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Essay Prompt: What are your thoughts on the concept that Genius is the lifeblood of the nation?
Essay: Reflecting on the Concept that Genius is the Vital Essence of the Nation
Essay
Derived from the doctoral thesis dedication by Nhâm Tuất, during the era of Đại Bảo, the third of Thân Nhân Trung (1418-1499), composed in 1448 during the Hồng Đức period, articulates a perspective imbued with the spirit of the times, holding profound historical significance: 'Genius is the vital essence of the nation.' This is a monumental political ideology, timeless in value, applicable to the past, present, and future.
Genius, linguistically, refers to individuals who are both virtuous and talented. In a broader sense, these are individuals of great knowledge, exceptional abilities, broad education, and a strong will to advance and contribute to the nation. They are willing to dedicate themselves to the service of the country, aligning with the monarch above and being filial to the people below. Not only that, geniuses must also cultivate moral integrity, possess a straight and principled character, maintain a strong ideological stance, and resist the temptation of ordinary flattery. They become shining examples for future generations to admire and emulate. This aligns perfectly with the viewpoint of President Hồ: 'Having talent without virtue is useless, having virtue without talent makes every task difficult.' Therefore, to become a genius, the backbone of the nation, one must satisfy both factors: talent and virtue. Without one, there is no meaningful significance.
The vital essence, according to the theory of yin and yang, is the first qi that gives rise to other forms of qi—primitive, latent, and inherent substances that serve as the driving force for all life and the development of living entities. If this vital essence is damaged, it is equivalent to standing on the brink of extinction. From this, we can extrapolate to the national vital essence, the inherent potential, and internal strength inherent in a country, such as its people, natural resources, and more. It is from this vital essence that the country develops and gives birth to external strengths in various aspects, such as culture, economy, and politics.
Thân Nhân Trung contends that 'Genius is the vital essence of the nation,' a proposition with ample historical evidence. Under the Lý dynasty, figures like Lý Thường Kiệt, Lý Đạo Thành, Deputy Tô Hiến Thành, and Queen Ỷ Lan exemplified virtuous talents. Their absence, particularly after Tô Hiến Thành's death, led the Lý dynasty into an irreversible decline. The Trần era boasted luminaries such as Chancellor Trần Thủ Độ, military leaders like Hưng Đạo Vương Trần Quốc Tuấn, Trần Quang Khải, Trần Khánh Dư, literary figures like Nguyễn Hiền, Chu Văn An, Trương Hán Siêu, contributing significantly to over 130 years of prosperity. However, mistakes in handling court officials and trusting flatterers led to inevitable decline, echoing Thân Nhân Trung's words: 'When the vital essence flourishes, the nation is strong; when the vital essence declines, the nation weakens.'
Understanding the significance of virtuous talents, often likened to the vital essence of a nation, revered leaders throughout history prioritize nurturing and selecting capable individuals to aid the country's development. As a wise ruler comprehends: 'A single pillar cannot support a large house,' evident in Quang Trung's call for Ngô Thì Nhậm to recruit talents and Lê Thái Tổ's 1429 edict emphasizing the need for virtuous individuals. This emphasis on recruiting and nurturing virtuous talents persists through various historical periods, demonstrating the recognition that 'Intelligent individuals with true relationships are crucial for the country's development' (Inscription, 1487).
The ideology that 'Genius is the vital essence of the nation' is a profound and timeless concept, evolving into a unique art in politics, economics, and society. However, mere pursuit of virtuous individuals without persuasive policies and proper treatment may not yield willing participants. Hence, during the early Lê dynasty, honors like engraved names on stone tablets at Hiền Quan (National University) symbolized the pinnacle of acknowledging virtuous talents. Even today, the tradition continues with the recognition of top students at Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), serving as shining examples for generations and motivating them in their educational pursuits.
To understand the role of talent in the prosperity of a nation, as discussed by the author Thân Nhâm Trung in the article 'Talent as the National Vitality,' in addition to the essay 'Reflections on the idea that Talent is the National Vitality' above, you can also refer to: Analysis of the article 'Talent as the National Vitality', Reading comprehension of 'Talent as the National Vitality,' Social discourse on Talent as the National Vitality, Composing an essay on Talent as the National Vitality, 10th-grade Literature.
