1. Essay Analysis of the Text 'The Style of Ho Chi Minh' - Essay 4


2. Essay Analysis of the Text 'The Style of Ho Chi Minh' - Essay 5
When discussing the style of Ho Chi Minh, it is impossible not to emphasize the cohesive and inseparable unity of his thoughts, ethics, and style. His profound depth and creativity in his revolutionary thought have made his ideas strategically significant. Not only was his application of Marxism-Leninism inventive, but he also made significant developments that deepened and enriched the revolutionary methods and theories of Marxist heritage. His thoughts on national liberation, his socialist theory, and his approach to building socialism in Vietnam—making it 'in line with the law, people’s desires, and the times'—as well as his ideas on democracy, the rule of law, and humanism, especially his views on the ruling party, 'The Party is morality, civilization,' and 'The Party is built upon the people'—these principles have shown their enduring value through time.
Ho Chi Minh stands as a creative Marxist thinker, whose many ideas have become classics. His thought, simultaneously a method, is encapsulated in his five masterpieces, which are national treasures (National Heritage), serving as both a legal guide and a source of enlightenment, a 'method' for action. Ho Chi Minh’s ideology is a form of intellect, philosophy, and wisdom embedded in his lifestyle. His ethics and practices became a role model for virtue and culture, creating a noble and refined living style.
Ho Chi Minh's style is a comprehensive system. According to Professor Dang Xuan Ky, Ho Chi Minh’s style is a synthesis of thought style, working style, expressive style, behavior style, and lifestyle. These five dimensions together offer a full picture of Ho Chi Minh's style, which can also be called his way of life.
Former Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, an outstanding disciple of President Ho Chi Minh, understood and resonated deeply with him. He succinctly summarized Ho Chi Minh's way of life in the phrase: 'Simple – modest – wise.' Indeed, Ho Chi Minh—an innovator and strategist—was not dogmatic or partisan; rather, he embodied an open-minded, tolerant spirit and always practiced a culture of tolerance. He was a modern communist with the essence of Eastern wisdom, rich in Vietnamese identity.
According to Pham Van Dong, Ho Chi Minh’s love for his country was absolute, meaning his commitment to communism was full and unwavering. The more deeply he loved his people and his country, the more fervently he followed the ideals of communism. This explanation resonates deeply with foreign scholars trying to understand Ho Chi Minh. Pham Van Dong painted a vivid image of Ho Chi Minh's modest living, describing his humble stilt house and garden, symbolizing the simplicity yet grandeur of Ho Chi Minh’s existence: 'He lived in a simple stilt house, surrounded by the fragrance of plants and flowers, but his soul was as vast as the winds of all times.'
It is difficult to capture the essence of Ho Chi Minh’s character and lifestyle with words. Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, a great cultural figure, beautifully described Ho Chi Minh's simplicity: 'Ho Chi Minh is great yet not distant, modern yet familiar, powerful without grandeur, bright without blinding, and upon meeting him, you feel as if you’ve known him forever.' This resonates not only with us but with the many international friends who have been fortunate to meet him in Vietnam, who were greeted not in grand reception rooms but under flower trellises, on green grass, and were similarly moved by this simplicity.
Ho Chi Minh’s life was a life of nobility because, throughout his life, he was uninterested in fame and wealth. He was outside the realm of personal gain, devoting himself entirely to his people and his country. He only sought knowledge, progress, and the welfare of the people. His noble lifestyle is characterized by deep empathy, a balance between reason and emotion, and unwavering loyalty. He spoke to his people with all his heart, saying: 'Since I have been one with the people, I will always remain one with the people.' He expressed this during the celebration of his birthday after the Independence Day ceremony. Even in his final moments, on his deathbed, he wept and said to his close comrades, 'I cannot leave my people.' Ho Chi Minh’s nobility lies in his selflessness, always putting others first.
Another testament to Ho Chi Minh’s nobility lies in his ability to maintain a simple lifestyle, grounded in deep thought, purity of heart, ethical integrity, and life experience. His simplicity was not superficial; it was born from profound wisdom and experience in life and revolutionary struggle. If we do not fully understand this simplicity, we might mistakenly think he led a simple life. But the true meaning of his simplicity lies in his character, virtue, and the creative and meaningful way he approached life. To truly follow Ho Chi Minh’s path, we must not merely imitate outward appearances but embody his heart, ethics, compassion, and intellect in our daily work, serving the people effectively and faithfully. This is the greatest honor and way to ensure Ho Chi Minh's legacy lives on in our lives.


3. Analysis of the text "Hồ Chí Minh's Style" part 6
The article "Hồ Chí Minh's Style" by author Lê Anh Trà discusses Hồ Chí Minh's exceptional working and living style—simple, noble, and humble. The core foundation of Hồ Chí Minh's style is the harmonious combination of tradition and modernity, the fusion of national culture with global cultural achievements, and the blend of greatness with simplicity.
The essay asserts the cultural significance of President Hồ Chí Minh, the distinguished revolutionary leader and global cultural figure. The first section focuses on Hồ Chí Minh's assimilation of global cultural treasures. The second section examines the rare beauty of Hồ Chí Minh's simple and noble way of life.
Opening the essay, the author highlights Hồ Chí Minh's profound understanding of global culture, shaped through a life immersed in revolutionary experiences. Hồ Chí Minh traveled across various countries, interacting with different cultures from the East to the West, acquiring extensive knowledge of Asian, European, African, and American cultures. To achieve such depth of understanding, Hồ Chí Minh persevered through hardship, dedicating a long period to learning:
Throughout his tumultuous life, President Hồ Chí Minh engaged with the cultures of many countries, both Eastern and Western. During his ocean voyages, he visited various harbors and countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hồ Chí Minh understood that to truly understand any nation, one must first master its language. Thus, he diligently studied and became fluent in numerous foreign languages, including French, English, Chinese, and Russian.
In his quest to understand and absorb the cultures of humanity, Hồ Chí Minh's ultimate goal was to create a personality and a lifestyle that harmonized tradition with modernity. His method of learning was unique—he learned from real-world experiences in various professions and from the dynamic realities of life around him. The author affirms: Few leaders have such deep knowledge of the world’s peoples and cultures as President Hồ Chí Minh. Wherever he went, he sought to learn and understand art and culture to a profound degree.
What is crucial is that Hồ Chí Minh actively and selectively absorbed the cultural gems of humanity, blending them with the traditional beauty of Vietnamese culture to create his own distinct identity. He was influenced by all cultures, embracing their beauty while criticizing the negative aspects of capitalist ideologies. Remarkably, these international influences blended seamlessly with the unshakeable root of Vietnamese culture within him, resulting in a uniquely Vietnamese character and lifestyle—humble, rooted in the East, yet simultaneously modern and innovative.
After analyzing the essence of Hồ Chí Minh’s style—its harmonious fusion of national and global cultural treasures—the author introduces the unique beauty found in Hồ Chí Minh’s simple and noble lifestyle. This is evident in his home, his possessions, and his daily meals. The author expresses admiration and pride when discussing this: For the first time in Vietnam’s history—and perhaps even the world—there was a President who chose to live in a small wooden stilt house next to a pond, treating it as his "palace."
Despite holding the highest positions in the Party and State, President Hồ Chí Minh lived simply, like an ordinary citizen. His living and working space was a small wooden stilt house, overlooking a fish pond and surrounded by a lush garden filled with fragrant flowers, much like any other typical rural village scene. The author seamlessly blends storytelling with commentary: It’s like a mythical tale, a story about a legendary figure in a fairytale. This stilt house had only a few rooms for receiving guests, holding Politburo meetings, working, and sleeping, with minimal, humble furnishings.
The author succinctly describes the owner of this house: The owner of this stilt house wore simple clothes—brown bà ba (traditional Vietnamese outfit), a trench coat, and rubber sandals like those worn by soldiers on the Trường Sơn Trail, which a Western author once praised as almost magical. Simplicity was a virtue and consistent characteristic in Hồ Chí Minh’s lifestyle, his interactions, his work, and even in his speeches and writings. Anyone who met him could feel it. However, understanding and properly valuing these qualities in the leader is not easy. The image of a small bamboo suitcase, a few worn-out clothes, and simple rubber sandals became synonymous with Hồ Chí Minh’s pure and noble life.
Just as Hồ Chí Minh’s living conditions were humble, his meals were no different from those of ordinary citizens: His meals were modest and consisted of simple national dishes—braised fish, boiled vegetables, pickled vegetables, salted eggplant, and plain porridge. The author's vivid, emotional writing style blends natural storytelling with lyrical elements, reflecting the sincere admiration the writer holds for the Father of the Nation: And he lived there alone, with only a few belongings—an old suitcase, a few clothes, and some mementos from his long life. I am sure no leader, president, or wise king has ever lived as simply and modestly as he did.
Understanding Hồ Chí Minh’s simplicity, the author provides insightful analysis of the roots of this trait in the Vietnamese cultural tradition. It reflects the beauty of Vietnamese culture distilled in Hồ Chí Minh's style. Throughout his long revolutionary career, Hồ Chí Minh’s lifestyle was shaped by his struggle to liberate the nation from colonial chains and his participation in the painful but glorious battles against French and American invaders. His lifestyle exemplifies a truly civilized life that Hồ Chí Minh has set as a shining example in the modern world.
Hồ Chí Minh’s style reveals the beauty of a simple, humble life tied to the elegant pleasures of rural life, reminiscent of ancient scholars like Nguyễn Trãi of Côn Sơn or Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, who found contentment in rural life and its pure joys: In autumn, they ate bamboo shoots; in winter, they ate bean sprouts. In spring, they bathed in lotus ponds, and in summer, they bathed in ponds. These verses describe the secluded life of Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, who retreated to the mountains to enjoy life in the tranquil woods. Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm romanticized his simple life amidst nature's beauty.
Today, President Hồ Chí Minh, the revolutionary leader guiding the people in their fight against America, embodies the true spirit of rural simplicity in a way that ancient scholars could only symbolically represent in their writings. This shows that Hồ Chí Minh’s simplicity was not about mimicking the ascetic lives of others but elevating it into a sound aesthetic concept: In life, beauty lies in simplicity and naturalness.
In conclusion, the author remarks: The simple and modest lifestyle of President Hồ Chí Minh, much like that of ancient scholars, was not an attempt to deify himself or make himself seem superior to others. It was a noble lifestyle, a form of spiritual nourishment, and a beautiful aesthetic concept of life that can bring true happiness to both the mind and body. This commentary highlights the remarkable value and persuasive power of Hồ Chí Minh's style. The world can find in him a shining example of selfless dedication and sacrifice for the rights, freedom, and happiness of humanity.
The greatest fortune of the Vietnamese people is having a leader as extraordinary as Hồ Chí Minh. In fact, this is not just the happiness of the Vietnamese people but of all humanity in the 20th century. The 20th century was a time of violent struggles between brutality and resistance. In this conflict, Hồ Chí Minh stood as the most exemplary figure representing the fight against violence. He is a symbol of grandeur and nobility, deserving of the shared pride of all humanity.
Lê Anh Trà's article affirms that President Hồ Chí Minh’s life and revolutionary career offer a profound lesson for future generations. From our deep admiration and pride for Hồ Chí Minh, we must consciously cultivate, study, and follow the exemplary path set by our great leader.


4. Analysis Essay on the Text "The Style of Ho Chi Minh" No. 7
Numerous works have been written about the moral example and style of Ho Chi Minh, including the piece "The Style of Ho Chi Minh" by author Le Anh Tra. This work highlights many aspects of his unique style. Ho Chi Minh's style is the result of blending the best elements of world culture with the roots of Vietnamese cultural heritage, 'to form a very Vietnamese personality.' Regardless of his position, Ho Chi Minh always considered himself an ordinary citizen, a patriotic compatriot, and someone who dedicated his life entirely to the nation and its people.
In a time when the country was under foreign invasion and the people suffered greatly, the young Nguyen Tat Thanh set out to seek a way to save the nation. 'On ships crossing the oceans, he visited many ports and countries in Africa, Asia, and America. He was fluent in many foreign languages, including French, English, Chinese, and Russian, and worked many jobs.' Ho Chi Minh meticulously studied, adopting the good, the beautiful, and the new while criticizing the negative aspects. Despite facing countless hardships and difficulties, he always strove to gain knowledge and accumulate wisdom, hoping one day to use this knowledge to save the nation. 'Wherever he went, he learned and studied cultures and arts to an advanced level.' The beauty of his character lies in his unwavering will and determination to overcome challenges in order to absorb the best of world culture and make it his own.
Another aspect of Ho Chi Minh's style is reflected in his remarkably simple yet dignified lifestyle. 'The stilt house he lived in had only a few rooms for receiving guests, holding political meetings, working, and sleeping, furnished with very simple and modest items.' 'His attire was very simple, consisting of a brown tunic, a military coat, and basic rubber sandals...' 'His meals were also frugal, consisting of traditional Vietnamese dishes like braised fish, boiled vegetables, etc.' 'His belongings were few: a small suitcase with a few sets of clothes and a few mementos of his life...' These humble foods and garments were the same as those worn and eaten by soldiers on the front lines and ordinary Vietnamese people at the time, showing that Ho Chi Minh was no different from the common people of Vietnam.
No matter what position he held, Ho Chi Minh treated everyone with great care and affection, whether they were soldiers guarding the presidential palace, children, or elderly people. His love for the country and the people was unparalleled.
Ho Chi Minh's simple elegance 'was not about deifying himself or setting himself apart from others.' It was 'a philosophy of life, capable of bringing spiritual peace and well-being to both the soul and the body.'
From this, we must learn and follow Ho Chi Minh's moral example and style. We should be dynamic, diligent, and apply the knowledge we gain to our studies and work. We should live a healthy life, avoiding empty pursuits, and instead, share difficulties with those around us, showing love and respect for our elders and parents...
Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, exemplifies 'a very simple, very Vietnamese, very Eastern way of life, but also very new and modern.' His style is a shining example for each generation of Vietnamese people, especially students, who should follow his admirable example.


5. Analysis Essay on the Text "The Style of Ho Chi Minh" No. 8


6. Analytical essay on "Ho Chi Minh's Style" number 9
There are numerous works that depict the moral example and style of Ho Chi Minh, including the one titled *Ho Chi Minh's Style* by Lê Anh Trà. This work highlights the remarkable aspects of his character. Ho Chi Minh's style is the result of a harmonious blend between the essence of global culture and the root of national identity, making him an embodiment of "a very Vietnamese character." Regardless of his position, Ho Chi Minh always considered himself just an ordinary citizen, a patriot, and a person who devoted his entire life to his country and its people.
In a time when the country was under foreign invasion and the people were suffering, the young man Nguyễn Tất Thành set out in search of a way to rescue his homeland. "On the ships crossing the vast oceans, he visited many ports, toured countries in Africa, Asia, and America. He was fluent in multiple foreign languages: French, English, Chinese, Russian... and took on many jobs." All of these experiences were approached by him with selectiveness, absorbing the beautiful, the good, the new, while critiquing the negative. Faced with numerous hardships and challenges, he relentlessly pursued knowledge and accumulated valuable lessons to bring back for the liberation of his people. "Wherever he went, he learned, explored culture and art to a profound degree." His strength lies in his unyielding determination and resilience, overcoming all obstacles to master the finest aspects of world culture in a way that was profound and discerning.
The beauty in Ho Chi Minh's style is also evident in his simple yet noble lifestyle. "The wooden stilt house consisted of only a few rooms for receiving guests, holding political meetings, working, and sleeping, furnished with very simple and humble items." "He wore simple clothes, a brown bà ba shirt, a military jacket, and basic rubber sandals..." “His daily meals were modest, consisting of traditional Vietnamese dishes like braised fish, boiled vegetables...,” "His personal belongings were minimal, just a small suitcase with a few sets of clothes and some mementos of his life...” The bà ba shirt, the military jacket, the rubber sandals, the braised fish, the boiled vegetables—these were all humble items worn and eaten by soldiers and ordinary people in Vietnam at the time. There was no distinction between him and his fellow citizens in terms of his clothing and lifestyle.
Regardless of his position, Ho Chi Minh treated everyone with care and affection, whether it was the guards at the Presidential Palace, the young children, or the elderly. He loved them all as if they were his own family. His love for the nation and its people was incomparable.
His simplicity and nobility were not a form of self-glorification, nor were they alien to others. Rather, they represented a "philosophy of life, one that can bring pure happiness to both the soul and the body." We should learn from Ho Chi Minh's example of integrity, diligence, and applying acquired knowledge to our studies and work. Lead a simple life, free from vanity and superficiality, while caring for others and showing love and respect to our elders.
Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, embodied "a very simple, very Vietnamese, very Eastern way of life, yet also very new and very modern." His style serves as a guiding light for every generation of Vietnamese, especially students who should strive to follow his exemplary path.


7. Analysis of the "Ho Chi Minh's Style" Essay Number 10
In addition to romantic poetry, political writings continue to captivate readers. When mentioning outstanding political writers, Lê Anh Trà must be recognized. Known initially as a military leader, then a gifted journalist, his essay "Ho Chi Minh's Style" stands as one of his best works. It draws from the essay "Ho Chi Minh's Style" to depict the combination of greatness and simplicity, blending tradition and modernity.
Lê Anh Trà offers a brilliant and exemplary analysis of Ho Chi Minh’s simple lifestyle and distinctive style. The essay explores the depth of Ho Chi Minh's humble yet grand personality, highlighting his wisdom as a leader and his absorption of global culture. Realizing the urgent needs of the country, he ventured far from home in search of solutions, learning from places like the Soviet Union, China, and beyond to enrich the nation’s culture. Ho Chi Minh’s respect for all cultures, both Eastern and Western, left an indelible mark: 'Ho Chi Minh engaged with diverse cultures and arts to a profound level... wherever he went, he absorbed and learned from those around him.' His life and work reflect a dedication to his homeland and the arts of the nation.
However, Ho Chi Minh did not accept everything uncritically. 'He embraced the best aspects of various cultures while critiquing the flaws of capitalism,' showcasing his discerning and advanced approach to cultural learning. His multilingual abilities—speaking French, English, Chinese, Russian, and more—enabled him to understand and integrate diverse global perspectives, making him a uniquely cultured leader.
Beyond his vast knowledge, Ho Chi Minh’s lifestyle remained remarkably simple. He resided in a modest wooden house with few rooms for guests. His clothing, such as the brown bà ba outfit and simple sandals, reflected his everyday practicality. His diet was similarly humble, consisting of traditional Vietnamese dishes such as boiled vegetables and pickled foods. His meager personal belongings—just a small suitcase with a few clothes—further exemplified his frugality. Despite his esteemed status, he lived humbly like any common person, setting an enduring example of the virtues of simplicity and integrity.
Through this analysis, we see the profound significance of Ho Chi Minh's way of life, marked by simplicity, purity, and an unwavering commitment to the nation. His exemplary leadership and moral character continue to shine brightly, serving as a guiding light for generations of the Vietnamese people.
The essay on Ho Chi Minh's style highlights his noble simplicity and profound impact on both his nation and the world. With its logical structure and compelling arguments, it is a model of persuasive writing, demonstrating how a simple yet wise leader can inspire nations. The youth of today should take his example to heart, contributing to a bright future for Vietnam on the global stage.


8. Analytical Essay on the Text 'The Style of Ho Chi Minh' Part 1
The writing 'The Style of Ho Chi Minh' by author Le Anh Tra commemorates the 100th anniversary of the leader's birth. Using simple yet compelling language, the author highlights the profound beauty of Ho Chi Minh's style— a harmonious blend of national traditions and universal cultural values, simple yet profoundly noble.
The work is divided into two clear sections: the first discusses how Ho Chi Minh absorbed global cultural treasures to shape his unique style, while the second explores the cultural beauty embedded in his approach. These parts are intricately connected, underscoring the elegant style of Ho Chi Minh’s personality and soul.
Initially, the beauty of Ho Chi Minh's style lies in his embrace of human cultural richness. In 1911, he set sail from the port of Nha Rong, beginning a journey to seek ways to rescue the nation. During his travels, he encountered numerous cultures from both the East and the West, carefully observing them. But his approach was not about imitation; it was a selective learning process, where he integrated the most precious and meaningful aspects of each culture. The result was a harmonious fusion of new global ideas with deep-rooted national traditions. This synthesis created a uniquely Vietnamese character— grounded in simplicity yet powerful and rich with Eastern philosophy.
To further demonstrate the beauty of his style, the essay focuses on various aspects of his lifestyle, showing how these elements reflect his profound, minimalist approach. At the time, as the highest leader of the Party and the State, Ho Chi Minh's living conditions were remarkably modest. His residence was a simple wooden stilt house, near a pond with lotus flowers— a reflection of rural Vietnamese life. It's hard to imagine a world leader's home being so plain and humble, which highlights his modesty and genuine simplicity.
His clothing was equally unpretentious: a brown tunic, a simple headgear, and basic sandals, complemented by a small suitcase with only a few sets of clothes. His meals were simple, lacking extravagant dishes— just basic, humble food: salted fish, boiled vegetables, pickled eggplant, and plain porridge. Everything about his lifestyle mirrored that of an ordinary citizen. This simplicity and humility were immortalized in the poetry of poet Viet Phuong: 'He often left the chicken dish untouched but finished the Nghệ An eggplant.'
Despite his great responsibilities, Ho Chi Minh maintained an incredibly modest and simple life. His minimalistic approach mirrored his deep connection with nature, living in harmony with the world around him, appreciating its inherent beauty. His lifestyle reflected a refined, elevated cultural depth, grounded in a philosophy of simple, wholesome living.
The author draws parallels between Ho Chi Minh and past sages like Nguyen Trai and Nguyen Binh Khiem, noting their shared simplicity and noble life, yet emphasizing the differences. While these sages embraced purely traditional cultural values, Ho Chi Minh's style blended traditional Vietnamese culture with the best of global wisdom, influenced by his travels and exposure to various cultures.
The text skillfully combines narration with insightful commentary, making the analysis of Ho Chi Minh's style both profound and convincing. The author uses vivid examples, such as his home and lifestyle, along with literary elements like Hán Việt words and classical poetry, to highlight the connection between Ho Chi Minh and past philosophers. This seamless blending of narrative techniques underscores the simplicity and nobility of Ho Chi Minh's character.
Le Anh Tra's essay illustrates how Ho Chi Minh’s style harmonizes tradition and modernity, national identity and global culture, greatness and simplicity. It invites us to admire him and emulate his humble, noble way of life.


9. Analytical Essay on the Text 'The Style of Ho Chi Minh' Part 2
'The Style of Ho Chi Minh,' as outlined in the essay by Le Anh Tra, highlights the unique blend of greatness and simplicity in Ho Chi Minh's character. This essay was published in 1990 in the book *Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese Culture*.
The first argument the author presents is the vast cultural knowledge Ho Chi Minh acquired through his extensive travels. Where did this knowledge come from? Ho Chi Minh lived a rich and dynamic life. He 'encountered' many cultures across the East and West, 'visited' several ports, 'traveled' to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He 'lived for extended periods' in England and France, working various jobs from waiter to snow shoveler to photo developer. The poet Che Lan Vien once wrote:
'The life of a boatman sailing through stormy seas,
He traveled far, seeking the flags of America, Africa,
Places of freedom, skies of oppression,
Revolutionary paths he sought to walk.'
(From 'The Man Who Seeks the Shape of the Nation')
Ho Chi Minh 'spoke and wrote fluently' in many languages such as French, English, Chinese, and Russian. This was not due to wealth or leisure, but because his life was full of hardship. He 'experienced many jobs' and, most importantly, 'wherever he went, he studied and learned about cultures and arts in great depth.' Ho Chi Minh 'absorbed the beauty of various cultures' and 'shaped them with the deep-rooted Vietnamese cultural foundation within him,' creating 'a very Vietnamese personality, a lifestyle that is simple, deeply Vietnamese, and distinctly Eastern, yet also modern and innovative.' Le Anh Tra’s precise reasoning and elegant writing style significantly contribute to the persuasiveness of this argument.
The second argument focuses on Ho Chi Minh’s incredibly simple and distinctly Eastern, Vietnamese lifestyle. Le Anh Tra uses three examples (residence, clothing, and diet) to explain and validate this point. The 'palace' of the President was a small wooden stilt house next to a pond. It contained only a few rooms for 'receiving guests, holding Politburo meetings, working, and resting,' with 'very simple, modest' furniture.
His clothing was 'very simple,' consisting of a brown tunic, a military-style coat, and basic sandals 'similar to those worn by soldiers on the Truong Son mountain range.' His meals were 'modest': fish stew, boiled vegetables, pickled vegetables, and plain porridge, which were 'traditional dishes without any extravagant additions.' These points raised by the author are not new—many have written and shared similar stories. However, Le Anh Tra presents these facts in a simple, intimate, respectful, and admiring tone.
In the remaining section, the author reflects on Ho Chi Minh’s style, comparing it to that of other world leaders, such as presidents and kings. The author marvels at how Ho Chi Minh could 'live in such simplicity and moderation.' Le Anh Tra then draws a connection to Vietnamese sages like Nguyen Trai and Nguyen Binh Khiem, quoting two lines from the Trạng Trình poem: 'In autumn, eating bamboo shoots, in winter, eating sprouts – In spring, bathing in lotus ponds, in summer, in ponds.' This leads to the praise of Ho Chi Minh’s simple and ascetic lifestyle, drawing parallels with the lifestyles of sages who, rather than 'idolizing themselves or being distant from others,' embraced 'a noble way of living that nurtures the spirit and offers a sense of aesthetic fulfillment, capable of bringing happiness and peace to both the soul and the body.'
In conclusion, Le Anh Tra's writing is tight, methodical, and filled with admiration. It presents well-reasoned arguments, using carefully selected examples, to extol the 'great cultural figure, great ethical leader, great revolutionary, and great politician' embodied in Ho Chi Minh. He is portrayed as a figure of simplicity, a true Vietnamese man, deeply connected with the people.
Reading Le Anh Tra's essay, we learn valuable lessons about Ho Chi Minh’s style, the beloved leader of our nation.


10. Analytical Essay on the Text 'The Style of Ho Chi Minh' Part 3
Vietnam is currently experiencing rapid development and is in sync with the global integration trends. Consequently, one pressing issue arises: how can we embrace the finest aspects of global culture while preserving our traditional cultural identity, blending in without losing our uniqueness? This is a crucial task that significantly impacts the preservation and development of our national culture. Recognizing this, Lê Anh Trà wrote the article 'Ho Chi Minh's Style, the Greatness Tied to Simplicity' in the book 'Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese Culture'. In this article, he presents a passage on 'Ho Chi Minh's Style', highlighting its unique beauty. Ho Chi Minh serves as a bright example, offering valuable lessons to the Vietnamese people, especially the younger generation, about harmoniously combining the global cultural treasures with the essence of Vietnamese culture.
Ho Chi Minh was not only a great revolutionary patriot but also a world-renowned cultural figure. The 'Time' magazine listed him among the 100 most influential individuals of the 20th century. Lê Anh Trà's article 'Ho Chi Minh's Style' is not only relevant to the present moment but also holds long-term significance for the future. Studying and following Ho Chi Minh's example and style is practical and should be consistently implemented by every generation of Vietnamese people.
The foundation of Ho Chi Minh's style lies in his absorption of global cultural excellence, which helped shape a character and lifestyle that is quintessentially Vietnamese, very Eastern, yet also modern and innovative. Throughout his revolutionary journey across continents, from Asia to Europe, Africa to America, Ho Chi Minh developed a deep understanding of various world cultures. To achieve this, he worked tirelessly to master foreign languages, becoming fluent in French, English, Chinese, and Russian. He was always eager to learn, absorbing the arts and cultures wherever he went.
He was willing to embrace the beauty of all cultures while critically observing and critiquing the shortcomings and negatives of capitalism. Ho Chi Minh managed to strike a balance between international influence and the unshakeable roots of Vietnamese culture, creating a style that was 'very Vietnamese, very Eastern... yet very modern and innovative.' In this way, Ho Chi Minh was a person of remarkable strength, vision, and a deeply humanistic, philosophical style that merged tradition with modernity, and national identity with global humanity. This unique style defines Ho Chi Minh.
Having established the foundation for Ho Chi Minh's style, the author moves on to the specific manifestations of the beauty in his style, particularly his simple and noble lifestyle. Despite being the President and the highest leader of both the Party and the State, Ho Chi Minh lived in a remarkably simple manner. His residence and workplace was a small wooden stilt house next to a pond, serving as his 'palace', with only a few rooms for receiving guests, holding Political Bureau meetings, working, and sleeping.
His attire was simply a brown 'ba ba' shirt, a military jacket, and crude rubber sandals similar to those worn by soldiers on the Ho Chi Minh trail, with a small suitcase containing a few clothes and mementos. His daily meals were modest, featuring national dishes such as braised fish, boiled vegetables, pickled vegetables, salted eggplants, and rice porridge. This was not a life of austerity or self-glorification, but rather a simple yet noble way of living that reflects the positive attitude of an intellectual who saw beauty in simplicity and nobility.
The conclusion of the excerpt draws a connection between Ho Chi Minh and ancient sages like Nguyễn Trãi and Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, reinforcing the simplicity of his lifestyle as beautiful, noble, and pure; a way for him to nourish both his body and soul. This evokes a sense of continuity and tradition between the past and present, between Ho Chi Minh and the wise sages, elevating his character.
In summary, the article blends narrative and commentary, selecting significant, persuasive details and images, using the contrast technique to highlight the message: a great person who is simple and approachable, knowledgeable about all global cultures yet deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. Through this text, we see the everyday beauty in Ho Chi Minh's character, while also appreciating the harmonious blend of national tradition and global cultural excellence, simplicity and nobility in Ho Chi Minh's personality. Ho Chi Minh remains an inspiring example for everyone to learn from and follow.


