Top 6 Best Essays on 'Hiền tài là nguyên khí quốc gia' by Thân Nhân Trung for 10th Grade

I. Author
- Thân Nhân Trung (1418 – 1499), also known as Hậu Phủ.
- Birthplace: Yên Ninh, Yên Dũng, Bắc Giang.
→ A highly accomplished scholar, trusted by King Lê Thánh Tông, and appointed as Tao Đàn deputy general.
- He earned his doctorate in 1469.

II. Work
1. General Introduction
a. Context of creation
In 1439 and onward, the Lê dynasty introduced customs such as publicizing names, granting hats and robes, awarding horses, hosting banquets, and commemorating scholars who passed high-level exams.
b. Source of the text
'Hiền tài là nguyên khí quốc gia' is extracted from the document commemorating the doctoral degree of the Nhâm Tuất exam, under the reign of Đại Bảo, third year.
c. Structure:
- Part 1: From the beginning to the highest level: emphasizes the importance of talented individuals to the nation.
- Part 2: The rest: discusses the significance of carving the stele to immortalize the names of talented individuals.

2. Detailed Analysis
a. The importance of talented individuals to the nation
- The affirmation: 'Hiền tài là nguyên khí quốc gia' → Highly educated and skilled individuals form the essential foundation of a nation's survival and growth. Talent is crucial to a nation's prosperity or decline.
- The government has historically honored talent to the highest extent to encourage progress, elevate reputation, grant titles, and engrave names on golden plaques, hosting grand banquets.
- The efforts made were insufficient for the stature of talent, thus a stele should be carved to immortalize their names in history.

b. Significance of carving the stele for doctorate names
- Encourages scholars to aspire and admire, cultivates personal integrity, and motivates them to assist the emperor.
- By following the example of talents, it prevents wrongdoing, as 'the wicked take it as a lesson, while the good are inspired to strive'.
- Strengthens the nation, ensuring its longevity, using past actions to guide the future, while polishing the reputation of scholars and fortifying the state's foundation.

c. Historical lessons from the stelae
- Throughout history, 'talent is the nation's foundation', and thus must be cherished.
- Talented individuals have a vital connection to the country's success. The reign of Lê Thánh Tông, which honored talent, marked the peak of Vietnam's feudal system.
- Embrace the state's belief: education is the national policy, and the wise must be respected. As President Hồ Chí Minh said: 'A nation with no education is a weak nation.'

d. Content Value
- Encourages scholars of the time to cultivate virtue and talent, while reflecting the author's love for the nation.
- This also serves as a valuable lesson for future generations.

e. Artistic Value
- Well-structured argumentation.
- Clear, convincing points, with eloquent, logical language.

III. Guidelines for Study
Question 1

- The commemorative text clearly affirms the vital role of talented individuals to the nation: talent is the nation's foundation. Meaning, a person of great skill and virtue is the essential backbone of a nation's preservation and growth.

- Talent has a significant impact on the prosperity or decline of a country.

- Recognizing this, the feudal government elevated talented individuals, promoting their fame, granting titles, engraving their names on golden plaques, and hosting banquets. As the text states: 'The royal court rejoiced at the discovery of talented individuals, doing all they could to honor them.'

- However, realizing that their actions were not sufficient for the stature of talent, the government saw the need to carve a stele to immortalize the names of successful doctoral candidates.

Question 2

The significance of carving the stele to immortalize the names of doctoral graduates is to 'encourage scholars to strive harder, admire, and foster integrity in their pursuit of serving the emperor.' In other words, it is a means of motivating talented individuals.

It also serves to follow the example of talented individuals and deter evil: 'The wicked take it as a lesson, while the virtuous strive in response.'

Ultimately, carving the stele is intended to secure the nation's prosperity and longevity, 'drawing lessons from the past and guiding the future, while nurturing the reputation of scholars and fortifying the state's foundation.'

Question 3

The historical lesson derived from carving the stele for doctoral names is:

- Regardless of the era, talented individuals are always the foundation of a nation, and society must respect and honor them.

- Talent is integral to a nation's development. It is important to note that the reign of Lê Thánh Tông, which highly valued and promoted talent, marked the golden age of Vietnam's feudal system.

- The current state policy is: education is the national strategy, and wise individuals must be valued. As President Hồ Chí Minh famously stated, 'An ignorant nation is a weak nation,' which underscores the importance of education and talent.

Question 4

Diagram of the structure of the doctoral stele: Role and importance of talented individuals → Government policies that encourage talents (actions taken, ongoing efforts) → Significance and impact of carving the doctoral stele.

A- KEY KNOWLEDGE

1. Author: Thân Nhân Trung

Thân Nhân Trung (1418 – 1499), who served as vice-admiral in the literary Tao đàn organization founded by King Lê Thánh Tông.

2. Work:

This inscription was engraved in 1418. Before the excerpt, there is a long passage recounting events from the establishment of the Lê dynasty in 1428 to 1484, during which the Lê kings showed an interest in fostering talented individuals, though they lacked the opportunity to create the stone tablets for doctorate names. The excerpt ends with a list of 33 doctoral candidates from the Nhâm Tuất class of 1442.
This inscription serves as an introduction for the 82 doctorate stone tablets at the Văn Miếu in Hanoi.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1: page 32, Vietnamese Language 9, volume 2

How important is talented personnel to the nation?

Answer:
The importance of talented personnel to the nation:
Talented individuals are those who are well-educated, highly skilled, intelligent, insightful, virtuous, and capable. The notion that those with high talent, extensive knowledge, and moral integrity are the foundation for societal survival and growth.
The prosperity or decline of a nation depends on its talented individuals. Thus, to ensure national vitality and development, nurturing talent is indispensable.

Question 2: page 32, Vietnamese Language 9, volume 2
What is the significance of engraving the names of scholars on the stone tablets for the contemporary era and future generations?

Answer:
The significance of engraving the names of scholars on the stone tablets for both the contemporary era and future generations:
Immortalizing talented individuals showcases the esteem for talent by the “enlightened rulers”.
It serves as an inspiration for scholars to look up to the exemplary figures, motivating them to strive for dignity, honor, and to assist the rulers. The stone inscription not only honors but also reminds and calls on scholars to cultivate virtue, hone skills, and contribute to the nation.
It prevents evil, suppresses wrongdoing: ill intentions are deterred, kindness flourishes, and evil-doers see this as a warning, while the virtuous take it as a lesson for self-improvement.

Question 3: page 32, Vietnamese Language 9, volume 2
What historical lessons can be drawn from the engraving of the doctoral names on the stone tablets?
Answer:
The historical lesson from engraving the names of scholars on the stone tablets is:
Throughout history, “talent is the vital force of the nation”, and we must recognize and appreciate talented individuals.
Talent is directly related to the prosperity or decline of the country (during the Lê Thánh Tông era, the respect for talent and its utilization led to the golden age of the Lê dynasty in Vietnam’s feudal history).
It reflects the state’s philosophy that education is a national policy and the cultivation of talent is vital.
It also embodies Hồ Chí Minh’s viewpoint: a nation that is uneducated is a weak nation.
Today, local governments and the state must implement policies that attract, encourage, and develop talented individuals to prevent brain drain. Acknowledging and honoring top achievers in various academic exams is essential.

Question 4: page 32, Vietnamese Language 9, volume 2
Diagram of the structure of the essay on the engraved doctoral names: Role, importance of talented individuals -> Policies that promote talent in the nation (current actions) -> Significance and impact of the engraving of doctoral names

Additional Reference
Question 1: The content and artistic value of the essay "Hiền tài là nguyên khí quốc gia"
Answer:
1. Content value
The significance of individuals who are both talented and virtuous
The meaning lies in encouraging contemporary scholars to cultivate virtue and skill, while expressing the author’s dedication to the country.
2. Artistic value
Logical argumentation.
Clear points and supporting arguments, with eloquent and reasoned language.

I. GUIDELINES FOR COMPOSING THE ESSAY

Question 1 (Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 2 – Page 32)

The importance of talented individuals to the nation:

Talented individuals are the vital energy of the nation. When this energy is abundant, the country becomes strong and prosperous; when this energy diminishes, the nation weakens and falters.

=> Talented individuals play a crucial role in the rise and fall of a nation, its survival, and its development.

Question 2 (Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 2 – Page 32)

The significance of honoring the memory of talented individuals:

- It reflects the spirit of valuing and encouraging talent.

- It highlights exemplary figures for future generations to admire, instilling a sense of duty to serve and assist the nation.

- It prevents evil, promotes virtue, and provides guidance for the future.

Question 3 (Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 2 – Page 32)

The lessons learned from history:

- Education is a national policy, and emphasizing the importance of talented individuals is the most crucial path to the country's development.

- There must be corresponding policies to attract and nurture talent, preventing the brain drain phenomenon.

- Talented individuals must be aware of their responsibility to their country and nation.

Question 4 (Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 2 – Page 32)

Diagram:

The role and significance of talented individuals -> Policies to encourage talent (current actions and ongoing efforts) -> The meaning and impact of erecting stone tablets for scholars.

II. KEY KNOWLEDGE

1. The Vital Role of Talented Individuals

- Talented individuals are the vital energy of the nation:

+ Talented individuals: those with high skills, extensive knowledge, and moral integrity.

+ Vital energy: the core force that ensures survival and progress of all things.

=> Individuals who are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and virtuous form the essential foundation for the nation's survival and development.

=> Talented individuals are deeply connected to the nation's rise and fall.

- The method of reasoning: deductive reasoning.

The argument unfolds through contrasting comparisons:

Abundant energy -> Limited energy

A large number of talented individuals -> A scarcity of talented individuals

A strong nation -> A weakened nation

=> Affirming the undeniable and self-evident nature of the truth.

2. Actions taken to encourage talent by the great emperors

- Past actions:

+ Celebrating and honoring reputations, mentioning names on golden plaques.

+ Bestowing titles and honors.

+ Offering lavish feasts...

=> These actions are insufficient because the fame of talented individuals was short-lived and did not endure.

- Future actions: Erecting stone tablets for scholars.

3. The Significance of Erecting Stone Tablets for Scholars

- Encouraging talent: Scholars are motivated to improve their moral character, strive for excellence, and work diligently for the nation.

- Preventing evil: Wickedness and bad intentions are curbed, while goodness prevails. The wicked are warned, and the virtuous are inspired to continue striving.

- Reflecting on the past and providing guidance for the future, contributing to the cultivation of the scholars' reputation and strengthening the nation’s foundation.

I. Fundamental Knowledge of the Essay 'Talent is the Vital Force of the Nation'
a. Author

Thân Nhân Trung (1418 – 1499), courtesy name Hậu Phủ, from Yên Ninh, Yên Dũng, now in Bac Giang province, passed the doctoral exam in 1469. He was once the Deputy General of the Tao Đàn in the literary society founded by King Lê Thánh Tông. In addition to this epitaph, he also wrote poetry.

b. Work

This excerpt is part of a work titled 'Epitaph of the Doctoral Candidate of the Nhâm Tuất Exam, Third Year of the Đại Bảo Reign,' one of 82 inscriptions in Văn Miếu, Hanoi.
Inscribed epitaphs are carved writings on stone meant to record significant events or the names and lives of people with great merit for posterity. There are three main types of epitaphs: those commemorating merit, those recording the construction of architectural works, and those for tombs. The 'Epitaph of the Doctoral Candidate of the Nhâm Tuất Exam' belongs to the commemorative type, which acknowledges merit. Epitaphs of merit typically include an introduction stating the reason for the inscription, the process of writing it, the date and the name of the writer (in prose), and the main text (in verse). Gradually, the introduction or text became the most important part, reflecting the views and philosophies of the writer. This epitaph serves as an introduction to all 82 doctoral inscriptions at Văn Miếu.

c. Observation

In affirming that talent is the vital force of the nation, Thân Nhân Trung analyzes the importance of talented individuals in the nation's destiny, while also emphasizing the noble purpose of inscribing the names of scholars.

II. Answers to Questions

Question 1 (page 32, 10th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

Talent is someone with both virtue and high ability.

- Vital force refers to the original substance that sustains the survival and development of all things.

Talented individuals are the vital force of the nation, playing a crucial role in determining the prosperity and decline of the country.

- The state has long honored talented people, elevating their names, conferring titles, creating ranks, recording their names on golden tablets, holding banquets... but not yet fully acknowledging the true role and position of talented individuals. It is necessary to inscribe their names on the doctoral stone tablets to immortalize them in history.

Question 2 (page 32, 10th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

The significance of inscribing the doctoral stone tablets:

- Encourages the talented and scholars to strive for honor and serve the king.

- Prevents evil and wrongdoers: it stops malice, fills hearts with goodness, and serves as a warning to the wicked.

- Uses the past as a guide to the future, contributing to the flourishing of talent, the long-lasting prosperity of the nation, the reputation of scholars, and strengthening the state.

Question 3 (page 32, 10th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

The historical significance of inscribing the stone tablets:

- At all times, 'talent is the vital force of the nation,' and we must value talent.

- Embracing the state's view that education is a national priority, and that the cultivation of talent is vital.

- Adopting the perspective of President Hồ: A nation that is ignorant is a weak nation.

- Today, local governments and the state must have policies that honor and encourage the development of talent, to prevent a brain drain.

- Celebrating the top graduates of universities at Văn Miếu.

Question 4 (page 32, 10th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

The structure of the epitaph:

The role and importance of talented individuals -> The state's policies to encourage talent (actions, ongoing initiatives) -> The significance and impact of inscribing the doctoral tablets.

Conclusion:
Content: The importance and significance of talent to the nation; the actions showing the concern of the emperors for talent and the significance of inscribing the doctoral tablets.
Artistry: A cohesive structure, logical reasoning, and compelling persuasion.
Significance: A lesson on the importance of nurturing talent for the nation.

Question 1 (page 32, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2)

What is the importance of talented individuals to the nation?

Detailed answer:

- Talented individuals are those with both virtue and great abilities.

- 'Nguyên khí' refers to the essential energy that ensures the survival and development of things.

- Talented people represent the 'nguyên khí' of a nation, playing an extremely crucial and valuable role, determining whether a nation thrives or falls.

- The government has historically honored talented individuals: offering titles, ranks, prestigious honors, and even hosting banquets... yet these actions have not fully matched the esteemed status of these individuals, hence there is a need to erect stelae to immortalize their names in the history books.

Question 2 (page 32, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2)

What is the significance and impact of engraving the names of doctoral graduates on stelae for both the contemporary generation and future generations?

Detailed answer:

- It encourages talented individuals and scholars to strive for honor, fostering admiration, and motivating them to dedicate themselves to serving the nation.

- It prevents wrongdoing: negative influences are countered, virtue is nurtured, and wrongdoers are deterred, while virtuous individuals are inspired to continue their efforts.

- It bridges the past with the future, helping talented individuals flourish and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the nation. It also preserves the reputation of scholars and reinforces the state’s stability.

Question 3 (page 32, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2)

What historical lessons can be drawn from the practice of inscribing the names of doctoral graduates on stelae?

Detailed answer:

- Throughout history, 'talent has always been the essential energy of the nation,' and it is vital to recognize and cherish human talent.

- Embracing the nation's perspective: education is a national priority, and talented individuals should be valued and utilized.

- Understanding Ho Chi Minh's viewpoint: 'A nation that is ignorant is a weak nation.'

- Today, all levels of government must implement policies to reward and encourage the development of talented individuals, avoiding the loss of intellectual resources. Each year, top graduates are honored at Văn Miếu...

Question 4 (page 32, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2)

Sketch a diagram illustrating the structure of the above-mentioned inscription.

Detailed answer:

The role and importance of talented individuals -> Government policies promoting and honoring talent (actions taken and ongoing efforts) -> The significance of engraving doctoral graduates' names on stelae.

Structure

Structure: 2 parts

- Part 1: From the beginning... emphasizing the value of talented individuals to the nation.

- Part 2: The remaining part: highlighting the significance of engraving names and honoring talented individuals.

Main Content

- Encouraging scholars of the time to cultivate virtue and skill, while reflecting the author's devotion to the nation.

- This also serves as a valuable lesson for future generations.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE WORK

I. AUTHOR

- Thân Nhân Trung (1418-1499), also known as Hậu Phủ, hailing from Yên Ninh village, Yên Dũng district (Bắc Giang)

- He earned his doctorate in 1469 and became a renowned literary figure, trusted by Lê Thánh Tông, who frequently invited him to the royal court to review literary works.

- When the Tao Đàn literary society was formed, Lê Thánh Tông appointed Thân Nhân Trung and Đỗ Nhuận (1446 - ?) as Vice Generals of Tao Đàn.

II. WORK

- To promote education and encourage the development of talent, the feudal government under the Lê dynasty introduced the system of announcing names, posting official lists, granting ceremonial robes, awarding horses, hosting feasts, and offering honorific titles to those who achieved high academic qualifications starting from 1439.

- The Đại Bảo Tam Niên Nhâm Tuất Khoa Tiến Sĩ Đề Danh Kí, written by Thân Nhân Trung in 1484 during the Hồng Đức era, is one of the 82 inscriptions at Văn Miếu (Hanoi).

- Genre: Inscriptions, a form of written record on stone steles to document significant events or the names of individuals who have made outstanding contributions, to be passed down to future generations.

- Structure of the work:

+ Paragraph 1: From the beginning to "...to the highest level" => The vital role of talented individuals to the nation.

+ Paragraph 2: The remainder => The significance of erecting steles and inscribing the names of distinguished individuals.

ESSAY PREPARATION

Question 1 - Page 32, Literature 10 Textbook

What is the importance of talented individuals to the nation?

Answer:

- Talented individuals are those with both virtue and skill.

- 'Nguyên khí' refers to the essential energy that ensures the survival and growth of things.

Talented individuals are the 'nguyên khí' of the nation, playing a crucial and irreplaceable role, determining whether the nation flourishes or declines.

- The state has honored talented individuals: elevating their reputation, bestowing titles and ranks, inscribing their names on golden plaques, hosting feasts... However, these honors have not fully matched the significance of their roles, and thus, there is a need to carve steles to immortalize their names in history.

Question 2 - Page 32, Literature 10 Textbook

What is the significance and impact of engraving doctoral names on steles for both the current generation and future generations?

Answer:

- It motivates talented individuals and scholars, inspiring them to work harder, earn admiration, and strive to assist the emperor.

- It prevents evil deeds and bad influences: it stops harmful ideas, encourages goodwill, and motivates virtuous people to improve.

- It connects past events with future directions, helping talented individuals thrive, ensuring the nation’s long-term prosperity, polishing the reputation of scholars, and strengthening the state’s stability.

Question 3 - Page 32, Literature 10 Textbook

What historical lessons can be learned from the practice of inscribing the names of doctoral graduates on steles?

Answer:

- Throughout history, 'talent is the essential energy of the nation,' and it is important to cherish human talent.

- This aligns with the nation's view: education is a national policy, and talented individuals must be valued and nurtured.

- It reflects the ideology of President Hồ Chí Minh: 'An illiterate nation is a weak nation.'

- Today, all levels of government must have policies that honor and encourage the development of talented individuals, preventing a brain drain. Top graduates should be annually celebrated at Văn Miếu...

Question 4 - Page 32, Literature 10 Textbook

Sketch a diagram illustrating the structure of the above-mentioned inscription.

Answer:

Diagram illustrating the structure of the inscription commemorating doctoral graduates:

The role and importance of talented individuals -> The state’s policies to promote and reward talented individuals (past and ongoing actions) -> The significance of inscribing doctoral names on steles.

SUMMARY

The inscription on talented individuals as the essential energy of the nation represents the author’s profound understanding of the relationship between talent and the nation’s destiny. The meaning of engraving doctoral names on steles is clearly conveyed through a sharp and convincing argumentative style that engages the reader.