Top 10 Essays Reflecting on the Achievement Syndrome

In life, everyone enjoys receiving praise, being recognized, and being evaluated positively. This serves as a powerful source of motivation that encourages individuals to live better and improve themselves. However, alongside the positive aspects of receiving rewards, there are still individuals and organizations striving solely for achievements. In fact, it has become a “disease” in modern society. So, what is the achievement syndrome? And how has it impacted society? Let’s explore it together.

Achievement refers to the efforts and positive outcomes that individuals or groups have worked hard to achieve. It usually carries a positive meaning, reflecting the relentless labor and effort of each person. However, when paired with the word 'disease,' it becomes alarming. Today, it has become a societal issue that we must urgently address.

Achievement syndrome is when an individual or organization disregards reality and only focuses on quantity, ignoring quality. This is akin to the saying “empty barrels make the loudest noise.” That is, only caring about superficial appearances while neglecting the essential core. In reality, this is one of the societal issues that various sectors are deeply concerned about. It is especially prevalent in the education system and government agencies.

This is evident in the high school graduation exams, assessments, and evaluations. Teachers are busy worrying about students' achievements because they serve as a measure of teaching quality and the school's reputation. As a result, there have been instances where teachers cheat, help students during exams, and engage in dishonest practices. Similarly, government agencies may accomplish little, but their reports always boast “successful completion,” “exceeding targets.” In reality, they celebrate impressive numbers like 99% or 100%, forgetting that these actions could potentially harm an entire generation and a country’s economy.

The consequences of achievement syndrome are severe for both individuals and society. First, it makes individuals complacent and unable to understand their true worth, constantly deluding themselves about their achievements. Over time, they become arrogant, unwilling to listen, adapt, or change, resulting in stagnation compared to society. As our ancestors wisely said, “Good wood is better than good paint.” Appearance may be unattractive, but the quality inside should never be compromised. A rotten tree will eventually wither away and die, regardless of its external beauty. Achievement syndrome is even more dangerous for groups.

For educational institutions, chasing after achievements can destroy the whole system. It has become common for students to be placed in the wrong grade level, even if they cannot read or write, and yet still advance to higher grades. So, what will these students contribute to society in the future? Are we not burdening ourselves to compensate for these shortcomings? If a country is filled with officials who are only “empty barrels making noise,” when will the people stop suffering? When will fairness exist in our society? If government agencies only pursue achievements, when will the country break free from poverty? When will society become civilized?

Uncle Ho strongly condemned the issue of achievement syndrome. A memorable story shared by many generations is when Uncle Ho visited a cooperative with outstanding labor results. Upon visiting the pigsty, he saw pigs fighting. He opened the gate, and one pig ran out. He immediately asked the chairman of the cooperative about it and learned that to impress Ho, the chairman had collected pigs from the people to put into the pigsty, causing the conflict. Uncle Ho sternly criticized and pointed out the dangers of the achievement syndrome. A visionary leader like Uncle Ho was deeply concerned about the severe consequences of this issue, illustrating how it had marred the society.

Recognizing the harm caused by achievement syndrome, we must take responsibility and live with more integrity. As students sitting in school today, we must eliminate it by being honest in exams, refraining from cheating, and refusing to buy grades. Only by eradicating this disease can our society become cleaner and more civilized.

Whenever we talk about achievements, everyone wants to have high achievements. Competition is inherent in human nature. When we were younger, you probably remember that if there was a competition between parents and children to see who could eat faster, we would rush to eat just to receive praise. Striving for good results is not a bad thing, but when we do anything to achieve high results, it becomes a problem. Today, there is a widespread issue called the 'achievement syndrome,' referring to people chasing high achievements without caring about anything else. This syndrome has significant negative effects on the development of our society.

Originally, achievements are a measure of evaluating a person. However, when the word 'disease' is placed before it, we understand that it is not something positive. People become so fixated on this 'achievement syndrome' that they focus only on the final result while disregarding the journey to reach it. Sometimes, to achieve high results, people resort to dishonest actions. For example, in education, the achievement syndrome is evident when students cheat to get high marks without caring about what knowledge they have acquired.

In fact, the achievement syndrome has existed for a long time and has been spreading more over time. It does not only appear in education but education is the foundation for human development. Therefore, the achievement syndrome in education is the most discussed. Many schools still chase after achievements, setting targets of 100% success in various competitions. To achieve these results, they use all means to train students. For instance, they open 'tutoring centers' where students only focus on one subject, while teachers assist them in other subjects. This causes students to be swept into this syndrome. During graduation exams, many schools even allow students to cheat by passing notes so that no student fails. This is because if a student fails, the school’s performance will be affected.

I remember a funny yet thought-provoking story my math teacher shared. One of his students could not read a definition from the textbook. When asked a simple addition problem within the range of 10, the student could not answer. The teacher took the student to meet the primary school principal and asked how such a student could be promoted to higher grades. The principal replied, 'He’s not good at it, but his parents are good.' This story made me think deeply. Is it true that people go to school not to acquire knowledge but only to gain achievements? A country that only looks at fake achievements is doomed to stagnation.

When education fails to produce true talents, it leads to severe consequences. These students, when they grow up, will not know their true abilities and will struggle with their own lives. In fact, many students who win national academic awards have failed their graduation exams.

To prevent society from falling behind, education needs to change. Only when education changes and the achievement syndrome is eliminated will society improve. Other fields will also get better. Every student should be aware that learning is for acquiring knowledge for themselves, not just for achieving titles.

At some point, the "achievement syndrome" has become a significant problem, negatively impacting the development of our society today. Everyone, whether studying, working, or fighting, has the legitimate desire to achieve something great. However, the obsession with achievements has led to the phenomenon of false reports. Achievements are inflated and exaggerated, presented in a way that seems almost too perfect, to earn medals, certificates, and loud celebrations.

Virtually every industry suffers from this "achievement syndrome." Factories lack materials, workers are unemployed, but every year the plan is supposedly completed. Forest industries boast about reforestation, claiming to have turned barren hills into lush, fruitful forests full of valuable trees. But when inspectors come, the reality is far from the truth. The trees and numbers are nothing but empty claims. Protective forests are destroyed, vast areas are left barren, and the headwaters are stripped of trees.

In the transportation industry, roads are barely completed before they deteriorate, accidents occur at an alarming rate, and hundreds of people die from car and train crashes every year. Issues like sinking bridge foundations or collapsed bridges are no longer rare occurrences!

In education, the "achievement syndrome" has become chronic. Fraudulent practices during exams are widespread, and institutions scramble to chase after results, neglecting the discipline needed for proper education. Fake degrees, counterfeit diplomas, and dubious PhDs are no longer rare phenomena. While the slogan "Say no to corruption" has reduced some issues, the underlying problem remains persistent and difficult to eliminate. The obsession with achievements has led to a decline in the ethics of officials and workers who falsify reports. The numbers on paper are far from reflecting the reality of our country's production. There have even been instances where outbreaks like bird flu, swine flu, and blue ear disease were falsely reported. The "achievement syndrome" has caused several disasters! Tight inspections and severe penalties are needed to cure this "cancer."

Only by addressing the "achievement syndrome" can we ensure the success of the nation's industrialization and modernization, leading to remarkable accomplishments. We must tackle this problem at its core to eliminate exam cheating, cultivate new ethical values, and build a civilized society.

In life, who doesn't desire good achievements and the praise that comes with them? However, it is important for each individual to truly understand what genuine achievement is. In today's world, people will go to great lengths to achieve success, even if it means chasing after fake accomplishments with false claims. Perhaps this is why the "achievement syndrome" has spread so widely and is causing significant harm to the development of society.

The "achievement syndrome" refers to the desire to have great achievements, regardless of whether they are real or not. In pursuit of this, individuals are willing to resort to cheating and unethical behavior. It becomes ingrained in their minds, almost like a disease.

As society progresses, achievements are naturally something to be proud of. However, it is truly saddening that as society advances, the hard work and genuine effort to attain real accomplishments has turned into a dangerous illness that now threatens our society.

A glaring example of the "achievement syndrome" can be seen in the education sector. Teachers want high scores for their schools, and parents want good grades for their children. When Nguyễn Thiện Nhân was the Minister of Education, he once said, "Teachers and schools desire success through high exam results, and millions of parents are co-authors of this achievement syndrome."

Parents, eager for their children to score well, are often willing to pay teachers for extra lessons, while teachers, eager to ensure high results for their schools, may bribe exam invigilators. It is well-known that students' exam results are one of the key criteria for evaluating the quality of teaching at schools and by teachers. As a result, when students achieve good results, teachers are praised and given promotions. Parents also get a perfect report card for their children. Everyone benefits. While some parents genuinely want their children to succeed through their own efforts, many still try to find ways to secure good grades for their children, hoping that this will lead to a brighter future. This stems from the deep love parents have for their children. Who wouldn't want their children to have a better future? During each exam period, we often hear conversations like, "Have you arranged a place for them?" or "Have you met with this teacher yet?" The excessive love from parents has unknowingly become a tool to spread the "achievement syndrome" even further. Many news stories report on students in the wrong grade, or those who can't even recall the multiplication tables but still get promoted. It's truly heartbreaking when, after each university entrance exam, there are articles about students who copied answers, but the answers were completely irrelevant to the questions. After every exam day, the campus is littered with cheating papers. It's a tragic sight.

The "achievement syndrome" in education has become a deeply ingrained problem. It is not just confined to the education sector; it has spread to other areas of society as well. The "achievement syndrome" is no longer limited to a specific individual or field. In the past, there were only about 1700 poor communes in our country. After government programs provided financial aid to eliminate poverty, many localities claimed to have escaped poverty. Yet, when the media investigated, hundreds of households were still struggling with hunger and lack of clothing, but they were reported as having escaped poverty. This is also a consequence of the "achievement syndrome."

When those in higher positions demand achievements, those below them will inevitably fabricate false ones. From small to large, this disease continues to spread. Stories of paper projects, job creation efforts, and poverty reduction campaigns with reports far removed from reality remain perennial issues.

The "achievement syndrome" leads to serious consequences for society. It destroys honesty, trust, and the growth of the nation. We all know that a society needs genuine talent to develop, and true talent is what will truly move us forward. In modern life, if you don't have real skills, you will not find your place. The "achievement syndrome" makes people focus on quantity, not quality. A group infected with this syndrome will produce worthless outcomes. It leads to deception and illusion, gradually degenerating character and eroding the core ethical values of individuals.

As the saying goes, "Good wood is better than a beautiful coat of paint," which clearly shows that the quality of a person or thing matters more than appearance or numbers. The "achievement syndrome" has turned these good values upside down, destroying the cultural traditions of our people. This illness will lead individuals to be self-satisfied, believing they are brilliant, when in fact they are not. And illusions, as we know, are often false and cannot last.

Therefore, we must take measures to prevent and eliminate this illness. Government departments and agencies must conduct thorough inspections to promptly identify and stop fake achievements. Those who intentionally violate the rules must be appropriately punished. Additionally, we need to strengthen educational campaigns to raise awareness and encourage everyone to avoid and eradicate this illness. Ultimately, whether or not one is affected by this disease depends entirely on the individual. We must be people of integrity and character, and that is what we should spread in society.

Our country is on the path to integration and development, and each person must establish their value to secure a place in society. However, we cannot sacrifice integrity to achieve success. We need to rise based on our own abilities. Surely, this is not too difficult if we maintain our self-respect and preserve our character.

In reality, everyone likes and hopes to be praised, recognized, and achieve fame. Some people strive hard to improve themselves, while sadly, there are others who want to take shortcuts to glory, relying on superficial appearances, neglecting the real work, and only focusing on presenting a polished exterior for praise and rewards. Worse still, this has become increasingly common and has turned into a social disease: The Achievement Syndrome.

In essence, achievements are the positive results of efforts made. Achievements are meant to celebrate and highlight genuine successes, motivating individuals to continue their hard work. These achievements not only inspire the person being recognized but also encourage others to join the race for success. Clearly, achievements are positive and bring similar benefits to life.

However, when we add the word “disease” in front of the term “achievement” – the Achievement Syndrome – the issue takes a different turn. The term “disease” doesn’t suggest something positive. The Achievement Syndrome is a form of conformity, focusing only on appearances to receive praise and recognition, while the substance doesn’t meet expectations. In other words, the Achievement Syndrome describes a mismatch between appearance and reality: the exterior is shiny and glorious, but the substance is decaying, rusty, and distorted.

The Achievement Syndrome has existed for a long time in society, deeply embedded in many industries and fields. In education, it is often referred to as the “superficiality disease.” Some schools, for the sake of achievements, focus on training top students, creating all conditions for them to concentrate on their subjects to achieve high results that bring honor to the school. In each graduation exam, some schools even involve teachers in assisting students to cheat. In businesses, companies, and factories, the Achievement Syndrome manifests in polished reports, written beautifully but lacking substance. In practice, people care more about quantity than quality, chasing targets without considering the real value. They are satisfied only with hearing the numbers 100%, 99%. In previous years’ graduation exams, schools achieving only 95% or 96% would already be anxious. But in the last few years, after stricter checks and supervision, the national pass rate has dropped to around 60%-70%.

Clearly, these results are vastly different from the actual quality, which has been manipulated and distorted over time. The Achievement Syndrome will have devastating consequences. First, it causes individuals and organizations to misunderstand their true capabilities, becoming complacent about their achievements, and losing the drive for development. The Achievement Syndrome thus continues to be maintained and spread. Over time, it becomes ingrained in the thinking, lifestyles, and working methods of society, leading to a neglect of real quality, focusing only on outward appearances. It’s much like a pumpkin that’s rotten on the inside. As the old saying goes, “Good wood is better than good paint” because paint can peel off, but the wood must not rot. A rotten wooden structure can collapse an entire system. However, the Achievement Syndrome has overturned this principle, and every social system is at risk of collapse as the true quality inside deteriorates.

The Achievement Syndrome harms every profession and field. The most obvious and harmful consequences are seen in the education sector. Some schools, for the sake of achievements, promote students to the next grade regardless of their actual performance. As a result, hundreds of students end up in the wrong class or school. Some students are in seventh grade but still can’t read or write fluently! Also, for the sake of achievements, some teachers inflate grades for top students in subjects they don’t need to excel in, just to focus their efforts on exam preparation. As a result, hundreds of students win national academic awards but fail to graduate or pass university entrance exams. The immediate consequences are borne by the students, but the long-term effects will stunt the country's future, as the moral values and talents of many generations are compromised.

The root cause of the Achievement Syndrome lies in human flaws: the jealousy and competition of “the rooster crows in rivalry.” When one individual or organization is recognized, others want to be recognized too. However, instead of focusing on improving quality, they choose to skip steps, polishing the outward appearance to receive praise. But, if we are to be fair, this syndrome also arises from mistakes in the management and organization of many levels and sectors: focusing too much on paperwork and appearances, being detached from the reality of the situation, and excessively formalizing everything. As a result, organizations and individuals focus solely on ensuring that their reports and records are pristine and beautiful, and they worry about meeting their targets with a perfect 100% completion rate.

Clearly, the blame for this disease lies with all of us. Acknowledging the consequences of the Achievement Syndrome, society must work to eliminate it. Leaders must closely monitor the activities of their subordinates and adjust the organizational management system. Organizations and institutions must eliminate superficiality and focus on real quality for their own future. Only when we achieve this will our society be truly clean and progressive.

Achievement is the measurable result of human effort. This result is not only a personal material or spiritual benefit, although often, the drive to achieve comes from the benefits it brings to oneself. However, people are also capable of exerting their utmost efforts for the common good, for society, and for their country.

According to this definition, the effort to achieve, whether by an individual or a group, is a commendable quality, worthy of praise and emulation. Imagine a society where every member strives to achieve higher accomplishments in various fields: sports, culture, arts, education, production, commerce, and technology, all for their own benefit and the benefit of the community. Such a society would undoubtedly progress, its economy would grow, its people would prosper, and the nation would be strong.

But when does the effort to achieve, a necessary quality for each member of society, turn into a disease, which we now call the achievement syndrome? Ultimately, if we use everyday terminology, the fundamental difference between genuine achievement and the achievement syndrome is akin to the difference between real goods and counterfeit goods. The key factor that makes this difference is the presence or absence of honesty.

The current concern is that the achievement syndrome is spreading in the education sector of our country. It is not only affecting a part of those working in education but also many families in society. Mr. Nguyễn Thiện Nhân, Minister of Education and Training, who is expected to play a significant role in the reform of our education system, has remarked that it is not just “teachers and schools seeking achievements through high exam results” but that “millions of parents and students are also co-authors of the achievement syndrome.”

However, to address this dangerous issue, many factors need to be analyzed and clarified. Why do schools and teachers pursue high exam results? Is it because those high results – even if they do not truly reflect reality – are the criteria used by the Department or the Ministry to evaluate the achievements of school management and teaching staff? Is it true that with such achievements, the school administration and teachers are rewarded with salary increases, recognition, and the perpetuation of the achievement syndrome? And if all schools across the country achieve similar exceptional results, will the Ministry of Education and Training be considered to have performed well in managing education nationwide? Why do parents want their children to score higher than they truly deserve? Here, we need two perspectives: the essence and the practicality. In essence, no parent wants their child to be a “fake” student. They are people who have spent real money, effort, time, and hopes on the future success of their children. There is no reason for them to want to receive counterfeit results. However, from a pragmatic viewpoint, they are willing to do whatever it takes, even resorting to the worst methods we know, so their children pass exams and obtain diplomas. Thus, in the end, parents and students are the victims of the achievement syndrome rather than its “co-authors.” When the achievement syndrome becomes widespread, who can remain immune? Ultimately, it is society that bears the consequences and pays a high price. A serious waste of time and money is the result of the achievement syndrome. When the essential workforce for economic development is severely distorted in both quantity and quality, businesses are forced to accept “counterfeit” products mixed with the real ones, and additional resources must be allocated for retraining after hiring. The achievement syndrome is a consequence of formalism and the root cause of the replication and rote-learning culture. With the achievement syndrome, assessment methods become increasingly rigid, complicated, and formulaic, leaving no room for creativity. Moreover, excessive barriers further intensify the spirit of cramming, mimicking, and copying among students.

We are all fully aware that for a society to develop and progress, it must have many talents, and these talents must be truly learned individuals, who have absorbed the best knowledge and moral qualities from humanity and our nation through the education system. Education is the starting point, the source of the strength for a nation's prosperity. A good and effective education system will create people who achieve real and honest results. Such genuine achievements will propel the community toward further development.

Our country is advancing on the path of renewal, opening up, integrating, and competing with the world for a rightful position on the global stage. Whether this country becomes prosperous or not depends on whether our education system can innovate to produce genuinely skilled talents. In the process of educational reform, the achievement syndrome must be eradicated. This is not an impossible task, but it certainly will not be easy.

In today's rapidly developing society, some individuals have lost sight of moral standards and are chasing after the negative trends in society, one of which is the achievement syndrome in education. In response to this situation, the Ministry of Education in our country has urged the public to "say no to negativity in exams and the achievement syndrome in education."

"Negativity" refers to unhealthy phenomena that have a detrimental effect on society, causing it to regress. "Achievement" is the result of effort made by an individual. This result is not merely a personal material or spiritual benefit, although the primary motivator for humans to strive harder is the benefit it brings to themselves. However, people are also capable of exerting themselves for the common good, for the benefit of society and the nation. Yet, the "achievement syndrome" arises from false, fabricated efforts. The key difference between "achievement" and "the achievement syndrome" is akin to the difference between the real and the fake. The central factor that determines this difference is honesty. Thus, the effort to achieve by an individual or group is a commendable moral quality, worthy of recognition. On the other hand, negativity and the achievement syndrome must be condemned and eradicated.

The achievement syndrome and negative practices in exams have become increasingly common in Vietnam. Schools, in their efforts to meet government-imposed targets, and teachers, striving to excel in school competitions, have ignored professional ethics, resulting in inflated grades. Parents, desiring their children to be high achievers, and students, wishing to advance to the next grade without putting in effort, have created an environment where achievement is pursued without regard for quality. For parents, it is certain that no one wants their children to perform poorly or study without quality. They are individuals who have invested real money, effort, time, and genuine hopes for a brighter future for their children by supporting their education. Therefore, there is no reason why they would wish to receive deceptive results in their children's academic performance. However, from a pragmatic perspective, they are willing to take extreme measures, including the unethical practices we've seen reported in the media, to ensure their children pass exams and obtain a diploma for future employment. Once they have that diploma, they believe they can continue their education in an honest manner later. Thus, in the end, parents and students are the unwitting accomplices in the spread of the achievement syndrome.

In early 2006, at Tran Phu Secondary School in the mountainous district of Song Hinh, Phu Yen, it was discovered that twenty-six sixth-grade students were unable to read or write properly yet were promoted to the next grade. During high school graduation and university entrance exams, incidents of bringing cheat sheets into exam rooms or throwing them away after exams have been reported by the media. When we hear these reports, what do we think? A generation, and the future of the nation, will be left to individuals like these. It would be disastrous if people in high positions in society were "empty titles," as they would hinder our nation's progress.

We all understand that for a society to develop, it needs many talented individuals, and these talents must be truly capable, representing the core strength of the nation. Education is the starting point, the source of energy for a country's prosperity. A truly effective education system will create individuals who achieve genuine and honest success. These achievements will propel the community toward rapid development.

Our country is progressing along the path of innovation, openness, integration, and competition with the world to claim a rightful place on this planet. The upcoming economic competition will be fierce, with outcomes as decisive as in a battlefield or sports arena. In such a setting, a competitor can only win through genuine talent, not because of a higher-level certificate. Whether our nation thrives or not depends on whether our education system can innovate to produce truly educated talents.

We must study diligently, work hard, and cultivate our morals to help society and ourselves in the future. We need to combat negativity in exams and the achievement syndrome. This is not an impossible task if we are all determined to "say no to negativity in exams and the achievement syndrome in education."

Progress in life is driven by the achievements earned through the hard work and sweat of the entire population and society. However, chasing after false achievements, deceiving others with fake numbers, or providing inaccurate reports is truly reprehensible. People sometimes compete and scrutinize each other, focusing solely on achievements. As a result, the achievement syndrome spreads and causes significant harm to societal development.

Firstly, striving for excellent results is a positive thing, both for individuals and groups. This should be praised and expanded upon. A society where every member works toward high results in fields such as sports, culture, science, and economics for both personal and collective benefits is undoubtedly an advanced society, one with a growing economy and a prosperous nation.

Sadly, it is disheartening that as society progresses, the effort to achieve, a noble quality, has transformed into a disease—an achievement syndrome—that threatens the development of society.

In the past, our ancestors often said, “A hen is upset by the crowing of another,” and “Buying fame costs a fortune,” reflecting the mentality of envy and a desire for recognition—a human flaw. This type of fame not only earns admiration from others but can also bring material gain.

This is likely why the achievement syndrome is even more rampant today.

In modern times, with economic development driving the rush to create brands and reputations, there is a growing tendency toward fake achievements.

The most prominent issue today is the “achievement syndrome in education.” It is not only due to schools and teachers striving for high achievements, but also parents and society wanting their children to excel. “Teachers and schools are eager for achievements through high exam results, and tens of millions of parents and families of students are co-authors of the achievement syndrome.” (Minister of Education and Training - Nguyễn Thiện Nhân). Parents, hoping their children score higher, are willing to pay for extra tutoring, so their children can earn high grades. But why do teachers want to achieve such results? Could it be because exam results are the criteria for evaluating teaching quality and school performance? By doing so, school leaders and teachers stand to benefit from rewards, salary increases, and continued employment, perpetuating the cycle of chasing after fake achievements. Furthermore, parents, who genuinely wish for their children's success, inadvertently become accomplices in the achievement syndrome.

It is undeniable that while some parents genuinely wish for their children to succeed on their own, others resort to any means, even the worst methods, to help their children pass exams and secure a degree for a better life. These actions stem from the desire for a better future for their children. I once overheard a conversation between two mothers of university-bound students, discussing “Have you secured a spot for your child yet?” “Children today study so hard, we must do everything to help them get a good position. We must spend whatever it takes because waiting for them to succeed on their own could take forever.” Parental love and concern have inadvertently become tools for the spread of the achievement syndrome.

Remembering the past, my grandparents often told stories of the difficult years during the subsidy period, but the teachers were dedicated and passionate about their work. Students faced countless difficulties, but primary school was tuition-free, and vocational schools offered scholarships for focused study. The better a student performed, the brighter their future. But today, not everyone in society is striving toward the same goal. While some teachers are fully dedicated to nurturing students, most teachers struggle to meet their living expenses, making it hard for them to focus entirely on their profession. As a result, despite some truly excellent schools, many schools still report increasing numbers of high-performing students, passing rates, and graduation rates, despite the teachers’ and students’ lack of effort. This explains why a student could score 10 in mathematics on the graduation exam but fail university entrance exams. This isn’t an uncommon or surprising occurrence; it’s a clear reality of our education system. In the 2007 university entrance exams, over 6,000 exam papers were filled with zeroes, representing empty “achievements” in knowledge after 12 years of schooling.

Many are familiar with reports in the media about students in the wrong grade. Some students, still unable to memorize the alphabet in sixth grade or read fluently, are promoted to the next level. After every graduation exam or university entrance exam, there are always reports of shocking student answers. It is both saddening and alarming when students distort history in exams, such as writing “President Hồ Chí Minh, the Central Committee of the Party, and the General Headquarters of the Viet Minh met to agree on opening the borders for Japan to invade.”

At first, this might sound ridiculous, but upon reflection, it becomes heartbreaking to see the glorious history of our nation misrepresented by the future leaders of our country. Even more disheartening is that the graduation pass rate for History remains 100% every year, showing how deeply ingrained the achievement syndrome has become.

The achievement syndrome in education has become a chronic illness, difficult to cure. However, it is encouraging that in recent years, the situation has gradually improved thanks to brave teachers who exposed the malpractice in the exams and the fake results from the high school graduation exams. The results of the 2007 education reform showed the graduation rate dropped from 93.8% in 2006 to 66.2% in 2007, with some localities, like Tuyên Quang, having only 13% graduation rates. These results better reflect the true state of our students. Our education system has made significant progress in combating malpractice in exams, but the achievement syndrome, fueled by empty knowledge, still distorts education quality, leading to heavy financial and human costs for both the government and society.

However, the achievement syndrome isn’t confined to education. It’s pervasive in all sectors: the economy, society, sports, culture, and entertainment.

At the Southeast Asian Student Sports Festival, “we achieved an unexpected, outstanding result,” ranking first overall. However, journalists at the press conference were not thrilled. How could they be when most of the athletes sent to compete had never stepped foot in a university, despite being labeled “students”? Although I don’t follow sports closely, I was ashamed to learn that organizers had sent older students to compete. The shame replaced any pride in our country ranking first at a regional sporting event. This is a clear example of the achievement syndrome in full swing.

The achievement syndrome is not limited to individuals, organizations, or fields; it has spread to entire sectors, levels, and industries. In the past, there were about 1,700 poor communes in our country. After the government invested large sums to help alleviate poverty, the number of communes striving to escape poverty remained small, while the number of “volunteer” poor communes grew significantly, reaching about 2,400 today, compared to 7-8 years ago.

The achievement syndrome is common in reports and summaries, as people say, “actions may be flawed, but reports are always excellent.” When higher-ups prefer to hear reports of success, subordinates will inevitably create fake achievements. From small to large, the syndrome spreads, unchecked.

Everyone knows that drug addiction is a major social issue. Those who are addicted face tremendous challenges in overcoming their addiction. Only those with strong willpower can succeed. Yet, despite the state’s efforts and resources invested in drug rehabilitation, the results remain lackluster. Still, annual reports often present inflated statistics to create a sense of “false optimism.”

Similarly, in rural health centers, doctors report inflated birth rates, and in foreign-funded construction projects, progress often lags while the community suffers from slow compensation and land clearance. Issues such as employment for youth, unemployment, poverty reduction, and cuts in public staffing also face similar discrepancies between reported outcomes and actual progress. Thus, in every field, reports and results are often distorted from reality. The achievement syndrome has devastating consequences: it erodes public trust, wastes state resources, and, most importantly, denies the true efforts of the people.

Chasing after false achievements has become a disease—the achievement syndrome. It kills progress, honesty, trust, and development, fostering deception, arrogance, and stagnation.

We must recognize that for society to truly progress, it must nurture real talent, and talent must be genuine and capable. 100 graduates may all find employment, but how many will thrive in a competitive environment that demands true abilities and knowledge? If one lacks true competence, they will eventually be replaced, just like counterfeit goods have no place in the market. Life is always fair.

Our country is progressing along the path of innovation, opening up, and integrating with the world, striving for a rightful place on the global stage. This competition is like a match in the arena, where we are the fighters. The only way to win is through true skill, not through a higher certificate. The achievement syndrome must be eradicated, a difficult yet achievable task.

Saying “no” to negativity and the achievement syndrome requires self-awareness. It demands determination, persistence, and wisdom, a willingness to face the truth with critical thinking, and the courage to listen to the truth without offense. First, we must praise the progress the education sector has made. The campaign “Say No to Negative Practices in Exams and the Achievement Syndrome in Education” has achieved significant success. The quality of education in our country has improved in recent years, more accurately reflecting the true abilities of Vietnamese students. “The 2006-2007 school year was the first year of the education sector’s major reform, aimed at removing the ‘tumors’ of systemic negativity.” The future success of our country depends on whether our education system can innovate and produce truly talented individuals.

In a developing society, every individual or group continuously strives to assert themselves. Medals, certificates, and other awards are often seen as a result of their efforts. However, many view these as ultimate goals to be achieved, creating a social illness known as 'the pursuit of accolades'.

Typically, the term 'illness' implies an abnormal condition, often involving the invasion of viruses or bacteria. Achievements are generally seen as positive results, worthy of recognition and praise. Yet, when paired with the word 'illness', it takes on a negative connotation, suggesting that accolades have become a harmful infection or virus within people.

Today, 'achievement mania' has become a vice ingrained in the mindset of many. People believe that qualifications alone are key to success, regardless of how they were attained. In many schools, this mindset has spread. Teachers, eager for their students to score high, offer after-school tutoring, sometimes revealing exam content in advance. As a result, some students, despite lacking strong academic abilities, are able to pass exams. This encourages a lazy reliance on teachers' guidance rather than actual studying, contributing to the widespread issue of 'passing without merit'. In some schools, students advance grades even if they cannot recall basic lessons, all because they focus solely on results rather than genuine learning. This 'achievement obsession' blinds people to true quality and the actual capacity of individuals.

This issue is only escalating, bringing about far-reaching consequences. So, what can be done? What measures can help counter this phenomenon? In recent years, the government has implemented numerous policies aimed at addressing this issue. However, the effectiveness of these policies has been limited. 'Achievement mania' stems from unjustified ambitions, making it crucial for individuals to cultivate self-discipline and reject the desire for superficial recognition in order to 'heal' this affliction.

True learning, acquiring genuine knowledge, brings real value to oneself. Achievements should be seen merely as external validation of what we have accomplished. Therefore, it is essential for each of us to understand this issue clearly, to foster a more accurate perspective for our future.

Did you know? In society, everyone desires recognition and reward when achieving success. Achieving great things and receiving acknowledgment motivates individuals or groups to pursue even greater accomplishments. However, it's unfortunate that today, many people chase after success, purchase accolades, and employ various tactics to attain recognition, which has turned the idea of 'achievement' into a social epidemic, a challenging disease to cure.

We must ask, what exactly is 'the pursuit of accolades'? Success refers to results that are praised and achieved through effort. Therefore, success should be celebrated as a reflection of real achievements earned through hard work. When others applaud, it inspires the individual to strive even harder. Moreover, one person's success can serve as motivation for others to compete and rise. Clearly, no one can deny that success is a positive force. It consistently brings valuable outcomes in life and reflects the results of diligent effort.

However, it is more troubling that in today's society, we now speak of 'the illness of achievement'. Adding the word 'illness' to 'success' changes everything. The term 'illness' always evokes something negative. 'Achievement mania' is, in essence, the tendency to focus on outward appearances, creating a facade of success to receive praise, when in reality, individuals lack the true capabilities to earn such accolades. Success becomes a shiny layer masking the underlying flaws, much like grease on water, which reveals its impurities when disturbed.

'Achievement mania' is a deeply rooted problem that has existed for a long time within society. This issue has infiltrated numerous sectors of life. In education, a field long regarded as pure, 'achievement mania' is also called 'superficiality'. A school boasting 100% top students may seem impressive, but behind this facade, many students still struggle with basic concepts, showing that such achievements are meaningless if they do not truly reflect individual capabilities. In Vietnam, the education system places too much emphasis on degrees.

Clearly, 'achievement mania' leads to serious consequences. First, it prevents individuals and organizations from recognizing their true potential, fostering a false sense of accomplishment. The pursuit of success often discourages real development. In modern society, this issue continues to grow exponentially. Over time, this disease will take root in the mindset and work habits of our society. The result is a superficial society, where external appearances shine, but the true substance is hollow.

This 'achievement disease' harms all sectors of life. It stems from deep-rooted flaws in human nature, like envy and competition. 'Achievement mania' exists across all areas of life, and we must fight to eliminate it.

We must realize that this illness needs to be cured quickly, especially as Vietnam moves towards industrialization and modernization. Only by addressing the root cause of achievement mania can we combat cheating in exams and, ultimately, build a better society with new ethical standards.