for achievement. A humanistic healthcare system is one where human health and life are prioritized above all other interests. Even within the family, humanism is manifested in parents respecting the freedom and happiness of their children, instead of imposing their own dreams or turning children into tools or ornaments of the family.

In this context, education plays a crucial role. Culture is created by education, so for a culture to flourish, an education system must also flourish. Progressive education today is not just about transmitting knowledge, but a journey of awakening humanity, cultivating national identity, and developing individuality to become a truly humane, nationalistic, and authentic person.

The concept of "preserving national identity, integrating but not dissolving" is therefore not a slogan but a genuine requirement for building national identity in the age of globalization. A good educational environment cannot produce citizens who are born and raised in their own country, speak English like native speakers, but are unfamiliar with the Vietnamese language, culture, and history of their nation. That is not integration but a breakdown of identity – a kind of "defective product" of development lacking genuine cultural depth.

Conversely, if the cultural context is not properly understood, it is easy to transform the cultural industry into a purely entertainment industry or even a distorted spiritual industry. Not all traditional elements need to be preserved. It is humanity and the spirit of humanism that will act as a filter to safeguard progressive values while eliminating outdated customs that hinder the development of individuals and society.

In today's unpredictable world , where values are challenged, norms are overturned, and beliefs are shattered, only universal values and enduring principles can serve as a "cultural anchor" for individuals and nations. And that anchor is none other than humanism.

Vietnamese Culture Day (November 24th), established by Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW dated January 7th, 2026, therefore carries an important mission: to remind each individual, each family, each organization, and the entire society to reflect and question their own culture. When every "cell" of society is imbued with a humane spirit, cultural depth becomes the strength that helps the nation rise sustainably.

Dr. Gian Tu Trung

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/suc-manh-tu-chieu-sau-van-hoa-post835126.html