Top 8 Thought-Provoking Essays on the Quote 'Learn to Know, Learn to Do, Learn to Live Together, Learn to Assert Yourself'

Humans have an inherent desire to learn and expand their understanding. It is through accumulating and exploring knowledge that humanity has made tremendous progress, leading to the advancements we see today. In society, individuals with broad knowledge are highly respected, and those with a thirst for learning are cherished and supported by others. However, not everyone fully grasps the purpose and significance of learning. This is why UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) proposed the idea: 'Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert yourself' as a guiding principle for people's educational pursuits.

'Learning' is the process of acquiring and accumulating knowledge. Through this process, we gain the necessary tools for life. With education, we acquire the knowledge to overcome challenges and achieve success in our endeavors. By exploring the world, we come to understand new cultures and learn to respect the differences between nations, enabling us to live together in peace and harmony. Moreover, learning allows us to carve out our own space and assert our identity in society. These are the profound impacts of learning that UNESCO seeks to convey through the phrase 'Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert yourself.' Aren’t these the things we all aspire to and strive for? Through this advocacy, UNESCO delivers a powerful message: learning brings monumental changes to each individual’s life and, potentially, to the world.

Knowledge is an endless treasure trove. Of course, no one can fully possess all of it, as it is vast and continually expanding. Nevertheless, humans have an innate desire to conquer this treasure, even though it is not easy. Only learning can help us realize this dream. We can learn from various sources and in diverse ways. There is no single formula, nor are there any limitations of time or space for learning. We can learn from teachers, friends, and those around us; from life experiences, and then apply that knowledge to enrich our lives both materially and spiritually, even helping others. A country with many educated citizens will develop rapidly, eventually becoming a prosperous and thriving nation.

Our nation has a long-standing tradition of valuing education. In the past, many scholars from poor backgrounds remained determined to pursue their studies, dedicating themselves to their learning, striving to use their knowledge to build the country. Many of them contributed to preserving our nation's independence and sovereignty, asserting their place in history. Today, thousands of students across the country continue to pursue education despite financial difficulties, knowing that education is the only path to changing their lives and proving their worth in society. Even those who have achieved status and success in their careers still recognize the importance of learning. They may not necessarily go to school, but they are aware of how learning is essential for life, work, and their careers. For instance, a newspaper once published an article about a Vietnamese language class in Germany, where Germans were learning Vietnamese and Vietnamese culture to prepare for their move to Vietnam. No one asked them to do this, but they understood that it was necessary for their lives in a new country with a culture very different from their own.

Learning holds significant value, but not everyone understands the purpose of education. Some students procrastinate, become disheartened, and neglect their studies; others study carelessly, aiming only to pass tests without focusing on real learning. How can these students acquire the necessary knowledge for the future? How will they face life's challenges without a solid foundation of knowledge? Then, there are those who study diligently, dedicating all their time to learning but forgetting about the outside world. Perhaps they forget that the world holds unexpected lessons that books can never teach them. It is the real world where they can practice and experience the knowledge they've gained.

While learning is crucial, the way we learn and the balance between study and relaxation are also important. Without a proper learning method, we may study a lot but retain little. Similarly, if we cannot manage our time well, we risk burnout, leading to frustration and eventually a lack of motivation. A small game, a piece of music, or a favorite movie can help relieve stress and prepare us to absorb new knowledge.

'Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert yourself' is a wise principle, and this philosophy becomes even more significant as humanity continues to advance and the horizons of knowledge expand. In the future, as the world shifts toward a knowledge-based economy, knowledge will be the key factor in securing one's place in society. If we do not want to be left behind, the only path is learning. Learning will allow us to step onto the global stage, 'side by side with the great powers of the five continents,' with pride, not with inferiority or timidity.

Education has always been an essential need and activity for humans throughout history. Over thousands of years, the concept of learning has evolved, gradually approaching the truth and essence of education. In today's world, UNESCO has proposed the goals of education as follows: 'Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert yourself.'

The purpose of learning is clearly summarized by UNESCO into four distinct, comprehensive, accurate, and scientific elements: 'Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert yourself.' These four goals represent the pillars of modern education, each reinforcing the others. The first goal, 'knowing,' has always been the primary purpose of learning. In the past, this was true, and it remains so today, as human knowledge expands, but our understanding remains limited. 'Knowing' is the first step in acquiring knowledge, forming the foundation for the other goals of education. Confucius once said, 'You cannot understand what the mountain feels without climbing it; you cannot comprehend the depth of the sea without diving into it.' Learning to know follows this principle. However, knowing is not just for the sake of knowledge, or for becoming a so-called 'wise scholar' reading endless books in the old way. In today's world, the critical criterion is learning to apply that knowledge, to take action and practice what we learn in real life. 'Knowing' and 'doing' are inseparable in modern education; they are interdependent and complement each other: knowing to do, and doing to deepen and strengthen that knowledge. As President Ho Chi Minh stated, 'Learn to act, act to learn.' The emphasis on 'doing' as the second goal, right after 'knowing,' aligns perfectly with modern education, where people are expected to act and create.

The third objective of education is learning to live together, which is a novel and deeply relevant goal in today's globalized world. Humans no longer live in isolation, following a 'self-sufficient' model. Instead, we live in a globalized society, understanding one another, learning from each other, and helping one another. Living together has become a natural necessity, an essential skill, and a virtue of modern humanity. It must be recognized as a core goal of education, holding equal importance with the other objectives. 'Living together' here refers to the spirit of shared humanity, the way of life in the modern era. Learning to live together in the 21st century involves understanding and respecting others. Finally, learning to assert oneself is the personal goal of self-empowerment in education, a necessary step in the development of one's character.

Self-assertion is the final destination of modern education: it is when a person has gradually perfected their character, acquired the capacity and qualities to coexist with others, and can contribute to the progress of their nation and humanity. If education does not result in self-assertion, it can be considered incomplete.

The four goals of education proposed by UNESCO are both accurate and modern, scientifically grounded, and deeply relevant to the times. The logical order of these goals is: knowing -> doing -> living together -> asserting oneself. This logical progression is clear: knowing is necessary to act, knowing and doing enable us to live together, and from knowing, doing, and living together, we can assert ourselves. While UNESCO has framed these goals as four distinct elements of education, they can ultimately be reduced to two main principles: 'Learn to know' as the acquisition of knowledge, and 'learn to do, live together, and assert oneself' as the application of knowledge and the continuous improvement of personal character. These ideas reflect the progressive and forward-thinking views on education in the modern world.

President Ho Chi Minh once famously stated the significance of knowledge in the strength of a nation: "A nation that is ignorant is a weak nation." In today's rapidly developing market-driven society, as individuals strive to improve and become warriors of life, education and learning play an increasingly vital role in individual growth. Education has become a top priority, emphasized as a national policy in many recent Communist Party Congresses. UNESCO also highlights education with four primary objectives: "Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to be," underscoring the importance of knowledge in humanity's advancement.

Learning can simply be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge, involving both active and passive elements, through various means such as formal education, books, experience, and personal practice. Learning is a lifelong endeavor, often unnoticed, occurring silently as people adapt to life, form new habits, or gain insights. The purposes of learning can be broadly categorized into four primary objectives, as defined by UNESCO. The first purpose is "learning to know," meaning learning to understand, improve oneself, and keep up with societal advancements. It starts from a superficial understanding and gradually deepens, allowing individuals to master a field and gain expertise. Learning to know opens doors to broader understanding, enriches one’s life experiences, sharpens one’s mind, and boosts confidence in social interactions. With a wealth of knowledge, one can engage more confidently with others, form meaningful relationships, and avoid making mistakes due to limited knowledge. Furthermore, it fosters personal growth, helping individuals gain maturity and wisdom in evaluating life and others, making wiser decisions in both social and professional contexts.

The next objective of learning is "learning to do," which is equally crucial. No one can excel at a task they have not learned or experienced, even if they are a genius. Every task in life follows a process, and one must go through a learning journey to acquire the necessary skills to perform it well and effectively. "Learning to do" is a practical application of the saying "learning by doing," where theory is applied to practice to create tangible value—both material and spiritual—to serve one’s own life and society. For example, a singer learns vocal techniques to perform beautiful songs, a baker learns to make delicious pastries to satisfy customers, a farmer learns to process crops to enhance product value, or a doctor undergoes years of study and practice to gain the skills necessary to independently treat patients. Clearly, the essence of learning is to do, to create value for society. Without application, learning becomes wasted and meaningless, preventing individuals from growing. Without practical experience, when faced with real-world challenges, one is unable to solve problems that theory alone cannot address.

The third purpose of learning is "learning to live together." Ancient Vietnamese wisdom teaches this principle through sayings like "learn to eat, learn to speak, learn to wrap, learn to open," meaning that to coexist harmoniously with others, one must learn proper behavior and communication. Another saying, "First learn manners, then learn knowledge," emphasizes that before pursuing academic knowledge, one must first understand social etiquette and the correct way to interact with others in society. From a Marxist-Leninist perspective, human beings are shaped by their social relationships, and to coexist and thrive in a vast community, we must acquire skills for "living together"—skills like communication, social interaction, adaptability, listening, and expressing personal views diplomatically. These skills prevent one from being isolated or left behind, ensuring that they remain relevant in an ever-changing world. Furthermore, learning to live together is crucial for personal development, helping individuals build their character, identity, and place in life.

The final purpose UNESCO mentions is "learning to be," which is fundamentally about self-realization. This is the ultimate goal for most learners. After years of study and challenges, the end goal is to achieve accomplishments that affirm one's identity and secure a strong position in society. This could be through success in a specific field, earning a prestigious degree, building a rewarding career, defending a research thesis, or accumulating wealth. People also affirm themselves through "learning to live together," "learning to do," and "learning to know." They assert their place through social interactions, personal integrity, skills, and knowledge across various fields. Ultimately, the greatest goal of learning is to find one's place in society, to assert one’s role and position in the community, and to lead a life of meaning, not just mere existence.

Thus, UNESCO’s vision of education is entirely reasonable and thoroughly reflects the essential reasons why learning is crucial for humanity's development. It meets the educational goals set by all nations and organizations, ensuring the universality of learning objectives worldwide. It affirms the importance of learning in human life and encourages us to recognize the dangers of misconceptions in the learning process. Some people mistakenly believe that education is unnecessary, boring, and irrelevant to life, which leads to laziness, dependency, and dishonest shortcuts in exams. They may study for the sake of grades but neglect the true purpose of learning: acquiring knowledge to be applied in life, learning to live together, and learning to do. This results in a generation skilled in theory but lacking practical knowledge, much like "paper doctors" who excel in theory but lack applied research. For example, students who cannot write a proper permission letter, or "PhDs" who excel in theory but have yet to produce meaningful applied research.

In conclusion, we must all have a correct understanding of the purpose of education, set clear goals, and recognize that learning is a lifelong endeavor, not just a phase. We learn to affirm ourselves, avoid stagnation, contribute to the development of our country, build humanity’s knowledge base, and create our own careers. Therefore, we must give our best effort in the pursuit of knowledge, continually striving to conquer the vast treasure trove of human wisdom and develop ourselves in the most positive and comprehensive way possible.

We all acknowledge the critical role and importance of learning in human life. Therefore, the statement "Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to affirm oneself" is entirely accurate and relevant.

Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge from books, schools, and life experiences. The primary purpose of learning is to gain understanding, expand our knowledge of life, nature, society, and human beings. Starting from a place of ignorance or limited knowledge, we evolve into individuals who are more knowledgeable, deeply understand various fields, and refine ourselves. Moreover, we must apply theoretical knowledge gained from books to real-world situations in order to create both material and spiritual value, contributing to both personal needs and societal progress. Another goal of learning is to integrate into society and adapt to various living environments. Since "humans are a product of their social relationships," our essence, values, and character are formed, nurtured, affirmed, and tested within these social interactions. The ultimate goal of learning is self-affirmation, establishing a secure and respected position in society, and finding personal meaning in life. Only through knowledge, the ability to act, and the capacity to coexist can one truly affirm their identity. Through learning, each individual can assert their accumulated knowledge, work ethic, creativity, character, and personal virtues.

From these noble educational objectives, we recognize some misconceptions about learning: learning without purpose, viewing education solely as an obligation to others, studying for degrees or achievements, studying without the ability to act, live harmoniously, or affirm oneself.

From these observations, we derive valuable lessons for our personal learning journeys. Learning is not a one-time event but a continuous, lifelong process; it does not only occur in schools but throughout society. Teachers should not only impart knowledge but also educate us on the values of "being human." Furthermore, learning must go hand-in-hand with practical action to truly affirm oneself and live meaningfully in both personal and social spheres. As young people, we must make the effort to study today in order to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

Vietnam, with its millennia of rich culture, has always valued the importance of education. However, each individual has their own approach and purpose for learning. UNESCO proposed: "Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself" to clarify the purpose of education. This statement once again highlights the vital role of setting clear learning goals for each individual.

Learning is a process through which individuals acquire knowledge in science, technology, social culture, and most importantly, how to coexist within a community. Learning is a continuous process that knows no boundaries of time or space. As the famous Russian revolutionary Lenin said: "Learn, learn more, keep learning." "Learn to know" refers to the process of acquiring knowledge to expand one’s personal understanding. "Learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself" is about applying this knowledge in practical work, learning how to communicate and interact with others in everyday life. Through learning to know, do, live together, each individual finds their place and position in society, asserting their identity.

UNESCO has reaffirmed the importance of setting correct learning goals for each person. Only with clear educational objectives can individuals determine the best methods to achieve the best results. This is especially crucial for the younger generation, who will be the future leaders of the nation. This aligns well with Vietnam's current integration into the global economy.

The first goal UNESCO mentions in learning is "learning to know". This is considered the most important because human knowledge is limitless, and people are like a grain of sand in the desert or a drop of water in the vast ocean. Humans must constantly learn to keep up with the ever-expanding body of knowledge. Learning broadens our intellect and understanding, leading us into the deep and mysterious realms of the world around us—from rivers and mountains to the boundless universe. Learning takes us into vast spaces like galaxies, or into the tiny worlds of matter. It lets us explore the distant past and opens doors to the future, helping us better understand the present.

More importantly, learning to know lays the foundation for applying that knowledge in real-world tasks. Therefore, individuals must continually acquire human knowledge to enrich their personal understanding.

Only when people have acquired knowledge and applied it proficiently in real life does learning truly make sense: "learn to do". Practicing through one’s own efforts allows individuals to assess the extent of their understanding. Not everyone is capable of applying what they’ve learned effectively. When the plans and drafts of professors and doctors are not put into practice, they remain empty theories. These things become worthless if they are kept only in museums or libraries as historical mementos. Therefore, learning and action must go hand in hand to achieve the best results. "Learning to know" makes "learning to do" more proficient, preventing unnecessary mistakes when applying theory to practice.

Although there is no formal education system like professors or doctors, farmers have the ability to innovate and apply what they observe to their work, understanding the true purpose of productive life. They learn in the fields, on plowed lands, through their own sweat and tears. They gain experience from labor and seek solutions to make life easier and increase agricultural productivity with less effort. Scientist Luong Dinh Cua created high-yielding, disease-resistant rice varieties for farmers. He also knew how to apply his research to real-life situations. Once, while traveling, he saw people planting rice, and he advised them to plant the rice with their palms facing upwards for quicker root growth. Initially, people thought it was just an empty theory, but they invited him to the field to try. The scientist agreed, and from his vehicle, he went into the field and planted rice with a woman. After a short time, he surpassed her; not only did he plant faster, but his planting was also straighter. From then on, the people admired him not only for being a great scientist but also for his ability to apply these concepts practically. He truly became a role model for "learning to do" and inspired others to learn.

When people have learned to know and applied their knowledge to practice, it’s time to learn how to live in harmony with others. "Learning to live together" is about managing relationships in daily life, and this can only be achieved when each individual listens to and understands others. "Learning to live together" succeeds when you can make others understand and respect you. We surely remember the character Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables" with his famous saying: "There is only one thing in life that is important, and that is to love one another." Jean Valjean’s selfless love and sacrifice for Cosette and Marius caused Javert, a rigid police inspector, to lose his way and tragically jump into the Seine. Furthermore, Valjean’s noble feelings helped Fantine, a poor mother who lost her child, pass away in peace. Through the light of love, Jean Valjean pushed away the darkness of oppression and sparked hope for the future. Jean Valjean is the most beautiful embodiment of love and living wholeheartedly for the community and others. That’s why Victor Hugo created this timeless novel that transcends space and time.

The learning process is continuous and long-term, requiring individuals to constantly accumulate knowledge, self-update, and never be satisfied with what they already know. "Learn to assert oneself" is how individuals assert their own identity to themselves, and only when this is achieved can they assert themselves to others. When a person successfully asserts their identity, they gain recognition, admiration, and respect for their character. In 2010, Professor Ngo Bao Chau made Vietnam proud by winning the Fields Medal in mathematics in India—the most prestigious award in the field of mathematics globally. Before receiving this award, Professor Ngo Bao Chau was already one of the world’s leading mathematicians. However, to assert himself to both himself and the community, Professor Ngo Bao Chau continued to study and contribute to his country’s glory. Purpose is the guiding light for human actions and work. Only when people have clear goals can they avoid mistakes and shortcomings and adjust their behavior. Learning is no different: when people identify the right learning objectives, that’s the first step toward academic success.

In practice, not everyone knows how to learn for success, and this is largely due to a lack of or unclear learning goals. When there is no clear objective, these individuals often feel fatigued and bored with learning, and it turns into mere rebellion. The consequences of not setting learning goals have led to unfortunate outcomes in society today, such as cheating in exams, using unauthorized materials, and the reckless behavior of some students, contributing to social issues. This is truly concerning, especially during a time when the country is industrializing and modernizing, requiring young intellectuals who are well-versed in science and technology. These individuals are failing to fulfill their roles as citizens. This highlights the importance of defining clear learning goals, a point UNESCO has emphasized.

As a student currently sitting in the classroom, I deeply understand the importance of setting clear learning goals. Only with these goals can we determine the best methods and strategies for learning effectively. Those who haven’t defined their educational objectives often become discouraged and give up on their studies, which will directly affect their future.

There is a Russian proverb that says: "Don’t be ashamed of what you don’t know, only be ashamed of not wanting to learn." Education helps people expand their knowledge and enrich humanity’s collective wisdom. Therefore, to achieve high learning effectiveness, each person needs to set clear learning goals, as UNESCO suggests: "Learn to understand, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself."

Our country, with its thousand-year-old history and culture, has always placed great importance on the role of education. However, each individual has their own methods and purposes for learning. Regarding the correct identification of educational goals, UNESCO once proposed: "Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself." This statement by UNESCO once again emphasizes the vital role of setting the right learning goals for each person.

Learning is the process through which people acquire knowledge about science, technology, society, and most importantly, how to live harmoniously within a community. The learning process is continuous, and people learn at all times and places. As the great Russian revolutionary Lenin said: "Learn, learn more, learn forever." "Learn to know" is the process of acquiring knowledge to expand personal understanding. "Learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself" refers to applying theoretical knowledge to real-world labor and production, learning how to interact with others and handle daily life. Through learning to know, learning to do, and learning to live together, individuals will find their place and identity in society to assert themselves.

UNESCO has confirmed the significant role of correctly identifying learning goals for each person. Only when one has clear learning goals can they determine the appropriate learning methods to achieve the best results. This is especially important for the younger generations, who will become the future leaders of the country. Moreover, this is aligned with the current phase of Vietnam’s international economic integration.

The first goal of learning that UNESCO emphasizes is "learning to know." This goal is prioritized because the treasure of human knowledge is infinite, and humanity is like a grain of sand in the desert or a drop of water in the vast ocean. People must continuously learn to keep up with the ever-expanding knowledge of humanity. Learning broadens our minds and understanding, leading us into the profound and mysterious aspects of the world around us, from rivers and mountains to the vast universe. Learning takes us into vast realms like galaxies or tiny spaces such as the world of particles. Learning transcends time, bringing us to past historical events, while also opening doors to the future and helping us understand the present in a deeper way. More importantly, learning to know provides the foundation for applying this knowledge in future work. Therefore, people must constantly absorb humanity's knowledge to enrich their own understanding.

Only when people have mastered knowledge and skillfully applied it to life does learning truly hold meaning: "learning to do." Practice using one’s own efforts allows people to test their understanding. Not everyone who is good at studying can apply their knowledge well. When the proposals and drafts of professors and doctors are not put into practice, they are just empty theories. These ideas become worthless when they are preserved only in museums or libraries as historical memories. Therefore, learning and doing must go hand in hand to achieve high results. "Learning to know" helps "learning to do" become more proficient and avoid unnecessary mistakes when applying theories to real-world scenarios.

Although farmers may not receive formal education like professors or doctors, they creatively apply what they observe and understand what they truly need in their agricultural work. They learn in the fields, on plowed lands, through their sweat and tears. They extract knowledge from the labor process and seek solutions to make life easier, achieving higher agricultural yields with less effort. The scientist Luong Dinh Cua created high-yield rice varieties that are resistant to pests, benefiting farmers. Moreover, he knew how to apply his research in real life. On one occasion, while observing people planting rice in the fields, he suggested that they plant the rice by turning their hands upward to speed up the process and help the rice roots grow faster. At first, people thought this was just empty theory, so they invited him to try it. The scientist agreed, and as he joined a woman in planting rice, he quickly surpassed her, not only planting faster but also in a straight line. From then on, the people admired him, not only for being a great scientist but also for skillfully applying his knowledge to practical use. He truly became a model of "learning to do" for others to follow.

When one has learned to know and applied that knowledge to practice, they must also learn how to live in harmony with the community. "Learning to live together" is the process of balancing relationships in everyday life, and this can only be achieved when each individual listens and understands others. "Learning to live together" succeeds when you can make others understand and respect you. We surely remember the character Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo’s novel "Les Misérables" with his famous line: "There is only one thing in life that matters, and that is to love one another." The love and self-sacrifice that Jean Valjean showed to Cosette and Marius caused Javert, a stern police inspector, to feel lost and ultimately take his own life by jumping into the Seine River. Not only that, but his noble feelings helped Fantine, a poor mother who had lost her child, pass away in peace. Through the light of love, Jean Valjean pushed away the darkness of oppression and sparked hope for the future. Jean Valjean embodies the highest form of love and living together for the community and others. That’s why Victor Hugo’s novel has transcended the limits of time and space.

The learning process is continuous and long-term, requiring individuals to constantly accumulate knowledge, renew themselves, and, importantly, never be satisfied with what they already know. "Learning to assert oneself" is how people assert their identity to themselves, so they can also assert themselves to others. When people can assert themselves, they gain recognition, admiration, and respect for their character. In 2010, Professor Ngo Bao Chau brought pride to Vietnam when he won the Fields Medal in mathematics in India – the highest honor in the field of mathematics worldwide. Before winning this award, Professor Ngo Bao Chau was already one of the leading mathematicians in the world. However, to assert himself both to himself and to the community, he continued to study and bring glory to the country as he does today. Purpose is the guiding light for one’s actions. Only when there is a clear goal can people avoid shortcomings, mistakes, and adjust their behaviors. Learning is no different; when people have clear learning goals, it is the first step toward success in education.

In reality, many people go to school, but few know how to learn successfully because they lack or haven’t yet identified their educational goals. Because they don’t set clear goals, these individuals often become tired and frustrated with learning, and for them, education becomes a form of resistance. The consequences of not setting clear learning goals have led to regrettable social issues today. These include cheating during exams, using cheat sheets, and the lax lifestyles of some students, contributing to current social problems. This is indeed a concerning situation, especially when our country is undergoing industrialization and modernization, requiring educated and knowledgeable young people in science and technology. They are not fulfilling their duties as citizens. Thus, we see the significant role of setting clear educational goals as UNESCO proposed.

As a student still sitting in school, I deeply understand the importance of setting the right learning goals. Only when we have these goals can we determine the best learning methods to achieve high academic results. Those who haven’t identified their learning goals often become discouraged and neglect their studies, which will directly impact their future.

A Russian proverb says: "Don’t be ashamed of not knowing, only be ashamed of not wanting to learn." Education helps expand one’s knowledge and enriches the collective knowledge of humanity. Therefore, to achieve high learning outcomes, each person needs to set clear learning goals, as UNESCO suggested: "Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself."

In today’s age of advanced science, education plays an incredibly important role. It is a matter that the whole society focuses on. So, why do we learn? UNESCO has proposed the purpose of learning: "Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself."

The learning goals set by UNESCO are not only timely but also deeply humanistic. The purpose of learning must meet two essential requirements: acquiring knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge, gradually shaping one's character. First and foremost: "Learn to know." The first lesson for every student is to learn letters, numbers, how to read and write. It is from this foundational stage that a comprehensive knowledge system begins to take shape at the basic level. Learning here refers to the process of receiving knowledge passed down by others and enriching one’s own understanding. Through learning, we uncover the natural laws of the world, the social norms of society, the way to live, and develop a deeper appreciation for the value of life. Acquiring knowledge is, without a doubt, the most fundamental purpose of education. It nourishes the intellect and illuminates the mind.

However, as our ancestors said: "Practice makes perfect." If we focus solely on theoretical learning without practical experience, we will inevitably encounter challenges or even failures when putting that knowledge to work. A clear example is seen in our society, where many people may know a lot but lack the practical skills to apply their knowledge effectively. On the other hand, why do farmers, who spend their days toiling in the soil, who have never been formally educated, become so skilled and proficient in their work? It is their ability to observe, accumulate experience through labor, and learn from it. Those who talk a lot but don’t act are of no use; they decorate their words but fail to build themselves.

Therefore, "learning" alone is not enough; it must go hand-in-hand with "doing." Naturally, we should not overly emphasize one over the other; both "learning" and "doing" are essential. In today’s society, knowledge is the key foundation. To complete tasks that require high technical expertise, one must master theory in order to apply it effectively. Modern technology is a far cry from the traditional practices of farming and seasonal cycles of cultivation. When theory and practice align, productivity and efficiency soar. Thus, we observe the interplay between "learning" and "doing," "knowing" and "acting"; they complement and interact with each other, being two sides of the same process.

Alongside emphasizing the balance between knowledge acquisition and practical application, UNESCO also highlights: "Learn to live together, learn to assert oneself." These goals reflect a profoundly humanistic approach. Education enables us to understand the world around us, making our hearts and minds more flexible, diverse, and rich. We learn to smile at others’ happiness, empathize with their pain, offer help, share, and find our true selves. Knowledge inherently possesses the power to make people more generous, more compassionate, and more confident in life.

In today’s modern world, societal pressures have affected people’s thinking. A segment of students no longer identifies the true purpose of learning. They study like machines, seeing learning as a duty or responsibility they cannot avoid, an obligation to their parents or teachers. They pursue degrees and career achievements, becoming overly pragmatic in their education, forgetting the deeper purpose of learning. If society views education only as a compulsory task, focused only on "knowing" and not on personal growth, creativity, or innovation, individuals will not realize their potential, and society will inadvertently stunt its own development. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the true purpose of learning.

The educational objectives proposed by UNESCO are both wise and humanistic. By recognizing them, we can guide our learning more effectively, making education more useful and impactful. Knowledge is like an endless ladder, and with each step we take, we gain the confidence to ascend to the next level. Education beautifies the human spirit!

In today's era, we are living in a time when information technology and scientific advancements are rapidly growing. In such a society, everything we do requires knowledge and intellect. Hence, education is crucial and plays an immensely important role for each one of us. Learning is a long-term process of accumulating knowledge, and humanity's knowledge is boundless. Therefore, we need to focus our will and determine the purpose of our studies. The learning objectives advocated by UNESCO are: 'Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, learn to assert oneself.' Let's explore this in depth!

Throughout history, humans have continuously sought and absorbed the knowledge of humanity. Because of this, we have learned and done great things that have changed the world.

1. Learn to know: Learning is an activity we must engage in every day, potentially for our entire lives. It is a process of exploring, receiving, and accumulating knowledge from teachers, friends, books, and life experiences. Humanity's knowledge is vast, and scientific and technological advancements constantly introduce new issues in life that we need to address and understand. However, what we know is just a drop of water compared to the vast ocean of things we don't know. Therefore, there are still many areas of knowledge that need to be explored and learned. Thus, the primary purpose of learning is to gain insight into many fields of knowledge, opening up the world around us clearly, unlocking various aspects of life. Only in this way can we avoid falling behind in an ever-evolving society.

2. Learn to do: 'Learning must go hand in hand with practice' – this advice is incredibly meaningful in the context of today's education. Receiving knowledge today without recalling what we learned yesterday would not be proper learning. To truly learn, we must first acquire theoretical knowledge and then apply it in real-life situations to deepen our understanding and retention of that knowledge. According to UNESCO, we are encouraged to integrate learning with action so that education becomes genuinely useful. Learning and doing based on acquired knowledge not only serves as the goal but also as a method of study. Once we have mastered knowledge, applying it to real-life problems allows us to assist ourselves, our families, and society, and is an opportunity for us to develop our creative thinking.

3. Learn to live together: 'A gem cannot become a jewel without polishing; likewise, a person cannot be fully virtuous without education.' To live a meaningful life, one must be well-educated and knowledgeable about societal matters. This is essential for each of us. However, education also provides us with an understanding of the values of human behavior, ethics, and how to interact with others in daily life. Through our studies, we encounter many lessons on morality, inspiring stories of kindness, and ethical values that shape our character. These lessons foster positive traits in us such as diligence, filial piety, compassion, and more – qualities that help us become better individuals. Moreover, being culturally aware and ethically sound allows us to interact properly with others and adapt to various societal environments. This is how we learn to live together harmoniously. A world can only thrive when people live in harmony, helping each other to form strong communities. By knowing how to live together, people unite for the common good, ensuring peace, prosperity, and a sustainable future for all. In a world where cooperation is the key, we will collectively work to solve global challenges like climate change and move towards a better society.

4. A person who possesses both knowledge and culture, and who helps others succeed, will earn the respect and admiration of others. People will look up to you as a role model, and you will always be appreciated and loved. With talent and virtue, one will be highly regarded. This is learning to assert oneself. Each individual has a unique personality and desires to be recognized by society. If you continuously strive to improve your knowledge, skills, and character, becoming a useful member of society, you will create a 'brand' for yourself.

5. The learning goals proposed by UNESCO are truly well-thought-out and meaningful in the context of today's education. Understanding and following these principles will guide you toward a bright future. Seize the opportunity!