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Prompt: Reflecting on 'The Art of Longing', contemplating the ideals of today's youth.
Reflecting on the poem 'The Art of Longing', pondering over the ideals of today's youth.
Sample essay on Reflecting on 'The Art of Longing', pondering over the ideals of today's youth
Amidst the currents of history and societal changes, the younger generation has been and is regarded as the core 'nucleus', the destiny of the nation and humanity. In every circumstance or social stratum, the youth are always the creative force, propelling humanity towards historical milestones. Aware of this, seven centuries ago, Pham Ngu Lao expressed his concern, his inner turmoil about his responsibility and duty to his people through the work 'The Art of Longing'. And nearly a millennium later, the ideals of youth continue to determine the position and survival of the nation.
The Art of Longing was created with a strong desire for fervent dedication, contributing a small effort to the nation's construction and development. As a talented general, Pham Ngu Lao deeply ingrained the philosophical thoughts on human life, believing that a man born into the world must repay the debt of 'fame', must inscribe his name in the annals of the homeland. With a patriotic spirit combined with Confucianism, for him, 'becoming a worthy man' was a lifelong goal, so in the poet's heart, there was always a sense of 'shame', a feeling of regret for not doing more for the country. The last two lines of the work 'The Art of Longing' highlighted his thoughts:
Men pursue fame, a burden opposite to their aspirations
Listening to worldly tales, understanding Vũ Hầu
(Men's fame still carries debts
Hearing of Vũ Hầu, feeling ashamed)
Deep, sincere emotions, tinged with a hint of shame, a sense of pity. The author reflects on the matter of 'fame'; for him, it's a debt every man is born to bear, to repay. He's always pondering how to contribute to the homeland, how to assist the king in governance, help the people out of suffering, uphold the nation's territories, undeterred by hardships. History records that Pham Ngu Lao himself contributed to driving away enemy forces alongside King Tran Quoc Tuan, earning fame as a prominent general while still very young. However, for him, that wasn't enough, so his heart was never at peace. 'Listening to worldly tales, understanding Vũ Hầu', Vũ Hầu referring to Kong Ming, a strategist with numerous achievements during the Three Kingdoms period, the right-hand man of general Liu Bei. The author uses ancient examples to compare with himself to feel ashamed, using it as motivation to strive. The word 'ashamed' doesn't evoke pity but rather admiration, admiration for the spirit, the determination of the poet when wholeheartedly devoted to the country, to the people. Through these two lines, the author imparts a lesson on the ideals of youth in every era. Considering today's reality, that lesson is increasingly significant
The question posed isn't just for 'men', but for the entire youth generation of the country, of the century of integration and development. In a life filled with abundance yet challenges, demanding constant adaptation and striving, does the notion of wholehearted dedication to society remain healthy and relevant?
The achievements that Vietnamese youth have attained and are currently achieving today hold significance not only for individuals or families but also as medals for an entire collective. Our Vietnam has long been renowned across continents for its talents, scientists, mathematicians, and historians, contributing significantly to the advancement of human civilization. Thus, these accomplishments hold meaning not only for each individual but also affirm the nation's valor on the international stage, winning awards also serves as a demonstration of patriotism. One's personal value is also the nation's value, of those who have contributed, guided, and nurtured talents. Therefore, the youth's ideals, regardless of the era, as citizens of the country, their personal glory is also the nation's glory.
A question arises in today's age, whether the youth still live for the motherland, pondering over their inability to dedicate themselves to the nation like our ancestors did, or primarily pursue self-reliance, self-enjoyment, independence. Objectively and fairly speaking, today's youth have somewhat abandoned the old-fashioned mindset, focusing on enhancing personal knowledge and self-improvement. Hence, the notion of living for the people, for the country, is no longer suitable, especially for the youth. Moreover, the influence of new ideologies is changing perceptions of 'serving the country' as advocated by Pham Ngũ Lão. It's not just young men; women also have complete opportunities to assert themselves, to reach out to the world. Furthermore, it's not only excellence in literature or literacy that is deemed as talent but also physical, mental, and social activities are increasingly emphasized to improve all aspects of worldview and philosophy of life.
With such similarities and differences, the lesson of Pham Ngũ Lão is both inherited and evolved by subsequent generations. One thing that never changes in the nation's bloodline is the spirit of patriotism and gratitude to our ancestors. Vietnam's independence and freedom have been nurtured by the blood and bones of countless heroes; hence, not only today's Vietnamese youth but every individual enjoying independence and freedom needs to have responsibilities, obligations, respect, and gratitude for the sacrifices of previous generations. To live up to that loss, there is no other way but to cultivate oneself to become useful, to build a civilized, comprehensive, and strong nation.
Pham Ngũ Lão's ideals conveyed through the poem 'The Art of Longing' will endure over time, serving as a lesson on the way of being human. Today's generation needs to respect and improve themselves, to live rightfully, independently, autonomously, but not to stray from their roots, always mindful and grateful to the motherland. The spirit of dedication and the desire to affirm oneself have, are, and will always be the driving force pushing citizens to live responsibly for themselves and for the country.
